Foundation Files; Byterry Light-Expert Click Brush Foudnation (Shade Extension)

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!


First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

TheFoundationDirectory; Byterry Light-Expert Click Brush Foundation

Brand: Byterry

TheFoundatiobDirectory; Byterry Light-Expert Click Brush Foundation

Name: Light-Expert Click Brush

TheFoundationDirectory; Byterry Light-Expert Click Brush Foundation

Coverage: Light-Medium

Shade: 11 - Amber Brown
15 - Golden Brown
16 - Intense Mocha

Swatch: 

What The brand says: Light Perfection Foundation Brush is an anti-blemish, anti-dullness, anti-shadow foundation, this ingenious brush, christened the foundation for makeup dummies, guarantees flawless skin with every stroke! With a click, its brush applies its featherlight texture for virtually imperceptible yet totally perfecting artfully deceptive coverage. A new intelligent, practical and easy-to-apply beauty step for an instantly luminous result! The formula is an ingenious filling and anti-aging product with its extreme skincare formula: Hydra-smoothing hyaluronic acid microspheres act like an ""anti-furrow"" patch, plumping up wrinkles for an instant lifting effect. Seven anti-senescence substances (phytosterols, phytosteroids, ursolic acid, isoflavones, policosanols, pro-vitamin A, vitamin E) form a rejuvenating catalyst providing long-term protection and defying the laws of time. The Teint Expert Collection is a revolutionary take on all-in-1 make-up, this foundation brush combines a star anti-imperfection formula with a futuristic ergonomic and effective applicator to sculpt the face, instantly erasing imperfections for silky, even skin in no time.
Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation lasts well on the skin with/without primer,it give good coverage, while being very lightweight on the skin. I use the applicator brush to dab the foundation on my face, but I prefer to reach for an alternative brush to buff the foundation into my skin. 

Price (ml): £48 for 19.5ml


Pros: Skincare hybrid

Lightweight coverage
Lasts well on the skin
Shade Extension
Travel friendly

Cons: Price per ml
Shade range still a little limited
Poor Availability of darker shades

Suitable Skin Types: All (Extremes prep well accordingly)

Ingredients: None listed

Oxidation: No

Any Other Information: If you read this post here, you would know that in March I attended a workshop for the darker shades of Light-Expert, to give our thoughts and feedback on the possible shade extensions. During the launch of Light-Expert we were told darker shades were in the works, but were taking longer to develop due to this foundations 'high-tech' formula. Byterry wanted to perfect these shades and prevent that ashy grey cast that some darker shades of foundation can have, so that they performed on par with the rest of the shade range. During this workshop there were 6 potential shades, it seems only two made the cut, shade 11 is the pre-existing darkest shade in the range.

Conclusion: Although I'm disappointed that only 2 shades made the cut, I am happy to finally get my hands on the new shades, and the performance of this foundation is great. It was nice to have input into the development of the new shades, at a point when we could have some impact on the outcome, and it's nice that the brand cared enough to do this. I wish I could tell you that this £48 foundation isn't good, but I have really fallen for it, it gives great coverage, while being lightweight on the skin and lasts well on the skin during this current cooler climate. When I apply it I can feel the 'Hydra-smoothing hyaluronic acid microspheres ', it feels hydrating, soothing and cooling to the skin. I tend to use shades 15 & 16 together, 15 is probably my match, but does not have enough orange/warmth for my personal liking, and 16 is too red for my skin tone, together though they look great. I apply 16 towards the perimeter of my face, if you are after a super full coverage foundation this is not for you. 

Availability: I understand the darker shades are stocked in Harrods & Fenwick, but I could not find this foundation on their respective websites (Fenwick don't even seem to stock the brand at all), so maybe it's in store only. Spacenk online and the EU Byterry website only have the original 6 shades and not the extended shades. I hope they do stock the extended shades more widely, it would be a shame for them to discontinue it, due to 'lack of sales', it's difficult to buy something that isn't stocked.

