Monday Makeup - Aldi Lacura BB Cream Review

Lacura BB Cream in Medium

I'd say if you buy one thing this week/month, this should be it.  That said, we all know that Aldi has stock in for the blink of an eye and then it's gone.  Go to Aldi now and buy this.  I've had it for a week and I am converted.

The picture of me above is having applied the BB Cream and concealer under my eyes, with a little bronzer just below my cheek bones.  I have no foundation over the top or powder and look how smooth my skin looks!

Now, I am usually a Estee Lauder Double Wear Girl, or MAC Studio Fix.  However, at this time of year, every year I go on a bit of a quest to find a lighter textured foundation so that I stop feeling as if I am wearing a mask. I literally cannot stand heavy makeup in the heat.

Hence why on my little trip to Aldi last week to buy toilet roll (yes, I am that glamourous), I saw this and thought for £4.99 why the heck not.  I was so surprised at how perfectly it blended in with my sigma flat top kabuki brush and it lasts throughout the day too.  I mean don't get me wrong, you will probably want a touch up around lunch time, but that is the case for most foundations so I am pretty impressed by it's staying power and I go to the gym at lunch anyway so my makeup always gets a touch up!

I would highly recommend this for summer.  I've tried a couple of other BB creams and HATED them so I've been really shocked by how this has already replaced my foundation in a week!

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Revlon Photoready BB Cream First Impression Review

Click on Photo to see closer up version!

So I recently purchased this BB Cream.  I've got to be honest, I'm more of a heavy coverage kind of girl but from time to time I do like to lighten my foundation (usually when the weather picks up).  Therefore when I was shopping in Boots the other day I picked up a tube of Revlon's Photoready BB Cream to see whether it was any good. 

It retails at £9.99 from Boots.

Now Revlon say the following about this product:-

- HYDRATES like moisturizer

- SMOOTHES like primer
- COVERS like foundation
- BLURS FLAWS like concealer
- PROTECTS with SPF 30 like sunscreen

 Here's what I say...

Pros

• Moisturising
• Good Colour Match
• Little bit goes quite far

Cons

• Makes my skin look greasy
• Feels heavy and greasy on skin
• Does nothing to smooth complexion or cover imperfections

Ok, so I wasn't expecting miracles here.  I mean, I am a heavy coverage girl because my skin isn't so amazing.  Particularly now that I am hitting the gym everyday.  Let me tell you sweat does not aid the complexion. 

However, I would expect more of a smoothing effect from this.  To me this is nothing more than a tinted moisturiser, which is why I would only wear this under my foundation. 

I would not recommend this product unfortunately, despite ordinarily being a big fan of Revlon. Sorry - this time you just didn't do it for me!

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Foundation Review - L'Oreal Infallible Lasting Perfection in Golden San

For some reason I am back on the quest for a HG foundation.

Joy - money and time spent and wasted for the most part.  

I have however found this beauty in the course of my search.  It's not perfect because sadly it melts away after a few hours, but it is certainly a good foundation if you find foundations generally last well on you, or you are happy to top up. 

The finish is beautiful - smooth and full finish without looking cake, which is a rarity I find. 

It's the L'Oreal Infallible Lasting Perfection Foundation £10.45

Here it is, on my face.

*pose*

Such a smooth finish and I find it really helps the battle with my under eye circles also, most foundations don't even make a difference with them too. 

All in all a definite recommendation for me.  Just a shame it doesn't last for hours and hours - it would be perfect then!

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Maybelline Superstay Foundation Review

Hi my darlings - hope you are all having a good week so far and there is not too much last minute xmas prep to be done. I am sure most of you aren't as unorganised as me!!

Recently I decided to give some drug store makeup a go - back in the day when I was a young girlie I used to love using some of the cheaper brands, but that was mainly because I had the most amazing Garnier base that they stopped making.  Hate that.

One of the foundations I picked up was Maybelline Super Stay 24.  I am a sucker for a foundation that claims to be long lasting but absolutely nothing lives up to double wear in my experience (if you disagree let me know as I would love to find another!!).

The packaging is pretty boring but I do like that there is a pump on the top which makes it easier for application.  It retails at the around £9 mark.  As a lot of the high end drug store ones do these days.

