e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 in Porcelain

$6.00 USD for 0.8 oz

I'm skeptical about reviewing any of the e.l.f. face products and including my opinion on the color-matching of the product, but when you get the lightest color that the brand has in everything and only one product is as light as (and lighter than) your skin, it's a clue: a clue that I am a hard match to find. The good news is that all of the face products that are name Porcelain go very well together...if they don't match each other exactly. Still Flawless Finish Foundation is a thick, almost cream, liquid foundation in a quality trigger-pump bottle of sturdy, frosted glass.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain swatch

NO, this is not the worst foundation I've ever used, but nor is it the best low-cost foundation. So far, I've noticed no direct link between this and any skin problems/acne I've been having--I just don't like how it sits on my skin. It seems that I am unable to find the right balance with this; one pump, the coverage is too sheer and my skin feels like I have nothing, another pump and the coverage is still sheer but it looks and feels as though I've caked on a darker, yellower mask of skin that can't be set or blended out with powder. I just feel like I'm missing something.

Smashbox Camera Ready Foundation SPF 15

$38.00 for 0.3 oz/8.5g

There is something about cream-to-powder products that is so appealing but rarely is pulled-off: built-in setting ability. Originally, my DiorSkin Nude compact was a tiny bit frustrating because the slip of product was still there unless powder was applied over top, and then Lotus blushes changed my world with a slightly stiffer formula that was hyperpigmented and actually powdery after application but doesn't have slip to begin with, so now, what about Smashbox Camera Ready?

Smashbox Camera Ready Foundation in Fair F0

Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 15 in Fair F0 is, not shockingly, a cream-to-powder foundation that should really be treated as just a cream compact foundation. I like to make myself up and then make myself scarce in the morning, so waiting ten minutes while my foundation sets itself is way more annoying than just taking 15 seconds to set it myself (most likely with Maybelline or e.l.f. powder). Camera Ready has pretty full coverage and is easily blended; a little goes a very long way, and a little more can go the distance as a concealer if the color match is just right. My frustration is really with just how creamy and mobile the formula is...

Vogue October 2011: Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation SPF 18 and Pressed Powder

$7.99 for 1fl oz/30ml foundation and $7.99 for 0.3oz/9g powder

High-end products are more often than not better for your skin, made with better quality ingredients, developed to have better looking results, and...expensive, which sometimes is no big deal and sometimes the deal. It's hard to find a good cosmetic in general, much less the right foundation for you; does it Fit Me? This is the ultimate question for beauty junkies like us, isn't it?

Maybelline Fit Me! Advertisement in October 2011 Vogue

For a few months now I've flipped past all clothing and celebrities in my magazines to find what cosmetics are advertised where--and which ones I can afford to try out after viewing their advert. This month I've settled on a makeup that I've actually applied to a friend before (and she was actually finishing off a bottle of it way back then in June). At the time, she said it was good enough for her to buy a second bottle--which is a huge compliment to the formula and brand--and now I can see why she was so excited! Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation and Pressed Powder actually does what the name implies, a rare occurrence seeing as Equalizer didn't equalize anything and Stay Matte didn't have that much staying or matte-ing power at all.

Estee Lauder Equalizer Smart Makeup SPF 10

$35.00 USD for 1.0fl. oz/28g

Anyone with skin as pale as mine has had the problem of finding a liquid foundation; there isn't just the paleness of skin but the undertone to consider, which, if wrong, can look exceptionally bad on a pale face. If you have medium or dark skin and the foundation doesn't match your skin tone, usually your skin will look muddier and lack-lustre; with super-light and fair skin, if the depth of color (usually just this side of white for me) is correct but pink (I have yellow undertones), I not only look like I have muddier skin, but look like an utterly crazy person wearing dark face paint because the simple combination of the pink and yellow makes where I applied the product darker (than just this side of white, yes?). Moral is: find the right color--depth and undertone.

Now...the right formula on the other hand...that's a whole other category I loathe to try and combine with the sentiments above, which brings me to Estee Lauder Equalizer Smart Makeup for Combination Skin SPF 10. I've finally found a color light enough in EL's line of foundations (sometimes it looks like the brand has dozens of types) to suit my skin, and in theory this is also the perfect formula--oil-control where and when you need it but hydrating over the course of a long day of wear. Yes, well, unfortunately that's not what I've experienced so far...

