Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Fashion Fair True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation

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 (I usually prefer neutral toned foundations).

Fashion Fair True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation

 Brand: Fashion Fair

Name: True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation*

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Alluring Cocoa

Swatch:

Fashion Fair True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Illuminate your skin with this color adapting foundation. HUE HARMONY technology is enriched with malachite, a mineral rich in antioxidants, to immediately smooth and adjust to your complexion. Available in 18 shades.

Features

• HUE HARMONY Technology
• Enriched with Malachite
• Lightweight Luminous Finish
• Oil Free
• Fragrance Free
• Paraben Free

• Goes on smoothly and feels lightweight
• Hydrates skin without adding oil
• Great for sensitive skin
• No harmful preservatives

 Wear time (with/without primer): This has great wear time with and without primer and lasts all day, before needing a touch-up.

Price (ml): £23 for 30ml

Pros: 18 Shades

Not as expensive as other Foundations sold in the same stores
Lasts all day on my skin
Good colour match

Cons: Not as easily accessible as I would like (only stocked in select Debenhams and Boots stores or online)
Ingredients are not liste don the website

Suitable Skin Types: Best suited to Normal, Dry, and Combination skin types.

Ingredients:

Fashion Fair True Finish Refinning Mineral Foundation Ingredients list

Oxidation: Adapts to your skin tone in a good way

Any Other Information: When I look at the bottle, it looks like it's got shimmer particles, so I thought this would be too luminous for my Combo skin in summer, however that does not translate on the skin and after powdering I'm left with a gorgeous demi-matte finish.

Conclusion: My first foray into Fashion Fair, like most, is from seeing it on my mum's dressing table in the little pink compacts and from time to time being allowed/sneakily using it. I think for this reason it has a nostalgic notion for me in a good and bad way, but Fashion Fair have truly brought the brand up-to-date, while holding onto the ethos of the brand. I was truly spoilt for choice when I went to get colour matched, almost overwhelmed even, can't remember the last time that happened. If you struggle/are tired of struggling to find your shade, I cannot recommend this brand enough, high quality good performing make-up that caters to brownbeauties.

**Rating: Lust 

*PR Sample

**Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; black|Up Paris CC Cream

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.

black|Up Paris CC Cream

Brand: black|Up Paris

Name: CC Cream

Coverage: Light - Light Medium

Shade: CC03 (Matches me best in the summer)

Swatch:

black|Up Paris CC Cream Swatch

What The brand says: Complexion Correcting Foundationblack|Up develops the 1st CC Cream targeting dark skin's specific needs : excess sebum, uneven skintone, unbalanced skin, lack of radiance, dark spots, more or less pigmented areas… This Complexion Correcting Foundation moisturizes, matifies, targets dark spots, blemishes, minimizes pores and unifies the complexion of African American skin tones. Its fluid texture offers a lightweight very natural finish.

Use as a makeup primer to hydrate and treat your skin while increasing makeup hold and offering a more even complexion.

5 shades suitable for all black and mixed skins.

Oil Free, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free.

SPF free formula. 100% no ashy finish guarantee because sun filters are made with white base ingredients that systematicaly turns grey on dark skins.

Wear time (with/without primer): This lasts well on me during the day with or withour primer, even on my combination skin and during the summer months. I can go all day without touching up, with only minimal shine coming through, usually around my nose, which is typical for me.

Price (ml): £27 for 30ml

Pros: Caters to darker skintones
Suitable for all skintypes
Can be used as a primer

Cons: A little pricey for a CC cream
Not all debenhams stores stock black|up Paris
Website doesn't list ingredients

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: None listed on the website

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: The black|Up Paris CC cream claims to hydrate, mattify, reduce excess sebum, rebalance skin, minimise pores, boost radiance, unify skin tone and have a lightweight finish. My initial thought was how can something hydrate and mattify, but as you apply this CC cream it feels like a drink of water to the skin, without leaving skin shiny or greasy. CC04 runs more red in the undertone, so this maybe more suitable if that describes your skin tone. It's paraben, oil and fragrance free. It's available from debenhams.