*Rating: Love




*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

FoundationFiles; Is Makeup Revolution The One Foundation, the cheapest foudation ever!?!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!


First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

TheFoundationDirectory; Makeup Revolution The One Foundation

Brand: Makeup Revolution

Name: The ONE Foundation

Coverage: Light-Medium

Shade: 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16

Swatch: 

TheFoundationDirectory; Makeup Revolution The One Foundation Swatches

What The brand says: This will be your ONE Foundation. ONE shade for everyone. Using revolutionary fusion technology The ONE Foundation adapts to your skin tone and texture to give a flawless finish. Benefits: Due to it's liquid formula, it is easily build-able and applied. The ONE Foundation gives full coverage resulting in a matte finish. Available in 16 shades to suit every skin tone. 

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this foundation is not that great, it's not a matte foundation as stated, and I feel due to it's lightweight consistency my oils pushed through quite easily. I would also struggle to class this as full coverage, you get a medium coverage at best, and that requires a lot of layering, it also oxidised quite badly on me.

Price (ml): £1-4 for 29ml dependending on the shade.

Pros: Affordable

Shade range
Shade adjusters

Cons: Accessibility
Undertones
Doesn't live up to claims
Not long wearingon a combination skin

Suitable Skin Types: Dry, Normal and Combination (if you a willing to touch-up). All skin types if using as a mixing agent.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isododecane (and) Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Ethylhexyl Palmitate (and) Quaternium-90 Bentonite (and) Propylene Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHA

May Contain: Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Iron Oxides(CI 77491), Iron Oxides(CI 77492), Iron Oxides(CI 77499)

Oxidation: Yes, a lot.

Any Other Information: Don't get me wrong for the price this is an ok foundation, but I really wanted to love it, I'll try it again once the weather it's much cooler and see if that makes a difference on my combination skin. However for now it's best as a mixing agent, for instance if you want to add more yellow to your foundation reach for shade number 12, to deepen your foundation tone add a darker shade etc. If you like a very light coverage, have dry to normal skin that holds foundation well, very few blemishes to cover, are new to make or looking for something to slap on to run errands, this could be a great option worn as a foundation. As you can see from the swatches it has a very liquid consistency, similar to Mac Face and Body, and needs a good shake prior to every use. I didn't get on with Mac Face and Body foundation either, so maybe these water fluid foundation textures are not for me.

Conclusion: I really wanted to love this foundation worn alone, firstly I struggled to find a shade, 12 has a great golden yellow undertone, slightly too light for my tanned summer skin. 13 is straight up ashy on me, as it's too cool toned, 14 has this weird green-grey-brown undertone that just didn't work for me, 15 is slightly too red and although shade 16 is gorgeous it's too dark for me. Even mixing shades together I struggled to get a good match, in addition it just didn't last well on my skin, I had to constantly touch up and after a few hour I didn't like the way it looked on the skin. This for me will strictly be a mixing agent from now on, but if you are looking for shade adjusters these are a great affordable option, or if you fall into any of the above mentioned categories this can make a great lightweight base if you can get your shade.

Availability: Continuing on with the Superdrug Shades of Beauty Campaign Foundation Exploration, this is another option available from Superdrug, I've not seen it in any stores, but you can get it online at Superdrug.com and Tambeauty.com 

*Rating: Dislike as a foundation, Love as a mixing agent.









*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

FoundationFiles; Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

TheFoundationDirectory; Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Brand: Hourglass



Name: Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Golden Almond (described as medium deep with neutral undertones)

Swatch: 

TheFoundationDirectory; Hourglass Seamless Finish Vanish Foundation Stick Swatch

What The brand says: A revolutionary foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid, and the weightlessness of a powder in a longwearing waterproof formula for undetectable full coverage. The unprecedented concentration of pigment in this foundation provides maximum coverage with minimum product, concealing all discoloration and imperfections for flawless skin with a seamless finish.