Lotus Bio-Mineral Pressed Foundation SPF 20

$30.00 for 9g or 0.32 oz

I bought this in Fair 1 to see how fair I could actually be considered, and sadly, I am this pale. I have stronger yellow undertones than this foundation does, and in summer I was most definitely too dark for this (can anyone say Fair 2?). However, it could be my powder foundation for the rest of autumn/winter easily!

Packaging: At first this gunmetal and silver compact reminded me of my Burberry foundation and eyeshadow (adore that packaging) but upon handling it more, it's not only lightweight but can feel very plastic-y in places, as though a good accidental ding might crack it. The compact does not come with an applicator and the mirror-lid is too thick to allow you to squeeze your own sponge or teeny-tiny brush in there. Bummer too. The powder can get kicked up when using a brush and if you don't use all that kick-up then the powder gets on the mirror when you close it. I, personally, don't think I'll be carting this around at all for fear that the powder will crack and get everywhere. However, this is far more convenient for me than the loose powder foundation--infinitely better!
(I've subsequently de-potted this and put it into one of my Z-Palettes.)

without makeup on skin (only on eyes)

wearing Aveda Apricot Whisper on cheeks, Aveda Amazonia Bronzer on temples and below blush as contour, Lotus Mineral Foundation, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara, Aveda Shadow Trio in Twilight on eyes, and Dior Addict Lipstick in Basic on lips

Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation

$22.50 for 0.24oz/7g (shown center)

Take a wild guess which color I am, I dare you! That's right, the lightest, 01 Cream...

Aveda Inner Light Mineral Foundation is a shock in two ways; one, because it has buildable coverage that I have rarely seen within the brand, and two, because it can, and does, last all day when treated correctly. The powder compact's formula is lightweight and can be applied sheerly with a fluffy brush for a slightly skin-tone-even-ing glow or heavier with a sponge to get concealing coverage that is at least medium. While this powder blends very nicely with other powder products, I have been unsuccessful in finding a good way to keep it from rubbing off during the day. Inevitably, something gets smeared on my clothes from trying to get an itch without using my hands or simply from pulling my apron over my head.

without makeup

wearing Aveda Inner Light Dual Foundation in 01 Cream (single layer)

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Mineral Foundation, Blush, and Lip Shimmer

$15.99 for 0.32oz/9g of foundation, 0.10oz/3g of blush, 0.09oz/2.8g of lip gloss

Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20 in Fair/Light may have sheer coverage at best, but if I want a finishing powder with sun protection, which I really do for quick summer-time application, I can think of no better product. It is a bit of a shame that I would have to build up a bit of summer color with a bronzer in order to not look extremely pale wearing only this foundation, but I still love the lightweight feel of the formula. Recently, when I've pulled out my BareMinerals, I've felt it went on a bit heavy, and even using a light hand, started to look cakey. So far, no indication that this Kirkland Mineral Foundation will do that, and I also feel like it is pulling less moisture from my skin over the course of the day while still controlling oil for about 5 hours (really the best any one product can do for me in the summer).

From left to right: Lip Shimmer in Simply Radiant, Blush in Simply Blushing, and Foundation in Fair/Light

Mineral Loose Blush in Simply Blushing is one of the most universal shades I've seen in a long time. It's a beauty cross between pink, peach, apricot, and a touch of plum, and as you can almost see from the photo, starts to melt into skin more naturally than the foundation. I'm just stunned at how flattering this is. The mineral sifter container keeps me on my toes about applying in super thin layers, but the color can go on extremely sheer or bold and poppin'!

LORAC Breakthrough Performance Foundation

$38 for 1.0 oz

This particular review has been a long time coming; I've had this foundation for over six months, and it is what I would like to call my "winter" color (of course, my "summer" color is eluding me this month so no matter). First, I'm going to apologize for the photo quality right now. I can't find the right room with the right light for good photos, and my camera seems to not focus on anything at all without its insanely bright flash going off....I'm working on it.