Conclusion: If you have struggled to find a good CC cream in your shade, I can't recommend this highly enough, it has a good orange undertone that brightens and counteracts hyper-pigmentation on darker skintones, it's a great lightweight summer base.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Sleek Makeup Bare Skin Foundation

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.

Sleek MakeUp bare SKIN Foundation

Brand: Sleek (available from superdrug and boots)

Name: Bare Skin

Coverage: Light to Light Medium

Shade: Earth

Swatch:

Sleek MakeUp bare SKIN Swatch

What The brand says: Bare Skin Foundation's unique light foundation gives skin a barely-there no-makeup feel, whilst delivering a beautifully even and natural, flawless finish. The innovative, moisturising formula also assists in evening out skin tone, whilst concealing blemishes and imperfections. This superlight base feels weightless, allowing skin to breathe.

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this actually improved in the absence of a primer, might have been because the primer was hydrating, which in addition to the foundation made my combo skin too oily. I imagine a mattifying primer would extend the wear even further, obviously if you have dry skin you'll want more moisture.

Price (ml): £8.99 for 30ml

Pros: 12 shades

Affordable

Cons: May not be suitable for oily skin

Suitable Skin Types:

Ingredients: Paraffin oil,Isooctyl palmitate. Isododecane.Beeswax.Sorbitan sesquioleate.Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone.Titanium Dioxide.Magnesium stearate.Dimethicone.Sodium chloride.Iron Oxides CI77491,77492,77499. Phenoxyethanol.Methylistohiazolinone

Oxidation: Minimal to none.

Any Other Information: Sleek is one of my favourite drugstore brands, they provide good quality effective makeup at an affordable price and a nice shade range for women of colour. The face contour kit is one of my faves products, that I use nearly everyday.

Conclusion: This is a great drugstore foundation, good for those starting out with makeup or don't want to spend a fortune on makeup. The foundation lasted all day with no touch ups on me when I did not prime (see above), by the end of the day my oils had started to push through. However I feel in warmer months, this may not be the best option for my combo skin, but a good winter foundation.

*Rating: Like 

*Rating: Hate, dislike, like, lust, love.

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

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.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

Brand: bareMinerals (Their spelling, not mine) bareminerals.co.uk

Name: Complexion Rescue

Coverage: Light

Shade: Chestnut (For dark skin with neutral undertones)
Swatch: Great colour match for me.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue swatch

 What the brand says: 'New to our UK collection, a multitasking genius that combines skincare benefits and naturally radiant coverage in one. The best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturiser...with a 215% increase in skin hydration after just one week,* this is a whole new way to think about makeup. This tinted Complexion Rescue gel cream alleviates the need for a heavy foundation, giving a smooth tint to your face and evening out your complexion in the stroke of a brush. Ultra lightweight and hydrating, you won't be looking for face care anywhere else.

Benefits
 

• Powerful hydration: marine botanicals to help replenish thirsty skin
• Dewy sheer-to-medium coverage for a radiant, soft, smooth finish
• Non-chemical, mineral-based SPF 30
• Mineral electrolytes to help energize skin
• Heart-leaf globe daisy, an antioxidant, helps protect against environmental stressors

Formulated Without

• Silicone
• Oil
• Parabens
• Fragrance

Hypoallergenic. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist tested.
 

Wear Time (with/out primer): The wear time on this is significantly improved with the introduction of a primer (I used illamasqua's hydraveil), I looked like an oil slick by the end of the day, when we had the heatwave. The QVC show suggested applying this straight onto skin with no moisturiser unless you are extremely dry, it does perform better the less moisture you have on your skin before hand (think lightweight gels, serums and lotions), but I struggle to rely soley on my makeup for skincare and/or SPF benefits, especially during the summer months.

Price (ml): £26 for 35ml

Pros: Extra SPF protection with no flash back
Skin care benefits

Cons: Could benefit from the addition of 1-2 darker shades.
Not be suitable for the oiliest of skin types

Suitable skin types: Normal, Combination (with good prep), Dry.

Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 6.2% Inactive Ingredients: water, coconut alkanes, propanediol, squalane, trehalose, isostearic acid, glycerin, silica, agar, caprylic/capric triglyceride, globularia cordifolia callus culture extract, salicornia herbacea extract, melilotus officinalis extract, coco-caprylate/caprate, butylene glycol, lauroyl lysine, sodium hyaluronate, succinoglycan, polysorbate 60, cellulose gum, polyglyceryl-4 laurate/succinate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol. may contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides.  

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: They sell a seperate brush (£24) that's to be used with this product, but I just used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Expert face Brush (worked the best) or fingers.

Conclusion: I really like this, but the difficulties with what to apply or not prior to application make this a little fussy, and it does require good prep of my combo/oily skin to last all day. It would be perfect during the winter months, when my skin is more normal to dry. If you are looking for a lightweight summer base, with added skincare properties and have normal/dry skin or are willing to prep combo-oily skin this is definately one to consider.

*Rating: Like

*Rating: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation!!!

To launch the new series I'm starting on the blog called Aallexxy's Foundation Files (#aallexxyFF), I will be reviewing the Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. I have already reviewed this foundation here, but wanted it as part of this series and in the new format, I also review the Soft Velvet Loose Powder in that post so check it out if you haven't already. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post)

Back to the series; I will be testing out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and posting my findings. 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.

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Brand: Nars (narscosmetics.co.uk)

Name: All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Coverage: Medium to Full

Shade: Macao

Swatch:

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Swatch - Macao

What the brand says: Full, natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough formula builds and blends effortlessly with just one drop—the result of exclusive innovation uniquely designed to deliver long-wearing full coverage, weightlessly. Shake, pump and blend in sections for complete coverage that's completely natural looking.

Pure Innovation. Exclusively NARS, always feeling light-as-air, featuring advanced flexible polymers and first-to-market treated pigments.

• Advanced flexible polymers move with the skin, providing extraordinary breathability and comfort.
• First-to-market treated pigments weightlessly deliver long-wearing, complete coverage without ever masking for perfected, natural-looking skin.

Even Tone Technology is designed to instantly neutralize redness and dullness, while working long-term to reduce the appearance of discoloration for more even, uniform skin.

• Gold and green pigments in a perfect 4-to1 ratio optically manipulate how light reflects off skin's surface, evening the complexion for instant luminosity. Green pigments negate redness on contact, while gold combats dullness.
• Scarlet Spiderling Root Extract helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and reveal brighter, more even skin over time.

KEY CLAIMS
92% felt the foundation provided coverage without masking*
93% thought it felt weightless*
90% said it felt comfortable and breathable*
*based on an independent consumer study after one week of use

Wear Time (with primer/without primer): I get a good 11 hours out of this without touch ups in mild winter/spring weather, with and without primer. My oils do push through a little, to give a glow, rather than an oil slicked look. Haven't had the chance to test in strong summer weather, will update accordingly if I do.

Price (ml): £32 for 30ml.

Pros: It's available in 20 shades and Macao is a near perfect match for my skin.

One pump of this is about half the amount of a regular pump of foundation, so will last a while.

Long lasting (see above)

It comes with a pump

Cons: You need more than one drop for flawless coverage

Suitable skin types: Normal, Combination to oily (if extremely dry or extremely oily skin prep will be key).

Ingredients: Not available on the website (apologies I threw the box away prior to writing this).

Oxidation: Adapts to skintone in a good way.

Any Other Information: Replacing Sheer Matte (No longer available on Nars website, but can still be ordered from ASOS, for anyone who wants to stock up).

Conclusion: I know this foundation seems to have a marmite effect, but I really love it, If you're looking for a lightweight, long lasting foundation that can provide full coverage this is one to bear in mind.

Rating: Love*

I'm still working on the format, so it may get tweeked, but what do you think so far? Do you have any requests of base products you would like to see me review?