I really like the finish of the foundation.  It's very smooth and sets pretty well.  I wouldn't say it lasts 24 hours though!! Definitely not.  It really needs a touch up come home time. 

It's not cakey or drying though which is a major positive for me at this time of year as I find certain foundations just don't agree with me at all and cause flaky skin.  Not good.

This is what it looks like in the flesh anyway.  I should say also that I am wearing an immense amount of MAC cream highlighter in this picture and MAC strobe cream as a base so it's highly likely you could make it a lot matte-er, if that is something you are in to.  Personally, I prefer a more dewy look these days - hence the sheen!!! Also, this is work makeup so forgive my tired eyes and poor chapped lips - this is pretty much how I REALLY look :(

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FOTD - no eyemakeup - eeeeeeeeeeek!

The term "FOTD" is used loosely here.

The purpose of this post is to demonstrate how some products really can make your skin look fabulous. My hair is scraped back and unstraightened. I have no eye makeup on and haven't even coloured in the eyebrows.

So for me this is really really bare faced. I would never let people normally see me like this!

However, sometimes it's good to come clean and show you things like how straight my eyelashes really are!

So here goes...



I used:-

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Laura Mercier Under Eye Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
Lily Lolo Flawless Silk

What I like about this picture is that my skin looks smooth and healthy. The dewy(ish) finish really is down to Lily Lolo - I swear by Flawless Silk for making my skin look pretty.

I would never leave the house like this and this is the look I ended up with:-



Whilst I was happy with my makeup that day (lippie was applied later) what really struck me was that the bronzer and blush seemed to make my skin look duller. I always tend to use darker bronzers and blushers on my face because basically I believed you skin looked "dead" (as I MUA once described my sisters skin as because she didn't have enough blusher on - cheeky c"w) but I am really going to focus on using lighter blushers for a while to see if the above look can be kept.

What do you think ladies - have you found this at all? Any tips for flawless skin? Or pretty blush colours?

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Mary Kay Timewise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation

The search for that perfect foundation, which suits your skin perfectly, is a tough one.  Most of us will never truly reach the point where we believe we have found the true holy grail foundation.

Don't get me wrong.  There are times when you feel you may be close, but the promise of something better on the market will usually get in the way.

Which leads me on to today's topic.  Another foundation review for your consideration.   This time, a new brand for me - Mary Kay.  I found this foundation as a sample from the latestinbeauty website.  I only got the opportunity to try it over the previous weekend however I was very impressed with the result and will seriously consider purchasing this in a more shade appropriate colour.

First thoughts were that it instantly evened out my skin tone and texture.  The foundation itself is not too thick and very blendable, but with the added benefit of very good coverage.  Certainly a positive for me!

The colour, was a ghostlike white (shade Ivory 3 to be precise), however having seen their website it would appear there are quite a few more shades to choose from.   That said, there does appear to be colours to suit darker skin so they could do with expanding the shade range all the same.

Aside from the colour though I like the finish it gave me and would say that it lasted most of the day.  I have yet to try this during a working day, although I would imagine it would last pretty well.

Here is the way the foundation looks on the skin...

I love how matte it is. It keeps any shine at bay which is a real plus for me as my nose is terrible for being shiny no matter what I do.

I could also get away without using any concealer with this, although I used a little to brighten the under-eye area later on.

Have any of you tried this brand before? I am totally new to them although it seems like they do quite a bit. If you want to look the website is here. The foundation retails at £16.00

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Colour Stay Foundation Review (combination/oily version)

So I decided to revisit this foundation. I had tried it in the past and decided that personally it didn't float my boat. (Previous post here)

It was worth trying again because my foundation applying technique has changed and I find that having moved to the cosmopolitan beauty blender my foundation is always smoother on application these days. Meaning it looks more flawless rather than cakey as it could previously.

So out it came and after wetting the blender and squeezing out the excess I poured the foundation onto the back of my hand and then from their to my face.

First thing I noted was that it was shade perfect (320 True Beige). Now that's rare. So far so good I thought.

Then I realised that whilst it definitely looked better it's still a bit "meh". I mean, my skin doesn't look bad. But it doesn't look amazing either. Here's some close ups for you all...

