Face Atelier Ultra Foundation

Firstly I'd like to start off by mentioning that I'm still here and haven't given up blogging!
Over the last couple of weeks there have been days when I just simply didn't have the time nor the energy to post something or days when I was just too lazy to do so (feeling ashamed). Then having had such a long break from posting, every time I sat down to actually write something I'd just end up getting distracted and figured that another day's delay wouldn't do much harm...and so it led to such a significant time gap...

Anyway, onto the topic at hand -

There's been a bit of a buzz going on regarding Face Atelier's Ultra Foundation - and in my humble opinion, the buzz is very justifiable indeed.

If you haven't yet heard here's what it's all about:

"Ultra Foundation is the heart and soul of FACE atelier – an innovative approach to foundation that allows you to be in control. With a growing cult-following, Ultra Foundation is a silicone-based emulsion that floats on top of the skin, doesn’t crease or flake, and lasts all day long. Hydrating yet oil-free, it obscures tiny lines and pores to ensure a smooth finish. No primer needed! It's built into Ultra Foundation, thanks to the super sophisticated, silicone-based formula. Another bonus - it sets without powder, preserving the youthful, dewy finish.

If you can never find the right shade for you, FACE atelier allows you to infinitely adjust your foundation shade. Add a drop of Zero Plus to go a shade darker, or a little Zero Plus Plus to go deeper still. A splash of Zero Minus will lighten, and Heat adds warmth, creating the shade that’s perfectly right for you."

So a couple of weeks back I ordered samples of all 12 shades from Coco Beau to check and see which would be the most popular ones for my kit.

This is what the sample pots look like and swatches of all 12 shades -

From left to right: porcelain, ivory, wheat, sand, sepia, honey, tan, caramel, toffee, cocoa, mink, sable

A sample pot will last you a couple of applications as a little goes a long way with this foundation and you only need the tiniest bit.

My overall impression - I'm pretty hooked on this formula and really can not fault it, meaning that I'll definitely be committing to a full sized bottle.
Face Atelier has a very silky texture that applies smoothly and easily. It's easy to blend with no streaks and smears. The coverage is medium to high and the great thing about it is that you can build up the coverage in certain areas without it starting to cake.
It feels very light on the skin and the finish is a dream come true for me as it's the sort of thing that I'm always after in a foundation - dewy and luminous.

When wearing this foundation my skin still looks fresh and made up even at the end of the day - please bare in mind that I do have a normal skin type.

So far I'm impressed enough to say that this could very well become a staple in my make-up bag.

I think that this is a great foundation for those -

• with normal, dry or mature skin types
• who like a multi-tasker and aren't bothered with incorporating a primer into their make-up routine
• who don't like powdering or can't be bothered to do it
• who like the dewy, luminous look

Have you tried this foundation yet - what are your thoughts?

Revlon Photoready and ColourStay

Over the last couple of weeks I've taken advantage of some of the 3 for 2 offers from Boots and decided to continue experimenting with liquid foundations, which wouldn't normally be my foundation texture of choice as I prefer cream based ones.

I picked up 2 foundations from Revlon - Photoready and ColourStay - I know that these are probably old news to most but what can I say...I'm just a slow coach:)

Revlon PhotoReady

I had read a lot about this one and very often the reviews haven't been all too positive. The issue that most people seem to have with it is that it contains shimmer particles. You won't really be able to see the shimmer when swatching the foundation in the store so it can be quite baffling and leave you thinking "what on earth is everyone complaining about"? Once the foundation has been applied to the face you'll only be able to detect the shimmer if you have a close up look in the mirror especially on a sunny day - so no biggie if you live in a place with gloomy weather...:)

I think that I was drawn to trying out this foundation for two reasons - first was the fact that it has an SPF of 20 and second were the shimmer particles which everyone seems to detest but that's because I have normal skin and like making it look shiny...

The foundation itself has great packaging due to it's very easy to use pump. It dries to a satin matte finish and provides medium coverage. Bare in mind that the sparkles are apparent in the sun so if you don't like that sort of thing then stay away from it. It does help however if you keep the foundation standing upright all the time thus allowing the shimmer to settle more towards the bottom of the bottle.

Revlon ColourStay

Revlon's ColourStay foundation is available in two formulations to suit Normal/Dry and Oily/Combination skin types. It is a long lasting foundation which seems to have gained a lot of fans around the world and has been compared to quite a few high end foundations out there but happens to be a bit more purse friendly.

