CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation Review!

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 This page has moved! Check it out on my new domain CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation Review!

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This is the first foundation review that I’ve done, so let me just mention a couple things. Everyone’s skin different (obviously), so what works for me, might not work for you. All of my reviews are just personal opinions of products that I’ve tried. I’ll tell you what I like about them and what I don’t like about them. Now that I’ve got THAT out of the way 

There are a few things to cover that I think are really important when it comes to reviewing a foundation : Coverage, Application, Finish, Longevity, and Type (what skin type it’s best for)!

I’ve been wearing CoverGirl’s Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation (in 832 nude beige) for the past week and here are my thoughts:

Coverage

This foundation (I believe) claims to be a full coverage foundation, and it achieves it’s claim pretty well!  I don’t have very acne prone skin, but any small blemishes I do have, it seems to cover pretty well. I have pretty red skin, and even though it’s full coverage, I found that it didn’t cover up my redness unless I used a color correcting primer, and even then sometimes some redness would peek through which I didn’t like too much…. The only foundation that I’ve had that really covered up my redness enough to use without a primer is Revlon ColorStay, so I don’t knock too many points for that (I’m just being picky)!!

Application

The way that you apply foundations can greatly affect how it goes onto the skin and the finish that it gives, so before you decide you don’t like a foundation (or even that you do), it’s best to try several different ways of applying so that you get the most out of your makeup! I tried this foundation with both of my foundation brushes (Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Kabuki and UD Optical Blurring Brush), my fingers, and a blending sponge. My favorite way to apply this foundation is with my blending sponge. I found that it gave the most flawless finish. When I applied it with the foundation brushes, I found that it accentuated my pores, which is one of my biggest concerns when using foundations.

Finish

I really liked the finish of this foundation, which is very matte by the way! The foundation itself isn’t super liquidy, it’s more creamy, which is a bit different than most of the liquid foundations that I’m used to, but I like it! When I finished putting on the foundation the finish was very smooth, visually and to the touch. It feels very nice on the skin!

Longevity

The problem that I find with a lot of foundations (especially drug store foundations) is that they tend to fade as the day goes on. I personally have oily skin, so a lot of foundations require that I reapply powder or blot throughout the day to maintain a shine free face. This foundation is no exception. I found that the coverage does last most of the day (although my redness does tend to peek through a bit). The problem with this foundation (as with many) is that by the end of the day, if you aren’t occasionally reapplying powder, you can expect an oily face and more noticeable pores as the foundation tends to seep into skin more as time passes (which can be a problem if you have large pores like me!). But overall, I was impressed with the lasting coverage, which leads me into my next category!!

Skin Type

I definitely wouldn’t categorize this foundation as good for people with oily skin, but as far as foundations go, I don’t think it’s particularly bad for them either. If you have oily skin, just make sure to carry a powder with you to keep your face shine free. I think this foundation would be best for people with normal to dry skin. It feels great on the skin, almost moisturizing, which would be great to help with any dryness.

Bottom Line

This is a great foundation if you’re someone with normal to dry skin (if you have oily skin, definitely use powder) and you’re looking for a full coverage foundation. The price point is good as it’s only $10, but as far as drug store foundations go, Revlon ColorStay is still my #1 choice.

Sephora VIB & 500 Point Perk!

So I went to Sephora yesterday and after my purchase, the sales lady told me that I qualified for Sephora's VIB Status (which I qualified last year, but they gave me a new card for use starting this year!) My new card came with a 10% entire purchase coupon, a free shipping coupon, and a free 45 minute makeover session.

I also chose to redeem a 500 point reward! The 500 point reward at my local Sephora was a 4 piece Buxom Eyes, Lips, and Face set. It includes a 1 oz Illuminizer in Venus, Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sugar, Buxom Lash Mascara, and Smokey Eye Stick in Silver Smoke.

So far I've only tried the Luminizer and the Lip Gloss, but I love them both!! The luminizer is a gorgeous gold shimmer that is perfect for a highlight or an overall glow to the skin. The lip gloss is amazingly long lasting, and the color is beautiful on the lips! If you've ever tried a Buxom lip gloss you know that it has a minty tingly feeling that's feels amazing! Even the luminizer has somewhat of a tingly feeling. 

Bottomline:

This is a great 500 point perk if you're looking to use your points! I highly reccomend!!

After Christmas Haul!

Kaley and I went shopping a few days ago, and I've been to Walmart a couple times since Christmas (so naturally I bought lots of new makeup!). So today, I have a haul of everything I got for you today.