I think what I am not keen on is the fact that you can still see my flaws.  I noticed the pores weren't really covered and my skin didn't really look smooth.  Just covered.

Now I could and did go out with this on over the weekend and didn't feel like it looked bad or anything but I think the problem I have is this:-

It's not heavy enough.  Sounds strange I know but here is my position on these things.  If I wear a sheer foundation (eg. MUFE face and body or mineral makeup) I want it to look like I just have extremely good skin.  If I wear a fuller coverage foundation (estee lauder, this one, MAC studio fix) I want to look made up - not in a drag queen way but in a wow her makeup looks beautiful way.  And this foundation does neither.  It's in the in between camp which still doesn't do it for me.

I think I have used this like 5 times.  There is loads left and I have no use for it if I am honest.  Isn't it depressing how the search for the holy grail foundation often ends up like this.

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Proto-col Baked Mineral Cosmetics - Foundation and Lipgloss

Hey Everyone!

Hope you're having a happy Sunday!?  I've been very productive today and popped a video on YouTube while searching for a home to buy in Manchester.  Still not quite found the right place yet but here's hoping...

Anyway, I found out about Proto-col Baked Mineral Cosmetics this week and I'll be honest - I hadn't really come across them before.  Once I had read the press releases though I was very intrigued and super excited to give their foundation and lipgloss a try.

Happy Wearing of New Products Times!

LED Lipgloss £10.95
Baked Mineral Foundation £27.95

First Up - The Foundation

As you can see below the foundation comes in a pressed compact format.  This is a rarity for mineral foundation which of course is usually loose.  The shade is Moroccan, which looked slightly dark at first but when I applied it and let it sink into my skin I found that it was a really good match.

You can build up coverage and it lasts for a good while on the skin too, so you won't get that annoying situation where it looks like you have no makeup on an hour after application!  Plus, if you do need to retouch you have the joy of the lovely mirror with the compact.

This is how my skin looked up close after application using my Bare Minerals Fawless Face Brush (you can have a look at my video applying it here if you like).
Not bad eh!

I do really like this foundation.  I know it is a little pricey, but I really do think it has the potential to last a long time and it makes my skin look so dewy and healthy.  Definitely going to be using this on a regular basis!

Secondly, the LED Lipgloss

Before saying anything else I want to just say that I absolutely love this.  Can you see the LED light in the lid???

So cool.  Also there is a mirror on the side so you can apply it in low light conditions without worrying you have it all over your face!! Yay!

This is shade Coconut Ice and it's just so pretty.  I have it on in the above picture for you to see! It's not sticky at all and lasts for ages.

I definitely recommend these products and would say check out the range in general because they have eyeshadows and all sorts! I love and I am so glad I have found out about them!

If you want to have a look at these products and the different shade options you can go to www.proto-col.com

Happy looking!

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Vivo Cosmetics - Initial Reactions

Vivo is a new cosmetics brand introduced recently by Tesco.  Their prices are nice and cheap and it's great to be able to purchase makeup while carrying out a food shop.  Certainly makes it much more exciting! 

Kindly, I was sent some sample to try namely their Lengthening Mascara, Matte Foundation and Diamond Sparkle Lipgloss.

My first thoughts if I am honest were that all three of these products are unlikely to be what I would personally purchase from the brand.  When looking as cheaper makeup I tend to go for shadows, blush and lipsticks.

That said, I approached them with an open mind and here are my initial thoughts...

I like the applicator for the gloss.  I think a brush is often a really nice way of applying a gloss and I wish there were more of these about.  In terms of the colour it's fine, but as with lots of glosses it is pretty clear when spread with only a hint of colour so nothing to write home about in that respect.  One thing I must say though if I am being totally honest is, for me, this is far too glittery.  I cannot stand a glittery lipgloss and I don't think that I am alone in my thinking.  I mean, it's not the most subtle of looks is it.  Which did make me question who exactly this range is aimed at as the last time I wore a glittery gloss must have been back in 2002 if not before and I was definitely still in my teens then...

That said, if it is aimed at teenages then so what.  I think they would certainly be pleased to see a cheap ranged offering lots of products in addition to these I was sent.

