The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream...

Recently I fell in love with Dior Hydra Life BB Crème (reviewed, here) but on hot days it's a little heavy and so I'm not looking for an affordable tinted moisturizer with SPF, BB cream or whatever the denomination cream for summer I decided to give this one a try when it was 50% off. At $10.00 instead of $20.00, why not?

The Body Shop All-In-One BB cream...

A cream that transforms from white to beige with the warmth of the skin, I chose the color 01 the second lightest shade, noted as suitable for light skin tones.

The Body Shop website description:

Our new All-In-One BB cream transforms from a white cream to suit your skin tone. Pigment-filled capsules burst when applied to the skin, releasing the colour inside. Just blend for a perfect match and an even, undetectable finish. It’s make-up and skincare in one.

• Adapts to your skin tone
• Light to medium coverage
• Even finish
• 24-hour hydration
• Non-clogging

Texture and coverage...

First off I wouldn't call this a BB cream but more a tinted moisturizer since it doesn't have that cake frosting texture these base products usually have. It's sheer, too sheer in fact and applies streaky! This means I have to even it out with a sponge and, well, I end up with almost no coverage once I'm done!

Too oily for my combination skin there's no way I could go for a second layer especially since it oxidizes a little, something that hasn't happened to me in years! Even using a ton of powder, after about an hour of wear my skin still feels sticky and I can see my skin is more orange and that's a no no for me. After two hours or so I'm left with no color whatsoever! It doesn't stay on my skin and I'm not even that oily!!!

Too sheer, feels oily, oxidizes, disappears...

Would I recommend The Body Shop All-In-One BB cream? Sadly I don't think I can.

The nail in the coffin for me is the no SPF!

Truly when I purchased it I didn't notice the lack of sun protection and even at half price I would have skipped. I guess I was too busy looking at the Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder, reason why I went to The Body Shop in the first place and boy am I glad I like that one reviewed, here.

I guess The Body Shop All-In-One BB cream could probably be fine over a sunscreen on someone with dry skin but for me it wouldn't work plus, I want a one step product for everyday. The reviews are mixed about this product but many do like it so if you think this could be an option for you do try to get a sample first.

Me, I'm looking for a one step option to moisturize, color and protect. The Body Shop All-In-One BB cream isn't for me. For now, even if it does feel a little heavy on warmer days, Dior remains my go to.

Reviews:

Makeup Alley: 3.2 / 5 lippies for 45 reviews.
Beauté-test: 3.2 / 5 stars for 44 reviews.


Do you have a one-step-go-to product for mornings when you want to be quick about it, which is it?

The Sunday Post, Vol. 20...

Excited!

My friend from Australia is coming to Montreal to visit her family and we have a date on Wednesday!

We've known each other since we were 14 yrs old and although we've lost track here and there we've managed to keep in touch. The last time we saw each other face to face? I can't really remember but I believe Catherine was 8 and she'll be 15 in less than a month so yes, it's been a while!

Finally we are back on track and have been enjoying beautiful springy weather! Most summer makeup collections are out but I've stayed away from the cosmetics departments! I stayed away because I need to reduce my beauty spending, not completely but I just can't go all crazy like I did last Christmas. I still need new shoes...

... and I have Catherine's upcoming birthday to think about!

This week's makeup love...

... Erm I should say this month's makeup love! Since for a while now I've been using pretty much the same items I thought it would be fun to do a round up and show you what I reach for in order of use, before putting on perfume and lipstick in the morning. Of course I don't use all of these at once in case you're wondering. If I were I guess I would probably look like a clown!

Base products...

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème (see below)
Hourglass Mineral Veil (under eye area)
Rimmel Match Perfection concealer
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Marcelle Pressed Powder (with a fan brush under eye area)
Guerlain Crazy Météorites

Eyes...

Guerlain Terracotta La Sélection de l'Été Eye and Face Palette from last year. The faun eye shadow on lower lid and been playing with the other two colors as well, a darkish olive green and purplish brown
Diorshow Mono in Velvet or TheBalm Shady Lady in Risqué Renee for definition
Bobbi Brown Ciment from the Navy & Nude palette on upper lids and to blend the edges
L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate sometimes "oomfed" with Dior Fusion Mono in Nocturne
Mascara, alternating between Diorshow and Diorshow Iconic

Contour, definition or glowy stuff, however you want to call these...

Bronzer, alternating between Terracotta 01 / La Sélection de l'Été and NARS Laguna. Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow has come out of hibernation but I've only used it 2x so far.

Oops! I forgot blushes! Well at the moment it's pretty much always M.A.C Whole Lotta Love

Finishing powder, Guerlain Crazy Météorite again or a combination from Hourglass Ambient Lighting, mainly Dim Light and Radiant Light.