Here's what I got from Walmart:

CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast ($6.99)

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation in 832 ($9.99)

Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in 12 Rossetto ($4.49)

Rimmel London Eyeshadow Palette in 761 Sapphire Moonstone ($3.49)

L'Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($7.49)

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 222 Infinity Sky ($6.99)

Milaini Liquif'Eye Eyeliner Pencil ($6.99)

Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Palette in 383B Knock on Wood ($2.99)

Here's what I got from Ulta:

NYX Roll on Shimmer in 12 Platinum ($4.49)

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk ($4.49)

Here's what I got from Sephora:

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Cream Glow ($32)

Optical Blurring Foundation Brush from Urban Decay ($24)

Here's my video version of this haul:

Look of the Day 12/26 - UD Naked Smokey Eye

Hey! I'm Kaley, and I'm a freshman biology major (but may be considering changing that to chemistry... I don't know yet!). I don't have nearly as much higher-end makeup as Laura because I've always been the huge proponent of drugstore makeup... I'm getting into it now though, and I'm having fun playing around with the UD Naked palette at the moment. I have terrible skin that I'm working on bettering, so please forgive me, this is why I will mainly be focusing on eyeshadow looks and lips.

This was my look of the day for the day after Christmas (my first one since getting the Naked palette!) and I really love the dramatic black effect.

Products used:
     Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Sephora, $20)
     Almay Intense I-color Satin-I Trio for Blues (Walmart, $6)
     Urban Decay Naked Palette (Sephora, $50)
     E.l.f. Essential Liquid Eyeliner in Black (Target, $1)
     Almay One Coat Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Black (Walmart, $7)
     L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lip Gloss in Blush (Walmart, $9)

What I did in 10 easy steps:
     1) First, I primed my eyes with the primer potion.
     2) Then, I used a fluffy brush to apply Buck to my crease, then applied Naked just
              above and blended that out.
     3) I applied a piece of scotch tape to the outer edges of my eyes.
     4) I used a flat brush to apply Creep to the outside of my eye, blending out the harsh
              line.
     5) Using the flat brush again, I patted Gunmetal onto the center of my lid.
     6) Next, I applied Virgin using a flat brush just under my brow bone and Half-Baked
              near the tear duct.
     7) Then I used a flat brush and applied a mix of Gunmetal and Creep to my lower lash
               line.
     8) I applied a bit more Creep to darken the look and blended that out, then removed
              the tape.
     9) I lined my top eyelid thinly, with a slight wing to match the tape line, then applied
              mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
     10) I filled in my eyebrows lightly using the darkest shade of the Almay palette.

That's it! Nothing too difficult about this one, and I really like it a lot. I'll certainly be using this a bunch when I don't have time to go for a new look! That's all I've got for now, I'll be posting a slightly modified version of this look with more of a cranberry tone very soon, so be on the lookout for that! Ta ta for now :)

NYX Matte Lipstick

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This page has moved! Check it out on my new domain NYX Matte Lipstick

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I've got a bit of a review for you today on a lipstick that I purchased from Ulta a few weeks ago for $5.99, and I must tell you... I've been loving it!! It's NYX's Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Daiquiri.

Let's talk about the color...

I tend to stick with neutral makeup most of the time, since I think that it's appropriate for most people and more universally flattering. Strawberry Daiquiri is a beautiful deep, mellow Rosie color that's just gorgeous. The pigmentation/color payoff is absolutely wonderful! You just can't ask for more from a drugstore lipstick. Lots of people starting out in makeup are afraid to try it or don't view lipstick as an important part of their makeup routine, but you'd be surprised just how much a little lipstick can do to change your look!

Let's talk about the finish....

Obviously as part of the name, the finish of this lipstick is matte. I think sometimes people shy away from matte finishes thinking that they will be dull or drying, but this isn't the case. It does tend to fill into the crease of your lips a bit as it drys, but I haven't had any problems with it appearing cracked or dry. When you're applying the lipstick, it glides on very smoothly and the feel is quite nice. However, I would recommend, especially if you have dry lips, to apply chap stick before you apply any lipstick, and this lipstick is no exception. The finish is matte, but it's pretty natural appearing. Personally, I prefer a matte finish to a sheer one. (If you'd like a more shiny finish, just add a lip gloss!)

Let's talk about the staying power...

Honestly, I was quite impressed with the longevity of this lipstick. It reminds me somewhat of a stain because once the actual lipstick wears away, some color remains, although don't expect it to survive meals... This lipstick does not dry out your lips (at least it doesn't for, and I can't live without my Burt's Bees my lips are so dry!), and I'd say it leaves a very nice moisturizing feeling on your lips.

