September Favorites
September was a blast of a month and during that month I explored many new products, some of which have become my absolute favorites. In this post I will show you guys my favorite products from September for each category (e.g.; primer, bronzer, foundation, etc.) and include a mini review.
Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This moisturizer is for combination to oily skin and it is super hydrating and fast drying (in a good way). It helps reduce my oiliness throughout the day so that my makeup doesn't get oily yet, still keep me super hydrated.
Primer: Benefit Porefessional ($31)
This primer has been out for a while and has been hidden in my makeup stash but I have recently rediscovered it because my pores have been so freaking visible and big lately. This primer does such a good job at filling in my pores and keep my makeup in place.
Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way ($39)
This is my absolute HG foundation! The coverage can be altered so it's perfect for days when you don't need as much coverage or days when you need the coverage. The formula is so hydrating and contains substances that benefit your skin. It doesn't crease, split, flake or look cakey and gives a natural finish while still giving you good coverage. Love, love, love.. The packaging is so cute too!
Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me ($6.49)
Many people compare the Maybelline Fit Me concealer to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer but I can't say much because I haven't tried the Nars concealer. This Maybelline concealer has a good consistency with a perfect coverage. It doesn't crease, flake or sink into lines. The color range is also really good for light-medium skin tones but for darker skin tones it doesn't have much choice. At $6.49, it is a bomb concealer!
Setting powder: Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder ($3.99)
Holy moly guacamole! This is such an amazing powder it is and always will be my HG powder! Essence is such an underrated brand. The quality is amazing and so much better than some high end products and it is dirt cheap. This powder does so well in controlling your oiliness and setting your liquid products so it doesn't crease or sink into your lines. I can't live without this powder!!!! (and the finish of this powder is super matte yet still natural)
Contour: Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer ($30)
Technically this is a bronzer but it is perfect to contour. It isn't patchy or muddy and looks really good on the skin. It's perfect to sculpt your face naturally or really sharply. It is a matte yet natural finish as well! My only concern is that it's a bit pricey but hey, it smells like yummy chocolate.
Bronzer: Too Faced Sweet Tea Bronzer ($30)
This bronzer will make you glow and bronzed like a goddess. I love that there are two shades because I can use the lighter shades as a highlighter. This bronzer's formula is so beautiful and buttery and glides on your skin like butter on a hot pan (but it stays on). It gives you a beautiful bronzed finish and soooo perfect for any season, especially summer.
Blush: MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly ($23)
This blush is such a natural looking blush and for the price you get a lot of product but the best thing about this product is the color. This is a matte peach/ginger color that would suit all skin tones and gives you a perfect flush and look when you put too much. I would recommend not too put too much because then it looks very orange and harsh so be very gentle with the amount of product you apply on your face.
This is an oldie but a goodie and i've just started using this again. This is such an intense highlighter and a little goes a long way. This highlighter is so buttery and isn't chunky. It is also a perfect white color that surprisingly suits all skin tones. This highlighter is perfect for both day and night looks. Love, love, love!
Although this is not a primer, I am absolutely in love with using this concealer as my eye primer. It makes my eyeshadow stay in place the whole day/night and doesn't slide, especially on my oily lids.
I had to stop myself from using this palette because I was going to hit pan on it in the first 2 months I actually managed to get my hands on it. The shade range is perfect for natural or dramatic looks. The formula is purely amazing and I can't get enough of the reddish shades. I won't go into much detail on this palette because I am planning on doing a separate review of this palette because I love it so damn much.
Eyebrow products: Essence Make Me Brow ($2.99)
This product is perfect for lazy days or people whom don't need filling in but only want to cover sparse areas. This is so affordable and the formula is perfect for volumizing, filling and keeping your brows in place. This brow product contains fibers and comes in two shades, it is a perfect dupe for the benefit gimme brow.
Mascara: Maybelline Original Lash Sensational Mascara ($8.99)
I'm going to be real quick with this one because I'm sure you've heard all about it. It's affordable, black, long-lasting, lengthening, volumizing and efficient.
Setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($30)
Once again, everyones heard about this product so I won't go too much into detail. This setting spray holds your makeup for so long, even when drenched in sweat, and controls oiliness.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Skin Concealer (light medium)
I am a MAC NC35-40 and my Urban Decay weightless concealer ($28) is in the shade light medium (neutral). This is such a hyped concealer and I decided to finally give in and buy it. My first thought when I went into the Sephora store and looked for my concealer shade was that there wasn't enough color choices especially the under tones. When I first used this concealer I felt that it wouldn't set into my skin and sort of just stay on top of skin, having the same effect as oil in water. However, the second time I tried it I made sure to use a good primer and a beauty sponge so it applied perfectly! It does have a high coverage so it's very visible on your skin but even but I love a high coverage concealer and this one is. It is weightless as it claims, making it more comfortable to wear on the skin. The longevity is also amazing, it stays on for 6++ hours and doesn't dry out, become oily or crease. However, I wouldn't repurchase this concealer because i'm more cool toned and they didn't have a cool toned shades (which is surprising).
http://www.beautezine.com/urban-decay-naked-skin-weightless-complete-coverage-concealer/
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (Stark Naked)
The UD Vice Lipstick ($17) in Stark Naked (Comfort Matte)is definitely my preferred purchase out of the two. First of all, the UD Vice Lipstick color and finish range is immense! 100 versatile colors. The color Stark Naked is such an amazing pure nude that doesn't wash you out. It goes perfect with a natural or smokey look, basically any look. The formula itself is one of a kind, all-matte but comfortable at the same time and it stays on even when eating slightly oily foods. This lipstick held on when I ate soup for lunch and it didn't even fade in the center of my lips like most lipsticks usually do on me. It doesn't sink into your lip lines or enhance them and it does not flake at all, it makes your lipstick look super airbrushed and flawless. The staying power of this lipstick is really incredible as well! A definite must buy for the price, formula and colors.
http://www.urbandecay.com/vice-lipstick-by-urban-decay/ud771.html
September Favorites
September was a blast of a month and during that month I explored many new products, some of which have become my absolute favorites. In this post I will show you guys my favorite products from September for each category (e.g.; primer, bronzer, foundation, etc.) and include a mini review.
Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This moisturizer is for combination to oily skin and it is super hydrating and fast drying (in a good way). It helps reduce my oiliness throughout the day so that my makeup doesn't get oily yet, still keep me super hydrated.
Primer: Benefit Porefessional ($31)
This primer has been out for a while and has been hidden in my makeup stash but I have recently rediscovered it because my pores have been so freaking visible and big lately. This primer does such a good job at filling in my pores and keep my makeup in place.
Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way ($39)
This is my absolute HG foundation! The coverage can be altered so it's perfect for days when you don't need as much coverage or days when you need the coverage. The formula is so hydrating and contains substances that benefit your skin. It doesn't crease, split, flake or look cakey and gives a natural finish while still giving you good coverage. Love, love, love.. The packaging is so cute too!
Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me ($6.49)
Many people compare the Maybelline Fit Me concealer to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer but I can't say much because I haven't tried the Nars concealer. This Maybelline concealer has a good consistency with a perfect coverage. It doesn't crease, flake or sink into lines. The color range is also really good for light-medium skin tones but for darker skin tones it doesn't have much choice. At $6.49, it is a bomb concealer!
Setting powder: Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder ($3.99)
Holy moly guacamole! This is such an amazing powder it is and always will be my HG powder! Essence is such an underrated brand. The quality is amazing and so much better than some high end products and it is dirt cheap. This powder does so well in controlling your oiliness and setting your liquid products so it doesn't crease or sink into your lines. I can't live without this powder!!!! (and the finish of this powder is super matte yet still natural)
Contour: Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer ($30)
Technically this is a bronzer but it is perfect to contour. It isn't patchy or muddy and looks really good on the skin. It's perfect to sculpt your face naturally or really sharply. It is a matte yet natural finish as well! My only concern is that it's a bit pricey but hey, it smells like yummy chocolate.