In terms of the packaging of the mascara I think this is absolutely fine.  It says what it is meant to do and that is all I am concerned with when using mascaras anyway so I was happy.  What I found disturbing though was that when I opened the mascara the brush was covered in fluffy bits (you can see it in the picture above slightly).  I have yet to use this on my eyes.  I will try it and let you know how I get on, but this really did concern me.  Firstly because the product is new so I don't understand why the brush is in such a sorry state already and secondly because I have sensitive eyes and just think that all these loose bits are going to cling to my lashes and then irritate my eyes all day.  Not really what I had in mind when opening the mascara.  I will let you know...

Again, the packaging is pretty basic which again is fine.  I don't need fancy packaging just a product that works so that wouldn't put me off.  I was shocked by the heavy consistency of this foundation.  It really is thick and felt quite difficult to blend on my skin, however when it did it gave really full coverage.  I like my makeup to look quite "done" in winter, so this may work just fine for me.  I am yet to try it on my face, but I will carry out a full review shortly showing you what it looks like although the shading will probably be a little off.

So there you have it - my initial reactions.  Unfortunately, none of these products wowed me and I was left with the impression that you get what you pay for.  I don't know if that is really a bad thing, but personally I think that at this stage in my life I would rather pay the extra and get things that suit my needs a little more.  Especially when considering the state of the mascara.  The jury is still out on the foundation though so that may change. 

Despite me not loving these products however, I have seen other really good looking products from the range including eyeshadows and a concealer kit.  I would give them a go I think, but when I was in Tesco recently they weren't there! 

Has anyone else tried this range, or any of these specific products?  What did you think?

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The Weekend Is For Hauling

That is all xxx

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MUFE Face and Body Foundation Re-discovery

So recently I re-discovered my MUFE Face and Body Foundation. And I was surprised. I don't know if it is the time of year or something but I now love this product.

Which is odd because although I loved it when I purchased it at IMATs London, I didn't like it when I got home and just found it to be too sheer.

Now I love how sheer it is. Which makes me think it could be the time of year. I think in winter I probably need a little more coverage whereas in summer my skin is a little healthier so I don't need as heavy a product.

Here's what it looks like on...

As I said it's pretty sheer! But I really like that - it feels sooooooo lightweight on my face and lets your actual skin show through whilst evening the tone and smoothing it out.

I remember before purchasing this I saw a couple of girls used it and applied it with a big foundation brush. I don't. I use it with the cosmopolitan foundation sponge and swirl on, or my fingers. As the texture is so runny it makes fora really blendable product, which means you don't use too much which saves on the pennies in the long run!!

In short - I love this foundation and can totally tell why others do.

Have any of you tried it?? I've also included my July Favourites video link so that you can see what it looks like on in the flesh as I am wearing it there too.

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A look at Lily Lolo Mineral Makeup

Ok, so it's that time of year again when I feel it is necessary to reduce my makeup application. Well, not so much application, but level of thickness or consistency of the makeup I am applying. In short - I don't want to cake on makeup in the summer/warmer months. It just feels horrible.

Some of you may remember last spring/summer when my blog was in it's infancy and I first started using mineral makeup. I began with BareMinerals and naturally, as a blogger does, I just had to purchase other types of mineral makeup by way of comparison! (view previous posts here)

The first thing to note about Lily Lolo that is one of its strongest points for me is the fact that you can purchase samples - much better. Takes the worry away when spending hard earned cash on a tub of something that might not work.

*Click on picture to enlarge and see full effect*

The foundation, bronzer and finishing powder samples are £1.29 each and there are lots of shades to chose from. Which is another plus!

The best thing about Lily Lolo though is the finish. Just look how smooth, bright and fresh my skin looks here!! (I have used foundation, finishing powder and bronzer).

It is amazing. What is also good is that it doesn't irritate my skin at all. Some other mineral makeups provide me with a bit of itching and redness on the neck upon application - it does die down - but it is very annoying at first. This does not. It applies seemlessly and looks beautiful on.

*samples*

The one issue I have struggled with in terms of mineral makeup generally is that it does not last as long as some liquid foundations. I might have a primer to combat that however and will review shortly. Otherwise, my tip would be to keep your sample tubs so that you can keep filling them up with the product to use on the go for touch ups in your makeup bag ;)

Perfect for trying and later refreshing makeup!!

