Hey Glossies,

Normally with Maybelline foundations, I have to mix 2 shades, Caramel (a bit too light) and Cocoa (too dark) to get the desired shade. I have pleaded with Maybelline to create a shade in-between Caramel and Cocoa. When I saw that the Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation was available in Light Cocoa, I had to try it out.

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation - Light Cocoa 360 Shade

Initially, when the Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation is sprayed into the palm of the hand, the shade appears lighter than expected, but it quickly turns darker into the Light Cocoa shade.

I tried the Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation with a foundation brush and with my hands. The foundation brush seemed to make the foundation look blotchy, streaky and not a lot of coverage. On the other hand, when I used my hands, the application seemed to be more even and the coverage was medium buildable. I rubbed my hands together as if I were lathering up soap and and patted my face with the foundation. I blended with buffer

Before

brush and I repeated the patting motion twice for the right amount of coverage needed.

After

The foundation is lightweight and lasted the entire day. I did not see any signs of oxidation or the gray cast that some other Maybelline foundations cause.

Overall, I like the Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation in Light Cocoa. It was a bit messy to use (keep makeup remover wipes handy). I like that I did not have to mix colors. *3 Cheers*

I will definitely re-purchase.

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

Recently, I tried the Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel.   The gel is a combination of foundation, primer, color-corrector and powder.  The gel is formulated with rich antioxidants, and vitamins A and E  which should instantly improve skin tone and retrain proper hydration.

The Gel comes in 5 shades:  Translucent, Luminous, Radiant, Rich and Decadent.

I used the Perfekt Skin Perfection gel in Decadent.  The texture is smooth and lightweight and the product does not stain like traditional foundations.

Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel in Decadent

Before Applying Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel - Decadent

Because of the scarring on my cheeks, I do not use tinted moisturizers because I need medium (buildable) coverage.  The Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel did reduce a bit of the scarring.

After Applying Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel - Decadent

Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel - FOTD

Overall, I like this product more as a primer and color corrector.  Foundation looks fresher longer and I had a glow to my skin that was not dewy or oily.  If a tinted moisturizer does not work for you, I suggest opting for the Translucent formula. Retails for $57.50 and can be found at Sephora.

Mix Maven

Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel was provided for review from the manufacturer. Please see Pumps and Gloss disclosure policy for more information.

Hello Glossies,

I am always excited about trying new foundations. Recently, at TMS NYC, I received a free  Mehron Celebre HD Pro Foundation.  Unfortunately, the shade was Medium 2 [Me2] (See Chart Below) But that did not leave me saddened, I went to the Mehron booth to check out the shades and, possibly,  get matched up.  When I saw the range of the shades, I was totally amped about this brand!! I was very fortunate enough to get matched up by Raedawn Johnson, Makeup Artist extraordinaire.

Mehron Celebre HD PRO Foundation - Dark 2

Mehron Celebre HD PRO Foundation - Dark 2

Since I only wear foundation on the lower part of my face, Ms. Johnson matched me up to Dark 2 (DK2).  I really like this foundation. The creamy texture is light and the coverage is medium buildable.   The end result is a smooth and flawless finish.  The HD PRO foundation wore well…It was not sliding off my face. It also passed the church test (the best place to test to foundation). When I teared up, there was little to no streaking. That is a huge PLUS in my book. Plus, the price is Riiiiiiight at $9.95.  Great quality at an even better price. I will definitely re-order!!!

In the FOTD:

I am wearing the Dark 2 along with MAC MSF Natural in Dark.  I am wearing Double Dare c/g and an Inglot e/s (an antique gold shade). I need more Inglot in my life!!!!

So check out the shades on the chart below, there might be a fit in the appropriate shade.

One tip for purchasing online, to find HD shades, scroll down to LT1 and then select the desired shade from that point.

Have you tried the new Mehron Celebré Pro HD Foundation? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

I finally tried NARS foundation and I purchased MAC’s Love Lace e/s.  More on the foundation later.

I do not own any color that is similar to Love Lace…the color reminds me of denim (a combination of navy blue and grey). I totally love the color and the texture.  Veluxe Pearl is my favorite MAC texture and can do no wrong. Initially, I applied Love Lace with no primer and I was pleased with color payoff.  (As long as I have used MAC, I have never sampled the e/s without a primer.)

On to the foundation. I went into a popular chain store to get matched to NARS.  The MA was pleasant.  She did not  the unthinkable, she did not remove the foundation to match my skin to the appropriate shading. I gasped and took the samples and left the store.  I thought, “Who the heck matches foundation without removing foundation? What if the customer/client is wearing the wrong shade to begin with?” Sidear: I am always telling my friends that they have to be active participants in the matching process because some MAs will not do the right thing.  I went to another chain store and tested and received samples of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation and I tried Macao, New Orleans and Benares.  The latter shades are too dark for most of my face, but New Orleans [Who Dat! ] and Benares work well on the lower part of my face. Macao works well on the rest of my face.