• A foundation and concealer in one, this concentrated formula contains double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations for instant coverage in one application.
• Long wearing, waterproof formula provides 12 hour coverage.
• Innovative formula adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin.
• Designed specifically to be used with the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush for the most seamless finish. 
• Available in 26 shades to perfectly match every skin tone. 
• Vegan
• .25 OZ / 7.2 G

• Based on a 1-week consumer study of 31 women, Vanish demonstrated dramatic visible improvements:
-100% reported product was fast and easy to use and apply
-97% saw an instant improvement in skin appearance
-97% reported product effectively covered redness and skin imperfections
-94% reported product blended seamlessly into their own skin
-94% reported product effectively covered skin discoloration, pores, blemishes and dark under eye circles
-90% reported product effectively covered hyperpigmentation and dark spots 

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is typical with my other foundations, even with primer I require at least a couple of touch-ups throughout the day, and my nose inevitably gets oily/shiny. I think the wear time will improve on my combo skin during the cooler months, when my t-zone produces a lot less oil.

Price (ml): £42 for 7.1ml

Pros: Good shade range
Pigmented



Cons: Very expensive for less than the usual amount for a stick foundation

Suitable Skin Types: All except oily/extremely oily.

Ingredients: Not listed but free from;  
• Parabens
• Fragrance
• Gluten
• Sulfates
• Nanoparticles
• Phthalates
• Synthetic Dyes
• GMOs
• Not tested on animals

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: So one of the main cons for this foundation is the price, it's £42 for 7ml, it's true there's often less product in stick foundations, but this is still less for more money when comparing with Bobbi Brown that retails for £29.50 for 9ml and the new Anastasia Beverly Hills option (review pending) that is $25 (not sure how much it will be in the UK yet), which also contains 9ml.

Conclusion: This is a really nice stick foundation, that I think will be best suited to my combination skin in the cooler months. Do I think it's worth £42..........No. Saying that you can see where the money has gone, the packaging is fab and different, it screams luxury. The formula is beautiful no doubt, it provides a good medium coverage without looking cakey or feeling heavy on the skin, and it blends in like a dream. Hourglass is a luxury brand with lots of innovation behind it, but I feel this could have retailed for slightly less or at least contain the same amount as other stick foundations on the market. I've rated it a lust to take into account all aspects of the product; coverage, wear time, packaging, brand, shade range etc. The product itself however would probably only get a 'like' rating, I really wanted to fall head over heels for it, but it is a nice foundation and if you are a beauty junky you are going to want to try it, but see if you can find it on offer.


Availability: you can buy it here, here, here and here.

*Rating: Lust



*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Superdrug's #ShadesOfBeauty Campaign

So Superdrug have stepped forward and acknowledged the lack of products on their shelves for women of colour, they are not the only ones of course, but they are the first to make an official pledge to address the lack of diversity on the highstreet. They've made a commitment to address this with the #ShadesOfBeauty campaign, they've signed TV presenter June Sarpong as the official ambassador, to help raise awareness of the issue and drive change.

TheFoundationDirectory; Superdrug #ShadesOfBeauty Campaign

Superdrug commissioned independent research, almost 600 Black and Asian women were questioned, and the outcome is probably no surprise to you and I. 70% felt the high street doesn't cater to their beauty needs, 55% want more affordable makeup available for their skin tones and 75% think there isn't enough advice and guidance on the high street for their beauty needs, to name a few outcomes.

TheFoundationDirectory; Superdrug #ShadesOfBeauty Campaign

As a start Superdrug have over 100 products available in 140 stores that cater to Asian and Afro hair, these include brand like Shea Moisture, Dark and Lovely, Vatika, ORS & Palmers to name a few. They have redesigned the website to create an area specifically for Black and Asian products, met with all their makeup suppliers and challenged them to expand the shade range of their foundations, Maybelline have confirmed new darker shades by the end of the year. They've also added new brands that cater to brownbeauties like Cakecosmetics, which will also be available online from August. If your local store doesn't carry the full range you can order online and get free instore delivery, or home delivery if you are a beauty clubcard member. I do hope however that things actually end up on the shelves and not just online, so we can swatch and pick appropriate shades.