Bronzer: Too Faced Sweet Tea Bronzer ($30)
This bronzer will make you glow and bronzed like a goddess. I love that there are two shades because I can use the lighter shades as a highlighter. This bronzer's formula is so beautiful and buttery and glides on your skin like butter on a hot pan (but it stays on). It gives you a beautiful bronzed finish and soooo perfect for any season, especially summer.
Blush: MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly ($23)
This blush is such a natural looking blush and for the price you get a lot of product but the best thing about this product is the color. This is a matte peach/ginger color that would suit all skin tones and gives you a perfect flush and look when you put too much. I would recommend not too put too much because then it looks very orange and harsh so be very gentle with the amount of product you apply on your face.
This is an oldie but a goodie and i've just started using this again. This is such an intense highlighter and a little goes a long way. This highlighter is so buttery and isn't chunky. It is also a perfect white color that surprisingly suits all skin tones. This highlighter is perfect for both day and night looks. Love, love, love!
Although this is not a primer, I am absolutely in love with using this concealer as my eye primer. It makes my eyeshadow stay in place the whole day/night and doesn't slide, especially on my oily lids.
I had to stop myself from using this palette because I was going to hit pan on it in the first 2 months I actually managed to get my hands on it. The shade range is perfect for natural or dramatic looks. The formula is purely amazing and I can't get enough of the reddish shades. I won't go into much detail on this palette because I am planning on doing a separate review of this palette because I love it so damn much.
Eyebrow products: Essence Make Me Brow ($2.99)
This product is perfect for lazy days or people whom don't need filling in but only want to cover sparse areas. This is so affordable and the formula is perfect for volumizing, filling and keeping your brows in place. This brow product contains fibers and comes in two shades, it is a perfect dupe for the benefit gimme brow.
Mascara: Maybelline Original Lash Sensational Mascara ($8.99)
I'm going to be real quick with this one because I'm sure you've heard all about it. It's affordable, black, long-lasting, lengthening, volumizing and efficient.
Setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($30)
Once again, everyones heard about this product so I won't go too much into detail. This setting spray holds your makeup for so long, even when drenched in sweat, and controls oiliness.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Skin Concealer (light medium)
I am a MAC NC35-40 and my Urban Decay weightless concealer ($28) is in the shade light medium (neutral). This is such a hyped concealer and I decided to finally give in and buy it. My first thought when I went into the Sephora store and looked for my concealer shade was that there wasn't enough color choices especially the under tones. When I first used this concealer I felt that it wouldn't set into my skin and sort of just stay on top of skin, having the same effect as oil in water. However, the second time I tried it I made sure to use a good primer and a beauty sponge so it applied perfectly! It does have a high coverage so it's very visible on your skin but even but I love a high coverage concealer and this one is. It is weightless as it claims, making it more comfortable to wear on the skin. The longevity is also amazing, it stays on for 6++ hours and doesn't dry out, become oily or crease. However, I wouldn't repurchase this concealer because i'm more cool toned and they didn't have a cool toned shades (which is surprising).
 |
| http://www.beautezine.com/urban-decay-naked-skin-weightless-complete-coverage-concealer/ |
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (Stark Naked)
The UD Vice Lipstick ($17) in Stark Naked (Comfort Matte)is definitely my preferred purchase out of the two. First of all, the UD Vice Lipstick color and finish range is immense! 100 versatile colors. The color Stark Naked is such an amazing pure nude that doesn't wash you out. It goes perfect with a natural or smokey look, basically any look. The formula itself is one of a kind, all-matte but comfortable at the same time and it stays on even when eating slightly oily foods. This lipstick held on when I ate soup for lunch and it didn't even fade in the center of my lips like most lipsticks usually do on me. It doesn't sink into your lip lines or enhance them and it does not flake at all, it makes your lipstick look super airbrushed and flawless. The staying power of this lipstick is really incredible as well! A definite must buy for the price, formula and colors.
 |
| http://www.urbandecay.com/vice-lipstick-by-urban-decay/ud771.html |
Morphe 35OM
As many of you already know, the morphe 35O is a highly spoken of and popular palette. Although some may complain that the colors are hard to blend, are repetitive or chalky, I think that the Morphe 35OM is an amazing palette. The reasons being:
Price:
At $39.99 and containing 35 quality colors it is super affordable!
