My Dream Foundation

It just so happens that the most important thing in our makeup rountine can also be the most difficult thing to master... Foundation.

 It's not because we utterly suck at applying our base, instead it's because we haven't found our dream foundation.

The foundation that matches our skintone and undertone. The foundation that sinks into our skin without accentuating our big potholes called pores. The foundation that wows us by not making us look dry or oily.

What would your dream foundation be?

My dream foundation would have to be remarkable. Something that goes above and beyond most people expectations. I need a natural foundation that covers everything- pimples, redness, dry patches, scars, and pores. I don't want to lean in close to the mirror and see pore city or crusty scabs. Now Im thinking of crusty crabs, haha. MMM.. burgers. Anyway, even though the dont-stick-to-dry-patches aspect contradicts my other need, I do need something that doesn't let oil seep through. The only thing on my face that should be popping with light, is my highlight, not my oily crater face. If a foundation doesn't last all day, it's out the door. I don't have time for that! But the most important thing to me is coverage. I have a crap ton to cover. Concealers just are not practical when I have a face full of acne. Are you kidding me? My face looks more like a cake than my actual birthday cake if I apply concealer to every problem spot. So I need a foundation with a high amount of pigment to get the job done. It's now 2016, this foundation I dream of should be here already.

If my dream foundation is created, I hope and pray the shade selection is decent. Wouldn't it be a bummer if I couldn't find a color match?! Take note companies!

What is your dream foundation? Is it similair to mine or the complete opposite? Let me in on your dream in the comments below!

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L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation | Review For Acne Prone Skin

How exciting is it that America is finally jumping on the cushion band wagon?! Cushion foundations have been a popular item in Korea for a while now. They are known for their flawless finish and buildable coverage.

There are a whopping amount of 12 shades available, starting at Light Ivory and ending at Cocoa.  The shade I have is N2. The price is $16.99. Wait. What? Yes, freaking $17 for a drugstore foundation! What the heck Loreal?! And the amount of product is even cut in half (52 oz)! This item is permanent at the drugstore.

The shades are pretty accurate to the sticker on the compact. When you first open the foundation the cushion looks a little darker than the actual foundation. So don't be alarmed about a wrong color match.  

The packaging is very cute. The foundation comes in a bulky compact with a rose gold lid. The top lid lifts up and reveals a large mirror and sponge.There is another protective lid that clicks and seals in the cushion foundation. Although I do love the packaging, it can be hard to tell if the sealing lid shuts completely. ( It does by the way, it's just hard to tell since it doesn't click convincingly)

 I'm pretty confident that the packaging will keep the cushion saturated in product. One of my first thoughts was, "Oh no, it's going to dry out like a sharpie marker". Nope, were fine in that department. Now my main concern is bacteria. Granted, the sponge does have an anti- microbial layer but will that really keep bacteria at bay? Who knows!

Swatch: Looks yellow in the picture but in person it's more neutral. 

Oh, coverage,  I'm sure that's what every one is concerned about. I do find the Lumi Cushion foundation to be buildable as in the sense it builds well without looking cakey. However, I don't agree about the coverage being buildable. Even with three layers on, it almost looks the same as it does with one layer- sheer coverage. It does cover redness but not problem areas. The only thing I'll personally use it for is a base foundation for fuller coverage or for any everyday wear to take my dog outside... Acne sufferers will understand what I mean by that. 

Left to right: No foundation, One Layer, Two Layers, Three Layers 

The finish is very flawless and lightweight. It really does live up to the cushion foundation hype. I find no matter how much I apply it always blends into a flawless base. Speaking of blending, darn this stuff is easy to apply. It's as simple as patting and moving on to powder. It's such an easy product to use.

It doesn't emphasize pores or dry patches! Unfortunately, it can accentuate peach fuzz, so be sure to wax beforehand. 

