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

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?

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Foundation and Seamless Buffing Brush!!!

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 Blemish Remedy Foundation and Seamless Buffing Brush

Brand: bareMinerals

**Name: Blemish Remedy

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: Clearly Almond 11 - Dark skin with neutral undertones (darkest shade available in the UK)

Swatch:

Bareminerals Blemish Remedy Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: A gentle yet effective, creamy, weightless, non-drying, mineral powered foundation that conceals imperfections and helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and pores for clearer-looking skin. Formulated with Aspen Bark and Tea Tree Oil to help promote clearer, healthy looking skin and Aloe to help soothe and hydrate the skin. It will help to reduce the appearance of redness, while controlling oil and shine; 100% of the 102 women included in a clinical study noticed a reduction in skin oil after 6 weeks of use and 92% experienced a significant reduction in pore size appearance.

Application is recommended with the newly launched accompanying Seamless Buffing brush for best results, and apply using the Swirl, Tap and Buff method.

Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation has very good wear time, by the end of the day if I do not touch up at all my oils do push through, but gives me a glow rather than an oil slicked look. Being a powder foundation also, touch ups are super easy, if you are willing to carry the foundation around with you. Otherwise your usual touch up powder will work just as well

Price (ml/g): Foundation; £26 for 6g
Seamless Buffing Brush £24

Pros: Extra shades available in the USA
Formulated for blemish prone skin
Contains skincare ingredients

Cons: 10 shades; Not enough shades for darker skintones

Brush is sold separately, meaning initial outlay could be expensive

Suitable Skin Types: Acne prone, Oily, Combination, Normal

Ingredients: Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Salicylic Acid, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Soil Minerals, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid. May Contain (+/-); Mica, Titanuim Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI77492, CI 77499).

Scent: Light, sweet smelling, but inoffensive. Dissipates quickly on the skin.

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: The newly launched accompanying Seamless Buffing Brush is a densely packed kabuki style brush with a chrome silver handle, it's a synthetic brush that's very soft on the skin. I wouldn't say it's essential, as long as you have a kabuki/buffing style brush that fits nicely into the circular opening of the foundation. Even though this contains skincare ingredients, some which are quite high up the ingredients list, if you have severe blemish prone skin I would still consult a professional (which I am not) and continue your usual skincare routine.  (Although you can use this foundation even if you do not suffer from blemish prone skin).

Conclusion: Being an avid liquid and cream foundation lover I've surprised myself that I like this, but I think it would be great for the summer months, and it can be used to set liquid foundations/tinted moisturisers when used with a powder brush. I have the odd blemish here and there, so it's nice to know a daily foundation can benefit my skin even if only in a small way, and compliment my skincare routine rather than hinder it. I'm hoping bareMinerals will extend the shade range, as there previous foundations come in 20 shades, even though some of these still lack WOC friendly shades. This launches in September and will be available from bareminerals.co.uk, among the other usual department stores that stock the brand.

*Rating: Like

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

**Pr Sample

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; L'oreal True Match 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.

L'oreal True Match Foundation

Brand: L'oreal

Name: True Match

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: N8 Cappuccino

Swatch:

L'oreal True Match Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Following research into the skin-tones of women from around the world, the L’Oréal Laboratories have developed a unique palette of 23 skin-true shades in warm, cool and neutral tones. The result for L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation is a natural looking, skin-true colour without tide-marks and outstanding coverage without caking, that automatically adjusts to the texture of the skin to create a flawless finish, Oil-free and non-comedogenic. True Match Foundation has a micro-fine, creamy texture that contains 3 light, non-greasy oils. You can build up layers of L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation coverage for a made-to-measure finish. L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation gives outstanding coverage without caking. L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation conceals imperfections, without caking : its micro-fine, creamy texture blends perfectly with the skin's texture.

Wear time (with/without primer): It lasts well on my skin with and without primer, I did get the obligatory shiny nose after a few hours, and a touch up was required to keep the foundation looking it's best, but was not essential.

Price (ml): £9.99 for 30ml

Pros: 18 Shades
Inexpensive
Different undertones are catered for
Buildable coverage
Blends with skintone

Cons: No ingredients list on the website or packaging

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: None on the website or packaging

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Its available in boots and online as well as other drugstores.

Conclusion: This is a really nice inexpensive foundation, that has a great shade range, the colour match was great and it was truly a creamy formaula, but not oily.