I would definitely say you should give these products a try if you are looking to use mineral makeup, or try something different to the one you are currently using. With the option of buying samples to try it just makes sense!

For those of you that want to take the plunge right away well the foundations, finishing powders and bronzers retail at £12.49 for 8g- yes that's right 8g!! So it is cheap and good! You can get it on the Lily Lolo website here.

And ladies - it lasts forever! Since my first purchase last year I haven't had to repurchase. And whilst I don't use the mineral foundation all the time I use the bronzer and finishing powder regularly!

You want to try it now don't you!?

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Layering MAC and Estee Lauder Foundation - creating perfect looking skin

I don't know about any of you ladies but I'm constantly trying to achieve that perfect flawless skin look. It's tricky because I love how sheer products even out my skin tone but hate that they don't cover my blemishes. Then, often heavier products are just too heavy. That said a good moisturiser or primer can work wonders and I am currently loving Maybelline's primer. What I am currently really liking is to mix foundations. Well layering actually, which provides the below result.   Here I firstly applied MAC studio fix liquid in NC30 with my cosmopolitan makeup sponge (damp). Then I applied Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Ivory Beige with the sponge. The result was perfectly blended flawless makeup, which lasted all day and all night. I'm talking HOURS. For those of you that like a sheer foundation - this would probably feel too heavy - but it is definitely perfect for a night out! Any of you use the same technique??

Follow me on Facebook, Bloglovin, Beautylish, Twitter and Youtube

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Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation Review

Hey everyone... it feels like its been ages! Finding it pretty hard to post at the moment as life is pretty hectic - I suppose it just gets like that sometimes and something has to give!

Anyway as always when I return from a brief absence I would like to say thank you to all those that stick around and "hello" to my new followers!!! Welcome.

So while I had a quick 5 minutes I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the much blogged about Chanel Vitalumier Foundation after trying it yesterday.

So in order to keep things short and sweet - here is what it looked like...



The shade that I tried was B20 Beige - it was a sample and was a little light for me (I am NC30 in MAC Foundation just for context). The coverage however was to die for.

My skin looked divine. It was looked very smooth and even. I was very impressed and would definitely recommend this. It provides the perfect coverage - I would say medium to full (I found it to be buildable).

The only downside was that it did not last as long as I would have liked - but I did not use a primer or powder so there is the possiblity it has the potential to last longer. Even with that I will definitely purchase this when I have finished some of my other foundations!!

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MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation Review

Hey lovely ladies!!!

Yes I know - most of you will already have this foundation - but it is my first time purchasing it so naturally I had to review!!!

I LOVE it. It is the perfect coverage and makes my skin look flawless. Also, another bonus - it lasts ALL day for me (even without powder to set) Yay.

I use shade NC30 which is the perfect tone for my skin and blends perfectly with my neck. Any darker and I would look RIDIC-U-LOUS. Any lighter and my skin looks a bit Twilighesque - you know death like pale (having said that - them vampires are just so stunning, shame I can't pull it off - haha)

Anyhooooooooo - here is what it looks like on with flash:-

And here is what it looks like without the flash:-

I am loving this foundation. It is so so good and perfect for all the xmas do's coming up.

But alas! There is one flaw - its really drying on my skin. Anyone else have this problem??

Please tell me your secret moisturiser/primer remedies for prevention of dry flaky patches when using this foundation?????

Thank you xxxxxxxx

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Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

Hello lovelies - I have another foundation review for you!

This foundation is said to adapt to skin tone and texture, whilst providing a perfectly flawless finish.

I have tried this with Bobbi Brown Hydrating Moisturiser underneath and Estee Lauders Face Primer Plus.

I find that on top of my moisturiser this foundation goes on well. It is smooth, and provides good coverage however the finish is a little shiny for me. I usually apply a little powder on top. This then lasts all day. It looks like this...

I do definitely like the finish of this foundaiton and I tend to use it daily at the moment. It cost around £8. I do find however that it dissapears to nothing on top of the Estee Lauder Primer though so that's a bit odd!