The lasting power is average. It stayed on my combo skin for 5 hours before my oil started to break through. After that point it turned my face started to look like a frying pan.  I do set it with Rimmel Stay Matte powder and I have been using Nivea's After Shave Balm as a primer. Since it has a dewy finish that doesn't set completely, I feel the need to set wherever I applied it. For now on, I may use an oil control primer to prevent oil seeping through! 

 I feel like those who have super oily skin will despise this foundation. Normal skin gals out there will probably love it, as well as dry.

Overall, I do like this foundation even though the coverage sucks. L'Oreal didn't claim it to be a full coverage foundation, so I'm not going to penalize it for that reason alone. I like the finish, shade range, blend-ability, the way it applies, packaging, weight and how it doesn't have a smell. The only things I don't like is the price for the amount you get and the potential for bacteria growth. I don't see it replacing my foundation but it may be my new base product. I love how it smooths over my dry patches and provides a thin layer of extra coverage. I'll finish it up but I won't repurchase it just because I do require more coverage for my acne. 

Pro's

•  doesn't break me out!
• buildable
• flawless finish
• easy to apply
• lightweight
• great base foundation
• blends easily
• shade selection
• no smell
• very saturated 
• nice packaging
• Natural looking 
• Covers redness 

Con's

• sheer coverage
• pricey for drugstore
• little amount of product
• may not be sanitary 
• Can Accentuate peach fuzz 

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Acne Coverage Test | Loreal True Match

Welcome to the new "Acne Coverage Test" series. Last week I mentioned I may start a new series where I test the coverage of any foundation on the market and see how it performs covering acne. It's just so darn hard now-a-days to find a review of a foundation by someone with problematic skin. I'm the perfect candidate, so why not me? 

For my first pick I actually grabbed a foundation I used quite often- The Loreal True Match Foundation. I didn't plan on starting my series right away but this morning I just had an urge to share the results of this foundation. 

Three Layers Applied With Beauty Blender

I love how blendable it is and it's easy to build. Typically I use three layers of the foundation and don't notice any cakeyness. It does cover most of my problem areas but the coverage isn't completely full. I do still have big pimples that need to be covered with concealer. That's ok, though. Foundations that are full coverage usually look too cakey for me anyways. This one thankfully does not! 

The wear time is actually really good. It will last on my combo skin for about 8 hours before breaking down. Almost always,  my foundation breaks down within a couple hours because my skin is just so stubborn but I don't worry about that with this foundation. I can easily see it being my holiday foundation. I really look for one during the holidays that keeps up with me on my busiest day of the year. No girl has time to worry about her makeup! 

How does it compare to others? Well, it's not the fullest coverage I have tried but it has enough coverage for me to feel comfortable wearing it. I also like how natural the True Match looks. Even though I wear a lot of it, it doesn't bunch up or look too cakey. I'm totoally head over heels for it. The shade selection is really good... Hence the name true match. It's also affordable at only $9.99.( click here to purchase) The packaging is functional. I wish it included a pump but I'm ok with pouring it onto the back of my hand. 

I'm for sure going to repurchase this when I run out. Honestly, I love this foundation so much, it makes me want to try the new Loreal True Match Cushion Foundation. Future participant.. Hmm? 

Alright guys, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Coverage: Medium to semi full

Finish: Natural 

Best for: dry or oily skin (set with powder)

Best applied with: beauty blender

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Review and photos: Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme

Hello!

Cake-y appearance, breakouts, too drying, not drying enough, you name it and I have experienced it. We all have. Foundation is the most important part of your makeup routine. Bad base=bad makeup day. What's a girl to do? Well, I have the answer. (For the majority of people) 

Now I'm not saying if you use this foundation it will give you the PERFECT look but it's the closest to it. You can't get rid of a bump or remove the texture from a scar but you can temporarily camouflage it. How you ask? Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme is the key. 

Product Details 

You can find it at Sephora, Ulta or Beccas website. It sells for $44 and you get 30ml. There are 25 amazing shades. 