*Rating: Like

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

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact SPF25

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 Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact SPF25

Brand: Clinique

Name: Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact SPF25

Coverage: Light - Light Medium

Shade: Deep

Swatch:

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact SPF25

What The brand says: Hydration, SPF and colour correcting optics in one simple step. Little flaws disappear-redness, dullness, sallowness-everything's brighter. Lightweight, oil-free hydration and sunscreen mean a more flawless look tomorrow, too. Each versatile shade is appropriate for a range of skin tones, also available in liquid form; Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector SPF30, reviewed here. Can also be worn over your favourite clinique moisturiser (a great option for drier skins), men can wear it too-it blends easily for a healthy look.

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time is good on this, despite it being for dry skin with and without primer, I ensured I prepared my skin accordingly with a lightweight moisturiser. 

Price (ml): £30 for 10g

Pros: SPF

Compact

Cream based

Great for travel

Sponge included

Mirror in the compact

No flash back

Hydrating

Cons: This is the darkest shade

Suitable Skin Types: Very dry - Dry combination

Ingredients:

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact SPF25 Inci list

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Clinique state this is for dry to dry combination skin, so I was worried on my combination summer oily skin it would be a problem, especially with the warm weather we've been having. However it was great, my oils definitely pushed through as the day went on, but it gave me a glow not an oil slick look. Super oily girls may want to try the other version however, which I think has a wider shade range too. 

Conclusion: This is a great lightweight base with added SPF and hydration, in a compact that's great for travel. It leaves a nice skin like finish, whether applied with a sponge or a brush, but needs a shade extension. 

*Rating: Like 

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

Aallexxy's FoundationFiles; CoverFx Custom Cover Drops

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.

Coverfx Custom Cover Drops

Brand: CoverFx

Name: Custom Cover Drops

Coverage:
1 Drop = Sheer Coverage
2 Drops = Medium Coverage
3 Drops = Full Coverage
4 Drops = Total Coverage

Shade: N80

Swatch:

Coverfx Custom Cover Drops Swatch

What The brand says: Custom Cover Drops contain concentrated pigments that allow you to customize any product and adjust the level of coverage you desire. Custom Cover Drops can be mixed with anything liquid to add coverage - moisturizers, serums, oils, primers, foundations and tinted moisturizers that are water, oil or silicone-based. These revolutionary drops feature our Flash Fusion Technology™, so as soon as you drop, the solution flashes off leaving behind the pigment that weightlessly transforms your favorite beauty product into the sheerest tint all the way to a total coverage foundation, depending on how many drops you add. The pigments are coated with Lecithin, which is biochemically similar to the skin, to ensure ease of blending and the smoothest application. With unprecedented control, you are free to customize coverage like never before. 

Before using Custom Cover Drops, shake well. Then, it’s simple! Just place your usual product into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage, from a sheer tint to total coverage foundation!

Wear time (with/without primer): This is unique in the sense that it can be mixed directly with primer, as well as a multitude of other things, so wear time isn't directly related as easily as other base products. I've been mixing this with a clear gel serum, and wear time is great, whether I wear a primer prior to this ir not.

Price (ml): £36 for 15ml

Pros: Suitable for all skintypes
Customisable coverage and finish
Free from parabens, sulfates, fragrance etc
Dropper style applicator
Only a small amount needed

Cons: Mixing agent may adjust shade slightly

Pricey
Dropper style bottle

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Ethyl Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Mica, Jojoba Esters, Triethylhexanoin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Water (Aqua, Eau), Alcohol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: You have to be careful what shade you get and what you mix it with, for instance if I mix this with a white coolured moisturiser it will lighten the shade slightly, which won't work as I get darker during the summer months. I can easily see myself getting the next shade up from this though, as I love this product. You can also buy a shade to adjust a pre-existing foundation that's either too light or too dark for you, or to adjust the as you tan so no need for a seperate summer/winter base product. Does not contain; Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan.

Conclusion: I absolutely love this, the customisable nature of it, the mixing process etc. This is a product my combination skin can wear all year round and will truly suit all skintypes, as it depends on what you mix it with. forexample, in the winter I'd mix this with a facial oil, while in the summer a mattifying primer.

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.

Premae Mattifying Mousse Foundation!!!

Premae skincare is the brainchild of Dr. Clare Eluka, qualified allergy practitioner and one of UK's top 20 natural beauty experts. She launched Premae in 2011, inspired by her own acne and eczema issues, Premae is now a multi award winning brand, with its recyclable packaging and vegan ethically sourced ingredients, they also support charitable bodies like the Allergy Foundation.