Aallexxy with June Sarpong Ambassador for Superdrug #ShadesOfBeauty Campaign

I'm so happy Superdrug is doing this campaign, I mean it's only 2016, hopefully other drugstores will take note. I know Boots have already expanded and include more haircare brands for women of colour, so hopefully it can only get better from here.

Do you feel enough is being done? Have you noticed a difference in your local Superdrug?

Facial and Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare and Facial by Deborah Mitchell

I was super excited when I got an exclusive invite for a special evening with Founder Deborah Mitchell of Heaven Skincare and beauty therapist. Heaven is a luxury British organic skincare brand, founded in 1991, the key ingredient in most of her products is Bee Venom. Deborah came up with this potion in a dream, her sister is a bee keeper, so she knew a lot about bees. She has now patented her 'secret' mix as Abeetoxin, a complicated formulation of bee venom, honey and natural botulinum harvested from bees.

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare Bee Venom Mask - Gold

Deborah's infamous Bee Venom Mask is sold in 3 tiers;
Silver (£7.50-£82) - this contains the lowest amount of Abeetoxin as an introduction to the masks, but also good for those with sensitive skin. It's more like a rich cream than a traditional mask, and appeared to disappear from the surface of my face within minutes of application. It contains essential oils like organic Rose & Lavender, also organic Marshmallow, organic Shea Butter, vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, obviously Bee Venom, Abeetoxin & Honey. It's said to control facial muscles for an immediate tightening & lifting effect, it firms & releases collagen, relaxes muscles, and interestingly can help with pain.You apply a thick layer, leave for 10-20 minutes and then wash off. You can also apply it on top of your usual moisturiser or as your moisturiser, I've not trialled it in this way yet though, but it did feel very hydrating upon application so I can see how it would work. I cannot comment on the anti-ageing effects unfortunately, because even though I'm in my 30's wrinkles are not something that is a concern for me, but a great preventative measure and really nice moisturiser.

Black (£163)- her bestseller and Gold (£352), which you can only buy once, as it uses the Queen Bee Venom and there's only one in each hive. But don't forget this is an organic brand, so Deborah is now a 'Guardian of the Bees', because she donates a percentage of all her profits to bee charities and the way she extracts the venom actually saves the bees lives.

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare

Deborah started out at 17 years old as a mobile therapist, she has been quoted as saying 'when I put my hands on the first person I ever treated, a strange, life-changing feeling came over me.....Now if I don’t do enough treatments, I suffer; it’s therapeutic for me'. Deborah can quote a long list of some very important royal clients and A-list celebrities including Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Junior and Victoria Beckham to name a few. So when I got the chance for her to lay her hands on my face (feet and hands included) I jumped at it, she doesn't only just do facials, but reads your aura/heals while she's at it. In the luxurious setting of the Langham Hotel room, I laid down while Deborah read my aura, I have a lot going on in my head she chimed (she's not wrong there). She cleanse, massaged and treated my face, neck, décolletage, hands and feet, it was a wonderfully relaxing experience and my face felt clean, plump and glowing after.

TheFoundationDirectory; Aallexxy with Deborah Mitchell following Heaven Skincare Facial

I have to say the packaging and overall presentation of the brand is gorgeous, when you expect to see a tub, it's actually a pump, it's clean, sophisticated and luxurious. Deborah has a great down to earth, vivacious bubbly personality, you can tell she really cares about her clients. If you are looking for a great British luxury organic brand with a focus on anti-ageing this is definitely for you, check out the range here.

Sip 'n' Share Event with Illusions Cosmetics

TheFoundationDirectory; Janice & Denise Tunnell of Illusions Cosmetics

I was super excited when I was invited to an intimate event in London by one half of the dynamic twin duo makeup artist Denise Tunnell. Denise and Janice Tunnell are celebrity, television and film make-up artists based in America, their clientelle reads like a who's who of the A-list, including Brandy, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson & Mike Epps to mane a few. And the film/TV accolades are even more impressive The Notebook, The Hunger Games, The Grammy Awards, Vampire Diaries, need I go on?