Ideal for any skin type, this formula contains a balance of 21 percent pure pigment and 22 percent water, which work in synergy to completely conceal imperfections, redness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture in a weightless cream.

• For a beautifully seamless application, ensure that your face is well hydrated and allow your moisturizer or primer to fully absorb into the skin before applying the crème.
• This foundation is designed to be used with a brush.
• The average foundation formula usually contains 10 to 15 percent pigment and 5 to 10 percent water, whereas this product contains 21 percent pure pigment and 22 percent water.
• Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol and fragrance.

Pigmentation

The pigmentation in this foundation is one of the best I have discovered. I have a hard time finding a foundation that covers my hyper pigmentation but this foundation covers like 80% of it! And keep in mind that I only apply one thin layer and use concealer for extra coverage. So the pigmentation is pretty awesome! A

Lasting Power

On the days that I wore this foundation, I kept my makeup on for about 8 hours. The whole time it continued to look perfect. I even wore it in the rain and my makeup still looked freshly applied. 

Does it cause breakouts

Ah, the most important part of this review. Thankfully, the answer is no. My sensitive skin reacted very well to this foundation. 

Application/ Consistency 

There is one thing that I must point out about this foundation! If you have dry patches, then I strongly suggest mixing it with a luminizer. I have to do this because of my dry acne and if I skip this step the foundation clings to those spots. But if you thin it out a little, it's the bomb.com! It's really easy to buff into the skin and it layers beautifully. The finish is matte but you can make it dewy with a luminizer mixed in(my favorite method). Once applied, it sets very quickly and doesn't feel tacky what so ever. You could probably even get away without setting it if you have normal to dry skin but I can't back that theory up for people with oily skin. Though, if you do set it, I think you will be just fine! 

Obviously, the consistency is a creme. Which is great for an array of different skin types. 

Amazingly, you can get FULL coverage from this foundation or keep it light. Either way it's actually breathable. Which is super super hard to find in full coverage foundations. 

Packaging 

The packaging is very sleek! The bottle itself looks high end and features an advanced pump. I have to say I'm really impressed with the quality of the bottle. Other companies need to take note! 

Overall  

This foundation doesn't get enough hype in the beauty world. The formula is truly unique and I know if everyone tried, they would rave about it. It's so Buildable and breathable. You can wear it as light coverage if you apply it lightly or you can apply two layers and have full coverage. The end result is always going to be the same, a base that looks like skin. I know the price is a little steep but it's worth every single penny. The Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme is one of those items that you need to save up for. If for some rare reason you don't like it, you can always get a full refund. However, I bet you'll love, love, love it. 

Photos and Swatches 

Star rating: 5 out of 5 stars

TaylorPie approved? Yes!

Have you tired this foundation? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

Want me to review a product? Just ask!

Thanks for reading, TaylorPie. 

New e.l.f Pressed Mineral Foundation

 Details 

Create long-lasting, lightweight coverage with this hydrating foundation. The innovative pressed powder design creates a silky smooth texture that blendable for everyday wear. Infused with Vitamin E to help nourish the skin for a more revitalized feel.

This sounds like a great foundation for people with dry skin and the claims sound fantastic. I would love to have a moisturizing, long-lasting, lightweight, silky smooth texture and nourishing foundation. However, I'm not sure if I'm going to purchase it just yet. I might wait until it has a few reviews because I like to see if people break out from it. Plus, I already have a few powder foundations I love from the drugstore and I kind of think this one is expensive for e.l.f. BUT since I'm a makeup addict I'm sure I will end up getting it. If I do I will definitely posta review. 

How to apply

Apply wet or dry to the face and build coverage as desired. 

This brand new foundation comes in a sleek compact and sells for $8. There are 13 shades ranging from fair to toffee. 

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Are you going to purchase it? 

To purchase click here.

Thank you for reading, TaylorPie. 