Pigmentation:
The pigmentation is beyond insane, the oranges are so vibrant and the color payoff of all the colors are amazing.
Formula:
They're super smooth and silky with an all-matte finish. There is a little bit of fallout but not enough to waste product. Colors take longer to blend but with a good brush and blending skills its just fine.
http://www.imgrum.net/media/1270541626848110873_2561257105
Longevity:
OH MY GOD! The colors stay on for 24 hours with/without primer, no joke! I (accidentally) slept with it overnight and when I woke up the pigmentation and hold was still perfect. One of the best things about this palette is that the colors don't slip and slide on oily lids.
Color Range:
The 35 colors are a mix of warms and they're perfect for any occasion, season and look. If you do get the 35OM, yes, there are 1 or 2 shades that are identical because one of them would originally be a shimmer in the original 35O palette.
http://www.thestyleplaza.com/morphe-35o-palette-matte-35om-shimmer-35os-review-swatches/
Packaging:
The packaging is a mainstream sleek matte plastic palette and it does NOT come with a mirror. For me, this isn't such a big deal because at $40 you can't really expect much.
Rating:
It's so worth the hype and I rate the Morphe 35OM a 9.5/10. (I rated it 9.5 and not 10 because of the slight difficulty in blending)
The Face Primer Handbook
Although some people are reluctant to wear face primer and believe that it is simply just adding another layer of product to your skin, I think that using a face primer helps your makeup sit on your skin better and gives a finer finishing look. There are many sorts of primers that can be of use to people with different skin types or conditions such as; acne-prone, oily, dry,red and etc. skin.In this post, I decided to list my favorite primer (for different skin types/conditions) both high end and drugstore in hope that my readers will discover their new holy grail primer.
Skin types and my preferred primers:
Oily
My high end pick for oily skin would be the Laura Mercier Oil-free Foundation Primer ($36). Although there are many mixed thoughts on this primer, I think that this primer does a good job of minimizing the oil (it wont %100 stop all oil but that's beyond the ability of any primer) and it is very light-weight as it is water-based, therefore, making it very light on the skin and doesn't feel like another layer of product being added to your face. This primer also makes your foundation application incredibly smooth and creates a smooth and flawless finish. The only downside would be that it is quite pricey.
As for my drugstore primer for oily skin, my top pick would be the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer ($6.49). The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer claims to be a primer that has an "Ultra lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of pores. Controls shine for up to 8 hours creating a soft, perfectly matte complexion. Won't feel heavy or greasy," and I can assure you that it does what it says. My only complaint would be that it smells a bit odd (am I the only one?).
Dry
The Becca Backlight Priming Filter ($38) is my hands down holy grail high end primer for dry skin and even though it isn't specifically for dry skin types I feel that it is a very moisturizing primer (anyone else?) and gives a glow to those dry skinned girls and guys who lack glow. It makes my foundation stay on nicely and doesn't slip n slide. It is ALSO silicone-free for all you girls and guys who can't use silicone primers. Yet again, the downside with most high end products is that it is pricey.
My most-liked drugstore primer for dry skin would definitely be the ModelCo Face Base Skin Primer (25 AUD). (It is sold in the drugstore but it is very expensive so does that still count as a drugstore primer?) They have recently revamped the packaging, not the formula, and I think that now that it's been done I rate this primer a well deserved 9/10. It is extremely moisturizing and perfect for people with dry-skin. It makes your face super airbrushed and smooth, making the application of your foundation and makeup super easy with a perfect finish. This primer also holds your makeup for many many hours, day and night. The negatives of this primer would be that it is silicone based making it fairly thick and, obviously, silicone-like on the face. Other negatives would be that is only available in Australia and is expensive as hell for a drugstore primer but in my opinion, it's worth the money. P.S. I would NOT recommend this for anyone with oily skin.