In addition to this the Tunnell twins somehow found the time to create their own cosmetics line in 2006 called Illusions Cosmetics, created to address the needs of women of colour. This extensive line features foundations, powder, blush, eye shadows, liquid lipstick and lip gloss to name a few. The twins also have plans to extend the line to include skin care and make-up brushes in the near future. I have previously reviewed items from the Illusions Cosmetics range, see here and here.

TheFoundationDirectory; Illusions Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks

At this event I also got to try the Liquid Lipsticks, which I absolutely love, there isn't a shade in there I wouldn't wear. Below I'm wearing the shade Sushi Flower, a gorgeous fuchsia pink, these liquid lipsticks are very pigmented and have a satin finish so very comfortable to wear on the lips.

Aallexxy in Illusions Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks in Sushi Flower

I also got to play around with the Eye Dusts, which I have reviewed previously (see link above), I fell in love with Bada Bling. It's a dark black brown with lots of gold shot through it, but to be honest all these shades are great, pigmented and in this great spill resistant packaging.

TheFoundationDirectory; Illusions Cosmetics Eye Dusts

The Tunnell twins are such inspirations, not originally trained in make-up artistry, for years they worked 2 jobs to be able to follow their passion. They are great role models for the likes of myself, pursuing our passions on the side of a full time career. Even now the Tunnell twins are juggling a very busy schedule as they host a weekly online radio show called 'Beauty Talk', where the sisters give the beauty industry it's voice.

You can check out the full Illusions Cosmetics line on their website IllusionsBeauty.com, prices start at $9, and they will soon start shipping to the UK.

Have you tried anything from this brand?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

MAC Cosmetics A/W16 Trend Presentation

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

It seems really odd to be talking or thinking about autumn/winter, when we've barely had a summer, but I got the fab opportunity to attend the MAC A/W16 Trends Presentation. Talking make-up and nail trends for autumn/winter this year, based on designs done on the catwalks of fashion week.

Make-up Trends

Let's start with the make-up trends; It's going to be all about the lightweight base, something we are more accustomed to in summer, allowing the skin to show through, no make-up make-up if you like. NOw don't be shocked, but apparently contouring is going out, yes there's an 'anti-contouring' trend on the horizon, according to MAC. I guess this goes hand in hand with a much more lightweight base and skin looking more like skin.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

Of course we expect a dark lip for autumn/winter, but MAC is trying to reinvent how this is applied, think grungy but sophisticated. Imperfect lip lines, that are smudgy around the edges. Also glossy lips are in, new technology will allow us to apply a glossy lip that lasts, without the need for multiple reapplications using MAC's lipglass. Eye liner is also being applied haphazardly, as if you've made a mistake, not just sticky strictly to the lash line area. Of course the nude isn't going anywhere either, but think true nudes, that actually look like your own lip colour almost as if you're not wearing a lip colour. It's all about lip prep before application, so you don't actually require that much colour. Also heart shaped lips are in, on the catwalk these were drawn in on the models, where their cupids bows were very exaggerated. Again prepping lips so they look as plump as possible prior to colour application.

Nails

The main thing here I guess is that short nails are out and long pointy nails are in, which is great for me, but I'm sure pointy nails have been in for a while (think stiletto nails). Nails are still matte, but not flat and glamorous, but with an edge and some attitude. Another catwalk trend that may not necessarily translate to everyday is painting the actual fingers, yes, extending the polish down your thumb for instance. It'll only last the night, but it'll be interesting to see if this actually takes off. My favourite of the nail trends however is the idea of not forgetting the back of the nail, that's right a little colour or bling applied to the underside of the nail, which again I guess goes hand in hand with short nails being out! Nail art is going to be paired way back, and be reserved for the underside of the nail too. Also MAC are trying to reinvent the classic french manicure, by leaving them clear instead of painting them white. Pastel nails are also going to be big in A/W, but these are going to be applied with a shimmer topcoat that makes them easier to wear and less chalky. I'd like to see that in practice, as pastel colours can be difficult to pull off on deeper skin tones, it'll be interesting to see if the shimmer topcoat makes a difference.