I wouldn't say that I would be in a hurry to repurchase this foundation and find that it is ok for now. It is definitely not my "dream" foundation or anything. But I do think it is worth a try because it makes my skin look a little healthier than some of the other foundations out there in these winter months.

What do you think ladies?? Do any of you use this??

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Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation

I tried this foundation for the first time on Saturday day time for a lunch date.

Using my normal routine of bobbi brown hydrating face cream I applied this on top and must say that I found it quite hard to work with. It's quite thick and a little difficult to blend with a brush. I think fingers may have been better. I had just exfoliated my face however, and actually managed to scratch it on my cheek which the foundation did cover beautifully.

It did look lovely from a little distance and I did get compliments on my skin but I just don't like it when makeup looks really heavy and cakey up close. So for me despite the coverage being good I won't be going back to this one.

However for those of you with normal non dry skin this would probably be a winner.

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Brobbi Brown Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation

Amazing.

I got the MUA to use this on me on my recent Bobbi Brown trip. Love it. Can't buy any more makeup this month though!!

However for those of you that wonder what it's like here you go:-



I really struggled to find any reviews of this online!!! But it is really fab - great if you have dry skin. Definitely a future purchase.

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MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation Review

Recently I went to MAC with the intention of purchasing this foundation if, after trying it, I liked it. The MUA was one step ahead of me and suggested I take a sample home to really get a feel for it.

I was pretty happy about this as normally I feel a little intimidated when I go to MAC - it's just so busy and you literally have to fight past all these glamazons to swatch a lippie. Hence why I normally don't bother! I was on a mission this day though and the lovely girl handed me the shade NC25 after I said that my skin was quite light and that most colours I choose ended up being too dark and orangey. It was a guess by her rather than a colour match but I think the shade is pretty decent - a little light if anything.

So off I went and tried it the very next day. I'm not going to lie the coverage of this made my skin look heavenly. Smooth and flawless. It's very buildable so I was able to hide blemishes (except dark circles).

Here are some pic's of me using the foundation (and just to clarify - I was not driving when taking the pic - I was sat on my drive about to set off and checking my makeup! hehe)

Intense stare times...





I know that my makeup is pretty basic on the car pic but this was just to show how matte and flawless my skin looks.

What I did find though was that in certain artificial lights it can look a bit heavy. Also, it started making my skin dryer and I noticed flaky patches appearing. This is a real shame because apart from that this foundation is perfect. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and resolved it?

I think given that it's £19 (one of the less expensive brands in selfridges) I will purchase this, but I'd restrict the use to nights out so as not to ruin my skin in these winter months.

One thing is for sure though I would definitely recommend it and can definitely see why it is so popular having now tried it.

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Revlon ColourStay (Combination/Oily Skin) - True Beige

Hey there everyone.

Hope your Wednesday is going well. I am SUPER busy this week as I start a new job in a few days and I have LOADS of pre-reading and tests to do, eeeeeeek!!

Anyway, it's always nice to have a break so I thought where better to relax than infront of my Laptop reading a couple of blog posts and quickly posting one myself.

So from the title you will have guessed it's another one of my foundation reviews. This time is a Revlon Foundation. Now I used to use ColourStay foundations by Revlon years ago, when I was around 17 and it did used to look great, but it was paired with an AMAZING moisturiser Garnier used to do that they stopped doing near enough as soon as I realised how good it was!

Even still, I had seen a couple of girls were using this and liking it so I thought I would give it a go. First thing I noticed was that I found it really hard to find the right shade. But that is always the case with drugstore foundation buying as you can't do much but put it on the back of your hand really.

Anyway, here is the result of the foundation on my skin:-




Thoughts???

Well I'll tell you mine. I think this foundation is a bit "meh". It's not bad, but it's not great either. When I put it on my skin it does even out my skin tone, but it doesn't lift or beautify my skin.

You can see if anything it looks a bit dull.

Another thing I found when at a wedding a couple of weeks ago was that it makes my face look a really weird colour in photos using flash. To try and explain the below picture shows how white my skin looks. From a distance it is more of a greyish colour. It's really not flattering on my skin tone for whatever reason.



So there you have it. Not one of my favourites and not one that I will be turning to regularly I don't think. Shame really, it used to make my skin look so smooth.

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