My most-liked drugstore primer for dry skin would definitely be the ModelCo Face Base Skin Primer (25 AUD). (It is sold in the drugstore but it is very expensive so does that still count as a drugstore primer?) They have recently revamped the packaging, not the formula, and I think that now that it's been done I rate this primer a well deserved 9/10. It is extremely moisturizing and perfect for people with dry-skin. It makes your face super airbrushed and smooth, making the application of your foundation and makeup super easy with a perfect finish. This primer also holds your makeup for many many hours, day and night. The negatives of this primer would be that it is silicone based making it fairly thick and, obviously, silicone-like on the face. Other negatives would be that is only available in Australia and is expensive as hell for a drugstore primer but in my opinion, it's worth the money. P.S. I would NOT recommend this for anyone with oily skin.
Sensitive(pore minimizing)
The Benefit Porefessional Primer ($31) is my HG high end primer to use when my skin is feeling sensitive, breaking out more than usual or when my pores can be seen from space! It is a balm that does a good job and filling in pores and leaves the skin feeling super smooth. It also contains vitamin E that protects and benefits the skin which is very helpful when your skin is sensitive. The porefessional is oily-free as well for all those oily girls out there! This primer gives an overall flawless finish and I can't think of any bad things to say about this primer.
A drugstore, mineral and perfecting primer that nourishes your skin and aids those with sensitive skin is the Elf Mineral Primer ($6). At only $6 this primer is superb. Once applied on the face, it minimizes pores, fills lines and gives a SUPER, I repeat SUPER smooth and silky finish. When I use this primer, the foundation glides on with so much ease and sits on my skin so nicely. The downside to this primer would be that I don't think it does much in the longevity department and thats a big part of the primers function. When using this primer, my makeup lasts roughly 3-4 hours, which is more than some would expect from a $6 primer. Overall, I think Elf nailed this primer! (AND IT COMES WITH A PUMP! which is quite rare for $6 primers)
A drugstore, mineral and perfecting primer that nourishes your skin and aids those with sensitive skin is the Elf Mineral Primer ($6). At only $6 this primer is superb. Once applied on the face, it minimizes pores, fills lines and gives a SUPER, I repeat SUPER smooth and silky finish. When I use this primer, the foundation glides on with so much ease and sits on my skin so nicely. The downside to this primer would be that I don't think it does much in the longevity department and thats a big part of the primers function. When using this primer, my makeup lasts roughly 3-4 hours, which is more than some would expect from a $6 primer. Overall, I think Elf nailed this primer! (AND IT COMES WITH A PUMP! which is quite rare for $6 primers)
Combination
-coming soon :)
Maybelline Fit me Dewy+Smooth foundation review
As the first post on my blog, I decided to review a highly raved drugstore foundation, The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy+Smooth foundation. This foundation can be easily found in your local drugstore and after reading so many reviews and watching so many youtubers rave about this foundation I decided to give in to the hype.
Consistency & Coverage
I would rate the overall formula of this foundation 6/10 for the reason that it can be very cakey when your skin is very dry, therefore, prepping your skin is very important when using this foundation. I also find that it sinks into your lines and doesn't set/stay on your skin. I would think that a foundation that says it is for 'normal to dry' skin would be hydrating. It might just be me but please tell me your personal experience with this foundation in the comments below! Besides that, its very light-weight and sheer (coverage can be built light-medium), making it a very nice foundation to use for those who do not like the feel of foundation on their skin or for summer.
Longevity
This foundation lasts 4-5 hours, in which the coverage and finish is still strong, with primer. After the 4-5 hour line the foundation begins to fade away and crease visibly. This foundation also tends to make you look oily after a while so pack blotting paper or powder!
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https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/foundation/fit-me-dewy-smooth-foundation
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Overall Conclusion:
Positives:
- good shade range for lighter skin-toned people
- light-weight formula
- dirt cheap!
- natural and luminous finish
Negatives:
- limited shade range for darker skin-toned range
- can make you look cakey
- appears oily
- creases
- no pump
I would rate this foundation an overall of 7/10 and for the price that it is sold at, I think it is a decent foundation that I will repurchase. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts :) and thank you for reading my post.
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