Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Fashion Fair True Fix 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.

Fashion Fair True Fix Foundation

Brand: Fashion Fair

Name: True Fix Foundation*

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: Divine Chocolate

Swatch:

Fashion Fair True Fix Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: These two complementary cream shades are smooth, easy to blend and provide maximum coverage. This foundation creates a semi matte finish to minimize imperfections, promote even skin tone, and conceal problem areas. The cream shades leave a semi matte finish. Available in 30 shades in 15 compacts.

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is great on my combination skin, while not beeing heavy or cakey and still looking like skin, although you can build this total coverage if needed.

Price (ml): £23 for 14.5g

Pros: 2 shades in one compact

good shade range
Travel friendly
Adapt it to your shade all year round

Cons: UK accessibility

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremely dry may need to prep skin accordingly)

Ingredients:

 

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This foundation is housed in a mirrored compact with a puff included, I tend to use a damp beauty blender to apply or a buffing brush, you can find Fashion Fair in select Boots stores, boots.com and debenhams.com.

Conclusion: This is a great cream foundation, that can be built from light to full coverage, or used as a concealer. Having 2 colours in one compact is genius, as most women of colour have at least 2 different tones on their faces, plus it's adaptable to the seasons. For the price of this foundation you get a lot out of it for your money.  

**Rating: Lust

*PR Sample

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

Aallexxy's Foundation files; Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

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.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

Brand: Clinique

Name: Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer*

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: Golden (24)

Swatch:

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer Swatch

What The brand says: A foundation-and-concealer in one for a natural, beyond perfected look that lasts all day. Lightweight, moisturizing makeup covers thoroughly without clogging pores. Skin breathes comfortably, colour stays true, even through sweat and humidity.Due to the rich pigment level that enhances this flawless coverage makeup, shades may appear deeper when first applied. Leave the foundation to settle just for a few minutes, this will allow the high pigment in the formula to adapt to your skin tone which is why you get such a flawless perfected finish.Suitable for ALL skin types. One dip of the wand gives you a full-face application and/or spot-conceals. Slow-dry formula makes blending easy, for 12 hours of full-coverage wear from a flexible formula that moves with skin.

Wear time (with/without primer):

Price (ml): £25 for 30ml

Pros: 20 Shades
Buildable coverage
Multi-purpose
Oil free

Cons: Possibly unhygienic
Inci list not on the website

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremes prep accordingly)

Ingredients: Not on the website

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: It has a unique doe foot applicator, which is a nice change, but a very tiny OCD voice in my head questions the hygiene, that aside the foundation is a thick mouse texture, so I can see why a pump may not have worked in this instance.

Conclusion: Firstly the ‘natural’ finish is dependent on how much you apply, but it’s great that the foundation is buildable. If you adjust the amount you apply you get a lovely demi-matte natural look, the foundation lasts all day on me, although my oils do push through slightly in the T-zone area so to keep the perfected look I start with, one touch up is required. This foundation gives a beautiful finish to the skin, the dual use is convenient and cheaper than buying a separate concealer and the doe foot applicator is a unique touch. It's available here.  

**Rating: Love

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

*Pr Sample

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder 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.

Brand: Urban decay

Name: Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation*

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Dark Warm

Swatch:

 

What the brand says: Want a foundation that delivers amazing coverage, lasts all day and works both wet AND dry? Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation delivers. Our advanced, velvety formula provides weightless, buildable coverage with a luminous, demi-matte finish for a Naked Skin feel.

While some traditional powder foundations might look dusty or even cakey on the skin, Naked Skin blends gorgeously and wears comfortably. Like the rest of our Naked Skin line up, Naked Skin Powder Foundation diffuses light to blur fine lines and wrinkles to make you look as if professionally retouched. It’s also ultra-forgiving: apply more in the areas where you need extra coverage and all you’ll see is beautiful, perfected skin.

Enriched with coated, micro-milled powders and HPP (Highlighter Performing Pigments) technology, Naked Skin Powder Foundation has a creamy feel, rich, long-lasting colour, and a perfect level of coverage to even out the look of your skin tone.

Added bonus: We included a protective pouch in a purple X-rayed flower design to help keep your compact protected from crumbling.