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Alex

*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love



SBC; Vitamin ACE Shower Gel, Skincare Gel and Body Creme

If you read this post here you know where my love for the SBC Vitamin ACE range started, I am currently on my second tub of the Day and Night Cream. Vitamin ACE stands for vitmains A,C and E, which is contained in this formula, and is effective for anti-ageing and evening out of the skintone among other things (read post linked above for full details). So when I found out SBC were doing a BOGOF (buy one get one free) on their website for the month of March, I couldn't resist a purchase or two.

SBC Vitamin ACE Shower Gel and Body Creme

I have finished a bottle of the Vitamin ACE Skincare gel (which I bought in a set from QVC), it's great if you don't like the feeling of lotions on your skin as it's so light, but I found it was not moisturising enough for my skin so had to mix it with some oil. I decided to try the Body Creme as this is thicker and would be more moisturising, this is much better for my dry body skin, but not at all greasy. Although I still from time to time add a drop of oil, just to get that sheen/richness I like on my skin once I've moisturised, however this may not be needed in the warmer months as my skin is less dry. I'm also on my second bottle of the shower gel, this is a lovely foaming shower gel and just works well in conjunction with the other products and starts the topical application of the lovely vitamins contained in this range.

I thorougly enjoy using this range, and feel my skin is becoming more even with continued use of these products. We always focus on even skin on the face, but with the warmer weather making an appearance an all over even skintone is on the menu, and this range can help achieve that.

I will definitely continue to purchase from this range, I think I've tried everything except the serum, which is next on my wishlist. Have you tried anything from SBC? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Thank you for visiting today

Alex

B Beauty; B Sweet Makeup Collection

Last month I attended the launch of B Beauty's Spring 2015 Collection, B are embracing all things bright and pretty, so the usual coral and pink shades have been amped up for Spring Summer. The collection consists of a whipped mouse textured blush, a moisturising SPF15 lipstick, a Highligting Serum, alongside the launch of a makeup brush range.

B Beauty; B Sweet Makeup Collection

I received one of the 2 shades available in the B Sweet Whipped Blush called Strawberry, it's a soft pink shade, which unfortunately appears a little ashy on my skin tone. This is a lightweight whipped texture that provides a flush of colour to create an instant healthy glow, maybe the other shade Peach (more orange toned) would be more suitable for me. These retail for £7.99 each.

One of my favourites from the collection is the B Sweet Lipsticks, there are 3 shades, I received Sherbet Dip, a gorgeous bright deep pink shade. This gives buildable moisturising coverage, with SPF15 protection, The packaging is also great, think Chanel style where the lipstick pops out at the bottom, but at a more purse friendly £7.99.

Next up is the B Sweet Popping Candy Highlighting Serum, I was initially confused by this product, is it a serum, a highlighter or a primer? I was right to be confused as this is a multi-use product, it can be used as a hydrating serum, a highlighter or an illuminating primer as well as being mixed in with foundation. I'm still figuring out the best way for me to use this, it is lightweight and provides very subtle shimmer, it retails for £14.99 for 30ml.

B Beauty Makeup Brush Collection

Finally and my other favourite is the makeup brushes, I received the travel set, which contains the Powder Brush, Foundation Brush, Eyeshadow Brush and Lip Brush. Good drugstore brushes are hard to find, and Real Techniques have dominated in this area, but I think B can give them a run for their money. These brushes are super soft and I like the travel case with mirror these brushes are housed in. I'm definitely interested in looking at some fo the full sized options, and as with all B products they are Vegan and Cruelty free, this set retails for £17.99, but is currently on sale for £13.49 at superdrug.com.

Have you tried anything from the B Sweet Spring Collection, what are your thoughts?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx Range

2 weeks ago I attended a blogger event for the launch of the new Dermalogica Power Bright TRx range, my interest is immediately piqued when I hear anything that is designed to target hyperpigmentation, but I am usually also skeptical. Dermalogica have created a trio of brightening products designed to target pigmentation and dark spots caused by age, hormones, stress and UV damage.