Premae Wonder Woman Event

Earlier this month I was invited as a Brownbeautytalk writer to attend the Premae Wonder Woman Event at the W Hotel in Leicester Square, and gifted the Mattifying Mousse Foundation, I was coloured match to shade 09 Maple.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation

I was shocked to be colour matched to 09 Maple out of the 15 shades available, the makeup artists did have a hard task on their hands, colour matching in dark club like conditions. I was sure the foundation, that states it's for dark olive to light golden complexions, would be too light for me. I'm shocked to find it's a nice match, saying that thought, I doubt it'll still match come summer. I dot the foundation on my face with fingers and buff it in with a brush; it glides onto skin, and feels very soft. Premae state the foundation is suitable for all skin types, I have combination skin and and find this gives a luminous finish, it doesn't exacerbate oily areas too much and feels comfortable on dry areas, so I wouldn't let the word Mattifying put too many dry skinned beauties off. I do have to touch up once or twice throughout the day on my T-zone, which is typical for me.

Premae MMFoundation swatch and blended swatch

This is the world's first Mango Butter based foundation, it also contains Jojoba, Lavender essentials oils and Rose, the coverage is buildable to about a medium coverage. Mango and Jojoba help shield the skin from free radicals, and Dr. Clare states that with long term use the skins texture gets softer, who wouldn't want that?! Premae state it's soft enough to sleep in, as its gluten, nut, paraben, petrochemical and SLS free. I haven't been brave enough to sleep in it, mainly because I don't want brown pillows when I wake up in the morning.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation Ingredients

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.



Have you tried this foundation or anything from the Premae Skincare range? The MM foundation can be found here and cost £29 for 15ml.



Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Hema CC Perfecting Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss

Hema; the Dutch equivalent to Ikea, except with beauty item launched in the UK in September 2014, they have everything from clothing, toys, kitchen utensils as well as furniture and the aforementioned beauty. There are 3 UK stores in Victoria, Bromley and Kingston, as well as an online store. The beauty range offers a wide variety of products from Mascara, makeup brushes to blusher, makeup bags and foundation, at an affordable price. I received the CC Perfecting Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss, both with SPF15.

Hema Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss

At £12 the CC Perfecting Foundation is one of the more expensive base products that Hema offers, so it’s definitely an affordable range. This base product claims to firm the skin, with the addition of natural oat extract , while giving a flawless medium to full coverage, mattifying finish and added SPF15. The SPF 15 can also help to prevent sun damage, it does not flashback in photography or appear ashy on the skin. It’s housed in a clear plastic pump bottle, with the standard 30ml of product with no added perfume and comes in 9 shades. I have shade N0 7, which is a perfect match for me (I usually fall between NC45-50 depending on the season). Being a colour correcting (CC) base, it has a good mixture of yellow and orange undertones, which help to balance out pigmentation on the skin and prevent those areas going ashy. I am absolutely loving this foundation, it’s a good colour match, lasts well and has buildable coverage. I do find that I require a touch up or 2 throughout the day, especially in my T-zone, but still feel this will be suitable for most skin types.

Hema Foundation Swatch

The Pretty Lips SPF15 Lipgloss is a new addition to the Hema lip range and actually looks like a tinted lipbalm, so I was initially confused as to why it was called a lipgloss. Hema state it’s a combination of lipstick and gloss and comes in 8 shades, it’s housed in a colour coded lipbalm type tube, that twists up to reveal the product. I received shade 17 Spicy Brown, which is a muted pinky brown shade, that is quite perfumed, but that dissipates quickly once applied. The pigment on these is very sheer, the gloss has a lot of slip to it and a glossy finish that’s comfortable to wear, but not as hydrating as a balm.

The Hema beauty range is available at hemashop.com. The foundation range starts from £3.50 and the Pretty Lips Lipgloss is £5.50, but I couldn’t actually find these on the website.

Have you tried anything from this range?

 

Thank you for visiting the website today

 

Alex

bareMinerals Bare Skin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and perfecting face brush!

I took the opportunity to pick up the latest Bare Minerals Foundation and accompanying brush while in Atlanta recently, it's not due to launch in the UK until around September, but I think QVCUK while have an early pre-launch at the end of June.

