Wednesday, January 6, 2016

2015 Beauty Favorites | Face

2015 flew by as fast as a jet this year! In the beauty world, I would say it was a successful and fun year. Many trends were worshiped and practiced. And Brands released amazing products. But I have to say my favorite thing about 2015 (beauty wise) are the new holy grail products I found. Going through last years list made me realize just how much my favorites have changed. I still love all of the products I mentioned in last years favorites but this years products are the light of my day.



All of the new favorites have a (*) beside the category it's In. If you're wanting to check out last years list it will be right here.  If you're interested in purchasing a product, click on the price beside the name. They are not affiliate links. 


Primer

Highend: Stila One Step Step Correct Trip Swirl Helix Primer $36


The first thing I notice when I apply this primer is how powerful the green correcting pigment is. When I'm having a really bad breakout I apply this primer and it helps calm down the redness before my foundation is applied. The next thing I notice is the extended wear of my foundation. I have a problem with my foundation breaking up all over my cheeks and chin. However, when I wear this primer my foundation doesn't budge all day long. This primer is seriously a miracle worker. The only thing I don't like is the price of it. So I don't use it all the time. 


*Drugstore: Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Redness Control $9.99

love this primer because it prepares my skin for foundation but also helps neutralize redness from my acne. It's not as good as the Stila primer but it's good enough for day-to-day makeup.  I don't find it helpful for oil control though! 


Foundation

Highend: Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme $44

For so long I was on the hunt for the perfect foundation. When I saw this foundation on Ultas website, I was instantly intrigued. I'm so happy that I purchased it. This foundation provides a seamless full coverage finish. It lasts all day and does not break me out. Fortunately, i don't get oily in my T-zone, unfortunately, it can cling to some dry patches. To fix that problem, just add some liquid luminizer to the foundation and viola, it's perfect for dry skin as well. I just can't get enough of this foundation. Plus, the packaging is so sleek! 


*Drugstore: Loreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup $9.99

This foundation is nice for combo skin. It's neither oily or dewy. The finish is natural and lasts all day if set with a powder. Just like the name states, it's super blendable as well.  Plus, the color range is awesome. I really love it.


BB cream

Drugstore: Maybelline Dream Pure with acne treatment $8.99

At first I hated this BB cream. I tried it for a week and didn't notice any difference in my skin.. Then after I stopped using it, I started to break out really bad. Why? This BB cream actually did help my skin. It helps reduce the amount of acne I have and provides a light to medium coverage while I wear it. The only thing I don't like is how it tends to stick to my dry acne. You definitely need to moisturize before hand. Other than that, it's a great drugstore BB cream. I especially think people with oily skin will love it. It would even be perfect for men who have problems with acne and they would benefit from the coverage (due to the lack of self confidence)



Undereye concealer

Highend: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear concealer $21

I had a hard time choosing between Mac's pro Longwear concealer and Nars radiant concealer. The reason I chose Mac's is becuase it works great as an eye primer too. If your not worried about that, both concealers are high coverage, creamy, crease-resistant, Blendable and dependable. If price helps you choose, then go with The pro Longwear. It's only $21 and has a pump, which is also great for preventing bacteria growth. Plus, it doubles as a facial concealer. 

Drugstore: Maybelline Isntant Age Rewind concealer $8.99

There are a lot of gems in the drugstore but nothing is as good as Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer. It's  coverage packs a huge punch and the creaminess is divine. My under eyes instantly look brightened and I love the awakening appearance it creates. It's also crease-resistant, lasts all day and the price is a steal. You seriously need to try this concealer. I promise you won't regret it.


Facial concealer


Drugstore: Hard Candy Glamoflauge $6

Hard Candy's concealer is often raved about. Being only six dollars and having full coverage, it's bound to stand out in the drugstore. I personally don't think it provides "full coverage" but I do think it provides the best coverage from the drugstore. I can still achieve a full coverage look if I wear a full coverage foundation but then things tend to look a wee bit cake-y. I suggest getting this concealer if you're okay with a Med-full coverage. However, if you want ultimate coverage, go to Ulta or Sephora and get yourself a high-end concealer. If you're on a budget, than this is your best bet from the drugstore. Worn with a natural looking foundation, it looks nice and lasts all day. It doesn't break me out or crease into my fine lines. Overall, it's a spectacular concealer for the price


Translucent powder

Highend: Tarte Smooth Operator Clay translucent powder $33

This powder is the best powder I have found to diffuse the appearance of my imperfections. That alone is the reason why it's my favorite translucent powder so far! It gives me such a silky appearance and I can't get enough of it.  

