Pros
–Affordable
–Shade match for me
–Gluten free
–Talc free
–Fragrance free
–Buildable coverage
–Cruelty free
–Vegan
Cons
–SUPER tacky so you have to set it
–Cakey
–Clung to dry patches
–Not very creamy, tugged going on
Final Thoughts
You get medium coverage with one layer and full with two. I could not get this to stay on my nose. This happens sometimes, but usually between a brush and a sponge, I can make something work. Not with this one! It looked SO cakey with and without being set with powder. It did have good coverage though, it covered all my redness with 2 layers. The first day I tried it, it made me SO oily. I looked in the mirror and my forehead was shining. I rummaged in my purse and found an oil blotting sheet and was shocked. My skin has not needed an oil blotting sheet or even gotten oily in YEARS. It was just AWFUL on my dry skin. The next time I tried it, I thought extra prep and moisturizing would help. NOPE. I love the original Photo Focus Foundation that is liquid, but this was a major FAIL.
Before & AfterNo makeup :: Just foundation :: Full faceAM & PMSorry if this is gross, but look how oily this foundation made me. I was SO shiny. My skin is dry AF and I never get oily.
Before & AfterNo makeup :: Just foundation :: Full faceAM & PMYou can see how it’s not clinging to my nose and how it just looks cakey and bad. My skin just looked like it was begging for moisture.
Pros
–Affordable
–Not overly mattifying like most powders are
–Finely milled
–Looks good on my dry skin
–Soft focus effect
Cons
–Scent, very strong fragrance
–Hard to find :: I only find it in store at Wal Mart
–Not cruelty free
Final Thoughts
All powders will slightly mattify, some more than others, and that can look bad on dry skin. This powder is perfect for us dry skinned gals. It has a very airbrushed, soft focus effect and doesn’t look cakey or accentuate dryness. The scent is strong, like it is in most L’Oreal products, but it doesn’t linger and I can deal with it. I hate that it’s hard to find in stores. I only find it at Wal Mart which sucks. I don’t know how well this would work for keeping oils at bay so keep that in mind if you have oily skin. It’s my new favorite, go to loose setting powder.
Pros
–Affordable
–Easily accessible
–Good ingredients i.e. titanium dioxide
–Didn’t leave skin feeling dry or stripped
–Skin felt soft and supple after use
–Quality packaging
–Lots of product for the price
Cons
–Not cruelty free
Final Thoughts
I’ve tried the other masks from this line and really liked them so I figured this one would be good too and it is! I found this at TJ Maxx for $4.50 so I figured I had nothing to lose by buying and trying. Clay masks are good for drawing out impurities and unclogging pores, but they can be drying. This mask wasn’t, but if you have dry skin like me, I would only use one or two times a week. I will definitely be incorporating this to my skincare routine weekly.
Pros
–Paraben free
–Gluten free
–Cruelty free
–Shade range
–Shade match for me
–Fragrance free
–Full coverage
–Longwearing
–Lightweight
–Alcohol free
–Oil free
–Dermatologist tested
–Non-comedogenic
–Packaging, pump!
Cons
–Expensive
–Doesn’t work well with just any concealer or powder
Final Thoughts
The first time I tried this, I used my Hourglass powder and it was a hot mess. It looked heavy, cakey, and just bad. I tried it again with my Milani powder and it was a much better match. It set the foundation, but left my skin glowy and not cakey. I used my Catrice concealer and it was a nope, but it worked well with my Kylie concealer. I love the radiant finish and got full coverage with one layer. I really like this, but there are cheaper foundations that I like just as much that play well with any and all powders and concealers. I do think it’s a great foundation and if it were cheaper, I would definitely buy it.
NARS + Hourglass
Before & AfterAM & PMNo makeup :: Foundation only :: Full face
NARS + Milani
Before & AfterNo makeup :: Foundation only :: Full faceAM & PM
This month’s favorites are SUPER random, but this is what I’ve been loving so I wanted to share anyway!
Erin Condren Planner Folio
–I didn’t get an EC planner this year, but I love this planner folio aka planner holder.
–Of course, I went with the custom option because I wanted to put my dogs and other favorite things on it instead of a design, but there are lots of options.
–I don’t do the full own scrapbook planner with tons of stickers and fancy layouts, but I do use some stickers and this folio is great way to keep all of my stuff together.
J Crew Factory Suede Tassel Stretch Flats
–I got these on super sale and I am obsessed! I love the tassel and the pointed toe. The leopard is calf hair which I love and the tan is suede.
–I ordered the tan first and they were so comfy that I immediately ordered the leopard and black. I accidentally ordered the wrong size in the black and my correct size was sold out so I ended up giving those to my sister. ‘Twas a sad day.
–They are completely sold out, but there are a few sizes available in the leopard. Size up a half size!
Sephora Collection Dynamic Duo On The Go Face Brush
–My elf Massaging Facial Cleanser died and I’ve been too lazy/forgetful to get a battery. I saw this in Sephora and it was cute and travel friendly so I picked it up to try.
–The brush side isn’t too harsh and I love using the silicone side to really cleanse my pores.
Milani Prep+Set+Glow Powder
–This product is so good that it’s getting it’s own post here shortly, BUT in the meantime, just know this is a dry skin dream.
Colour Pop Constellation + Bare Minerals Nude Chiffon
–I always use some kind of primer or cream base when I wear eye shadow. It helps the powder stick and extend wear and it also intensifies the color.
–I don’t love Constellation on its own, but it’s GORG paired with this BM shade.
–It’s been my go to look for eye shadow this month. It’s easy, takes no time, and packs a punch.
–I got the BM shadow at TJ Maxx for $4 or $5 and I can’t find it online to link, but if you see it, get it. It’s so pretty!
It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
–When I first tried this, I didn’t like it. It pulled very orange/red toned on me.
–I got it in a gift set recently and gave it another try and now I really like it. The shade is a good match and I like the formula too.
–I have cheaper favorites so I’m not going to repurchase when I use this up, but it is a really good product.
Colour Pop Constellation + Bare Minerals Nude Chiffon=GORGEOUSNESS I finally got a diploma frame, 5 years after graduating, and then I couldn’t find my diploma. Most of my stuff is in storage and I went through every box in my storage unit and couldn’t find it. I ordered a replacement and finally got it hung up in my office. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.My sister gave me these scripture cards for Christmas and it was one of my favorite gifts. I have them on my desk and flip to a new verse every day. I look forward to doing this every morning and starting my day with God’s word. I share them on Instastories and I’ve gotten several questions as to where to purchase them. You can get them on Amazon!I got these Adidas sneaks half off at Belk a few weeks ago and they’re cute and comfortable. I’ve been meeting a friend to walk at the park after we get off work and these don’t hurt my feet no matter how many miles we walk. Image via.
Last week, I shared how I made my own powder foundation that is a perfect match for me. Now that I have a foundation that matches, I wanted to share my powder foundation routine. I usually reach for a liquid as I find them easier to blend out and less messy, but I do use powder foundation from time to time. If you missed the earlier post, you can read it here.
Prime–Spray Wet n Wild Primer Water :: apply Too Faced primer all over :: apply elf primer around the nose where my large pores are to blur and fill
Correct, conceal, and set under eye concealer
Creams–contour the nose with ABH Fawn, apply elf Jelly Highlighter to cheek bones
Foundation–buff powder into skin (I use this brush), 2 light layers for light to medium coverage
Blush, bronzer, highlight, and contour
Brows
Eyes
Lashes
Lips
Setting spray
This looks like a lot of products and a lot of steps, but I can do this in less than 10 minutes. It’s my go-to when I’m running late or just want a more natural, light look.