Here's what the lipstick looks like when it's first applied...

Here's what it looks like after some time... (no additional lipstick or chap stick was applied during this test)

Let’s talk about the cons…

I can honestly say there isn’t anything about this lipstick that I don’t love. (Well… I wish I could apply my Burt’s Bee’s without taking it off, but every lipstick does that!) The consistency is creamy and the pigmentation is amazing, but I’ve heard that not all the colors are exactly the same. According to many beauty tubers, the consistency of each color isn’t the same. Here’s a link to a swatch video from itsjudytime. She gives some great information as to the consistency of the different colors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgxCxwzoIIw

Final thoughts…

I adore this lipstick! The color is absolutely gorgeous, and I probably love it even more than Smashbox Lipstick in Primrose (at the time I thought it was my holy grail natural lipstick!). Considering the price, I’d say it’s great lipstick to add to your collection! Let me know if you have any questions or have a request: lkhbeauty@gmail.com 

My Growing Collection

This is my first blog post, so forgive me if it's a little rough! My name is Laura, and I'm a freshman computer science major (makeup and computers....strange, I know!) and while my collection is relatively small compared to a lot of beauty bloggers, it's growing quickly!! No matter how much I have, I just never seem to get enough of it... (which is how I like it ;) shhhh.....) I decided to start this blog to turn my love of makeup into something that others can enjoy as well because no matter how many people tell me that I'm crazy for having so many beauty products, I know I'm not alone in my addiction. To all the other beauty fanatics out there, this one is for you!

This is just an overview of the products that I currently keep in my makeup bag. I use most of these products everyday, or a least some variation of them. However I own quite a few more products than are shown here.

First things first, concealers! From left to right: Elf Under Eye Concelealer & Highlighter (Target, $3), Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette in Hidden Agenda - 07 (Target, $10.49), Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer (Walmart, $6), Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC15 (Mac, $15).

Primers are definitely super important for me, especially since I have naturally red skin. From left to right: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer (Target, $10.99), Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting (Sephora, $38), Benefit's Porefessional (Sephora, $30), Urban Decay Primer Potion (Sephora, $20).

I've owned quite a few more foundations than just these two, but these are the two I use the most. Actually the smashbox foundation pictured below actually contains Revlon's Colorstay Foundation. I ran out of the smashbox, and so I cleaned the bottle out and poured in my Revlon Colorstay Foundation, since the original container doesn't have a pump. From left to right: Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 102 Warm Ivory (Walmart, $6.49), Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation in 2.1(Sephora, $42).

My absolute favorite way of collecting eyeshadow because you get to try so many new eyeshadows that you might not normally pick up (and at a better price!). Not picture here since I return the product, I also used to own Urban Decay's Smoked Palette. From left to right top to bottom: Naked 2 (Sephora, $50), Naked (Sephora, $50), Lorac Pro (Ulta, $42), UD Vice Palette (Sephora, $59), Smashbox Master Class 11 (Sephora, $59).

Probably the product I purchase the most, eyeliners. I've owned quite a few more than the ones pictured below, but these are the ones I keep in my bag. From left to right: UD 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero (Sephora, $19), Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen (Walmart, $6.99), L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black (Walmart, $7.49), Maybelline Line Stiletto (Walmart, $5.97), Wet n Wild (Walmart, $0.97), Rimmel Soft Kohl in 071 Pure White (Walmart, $2.99), Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Defining Marker (Walmart, $3.99), Almay Eyeliner (Walmart, $5.98), Elf Liquid Liner (Target, $1), Sephora Jumbo Liner in 17 Black (Sephora, $14), UD 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil (Sephora, $20), Hard Candy Concealer in Light Pale (Walmart, $6) - comes with Glamoflauge Concealer, I included it with eyeliners and pencils because I most frequently use it as a nude eyeliner on the waterline.

In my opinion, arguably the most overlooked part of a makeup routine, mascaras! Up until recently I'd only owned drugstore mascaras, but I've been loving my new high end mascaras. From left to right:  Tarte Lash Primer (trial size), Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara (Sephora, $19), Maybelline One by One (Walmart, $5.94), Maybelline Pulse Perfection (Discontinued), Benefit BADgal Waterproof (Sephora, $18), Buxom (Sephora, $22).

 If there is anything you see listed here, or not, that you would like me to review or give my thoughts on, feel free to comment below or send me an email at lkhbeauty@gmail.com.

Here's my video version of this blog post!