Since I seem to need to force myself back into the habit of writing a post a day (or one every two/three days), I can't wait too long for my photo issues to be resolved before giving in to just posting the best ones I can get. So moving on, LORAC foundation!

Breakthrough Performance has been hit and miss with me since I bought it, but I never returned it. Supposedly it is oil-free and anti-aging, but you've heard this before--I have no way of validating any anti-aging claims! I can tell you that the formula is somewhere between lightweight and heavy, and the coverage is sheer to medium. It feels thicker when I put it on, but especially with this product I can't find the patience to put it on in thinner layers. When I try to build up the coverage through layers, I can not see any difference between the first and fourth layer other than all of it is starting to smear and there is still sheer coverage.

I Hit Pan! But will I buy again...?

Well, folks, besides being silent for about three months, I have been doing something with makeup; using it! And what I have to show for it is three products that I am officially running low on: Dior Gel-Creme Foundation, Burberry Powder Foundation, and the Dior Brow Styler.

First, if you haven't read the whole review for any of these products, I recommend it not just for the sake of reading my blog (wink wink) but also so that you know what I'm talking about.

Second, am I going to be reinvesting in these three rather high-end and high-priced products? Two yeses, one no.

Chanel Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Soft Foundation SPF 15

Build-A-Look Part One: Bold Lip and Concealer

$54.00 for 1.0 fl oz. of foundation

Thank goodness I got a sample size of this foundation. I really hate that for a long while I have heard nothing but good things about Chanel....everything and yet have been unable to be truly satisfied with any products. Not to say or suggest that some aren't good, but for their price-tags, I'm not in for the life-long haul of the brand.

In my continued quest to find a few good foundations that serve different purposes throughout the seasons, I had to pick up at least one from Chanel's counter at my local Nordstrom. The SA picked out the right color for me and, in theory, the right formula, but alas, I'm still not sold. Mat Lumiere, as it's name may blatantly yell, is formulated to reduce shine and the appearance of oil on the skin throughout the day.

My first bone to pick is that no matter how thinly or thickly or layered I apply this, my skin never looks matte. It looks natural finish with a bit or glow around the tip of the chin, at the cheekbones, and right between the brow, but the say that this mattifies my skin without or before the use of powder is a bold-faced lie. My second frustration is that after my favorite and wonderful primer from Smashbox and a setting powder, Chanel Mat Lumiere still manages to make my skin turn "natural" finish within maximum of 2 hours and starts pilling around oil after 4-5 hours. I don't know what foundations you've ever used, but for me and my oily skin, that's still unacceptable and frankly BAD.

Dior DiorSkin Nude Foundation in 010 Ivory

Part One for Build*A*Look #1: Backlit Beauty

DiorSkin Nude is a great line of products, so if you're interested in certain texture (you like powder over cream or liquid, etc.) you can pick and choose what best appeals to you. This is the one that strongly appealed to me a few months ago, and became my only foundation over Christmas break at my Mom's. This foundation has light to medium coverage and neutral undertone. In fact, this was the only Dior liquid foundation I could get because it comes in this ultra-light, fair tone.

I find this liquid neutralizing; as opposed to looking unlike your skin tone it makes your skin look more neutral, naturally. It is this lovely quality which helps me pull off cooler colors when I want to try new things without looking like I don't know what fits my skin tone. Since I really want a good product like this in my kit as a makeup artist, I will probably be investing in the whole range as I can.

DiorSkin Nude Foundation SPF 10 in 010 Ivory

Beautiful in Every Way - Burberry Sheer Compact Foundation

This product review was later updated/expanded in this post.

$55.00 for 0.28 oz.