ColourStay smells a bit funny - a lot of people compare the scent to that of paint - I however don't seem to mind the smell and actually quite like it. However the smell is not very long lasting and disappears soon after application.
The big downside to this foundation is most probably the packaging which is just a simple glass bottle with no pump.

You need to be quite careful when pouring it out and I assume that it's also going to be difficult getting the last bits out once it nears the end.

The foundation has a thick texture and provides matte coverage. It dries pretty quickly and can thus be a tad too difficult to blend so fast application is required. I like to apply it either with my fingers or a foundation brush.

ColourStay seems to stay on all day on my skin but then again I don't seem to have much problems with the lasting power of other foundations either as my skin doesn't really have any oily zones.

Have you tried PhotoReady or ColourStay - which do you prefer as I can't seem to decide?

Bourjois Round Pots of Eyeshadow

I know, I know! I haven't posted in ages (guilty face) so it's great to finally get around to it...things have just been quite hectic but in a positive sort of way...I really need to start blogging more often!

If you've been visiting my blog during my absence then thank you very much for your patience!
Anyway, to get back into the swing of things, here are my thoughts on two lovely eyeshadows that I've been reaching for quite a lot lately.

Although Bourjois Round Pots have been around for ages, I purchased my very first two pots of Bourjois eyeshadow about two weeks ago as I've always found them to be a bit of a "hit and miss" sort of product.
When swatching them at the drugstore I've found a lot of these eyeshadows to either be poorly pigmented, too glittery or gritty in texture. There have been some exceptions though - and I purchased two colours that I would gladly recommend from this brand.

Shade 08 - a creamy beige, champagne sort of colour and Shade 74 - a rich plummy brown.

swatch of nr 08

I find shade 08 to be such a great bridal sort of colour. It works great on its own all over the lid or as a highlight colour. I love, love, love it!

swatch of nr 74

I use shade 74 all over the lid and up to the crease. It's just a really modern and chic plummy brown. 

Both of these have a very creamy, soft and smooth texture as well as great pigmentation. I'll probably get another pot of 08 just in case cause I've been using it daily and I wouldn't wanna run out...

Let me know which round pots are your faves?

Barry M Nail Paint in Red Glitter

I popped into Boots and Superdrug yesterday with the intention of getting myself a bottle of Barry M's Instant Nail Effects only to find out that it was out of stock. For some reason whenever Instant Nail Effects was released I had no interest in it whatsoever but now I really want to get my hands on a bottle...well either the Barry M one or OPI's Shatter which from what I've heard is selling like hot cakes and proving to be rather impossible to get.

Anyway, I didn't leave empty handed as Barry M's Red Glitter polish caught my attention.

For some reason I don't really tend to wear red nail polish but this one was just too hard to resist and I'm really loving it.

I needed two coats to achieve an opaque coverage. The polish dries to a sort of lightly gritty texture.

Those of you whom have tried both Barry M's Instant Nail Effects and OPI's Shatter - is there much of a difference between them apart from the price?

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, also known as the 24 hr miracle cream, has achieved a bit of a cult status and is to be found in many make-up artists' kits.
The cream is a multi-purpose product as in addition to being used as a moisturiser it can also be used as a cleanser, make-up remover, beauty mask and as an after-sun care product. It's moisturising and nourishing formulation is ideal for all ages, skin types, for women, children, babies and for men as a soothing after shave cream.

Lately this has become my day time moisturiser of choice. I use Egyptian Magic as a night time moisturiser for it needs a good few minutes to sink into the skin but Embryolisse sinks right in and is a great base for applying foundation.

When it comes to skin care I like to keep things simple and love a traditional product.

The packaging is simple and nothing out of the ordinary - a metal tube with a screw cap - sort of like a tooth paste...

The texture is very smooth, light, fluffy and great for really massaging into the skin. It absorbs very quickly leaving a non-greasy finish. This is probably why I love using it as a day time moisturiser as there's no need to wait until it's absorbed prior to applying your foundation.
It has a light, subtle flowery scent to it which I find very pleasant -  smells rather fresh like a baby product.

Lait-Cream Concentre leaves my skin feeling well moisturised, feeling soft, supple and manages to add a bit of plumpness. I'm seriously hooked on this simple yet effective moisturiser.
Have you given it a go yet?