Obviously trends are just guidelines, and some catwalk trends won't translate to every day wear as easily. Always feel free to continue to wear your make-up and nails however makes you happy, rules are there to be broken after all.

What are your thoughts on these A/W MAC Trends?

Kiko Cosmetics - The Artist Collection

(Source: Kikocosmetics.com via google)

The Italian brand Kiko bring us The Artist Collection, inspired by the world of art and looks at your face as the canvas and these products are your artist's tools. We can now all be our own artist and create a work of art on our face. I love the idea behind this collection, and the collection itself doesn't disappoint, all at very affordable price points.

The full collection consists of;

• Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation £12.90
• Velvet Loose Mineral Beauty Powder £10.90 – 4 shades
• Blending Wave Multi color Blush £10.90 – 4 shades
• Fine Art Eye Pencil £5.90 – 6 shades
• Signature Eye marker £6.90
• Artist Powder Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Foundation Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Eye Duo Brush £11.90
• Artist Pochette £9.90
• Blooming Glow £13.90
• Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter £8.90
• Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow £6.90 - 6 shades
• Colour Click Lipstick £6.90
• Fine Art Lip Pencil £4.90 - 6 shades
• Artist Pochette - Make-up bag £9.90

TheFoundationDirectory; Kiko Artist Collection

Firstly I love the packaging of this collection, the clean white with splashes of colour, how the lip pencil is literally shaped like an artist's pencil and the push click delivery system of the lipstick. I will be discussing the latter 5 items on the blog today, starting with the Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter, that literally has a cushion ball applicator like how an artist may use a sponge to smudge colours into a canvas. You twist the applicator up from the bottom, and the smudge or dab onto areas of your face you would like to highlight. It's a gorgeous pale golden shade, that can either give a subtle lit from within glow or built up for full on look for you highlighter fiends out there. Then the Colour Click Lipstick that's very reminiscent of Chanel's lipstick delivery system, where you push the bottom of the lipstick and it pops out. There are 5 shades in total, I have the shade 03 Clamourous Strawberry, it's a bright pink shade. This lipstick is super creamy and glides on the lips, it has a satin finish. Then I have the Fine Art Lip Pencil in the matching shade, which is highly pigmented, creamy and also glides along the lips. They have a sort of rounded triangle shape, in the guise of an actual artist's pencil, great for stopping it from rolling away while you're doing your make-up. Now for the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow, I have the shade 05 Skill Blue, a super glittery royal blue colour. I love the mesh style delivery system in the packaging, so if you dropped this eye shadow you wouldn't make as much of a mess as with typical loose eyeshadows. And finally is the Make-up Pochette, a gorgeous make-up bag that I would be more inclined to carry as a clutch bag on a night out lol!!!

Kiko is a great affordable brand, that offers great quality items at affordable price points. If you would like any items from this collection, I wouldn't hang around as it's limited edition, you can find what's left of it here.  

Mahoghany Naturals Review and Giveaway

TheFoundationDirectory; Mahogany Naturals

 If you follow me on twitter and Instagram you may already be aware that I am now a Brand Ambassador for Mahogany Naturals. Mahoghany Naturals is a brownbeauty owned brand, created by Tope Beesley in 2012, Tope is an award winning curly hair stylist and certified aromatherapist and created this brand to address the needs of Curly and Afro textured hair. The brand has recently gone thorough a re-branding and is expanding it's product range to address hair, face and body with an adult and kids range. This brand creates spa quality natural and organic products that are cruelty free and vegetarian friendly, they are hand made in small batches to maintain freshness.