I like the fact that NARS really understands the intricate shading of WOC, even in the descriptions. Macao is listed as Medium-dark 4-Medium-dark with deep yellow undertone, New Orleans is Medium-dark 5-Medium-dark with yellow undertone and Benares is Dark 2 – Dark with golden undertone.

I am very pleased with NARS Sheer Glow foundation, which is neither sheer nor glowy.  The coverage is good, medium buildable. Definitely feels light against skin.  When I looked at my face, I forget that I was wearing foundation…it does look quite natural.  I love it!!

Face

• MAC Select Cover-up – NC50
• NARS Macao Sheer Glow Foundation
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation (Base #5)
• Clinique Blended Face powder Transparency #5
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder (Base #5)

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte™ Oil Control Lotion SPF 20
• Stila Smudge Pot – Gray
• Purely Cosmetics CTP – Slate Blue
• MAC Love Lace e/s
• L’Oreal HiP Duo – Platinum (Side:Black with flecks of silver glitter)
• Smashbox Eyelights – (Peach side)
• Shu Uemura Paint Liner – Black
• Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes mascara
• Barry M Kohl Pencil – Black

Lips

• MAC Tender Tone – Sweet Tooth
• Revlon Matte – Cocoa Craving

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

There has been a lot of discussion lately on P&G about foundation.  Finding the right foundation can be elusive at times, but there are some brands that have shades for the medium dark to deep dark WOC, so don’t be afraid to try brands that are not too popular..does not mean they are not good.

I am always trolling Sephora’s sale page and I have been noticing a bit of foundation for the deep dark beauties at discounted prices.

Napolean Perdis Foundation Stick Look 8 – This foundation is great.  I use Look 7 foundation stick very lightly on my roseacea areas as a cover-up and the coverage is AWESOME! The coverage is full, but the foundation feels light on the skin, which I love.

Napolean Perdis Foundation Look 8

Napolean Perdis China Doll Foundation Look 7 - The foundation is sheer. I have tried Look 6  and it works well on the non-rosecea part of my skin, which is from the apple of the cheeks to the forehead. It is light and not too matte, but not dewy at all…just right.

Napolean Perdis China Doll Foundation Look 7

Cargo Foundation Oil-Free Foundation – F 100 – I have not used this product, but fellow beauty homies like this product.  They said the coverage is sheer.  One of them raved about that she looked natural, but had a glow without looking dewy or greasy.

Cargo Oil-Free Foundation F 100

Some Sephora stores still have some CARGO items, so get there ASAP!  So go forth and test.

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

The saga continues….

I finally wore my updated Prescriptives Custom Blend (CB) foundation.  I have learned that Custom Blend is as good as the blender.  The second MA did a much better job than the initial MA.  The color shade is not suitable for my entire face, so I have decided to only use the CB Foundation on my Roseacea spots (parts of the cheek and jaw areas) and only using the powder there as well, unless I use MAC 162 brush for the apple area and above. I am resigned to the fact that one foundation shade can and will not satisfy my needs, which I already knew, but a lady can always dream, right?

Face

• MAC  Select Cover-up – NC50
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder
• MAC MSF Natural – Dark

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Oil-Free Lotion
• Indianwood Paint Pot
• Urban Decay Secret Service e/s
• Wild and Crazy You Rock e/s
• TheBalm Shady Lady – Caught in the Act Courtney e/s
• Urban Decay Blaze e/s
• LA Girl Mark My Eyes liquid e/l
• Urban Decay Zero e/l
• Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes mascara

Lips

• NYX pinky l/l
• Revlon Icy Violet (very pretty) (75% off @ CVS)
• MAC Hello Kitty Mimmy l/g

The Eye Shadow –

I am really like the Arissa Baked Eye Shadows.  They are similar to the MAC’s mineralized eye shadows. The pigmentation is pretty good and as I stated in the Baked Holiday Goodies post, that the shadows work best with a sponge-tip applicator.  The baked shadows really pop when used with MAC Paint Pots, L’Oreal HiP Color Cream Crayons and/or Stila Smudge Pots.

Here are swatches of the Arissa Baked Eye Shadows:

Arissa Baked Eye Shadows: L-R - Black Hole, Twilight, Constellation, Galaxy (no base)

Mix Maven

Hello Glossies,

Learning from my foundation matching experience, I know always need to try a few different shades to be matched correctly. MAs always match me darker, as most WOC, I am working with multiple shades from forehead to my chest region, so matching can be a great challenge. So I match the part of my face that needs foundation and add powder to the remaining areas.

I finally got my Prescriptives Custom Blend foundation and powder. It took 2 counters on two different days to get it done, but I got the match that works well for my skin tone.   I used the initial blend  on Saturday and it wore well the entire day, but the color was a bit too dark for my complexion. So I decided to go to another counter for the color adjustment.   This time I took a friend, a faithful Prescriptives Custom Blend user, to be my extra eyes. Well, as I thought, the foundation needed a bit more red. (I am Yellow/Orange).