Naked Skin Powder Foundation comes in a range of meticulously calibrated shades. Our shade-matching system provides a clear starting point for finding your perfect shade: the first part represents shade intensity, and the second indicates shade undertone.

Wear Time (with/without primer): Excellent, minimal touch-ups required, if at all any. (NB: not tested during humid summer weather) 

Price (ml): £26 for 9g

Pros: Compact

Non Cakey

Long lasting

Multi-purpose

14 Shades

Vary the coverage

Good Value

Cons: Probably not suitable if you have extremely dry skin

Contains Talc and Silicone

Packaging prone to finger prints

Suitable skin types: Normal, Combination, Oily. (Extremely dry skin will need to thoroughly prep skin or avoid).

Ingredients: Talc, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Silica, Magnesium Myristate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Zinc Stearate,
Dimethiconol, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lauroyl Lysine.

[+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides)].

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Comes with additional carry pouch and puff.

Conclusion: For an avid liquid/cream foundation lover like myself, I have fallen hard for this powder foundation, it's creamier than typical powders and works brilliantly wet for fuller coverage or dry for light coverage and a matte finish. I have used this alone, over concealer, to set liquid and cream foundation or as a touch up powder throughout the day.

Rating: Love

Pick it up here. Have you tried this foudantion? What are you thinking of my new blog series so far? Any requests?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

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

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid

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.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid

Brand: Laura Mercier

Name: Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Pecan (Medium to Deep with Cool to Neutral Undertones)

Swatch:

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: A long-wear, oil-free foundation that magically blurs the line between real skin and makeup. Shake & tap to activate this unique formula. This revolutionary bi-phase, two part formula is designed to deliver the most natural looking colour and lightweight coverage. Colour true pigments rest at the bottom of the package while reflective waters (Hydro-Brilliant Technology) float to the top. Vigorously shaking the package before each use ensures the pigments blend with the reflective waters to create fresh colour every time. Long-wear (12 hours). Humidity-proof, sweat-proof / water resistant. Oil-free; non-comedogenic. Non-greasy; non-drying. Dermatologist tested. Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), especially normal-to-oily skins.

Wear time (with/without primer): This base has great wear time, on my combo skin though, my oils do push through after a while, but it gives more of a glow than oil slick look.

Price (ml): £35 for 30ml

Pros: 24 Shades

Cons: Messy packaging

Suitable Skin Types: All; oily skin types will need good prep, especially if you prefer a true matte finish.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Water/Aqua/Eau, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phytostearyl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Poly(Glycol Adipate)/Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone Copolymer, Citrus Limon (Lemon)Fruit Extract, Fumaria Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Fumaric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsexquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Lauroyl Asparate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Zinc Chloride, Polysilicone-1 Crosspolymer, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloydimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Polyurethane-40, Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. Maycontain/Peut Contenir/(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Ironoxides).

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This is one of those bi-phase products, where the fluid and pigment seperate, so you have to shake it to mix. If you shake it with the lid on, the product oozes out everywhere, a way to prevent this is to shake the bottle with the lid off and your finger over the hole.

Conclusion: This is a gorgeous lightweight base, that photographs beautifully and covers well without looking cakey or heavy. I have overlooked Laura Mercier base products in the past, not sure why, but I will definitely be investigating them further.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, like, lust, love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation

Welcome to my new blog series, Foundation Files (see original review here). This is where I test 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.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation

Brand: Premae

Name: Premae Mattifying Mouse (MM) Foundation*

Coverage: Medium

Shade: 09 Maple

Swatch:

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation in 09 Maple Swatch

What the brand says: 'The mousse conditions and cares for the skin, nourishes the pores and soothes blemish prone skin with Rose and Lavender essential oils. Due to the allergy-friendly formula, this foundation is gentle enough to fall asleep in, and also includes hydrating Mango and Jojoba to protect and shield the skin against free radicals.

This foundation has the same technical and scientific attributes as the rest of the multi-award winning Premae Skincare range; it is free-from gluten, nuts and tree nuts, parabens, petrochemicals and SLS. Suitable for all skin types, this healthy foundation shade 09: Maple caters for dark olive to light golden skin complexions.