TheFoundationDirectory; Mahogany Naturals

I was sent my first batch of items from the brand that included the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, Brazilian Butter Damage Reverse Treatment and the Luscious Hair Milk. The Damage Reverse Treatment is an amazing strengthening treatment, if your hair loves protein it will love this deep treatment, my hair instantly felt stronger after the first use and it smells absolutely amazing. This treatment is for those with dry, damaged and colour treated hair and it is a pre-shampoo treatment applied on damp hair. It contains an array of Butters including Brazilian Nut Butter, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter to name a few as well as Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Emu Oil (see full list of ingredients on the website).

I follow this treatment with the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo that is full of happy scalp ingredients to gently, but thoroughly cleanse your hair without stripping it, a very difficult combination to achieve. This shampoo will clean your hair, balance your scalp, smooth your cuticle and remove buildup. It contains Apple Cider Vinegar as the first ingredient, which will help maintain the hair and scalps PH level, remove buildup without stripping the hair of it's natural oils.
It also seals the hair cuticle, making hair smoother, softer and shinier helping hair maintain moisture and prevent split ends, it also treats dandruff and itchy scalp, works as a natural detangler and encourages hair growth. Need I say more, if you struggle with the smell of Apple Cider Vinegar, this maybe a great alternative. It also contains Avena Sativa Oats, Shea Butter and Argan Oil to name a few, I was worried this wouldn't lather up, but it creates a beautiful gentle lather, while being sulfate free.

And next is the Luscious Hair Milk a daily leave in conditioner and moisturiser, great for dry damaged hair in need of intense moisture, it reduces breakage, detangles, moisturises and defines curls. It can be applied to damp or dry hair and is great for use before blow drying, which is how I like to use it. It contains Sweet Almond oil, Mango Oil, Vitamin E among other things and also smells great.

This is a great truly organic natural luxury brand, that creates great products that work without all the nasty's we all want to try and avoid. The Damage Reverse Treatment is £40, the Shampoo is £20 and the Luscious Hair Milk is £25 all are 250ml and if you head over to my instagram now, there's a giveaway to win this amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. To check out the rest of the range head over to Mahoganynaturals.co.uk, you can also find her products here and here as well as in Xsandy's Hair & Beauty Shop in Lewisham Shopping Center.

Have you tried anything from this brand? Any recommendations of what I should try next?

Byterry Light Expert Click Brush Foundation for Darker Skin Tones

If you follow me on instagram and/or snapchat (Aallexxy1) you would have seen that last summer I got invited to a Byterry event for the launch of a new high tech foundation for the busy on the go woman, it was Light Expert Click Brush, I eagerly and excitedlyattended. So you can understand my dismay/frustration when, even with 6 shades on offer, the darkest shade was no match for me.

Byterry Light Expert Click Brush Event last Summer (darkest shade on offer)

During the event they were questions from fellow brown beauty bloggers as to why this was the case, we were promised that these were in the works, but due to the high tech formula they were taking longer to develop and perfect than the lighter shade counter-parts. It was a synchronised eye-rolling moment for us all, as I personally felt it was another line to fob us off, especially as we were told we could use the current darkest shade (see above) to highlight. So to my delight fast forward to about a week ago when I got an email from the Global Brand Ambassador for Byterry inviting me to a Light Expert Click Brush Workshop for darker skin tones at the office in London. I obviously went along, expecting maybe 1-3 extras shades for brown beauties, much to my delight they are planning to expand the range by 6 shades and wanted input before mass producing the products for a September release.

TheFoundationDirectory; New Byterry Light Expert Click Brush Shades

Pictured above are lab samples, so I don't know the official shade names, but I did get to apply this foundation on my skin. If you like a lightweight serum textured base with light-medium coverage, that can be applied on the go, on top of pre-existing makeup without caking then this is definitely for you. If you follow me on snapchat you would have seen how the makeup still looked pretty after several hours of wear, once I receive my official sample I will do another post with swatches and wear time, I can't wait for this to be released.