If you want to try Prescriptives Custom Blend, you still have time take advantage of the 30% off, but give enough to time, so the blend can be tweaked (if necessary) before the counters officially close on January 31, 2010. Make sure to get your recipe sheet because future orders can be placed online.

Mix Maven

I am always on the hunt for a good primer.  I have used quite a few..liked some and did not like others. So I was curious to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.  The lotion has a light creamy texture and little goes a long way.

I tried this product over several days. Initially, I used the Shielding Lotion > Moisturizer > foundation. The product worked okay as in “I am not sure what this primer is doing, but it does not look like much difference from the ones that I do not like.”  But when I used Moisturizer > Shielding Lotion>Foundation, my foundation still looked fresh after 6 hours.  When I use certain corrective primers like Makeup For Ever, my skin tingles a bit.  When I used the Shielding Lotion before the corrective color primer, the tingling feeling diminished a lot. I was quite pleased with that. Overall, I think the Shielding Lotion is worth the purchase.

FOTD:

Face

• Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion
• Makeup For Ever HD Foundation – 177

Eye

• MAC Matte Gel
• MAC Moss Scape P/P
• L’Oreal Hip Cream Crayon – (Green)
• Dior Tropical Light Palette – Green and Taupe shades
• NARS Night Porter
• Shu Uemura Painting Liner – Black
• Urban Decay Zero e/l
• Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara – Black

I know many of us were sad about the shuttering of the Prescriptives brand in early 2010.  Many of us were wondering how we were going to live without custom blend foundation that we are fond of.  Well, I sure was excited when I got word that customers can get their custom blend foundations online in January 2010.  If you want to try the custom blend, I suggest going to a counter and getting your own recipe. I plan on doing that ASAP.  I know my homegirl, SH, is relieved because she didn’t know what to d because she has very sensitive skin.  So run to the Prescriptives to get the your recipe…soon!!

No, not the Swedish pop group who had hit songs like “The Sign” and “All That She Wants.” I am speaking of makeup artist extraordinaire, Toni Acey.

She is a sought-after celebrity make-up artist, based in Atlanta,  who did not imagine that she could even work as makeup artist.  Toni worked in corporate America for many years, as well as working as a model.  Toni found that the MAs either  were not qualified to do make-up for Women of Color (WOC), specifically African-American women.  So she took matters in her own hands and came to the shoots already made-up.   By doing so, industry professionals as well as close friends and family took notice and encouraged her she to get into the business.  Ms. Acey does not have formal training in make-up artistry, but she worked as a freelancer for MAC Cosmetics where she learned a lot through the MAC training programs.  She has continued to hone her craft and teaches airbrushing classes.  Ms. Acey is also well-known for  her signature “Wearable Art” body painting and “Celebrity “Knock-Off Makeovers.

Eight years ago, Toni was one of the first makeup artist to use airbrushing for glamour makeup.  Most artists in the entertainment industry used airbrushing, primarily, for special effects. Her go-to brands for airbrushing are Temptu and Air Makeup.  Toni enjoys the creativity of airbrushing because she can create one-of-a-kind foundations,  lipsticks,  and even blushes to fit her clients’ needs. She has many clients including  LisaRaye, Kenya Moore, Meagan Good, Karen Clarke-Sheard and Sheree from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.  They have all been very pleased with her work and seek her out time and time again.

We talked about beauty trends for the winter/holiday season.  Toni definitely loves to see all women wearing red lipstick, a throwback to old Hollywood glamour. She does recommend that golden tone women wear tomato reds, fair/light skinned women  can wear pretty much any shade of red, but they should stay from bordeaux, unless they are going for a goth look.  For darker skinned women, she loves loves bordeaux.  Red lip color, she believes, can work for  a daytime look, but it should be sheer.  Her must-have lip product is MAC Money Honey dazzleglass.

For the eyes, she loves Urban Decay eye liners and MAC pigments to create a bold, shimmery look for all the holiday parties we will be attending this season.  She loves Urban Decay eye liners because they can be easily smudged and set to wear as shadows.  For the cheeks, Toni raved about NARS blushes and as a fan myself, I definitely think they are must-haves for all beauty aficionados.

She had words of wisdom for all up-and-coming make-up artists ” Be the best that you can be. Be serious about your craft, treat it as a business, (continue) to learn about the craft by staying ahead of the trends.  Make sure to have  a website!”

I asked her about her future goals, she wants to do a follow-up to her book, Make-up FAQs,  to continue with her foundation, “Lipstick Theory” to assist  women’s charities, produce training DVDs and  create her own makeup and skincare line

She was a delight to interview and I will be looking out for all of her upcoming endeavors.  I do wish her all the success, she has a great spirit.

So check out her book and website, definitely will provide inspiration.

Mix Maven