No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach

No7's Skin Illuminator comes in two shades - Peach and Pink. I opted for the peach because as you already know I love all things peach.

This illuminator has been a constant part of my daily make-up routine these past two weeks and I won't be growing tired of it any time soon as it's great at achieving that dewy look without going overboard.

Here's a swatch of the colour: 

...and blended out: 

I've been wearing it in a couple of ways -

• mixed into my moisturiser or foundation
• applied all over the face after my moisturiser and before application of foundation
• dabbed over the cupid's bow, brow bone, cheek bones and bridge of the nose

Whatever way I happen to apply this illuminator, I just LOVE the results. 
It's great for putting some luminosity into my skin and giving a really nice subtle glow.

I do however HATE the packaging! It comes in a tube with a brush at the end that the product comes out of.
To use you need to turn the nozzle to the ON position and gently squeeze the product out.

The only problem is that once you gently squeeze the tube, the product still squirts out like crazy so it's best to press the brush against your hand to prevent too much of the illuminator from coming out.
It's also essential to remember to turn the nozzle back to the OFF position once you've finished using it.
This is something I forgot to do during the first use - I won't be making that mistake again!
The next time when trying to get the lid off I wasted a lot of product cause when opening it you're holding the tube and squeezing it which results in a messy lid, brush and a lot of product which you'll need to scoop out from the lid.

...and this is how messy it ends up looking: 

Overall this is a great product which could really benefit from better packaging. I will however continue to put up the inconvenient packaging for the sake of achieving a lovely, healthy looking glow.

What are your favourite illuminators?

Maybelline The Eraser Foundation

When it comes to foundation I like using cream based textures and something that is going to give my skin a bit of a glow or sheen as well as keep it moisturised. I get this sort of result from one of my favourite foundations which I use on a daily basis - Leichner's Camera Clear Tinted Foundation. Due to the fact that Leichner's offering ticks all the boxes for me, I don't tend to be on the lookout for other foundations out there.

I did however grab myself a bottle of Maybelline's Eraser Foundation - and no it's not because of the soft and cuddly looking applicator head - but simply because it contains an SPF of 18 and my current day time moisturiser of choice hasn't got an spf in it.
So on those days when I know that I'm going to be out and about, I alternate Leichner with Maybelline's Eraser to keep myself protected from the scorching rays of Northern Ireland's sun...hope you're sensing the sarcasm here:)

Here's what Maybelline has to say about The Eraser:

Go beyond covering lines – instantly erase the look of creases, crow’s feet and fine lines. With an applicator exclusively designed to apply the super-concentrated formula, The Eraser instantly fills and smoothes the look of imperfections.

The Eraser Secret:

• Exclusive Micro-corrector applicator fills and smoothes the look of imperfections.
• Super-concentrated formula enriched with Goji Berry & Collagen helps tighten & improve skin elasticity.
• Instantly erases the look of crow's feet, fine lines and dark circles.

Directions for use:
•Slowly turn the red neck of the bottle in direction of arrows until foundation begins to appear.

•Apply foundation directly to face, blending with the applicator in an outward motion as needed.

•For best results, apply sparingly.

•To apply more, twist neck of applicator 1-2 clicks at a time.

•Directions for cleaning: The Eraser formula is protected with an anti-microbial system.

•Do not wet applicator. Wipe off excess foundation with dry tissue only.
I personally don't use the fluffy applicator head for working the foundation into my skin but tend to apply several swipes across my face and then either blend out with my fingers of buff in with my e.l.f. powder brush.
Initially I couldn't really make up my mind as to whether or not I liked this foundation much but gradually it started to grow on me.

The key is, as stated by Maybelline, to apply sparingly. This foundation has a light texture and it can be tempting to reapply more to certain areas which only makes it sit on top of the skin.
When you first start to blend this foundation it feels a little slippy and seems to slide all over the face but once blended in it stays in place.

The Eraser has a light, sheer texture and coverage with the formula being somewhat brightening - it seems to lift my complexion making it look less dull which is what I love about it as I can really see the difference throughout the day when wearing it...can't really put my finger on it but my face seems to look sort of fresh...if that makes sense.

As for erasing crows feet and fine lines - can't vouch for that as luckily I haven't got those yet.

Have you tried The Eraser?