 

The bottle is colour coded to represent the shade of the foundation inside, I was colour matched to the shade Bare expresso number 19 of the 20 shades available. This is touted to be the first liquid mineral foundation, formulated without water, silicone, oil, parabens or fragrance. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and contains a non-chemical SPF of 20, it also contains vitamin C to help brighten the complexion. The brush has a little dip in the centre, once you shake the foundation well, you apply 1-6 drops, depending on the level of coverage you want to achieve and buff it into the skin. However I actually prefer to use my Real techniques buffing brush, so I don't think the brush is an essential purchase.

 



 



Bare minerals developed the tag line Shake, drop, buff to help you remember, you have to ensure you shake this foundation well, as it contains no binders it has a tendencey to separate. Despite the 20 shades I think darker skinned girls may still struggle to find a shade match, also the undertone of the darker shades isn't great, which doesn't help in shade matching.

 

SwatchedBlended

 

I would say my colour match is pretty good, although it does look slightly strange if I try to build up the coverage, but once the rest of my make-up is applied it looks ok. It controls oil well if my combination skin is properly prepped i.e. primer, light moisturiser etc. As my first ever bare minerals foundation, it's a lovely light weight formula, that evens out the skin quite well and is great for the warmer months. The omission of the usual nasties and addition of vitamin C and SPF is a nice touch, it's good to know something you are using can benefit your skin in the long run.

 

Will you be trying this new foundation once launched? Have you tried it already? What are your thoughts?

 

Thanks for visiting the blog today

 

Lancome Miracle Air De Teint foundation

The latest base release from Lancome comes in the form of this lightweight almost waterlike foundation, similar to others from the same company like Giorgio Armani and L'oreal, but with a better shade range available to UK consumers. I have shade 11 (I'm usually a shade 10, which isn't available in this formula), which is not as yellow based as I would like, however due to the light coverage it's forgivable.

Lancome claim the foundation is light as air with blurring technology that is weightless, for a translucent complexion (not sure what that means), that's matte while being radiant for the ultimate no make-up make-up look.

The formula is matte, while being glowy and controls oil well, although extremely oily girls may still need to touch up during the day. The foundation is lightweight, with light to medium coverage, so extra concealer maybe required. I have enjoyed using this foundation, it gives the kinda coverage I like for day-to-day use, I think I'll really enjoy using this during the warmer months.

• Have you tried this foundation yet? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Alex.

Maqpro Mandy Gold Palette!!!

I have heard Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist on youtube) talk about maqpro products for quite a while, so I finally decided to take the plunge and buy the mandy gold palette from preciousaboutmakeup.com (PAM), especially as I've been in need of a corrector. The palette consists of 6 shades totalling 55 grams of product, for £27.50, which is great value for money. These foundation are wax based and suppose to be suitable for all skin types, my combination skin is currently a little dry and this foundation feels great on my skin, I look forward to using it in the summer when my skin is a little more normal-oily as it's meant to be great for oil control.

                 
 

Maqpro is a french based company, not to be confused with Mac cosmetics, I think there products were more tailored to make-up artists but are becoming more accessible to us mere mortals. As you can see the packaging is nothing fancy, but it's very sleek and flat so I can imagine great for make-up artists to travel with, I'm not sure how sturdy the plastic is I've had it for about 2 weeks and it's fine, but I don't tend to carry my foundation around with me.

     With flash and without
 

















The orange shade is the corrector, if you are of a deeper skintone and have areas of pigmentation, any the orange shade can brighten these areas prior to applying your foundation. It also great for dark under eye circles, I always have my foundation go ashy around my mouth area and this prevents that. This palette contains all I need for concealing, highlighting, correcting, contouring, bronzing, blusher and foundation, you can also tailor it to the amount of coverage you want/need, great and compact for travel. I have found a use for all the shades except one, 3rd on along on the top row, but this will probably depend on your skintone. I can also use the orange and bronzing shade (2nd on the top row) as a blusher, the 3rd shade on the bottm is a great contouring shade due to it's grey undertone, but the shades can also be mixed to create the perfect colour for what ever you want.

 

Foundation a few hours after application.

 

The foundation goes on beautifully and blends like a dream, you don't need much, but initially you might think you are not picking up very much product due to it's consistency until you start to notice all your flaws disappearing. I have used both the beauty blender and the real techniques expert face brush and they both work great to blend and buff the foundation into the skin, you can set it if you need too, but I've worn it both ways and it looked great.

 

This palette is catered to darker skintones, but there are others on the website for other skintones, lighter and darker. If you're in the market for a new base, and also in need of a corrector, I highly recommend this product.