Products I regret purchasing

P Hello, in this post I wanted to share with you the products that I regret buying. Below you will see a BB cream, foundation, blush, eyeshadow, gel eyeliner, stain gloss and two brushes. I have used these products for a few months and I have mind made up about them. I may not like these particular products but I do love all of the cosmetic company's. Don't be discouraged to try other cosmetics from their lines. Thank you for reading! 

* The products listed below might work for some people but with my skin they don't work. Please don't get mad if you do like these products. 

              FACE

      

             Okay Fresh Effects BB Cream

  I bought Olays BB cream (beauty balm) about 2 months ago for $13.99. The consistency is thick and heavy. It claims to have  skin-perfecting benefits to refresh, brighten, even skintone, hydrate, smooth, and protect for a flawlessly radiant look. It also has SPF of 15 for UV protection. You get 2.5 FL OZ(75 mL) with each tube. They come in two colors: fair to light, light to medium. 

  I have a few reasons why I don't like this BB cream. First, the smell is so strong. Every time I put this on it feels like I'm smothering my face with heavy scented lotion. Second, the coverage of the BB cream is too sheer. I can't get this product to cover anything like my other BB creams. Lastly, I don't think it provides as much moisture for my skin as other BB creams. I have tried this under foundation for extra SPF and moisture but it looked like an oily mess! When worn alone the only thing I notice is my dry acne is eccentuated. I will not be repurchasing this product. 

                Revlon Colorstay Foundation

  Revlon colorstay foundation comes in two different formulas: oily/combination and normal/dry.  They both claim to be a long wearing coverage foundation. It's suppose to be a lightweight formula that won't cake, face, or rub off. The oily/combination formula comes in 20 shades and the normal/dry skin formula has 12 shades.  

  I know everyone raves about this foundation but I just don't like it. For some reason this foundation looks sooo cake-y on my face. I can use the smallest dot for a whole cheek and it just won't buff into my skin. It makes my acne look horrible! It does provide great coverage but it's not worth it looking like a cake face. I really do wish it would work for my skin. I have tried both formulas and they both do the same thing. I won't repurchase this and I probably won't even finish the bottle I do have. 

                           E.l.f Studio Blush in Tickled Pink

  This E.l.f blush was $3.00. I'm only referring to this specific color, which is tickled pink. I regret buying it because the pigmentation is really bad. I did I really heavy swatch for the photo above and you can hardly see the blush. I am so disappointed with this blush and I won't repurchase this color. 

                             E.l.f Brightening Eye Color in Luxe

  Arn't the swatches really pretty? I thought so too. This Luxe palette has beautifully pigmented colors but you can literally blow it away. They are so powdery and rub off so easy. Everytime I try to wear them they just crease. That's what you get for a $1 product though. I will probably keep it to wear if I'm going to the store but I won't repurchase it. 

                                              E.l.f cream eyeliner 

  E.l.f's creamy eyeliner costs $3. This eyeliner is creamy and easy to apply. However, everytime I wear it, it transfers to my brow bone. When I stopped using it and tried Essence's gel eyeliner, I didn't have that problem anymore. So I won't be repurchasing this product. 

 

Maybelline Superstay 10 Stain Gloss in 140 & 180

  Maybelline's Superstay gloss claims to last for 10 hours but I only got one hour out of this gloss. It looked nice for a while but I noticed it wore off unevenly. However, that's not even the worst part about this gloss. The smell is AWFUL! I can't even stand to put this on and I will never open the tube again. I don't really understand why they even call it a gloss, the consistency of this product is VERY runny.  Maybelline must have agreed with me too, because this product was discontinued. 

E.l.f Professional Total Face brush and Blush brush

  I love E.l.f brushes but the Total Face and Blush brushes are not my favorite. On both brushes the bristles are so harsh on the face. When I do use these brushes I notice I get hairs all over my face. The Studio line is so much better for face brushes. Try to stick with the brushes that have a black handle and you will be amazed with how good they are!

* The products listed above might work for some people but with my skin they don't work. Please don't get mad if you do like these products.