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx

This intensive range provides a well rounded approach to achieving healthy luminous skin by combining active ingredients; this includes Oligopeptides that reduce melanin formation, while algae extracts, phytic acid and niacinimide to name a few prevent pigment transfer. Of course it contains Hyaluronic acid (need I say more), what doesn't these days, this ingredient isn't going anywhere. Alongside this is Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil and Tocopherol enhance barrier protection to smooth skin for a radiant finish. Built-in exfoliation removes existing pigmentation and brightens with Pumpkin Fruit and Moth Bean Seed Extract to promote skin renewal.

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx; C-12 Serum, Pure Light SPF50 & Pure Night

The range consists of 3 products, this includes C-12 Pure Bright Serum, that addresses pigmentation imbalance with the aforementioned peptides, to fight melanin formation. You apply this twice daily, it's a light weight serum that absorbs quickly, you wait a minute and follow with one of the next steps below.

Pure Light SPF50 daytime treatment moisturiser has Oleosome technology that provides elevated daily UV protection for all skin conditions, allowing improved moisturisation and hydration benefits. This SPF moisturiser is great, lightweight, but still moisturising, with no white cast.

In the evening I use Pure Night, this is a rich overnight cream, that isn't greasy. This restores skin luminosity, with the addition of vitamin C, as well as reducing fine dehydration lines.

I have really enjoyed using these products, I think this is boosted by the fact that I had a Environ Facial prior to using these products, which have allowed them to penetrate deep into the skin. My skin is definitely more glowy, radiant and even. I have continued using an oil serum after the C-12 serum at night, to aid with further hydration and partially out of habit. I'm sure you're thinking what's the catch, well that would be the price, although not as pricey as some other pigment fighting products on the market. If you are going to buy one item from this range, I would suggest the serum, which can be used as a targeted treatment on pigmented areasonly so it lasts longer.

You can find the Power Bright Range here, the serum is £79.80, Pure Light is £55 and Pure Night is £66.50 all are 50ml. You can also get the Treatment Kit at £33.70 to try all 3 before investing further.

Have you tried or will you be trying anything from this range?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Beauty and Melody Salon; Environ Facial

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that in February I attended a Keziah Connections event at the stunning Beauty and Melody Salon, so when I was invited back by Matthew (Manager) to experience an Environ facial I obviously jumped at the chance.

Beauty and Melody Salon

I actually didn't fully understand what an Environ facial was, it was developed by a doctor in South Africa and uses soundwaves and small electric pulses to drive the treatment down into the dermal layers of your skin that it wouldn't be able to reach with just manual application. This Environ facial is effective at treating sun-damage, pigmentation, premature ageing, dryness and scarring to name a few. The process starts with the usual cleansing of the skin, steaming to allow easier access to pores for extraction and then your treatment is applied. You can have either a vitamin treatment (vitamins A, C and antioxidants) or hydration, I choose vitamins. The electric pulses didn't hurt at all, and you quickly get use to the sensation, below you can see the little electrodes attached to the top of the algae mask, that was applied after the vitamin treatment had been done.

Beauty and Melody Environ Facial

I have really be loving my skin at the moment, and I believe it's down to the skincare I'm currently testing (review soon), being properly absorbed into my skin as a result of the facial. There's no point buying expensive skincare products, that will just sit on the surface of the skin, I now see the importance of facials in my skincare routine. There are also Environ skincare products available to purchase, to continue at home what the facial starts in the salon.

Sylvia was welcoming and knowledgable about skincare, even for women of colour and the usual concerns of pigmentation, I felt comfortable and confident in what she was doing. The facial can be done monthly, but for those with particularly problematic skin it can be done weekly or it can be done just before a special ocassion. So it can be adapted to your budget, but at £90 (1hr) - £110 (1hr 30mins), most people like myself will be saving this for a treat or special occassion. There are alternative treatments available at more purse friendly prices, so do have a look at their website beautyandmelody.co.uk.

Beauty and Melody Salon

Located a short walk away from Marble Arch tube station, they don't only do facials, but everything from weaves, wigs, makeup to laser hair removal, and yes the machine they use is suitable for darker skin tones.

Do you regularly get facial treatments done? Have you had an environ facial before?

Thank you for visiting the blog today

Alex