8 core benefits of using Premae Mattifying Mousse Foundation

– World first Mango Butter based foundation

– 2 in 1 Mattifying Mousse Creme to powder formula

– Anti-ageing, Antioxidant and Phyto Nutrient (Vegan fruit and herb ingredients)

– 15 shades from fair, olive, to very dark

– Buildable coverage: light to full

– Soft enough to sleep in!

– Lightweight, airless, breathable and pure

– The 1st healthy foundation formulae – Mango Butter, Jojoba and Rose based'

Wear Time (with/without primer): This has decent wear time, but I do require 1-2 touch ups throughout the day.

Price (ml): £29 for 15ml

Pros: 15 shades available

Allergy free

Great for sensitive skin

Gluten, Nut, Paraben, Petrochemical and SLS free

Cons: Price; as you are getting half the size of a usual foundation.

Contains Essential oils

Suitable skin types: I wouldn't let the word Mattifying put too many dry skinned beauties off, as this foundation is hydrating and gives a luminous glow, if you're super oily you will need to prep skin accordingly. 

Ingredients: Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Mango Butter, Xanthan Gum, Rosewood, Lavender and Rose Essential Oils, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarine Blue. May contain: Zinc Oxide, Micronized Zinc Oxide, Silica and Kaolin Clay.

Oxidation: I was shocked to be colour matched to 09 Maple, it adapts well to the skin tone.

Any Other Information: I feel come summer I will need a darker shade.

Conclusion: I'm really enjoying using this foundation, and it's great to know that long-term it's doing my skin good, and on the odd occasion I do fall asleep in my makeup, I won't wake up the next day and feel guilty.

Rating: Like**

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

*Pr Sample

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; NYX HD Concealer

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.

NYX HD Concealer

 Brand: NYX

 

Name: HD Photogenic Concealer*

Coverage: Medium

Shade: CW08 Nutmeg (perfect match for me) and CW05 Medium (Swatching for reference and I can mix the two for a under eye highlight)

Swatch:

NYX HD Concealer Swatches

 What The brand says: Concealer who me? This lightweight cover-up obscures imperfections, discoloration and under eye circles, but does so without ever looking cakey or obvious. Little wonder the Concealer Wand is one of our best-sellers. The concentrated, emollient-rich concealer formula goes on like a dream, is non-comedogenic and creates medium to heavy coverage. Available in 12 shades. Use the lavender for sallow skin, the green to neutralize redness and the yellow for under-eye darkness.

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is great, holds up well with and without primer and doesn't crease on me. It has good coverage without looking cakey or heavy.

Price (ml): £6 for 5ml

Pros: Affordable
Long wearing
Non-cakey
Doesn't crease
Lightweight

Cons: Needs darker shades
More accessibility

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremely dry prep accordingly)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol, Trimethylsilcxypheny Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Polymethlmethacrylata, Silica, Sorbitan Olivem, Magnesium Sulfate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) wax, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan-GUM, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Red (77492), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499)
May Contain: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol,Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylmethacrylate, Silica, Sorbitan Olivem, Magnesium Sulfate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax,Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and Xanthan-Gum. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI77491), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77492) Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007), or Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Its called the Concealer Wand on the website , it's showing 8 shades with 3 colour corrective shades on the website, but having attended the beauty blogger event last week, I do believe that when they officially launch in the UK more shades will be available (I'll update this post accordingly).

Conclusion: I absolutely love this concealer and can see why it would be a best seller for NYX, for something so affodable it's very effective. It covers well, has good staying power and is Talc and Paraben free.

**Rating: Love

*Pr Sample

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

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40

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.



Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum foundation SPF40

Brand: Bobbi Brown (bobbibrown.co.uk)

Name: Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Warm Almond 6.5 (Golden was too light, sent it back, but swatched both shades below for reference)

Swatch:

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 Warm Almond Swatch




Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 Golden Heavy and Blended Swatch

What The brand says: See healthy, beautiful skin. Inspired by Bobbi's much loved Intensive Skin Supplement, it's a combination of supercharged serum ingredients with true to your skin pigments. Formulated with Lychee, Bamboo Grass and Cordyceps Mushroom extracts, this high-powered formula helps give skin the energy it needs to look fresher and younger. Super silky emulsion floats over skin’s surface for a flawless yet natural look–instantly and day after day. Normal to dry skin types- anyone who wants the treatment benefits of a serum combined with the flawless, skin tone correct coverage of Bobbi’s foundations. Goes beyond the surface, beautifying skin with a powerful combination of serum ingredients. Helps support skin’s cellular energy and also offers key anti-aging benefits for a smoother, firmer, more lifted look. Ultrafine pigments cover imperfections without settling into fine lines. Plus, SPF 40 helps prevent future damage.

