Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts

Friday, April 15, 2016

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Foundation Review + Swatch: Happy Medium


Hi there!

So today I bring you another review- this time on Soap & Glory's new One Heck of a Blot Foundation. (If you want a quick rundown of pros & cons scroll down)


To preface, I always set my foundation with a setting powder; so I don't know how this foundation acts on its own.

The foundation claims to last for 12 hours on the skin, provide full coverage, blur away imperfections, and control shine. And all for $19.00!

What's unique about this liquid foundation is that it dries to a powder finish (which I believe is how it helps absorb and control oils). I've got dehydrated skin that becomes oily throughout the day, and I think that this foundation does do a pretty good job at keeping shininess at bay (I find that I do end up being a little shiny).

There are some cons to this product. I find that it can accentuate any dry spots and there are only 4 shades available (I bought the second to the last darkest shade).


Above you can see a swatch of it compared to MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation in NC25. The swatch comparison clearly shows that the two foundation shades do not match, but once Happy Medium is blended onto skin it's not as "dark". I would guess that Happy Medium could suit those who are about an NC25-30. 

Bottom Line

Pros
Easily blendable 
Easily buildable (first layer proves to be a medium coverage)
Controls shine for a good amount of time
Does not feel like a mask on the skin
Affordable (especially with Ulta's $3.50 off $10 coupon)
Product dispenses easily with pump

Cons
Very limited shade range (comes in Fair Enough, Cool Sand, Happy Medium, & Caramel)
Can accentuate dry spots
Doesn't keep skin completely matte all day

Overall, I recommend this product if you can find a shade that suits you.

Hope this helps!
Allison :)

PS: I apply this foundation with the It Cosmetics for Ulta brush #110











Thursday, April 14, 2016

Milani 2-in-1 Foundation Review: 01 Creamy Vanilla


Hi there!

First and foremost, I lost swatch pics and images of the foundation; but rest assured that Creamy Vanilla should match those who are about an NC20-25. I tried out shade 02 but felt that it oxidized too much. 

But what I can do is list some pros and cons of the foundation!

(Image does not belong to me: https://milanicosmetics.com/Conceal-Perfect-2-in-1-Foundation-Concealer.html)

Pros:

It is medium-to-full coverage (additional concealer could be needed for some)
It is available at drugstores (where you have the option of using coupons)
It is packaged in a sleek glass bottle (with a pump!)
It does not emphasize dry spots too much
It blends easily

Cons:

It's got a particular scent (so stay away if your nose is sensitive)
It does not control oil very well (but it doesn't claim to be mattifying)
The longevity is not too great (at least on my oily skin)
Limited shade ranges in stores (there are more shades available online)
It can feel "mask-like" (it can feel heavy on the face)

Bottom Line:

I recommend this foundation to those who are looking for a thick, full coverage foundation; who do not have very oily skin; and who do not mind the feeling of foundation on the skin. If you're looking for a "my-skin-but-better" foundation, look elsewhere because this foundation isn't very modest. 

Hope this was helpful!
Allison :)

PS: The finish of this foundation (on my oily skin) is satin to dewy.







Saturday, August 31, 2013

Haul: Fall Booties


Hello!

Since middle school, my shoe wardrobe has consisted of dozens of classic black Converse Low Tops, aka Chucks, and flip flops. During my senior year, I fell in love with utilitarian style boots, ie: Steve Madden Troopa Boots. Back then, I didn't have any source of independent income, so I bought a pair of look-a-likes from Forever 21 and wore them to death. And then I bought a pair of moto-style boots from Target. And then I bought more boots thereafter. Lots of them. Now that I'm older and have my own money, I snatch up any pair of good quality shoes that I can find. While I do like my snazzy riding boots from the likes of Nordstrom, I get just as excited for shoes that I buy from TJ Maxx or Target. Below are my first and second pairs of booties! I figured booties wouldn't suit my body type (short legs in comparison to my torso), but they look pretty darn good in my opinion (which is all that matters anyway). Sooo, yeah, casual, cute, comfortable. The 3 major Cs. 


White Mountain Icon Chestnut Booties 

White Mountain Icon Chestnut Booties
You can find them here:
White MountainAmazonMacy's

I found these bad boys at my local TJ Maxx for about $35.00 before tax. 

Mossimo Supply Co. Kaden Strap Ankle Boots
You can find them here:
Polyvore (Sold Out)

And then I found these black beauties at Target on sale for $24.48! 

So moral of the shoe story, buy good ones. Not all good quality shoes are hundreds of dollars! You can find some cheeky treasures if you do some digging. And if you're trying out a new style of clothing or trying out a seasonal trend, try to buy whatever it is you want at more affordable stores. If you end up not liking what you bought, you probably won't feel too gutted. Alternatively, if you're successful in your fashion endeavor, you can do as you please knowing you tested the waters, and whatnot. So, yep!

Yay! Excited for Fall now!

:) AL