*Drugstore: Coty Airspun Powder in Translucent Extra Coverage$5.97

 I really love this foundation for its multipurpose properties. It's great for setting foundation, concealing and baking. I do find it helpful for oil control  but at the same time it's not drying. I also really love the price point at just $5!


Powder foundation

*Highend: Dermablend Instense Powder Camo $31

Anyone who has problematic skin needs this powder foundation. It's so light but provides FULL coverage. I have terrible acne but this powder is enough on its own to tackle the redness from my flare ups. I'm in love with it and I don't see it going anywhere. From what I can tell, it's average when it comes to oil control.

Drugstore: Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder $4.99

I'm sure by now you have all heard of this powder foundation. It's sets makeup amazingly, keeps oil at bay and it doesn't look cake-y. 


Bronzer

*Highend: Too Faced Chocolate Solie Matte Bronzer $30

No, I don't love this bronzer because it smells like cocoa (although that certainly doesn't hurt), I love it for its blend-ability, color, staying power and texture. It's one of the best out there!

*Drugstore: Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer in New York $7.49

The packaging is actually what  sucked me into buying this product. I thought I would prefer the Paris version more but the New York bronzer has a better tone to it. They both blend beautifully but I love how natural and non-orangey this bronzer is. Really, most of the bronzers from Physicians Formula are great. Just close your eyes and take a pick.


Blush

*Highend: The Balm Instain Blush line $22

The Instain blushes are very affordable but perform like champs. They last all day, hence the name, they blend easily and the packaging is killer. I love them and I look forward to the day when I own all of the shades.

*Drugstore: Milani Comsetics Rose Blush in Romantic Rose $8.99

When I first got the Rose blush by Milani I was really disappointed. It swatched chalky and felt dry but it performs like a whole other product on my cheeks. It's smooth and blendable. The staying power is really good, too. And I'll admit it, the design is what helps it stay at the top of my favorites list. It's so darn cute!


Highlighter 

*Highend: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop (LE)  $38/ The Balm Marry Loumanizer $24

My favorite highlighter of 2015 is Becca's Champagne Pop but it's limited edition. It's still available but I prefer giving the spotlight to products that are permanent, like the Mary-Lou manizer by The Balm. It's a pale champagne highlight with gold tones. It can be Intense but not overwhelming. The glow is more of a high sheen rather than  a glittery finish. It's a great pick for your first highlighter!

*Drugstore: Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana $3.99

Another affordable but perfect product from Wet N Wild! I picked this up early in December and I instantly fell in love. It's so natural but beautiful on my texturized skin. I use it almost every time I do my makeup.


Setting spray

Highend: Mac Prep & Prime Fix+ $22

Guys, the hype is true. There are days when I put on way too much concealer and what comes to the rescue? That's right, Mac Fix+. It takes away the powdery look and leaves a beautiful canvas after a light spritz. The only thing it doesn't do is prolong the wear of my makeup. But that's ok, I have primer for that

Drugstore: NYX Dewy setting Spray $7.99

Nyx setting spray is pretty much the same thing as Mac Fix+. However, it doesn't take away the cake-y appearance quite as good but it does prolong the wear of my makeup. I use it daily and save the expensive one for parties, holidays, ect



Alrighty, that's it for my "face" beauty favorites of 2015. Of course I have many more products I love but I love the products I mentioned above the most. 

Be sure to come back to see my picks for the eyes and lips! Or you can follow me on a social media website of your choice. Just click on the social media tab at the top of my website and bam you'll find my info there. 

Don't forget to leave your favorites in the comments below, loves! 






Thursday, December 10, 2015

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


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Chit Chat Wednesday | A New Series For Foundation?



Before I first started blogging I was always looking for reviews of foundation by people with acne. I was shocked by how many bloggers/ Vloggers didn't have bad skin. It can be hard to find someone who actually needs coverage! When I did start blogging my goal was to help people see the actual performance of foundation by showing the results on my skin. I can't believe I haven't done this yet. 

So here's my proposal.. Would any of you actually like to see this new series? I already have some foundations I'll start out with but anyone can request a foundation. I thought it would be nice to see how all of the foundations out there cover acne/ scars. I'll even let you all know which ones break me out. 

This can go however far we take it. Maybe one day it will expand into concealers or correctors. 

Right now my plans are to- A. Share the coverage each layer a foundation provides via pictures. B. Inform you of the longevity, finish and if my skin agrees with it. C. Details on the product and how it compares to others. D. What skin type it is best for. 

So basically it's a review but usually I like to only review newer products. This series isn't limited to new releases. Any foundation is fair game! 

Please leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts or if you have a request! I think this will be a very fun but useful series! Click here to see my last acne update!