Archive for the ‘Foundation’ Category

While making my weekly Whole Foods run, I decided to pop into the Walgreens next door to check out the Revlon Colorstay foundations. One of my trusted homies suggested the Revlon Colorstay as an affordable substitute for her fave Bobbi Brown foundation.  She informed me that she can wear white in peace because none of the foundation stains her clothes. Woohoo

The Walgreens’ store where I went did not have any color beyond Caramel, which some say is similar to MAC’s NC45 foundation.  Instead, I picked up the Revlon Custom Creations SPF 15 Foundation in Deep (Retails for $13.99.) According to the Revlon website, the foundation “offers five shade settings, making it easy to fine-tune your foundation shade for the perfect match.”  How many of us have mixed foundation to a create shade that is suitable for our complexions?  I know I have!! I think the concept is a great idea, but does not go far enough.  There needs to be a darker custom creation.  Maybe a (070) Revlon?? I am not railing against Revlon because the company does  sell foundations for darker-skinned women.

The Deep (060) shade works for me.  I use the 4.5 on the dial. For some reason, I found it difficult to press the button to release the foundation … almost broke my nail.  But really, that is a minor inconvenience.

I like this foundation … lightweight and looked natural. I would not replace my Makeup For Ever foundations for this foundation,  but I will add to my stash, specifically for running errands.

Overall Rating: 3.75
Price [Value]: 3.5
Packaging Quality: 4
Would you buy this product again? Yes

“If You Let Me Stay” by Terence Trent D’arby aka Sananda Maitreya

I was introduced to the cosmetic brand,  FACE atelier via Specktra.net.  Some of the members loved the products, especially the foundations.  I was re-introduced to this brand at The Makeup Show in Los Angeles.  The Pro-Team was quite helpful. FYI: FACE atelier is the official makeup sponsor of Madonna’s Confessions Tour.

I was matched up to the Ultra Foundation PRO in Cocoa #10, which happens to be the darkest shade FA carries in the line.  FACE atelier needs to create darker shades because it is the right thing to do, BUT FA does offer products called Zero Plus and Zero Minus to foundation darker or lighter.  The foundation costs $30 for the size is a bit steep, but I love it.

I really like the coverage and the liquid does not burn or tingle my face like some other high-end brands. I love the fact the foundation is unscented. There is no SPF in the products, so users can always add the desirable number of SPF.

Sidebar: Use the Beauty Blender sponge for smooth application.  All beauty mavens  should be using the Beauty Blender and cleanser, which is the best EVER!!!

Face Atelier products can be found online as well as in salons and boutiques around the world. I wish that FACE Atelier was available in more stores.

FACE atelier PRO Foundation #10

Mix Maven

Since my return to the world of high-end foundation, I had been feeling let down by my the brand that I decided to use.  I felt like the time when I sat on the floor in my office mixing colors trying to get a new color for the color theory class. It was fun at first, but then I got frustrated.   I grew tired of the mixing, just wishing that one day my foundation could look more natural.

Makeup For Ever (MUFE) is a brand that I had not used much of in the past.  Prior to the Makeup Show in Los Angeles, I had one eye shadow, Iridescent Acid Green 171 . I had been hearing chatter about how good the foundations are.  Said chatter was coming from Women of Color (WOC), specifically from Felicia of This That Beauty,  Seymone of Reflections of Your Beauty and a few other WOC beauty mavens, who all praised Makeup For Ever for having a wide range of foundation colors for WOC as well having quality products.

Seymone matched me up perfectly to the Makeup For Ever HD foundation (which touts “no hard edges”) in 178 (Chestnut).  I finally tried it and I fell in love with instantly.  I am pleased to report there were indeed “no hard edges”.  Definitely no visible line of demarcation.

Even Mr. Maven told me that my skin looked like I was not wearing foundation. Woohoo finally, a natural look.  I also tried the Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation in 75 (Coffee). I fell in love hard. The foundation is not cakey.  And what I love the most, I forgot that I had on foundation. As of today my new favorite foundation brands are Makeup Forever and Face Atelier* (More about this brand in another post).

Kevin-James Bennett (L), Director, Pro Business Development & Artist Relations for Make Up For Ever

Mix Maven

I love brushes!!! My new obsession is powder and foundation brushes.  I stumbled on the Cover Fx 190 brush, the newest brush in the arsenal.   Since I have the Cover Fx kabuki brush (love and adore), I wanted to try another  one of the face brushes.

The 190 brush aka Powder Foundation Buffing Brush is made of 100% Natural goat hair (unbleached). The bristles are full and tightly packed.  I tell you this brush is very soft on my face.  I, primarily, use the brush for setting powder.    I must say that there was no shedding. (I have used other top brands that had brushes that shed on my face. *not good*)  The application results were even and little to no streaking.

Cover Fx 190 Brush

Results of the Cover fx 190 brush

I feel like a professional artiste when I use the 190 brush.  I think every professional artist and beauty enthusiast should have this brush.

Overall Rating: 4
Price [Value]: 4 – At $45, definitely pricey, but worth the price for makeup kit.
Packaging Quality: 5
Would you buy this product again? YES (because I love quality brushes)

Mix Maven