 

Have you tried any Maqpro products before? Let me know what you thought.

 

Thanks for visiting my blog.

 

Alex

 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer!!!

The Kevyn Aucoin SSE is not new to the beauty world, but it's one of those products that can take a while to get the hang of how to use it, it's so versatile that it can actually be rather confusing and if used incorrectly can make you look very cakey. It's a small pot of richly pigmented product that can create a very light tinted moisturiser type coverage or full no skin on show coverage, it can also be used as a concealer.

    

 

This small 18g tub costs £36, but you need such a small amount that it will last quite a while, I have two out of the fantastic 18 shades (SX12 and 15). As you can see from the ingredient list it does contain mineral oil and its the first ingredient on the list, so this maybe a problem for some, its available in SpaceNK stores and on there website.

With flash and without.

I've had shade SX12 (lighter shade) for a while and its still going strong, although I don't use it daily, I use it as an under eye concealer or all over my face, it blends well when used as a light coverage. It has strong yellow undertones, I either dot it lightly and blend with a brush or damp beauty blender sponge or mix it with a clear primer, like the one from elf and set it with Mac's mineralise skin finish powder in dark (this warms the product up slightly and tones down the overly yellow undertones. SX15 is a more recent purchase (January '13), I use it to contour my face, it blends well into the skin and the colour can be controlled by how much product is used and how well blended it is. I scoop out a small amount of product and place it in a small tub, to maintain the hygiene of the product, and since I've taken the first scoop I have not had too go back for more. Again these are not used on a daily basis, just because I'm a beauty junkie and have a few options of other products to choose from, but they are great products and I love them for there versatility.

Heavily swatched, with flash, without flash below.

Blended into the skin, with and without flash.

If you have a medium black or asian skintone, with strong yellow undertones this will work well for you, buying more than one shade also means you can mix to get your desired colour making it work all year round. You can also mix these with other bases, tinted moisturisers, foundations etc to adjust the colour and/or coverage.

Have you tried the sensual skin enhancer yet? How do you use yours? Any further tips on how to use this product?

Thanks for visiting the blog today, if you have any further questions put them in the comments section below and I'll do my best to answer.

Alex

Lancome's Teint Visionnaire Foundation Review!!!

I'm sure you've heard by now that Lancome have brought out a new foundation called Teint visionnaire, it contains 2% of the active ingredient in there visionnaire serum, which contains 4%.



BoxIngredients


It's a concealer/foundation duo that comes in a sturdy glass bottle, not great for travel, but then I don't tend to carry my foundation around with me on a day-to-day basis. Plus at £36 you want to feel like you are getting a luxury product, Lancome claim this foundation will reduce the appearance of pores, dark spots and wrinkles over time, all while giving you flawless coverage and SPF 20. 

 
 This foundation gives a medium coverage with a slight dewy finish, it lasts all day, although by the end of the day my combination skin is a little shiny in the t-zone area if I don't touch up at all. If your skin is more on the oily side you may need a good primer and setting power, probably touch up's during the day or opt for lancomes teint idole.


The high coverage corrector contains vitamin CG, which is meant to aid reduction of dark spots, dark circles and imperfections. It's a very thick concealer that is best applied with fingers, if you own Benefit's boing concealer its a very similar consistency. Lancome recommend applying the corrector first and foundation over the top, I would recommend using stippling motions with your brush to avoid moving the concealer applied underneath, I have used real techniques expert face brush and buffing brush and both work really well.

  
Concealer, foundation, Teint miracle in 10 and Teint visionnaire in 006 beige cannelle (No flash/flash).

Above I have swatched this foundation and concealer in shade 10 praline, I'm a shade 10 in teint miracle (this is more yellow) and this new foundation comes up slightly warmer in the same shade, I also swatched the shade below 10, 006 beige cannelle (there are no shades in between). The 006 was too light and too beige, so I had to get 10, once applied it blends well and matches great as it is slightly warmer I'll probably get away with wearing this shade all year round.



I really love the finish this foundation gives to the skin, it covers well without looking heavy or cakey, I don't have much to cover, but I do have pigmentation around my mouth that bothers me and can make foundation go ashy as the day goes on, by applying correcting concealer first this is less of an issue. Lancome recommend using the foundation daily for 4 weeks to see results, I haven't used it long enough so can't comment on whether the pigmentation has or will reduce, wrinkles and pores are not an issue for me at present, so I also can't comment on this.

Have you tried this foundation, what do you think, will you be trying it?

Alex