Wearing one of new shades of Byterry Light Expert Click Brush with Terry Degunzburg (Founder)

I have to say this is very impressive from the brand, it shows they really care and what to embrace the woman of colour as a serious customer, with much larger brands choosing to ignore us, it's nice to be able to write this post. I also got to met the founder herself Terry Degunzburg, and watch her in action, again you would have caught this all on my snapchat. I have to say she is absolutely brilliant, she took the time to take pictures with us all, applied makeup to some, and asked what our thoughts were on her product. They also asked what other brown beauty friendly products we would like to see from the brand, telling me this isn't going to be a one off situation. This is a great example to other brands who say it can't be done, more like they don't want to do it, Byterry have secured a customer in me from this as a result.


Are you excited for the new Light Expert Click Brush shades? Have you used anything from this brand before? Do you have any recommendations?

The Bodyshop have Extended their Foundation Shade Range....Yippee!!!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

FoundationDirectory; The Bodyshop Fresh Nude Foundation and Shade Adjusting Drops

Brand: Bodyshop
Name: Fresh Nude Foundation

Coverage: Light - Medium

Shade: Caribbean Mahogany 075

Swatch:

FoundationDirectory; Fresh Nude Foundation and Shade Adjusting Drops

What The brand says: OUR FIRST FRESH-FACED FOUNDATION FOR A GOOD SKIN DAY,EVERY DAY.

Enriched with hydrating rose water, skin is left beautifully moisturised for up to 24h and protected with SPF15. With a semi-matte finish, all our 16 shades mimic the look of fresh natural skin with a nude glow. And with shade names inspired by nature, choosing your foundation moves from daunting to a journey around the world. Our blend of high purity pigments fade out imperfections without the mask effect. Hydrating Rose Water and 100% Organic Aloe Vera quench skin whilst letting it breathe. 16 semi-matte shades that perfectly mimic the fresh natural skin tone of all complexions.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has great weartime even without a primer, I touch up once around lunchtime, mainly out of habit than necessity. By the end of the day my oils have pushed through slightly, but this gives me more of a glow than an oil slick look. I obviously cannot comment on how it will perform during the summer months, but my skin is still slightly more oily in the t-zone area, and this handles that very well. 

Price (ml): £15 for 30ml

Pros: SPF15
16 shades
Affordable
Extended shade range from the brand
Accompanying launch of shade adjusting drops
Comes in a pump bottle

Cons: Darker shade range needs extending

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Aqua (Solvent), Diheptyl Succinate (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), Cyclohexasiloxane (Conditioning Agent), Octocrylene (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate (Emulsifying Agent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Silica (Absorbent), Cetyl Dimethicone (Emollient), Titanium Dioxide (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Hydrogenated Polydecene (Skin Conditioning Agent), Magnesium Sulfate (Absorbent/Bulking Agent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), Disteardimonium Hectorite (Stabiliser), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate (Surfactant - Emulsifying Agent), Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer (Film Former), Ethylhexylglycerin (Skin Conditioning Agent), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Chelating Agent), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (Skin Conditioning Agent - Humectant), p-Anisic Acid (pH Adjuster), Parfum (Fragrance Ingredient), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant), Rosa Alba Flower Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), BHT (Antioxidant), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Sorbic Acid (Preservative). [+/- CI 77891 (Colorant), CI 77492 (Colorant), CI 77491 (Colorant), CI 77499 (Colour)].

Oxidation: None at all

Any Other Information: This is obviously my first ever foundation from the Bodyshop, as they have never really catered for my skin tone until now. There are 16 shades in total, but probably only 3 that are brown girl friendly (Caribbean Mahoghany is second to the darkest in the range)although the addition of the shade adjusting drops (I will review these separately) means even greater flexibility in the shade range. The foundation is housed in a clear glass bottle, with a black plastic pump and lid.   

Conclusion: I really wanted to like this foundation, and I'm so happy to say that I do, it's a plus that this shade is a near perfect match for my skintone at the moment. It really does have a natural skin finish, I use about 1 and half pumps (building up coverage where it is needed), whilst covering most of my imperfections. It has that lit from within glow, which is great at this time of year and last well on the skin. It's so lightweight, and while we know skin doesn't actually breathe, it doesn't feel heavy or cakey.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love