Well, I'm exhausted. I have officially completed my first grueling week at the Aveda Institute Columbus, and the most difficult thing about it was having to wake up so early. I could already tell by this morning that I am slowly adapting; by the end of next week I probably won't even notice because my internal clock will be correct. However, the most unfortunate part of the schedule has to be that all daylight hours are over on campus in class, so taking pictures in good light for different products is impossible. The dusk is spreading when I open the door to walk to my car--there's no way around that (hence crappy product picture above). For these next five, now four, weeks I will thus have severe difficulties trying to do a post a day. Instead I will try to put together looks over the weekend that involve multiple products to review and then write during the week. Sorry, though, I will give up an entry or two to catch some zzzz every now and again. I think you'll survive! :)

To kickstart a return to blogging, I get to tell you all about a particular gem from my favorite designer, Burberry! As you know, I heart Dior somtin' fierce, but I am more attracted to plaid than any normal human should be. "Pretty colors" is what generally goes through my head, and the Nova Check just plain speaks to me, saying "Anie, you look and feel beautiful today" with wavy, gypsy hands of hypnosis. Since Burberry put an embossed check are every piece of the packaging for the Compact Foundation in today's post. Simply put, I love it, but read on for specific details.

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Sheer Mineral Foundation Set

$21.99 for 1.0 fl oz Foundation, 0.42 oz Concealer, and 0.14 oz Finishing Powder

If any of you know of Borghese, the brand that does the Kirkland Signature makeup formulas, you will know that it is lower-high-end in price ($38 for foundation alone on average) but fantastic  in quality. I love pretty much everything Costco does...especially Kirkland Signature by Borghese. Haven't found a makeup or skincare product that didn't blow me away, whether by quality or quantity by price! For example, this set from the warehouse...

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Mineral Sheer Foundation SPF 20 in Fairly Light

This foundation has SPF 20 for sun protection during the day, blends smoothly (even though the color isn't a perfect match), and wears well with setting powder for over 8 hours. It has sheer to medium coverage, depending on how much you can use to keep it in line with your skin tone, but it is buildable. I like this about as much as my LORAC foundation, the difference being that the LORAC is lighter and matches my winter color better so layering works. This is going to be a huge staple for the summer; the color shown is Fairly Light.

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Mineral Sheer Foundation SPF 20 in Fairly Light

Rimmel London Stay Matte Clarifying Foundation in Ivory 100

$6.99 for 1 fl. oz

It's a sweatshirt kind of day for me. I keep getting just the most mediocre sleep ever, not bad but certainly not good, and it's most likely because my sodium intake is through the roof (yes, I have had high blood pressure in the past because I love salty foods). But, after feeding Sparky and spending some time with that big furball, I got down to blogging business and am now reviewing my favorite drugstore foundation.

"Shine Control for 12 hours matte coverage. With SkinPure Complex for a visibly purified complexion and gentle botanical extracts to hep soothe sensitive skin. Oil-free. Non-comedogenic. Non-acnegenic. Fragrancefree. Paraben free."

Rimmel London is my favorite drugstore brand pretty-much-period because I am an anglophile and because I find a consistent idea behind all their products. This foundation may not be literally clarifying my skin, but it's not clogging my pores or making my skin itch; I don't get an oil slick on my face by end-of-day and can carry this around with me constantly as 'backup.'

DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Creme-Gel Makeup Compact

This item's review was followed up with these comments!

010 Ivory ($48.00 for 0.35 oz/10g)

Not gonna lie, this is one of those products I've had to use everyday to find out bit-by-bit what I like and don't like about it; no instant reading here! To start, general observations. There is only 0.35 oz of product here when the usual foundation is 1 oz (and this is described as a foundation), so right there $48 is steep. This is only available in six colors, all with neutral undertones, so anyone leaning heavily warm or cool (seems counter-intuitive, but that's yellow or pink respectively) will find this won't quite match.


Day 1: Feels great on the skin but coverage is quite sheer and the 'creme formula that turns to powder' effect makes it difficult, if not impossible to layer for more coverage. The sponge inside gets the creme on it then the product dries to a powder finish on the sponge too, meaning a difficult second/reuse of sponge. The compact is designed oddly; for example, the clear plastic in between the sponge and product has to be lifted to get at the product, so you have the plastic over the mirror. You might think "it's clear, so you can still see in the mirror" and you're sorta right. Really you can only see some blurry reflection because there is 'CD' emblazoned on the plastic, and when you placed the sponge back on the plastic it gets a little smeared with product, hence smeary-mirror. Must do more research...