Wear time (with/without primer): Wear time is decent in this current mild weather, by the end of the day my oils start to push through, my nose needs more touching up than this though.

Price (ml): £39 for 30ml (I picked it up from House Of Fraser for 10% off)

Pros: Infused with skincare
SPF

Cons: Needs darker shades
Expensive
Contains Silicone

Suitable Skin Types: Normal to dry, but works fine for my combo skin in this current mild weather.

Ingredients:

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 Ingredients

Any Other Information:  In a skincare-foundation hybrid, for silicone to be the second ingredient, kinda of defeats the purpose for some. Pipette dropper style applicator isn't that user friendly, not sure why, but it doesn't seem to suck up as much product as you would expect. I end up dipping the wand a few times and dabbing it on my face.

Conclusion: I like this foundation, but did not love it as much as I expected to, also the fact that I am the darkest shade available in a brand that usually has a really good shade range is disappointing. Also for the price, I would expect to love it.

*Rating: Like

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

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette

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.

Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette

Brand: Bobbi Brown

Name: Face Touch-up Palette

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Golden; Comprises of Corrector in dark Peach, Creamy Concealer and Skin Foundation Stick in Golden, and Sheer Finished Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow. (In the order swatched below)

Swatch:

Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette Swatches; Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin foundation Stick & Sheer Finished Pressed Powder

What The brand says: Perfect skin, simplified. This palm-sized palette has everything you need to make your skin look its best—Bobbi’s top-rated Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin Foundation Stick and Sheer Finish Pressed Powder. Ideal for all skin types and available in fifteen skin tone correct shade combinations.

Great for travel and touch-ups, this coordinated four-in-one face palette contains shades, textures and finishes designed to look like skin: Corrector to brighten and neutralize under eye discoloration; Creamy Concealer to lighten and even out under eye skin tone; Skin Foundation Stick to cover any redness and unevenness on the face; Sheer Finish Pressed Powder to set Concealer for longer-lasting wear. Start with Corrector to brighten and neutralize under eye discoloration, beginning at inner corner of eyes where skin tends to be darkest. Layer on Creamy Concealer, gently patting to blend. Apply Skin Foundation Stick all over the face, or just where needed. Set concealer with a light dusting of Sheer Finish Pressed Powder.

Wear time (with/without primer): I haven't reviewed the wear time on this, as the palette is more about touching up, which assumes your original base has worn away or you are wanted to touch-up/increase coverage to go out after work etc. Plus I will be including some of the products in this palette individually in this series, and will go into more detail then.

Price (ml): £34 for 5.1g

Pros: Great to try a selection of Bobbi brown's base products in one go
Great for travel and daily touch up's
15 shades, although I can only see 12 available on the website

Cons: Very small

Really deep skintones may not find a match

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Not stated on the website and the tiny leaflets included in my order are so small a picture would be difficult to read anyway. I am going to try and review majority of the items in this palette individually as time goes on, so will include individual ingredients then.

Oxidation: No

Any Other Information: I think this maybe limited edition so not sure how long it will be around for.

Conclusion: I think this is one of those things where, if it meets your need it's worth it. It would be great for travel/daily touch-ups, and a good way to trial 4 base products from Bobbi Brown without having to invest in full sizes. I would have liked if the price was a little cheaper though, considering the size. I personally don't tend to touch up concealer and base daily, just powder, plus if I do touch-up concealer (if I'm going out after work) I would use a lighter shade to highlight. So I will be exchanging this for the creamy Concealer kit (stay tuned for a review), as I think this is best suited to my needs, and I can pick the appropriate highlight shade for my skintone.

*Rating: Dislike (I like the individual products inside, but this palette doesn't serve it's ourpose for me).

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

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.