Ok so I have included Bobbi Brown's Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink in there but in all honesty I rarely reach for it. I find it harder to work with than L'Oréal. For some reason, once the line is done, going back over it to either thicken it or make it more clean sometimes makes a pretty bad mess. Since it dries fast, it can get all smudgy and weird.

So you see, I don't need to go all crazy over the new collections since I've got most of my makeup needs covered. Right?

A little update...

It's official, Dior Hydra Life BB Crème will not do for summer! Great luminous coverage but it doesn't control the oil and on some afternoons this week I could actually feel it on my skin. With it I've had to use 2x the powder I normally do if not more. Not a total waste, I will simply keep it for late august, for when the weather starts to cool down to transition into fall.

What I have my eyes on...

I do still want a few new nail polishes but haven't decided yet if I'll go Dior or Chanel and there's a Guerlain Rouge Automatique that I'm considering but since I have to find a new daytime foundation/BB or whatever the name, it may have to wait.

For your viewing enjoyment...

This week's video is not from Dior!!! Aren't you surprised? From YSL showing one of their iconic products, I think I really need one! Imagine that, a full night's sleep rested look in a clickable pen! I just can't believe I haven't tried this before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3EhjF2ePE

Yup! I definitely need one.

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF36 - PA+++...

Oh what a sweet deal!

On a Friday as I was waiting for Catherine to meet me at Complexe Les Ailes I went into Sephora (erm it's right there so...) and walked around to see if there was anything new. It really was just out of curiosity because I'm waiting for a few goodies to come out so I wasn't planning on buying anything...

Really I wasn't!!!

I came across a display of cute little Shiseido yellow boxes... I couldn't resist but to have a closer look... the price was $25.00... it was a limited edition case for the compact foundation... with the foundation inside which usually retails for $35.00!!!

Scoooore!!!

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF36 - PA+++...

I've been wanting to try this foundation for a while now especially for the fact that Shiseido's UV Protective offerings have an excellent reputation.

Description, as per Sephora's website...

What it is:
A powdery foundation that resists perspiration and oil to remain fresh and color-true for hours.

What it is formulated to do:
This convenient solution unites optimal sun protection with skin-caring makeup, in a single travel-perfect compact. Minimize imperfections and achieve a flawless, matte finish as you defend your skin against damaging UVA/UVB rays. It smoothes on with a lightweight feeling and a natural, subtle look. It is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV sunscreen.

What else you need to know:
The makeup can be applied with a dry or moistened sponge, for flexible coverage. The case and refill are sold separately.

SPF36 and a PA+++  means that it's got a good UVB protection and a PPD above height is fine with me for UVA protection. The fact that it's a powder that can be reapplied during the day over makeup makes this a winning option in my book. I do my best to avoid the sun but there are those rare occasions where I do end up outside longer than predicted and this product will be much appreciated.

I mean can you imagine applying a regular sunscreen over a "makeuped" face?

Here's a confession...

I don't wear sunscreen! I really don't! I've tried and none feel comfortable for everyday wear so I only wear one when I know I'll be outside more and so far so good because my skin looks pretty good as far as wrinkles go. I've almost always worn a moisturizer and foundation both with with a sunscreen factor and although these do not guarantee good protection, combined with the fact that I've always avoided the sun it kinda worked for me... so far.

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation comes in six different shades ranging from SPF10 to SPF60. I purchased SPF20 which by the way was the only one available at the price I got it for but it turned out to be the perfect color. It the second lightest and although it may appear a little dark in the pan it's just fine on my skin.

Texture and finish...

It's not like a regular powder meaning it's heavier and can look a little chalky/pasty due to the fact that it's more opaque and more matte but that can be taken care of easily with a light spray of thermal water or what I like to use in summer, rose water. It would be a good idea to keep a small size of either in your bag if you plan on reapplying this SPF during the day and do make sure to blot first otherwise it may look very patchy.

It can be used dry or damp but since this compact is for my purse I haven't tried it damp and like to apply with a brush instead of the sponge.

Do I recommend Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF36 - PA+++? Oh yes!

Made of plastic this little compact doesn't have the elegance or weight of others that I've kept in my purse but it's pretty darn cute for summer and the creamy yellow and orange make me smile! The fact that it provides extra sun protection makes this a must for summer in my book or any time of the year really.

Again this foundation usually retails at $35.00 for the refills and the regular blue compact, $9.00. On the Sephora website there are two yellow limited edition compacts at $8.00 each.

So the regular price of both would have been $43.00 and I got mine at $25.00!!! Tripple Yay!!!

In my purse it goes!

I repeat... this is not your usual powder. This is a foundation (it does feel heavier than a mineral foundation even if it's a powder) that can be used dry with a brush. It will not give you that perfect finish a usual touch up powder like my latest favorite Chanel Les Beiges would. This for me is really for when I end up outside for longer periods of time, for when it's unplanned so it'll last quite a while I think.

Finally a word of advice... 

If you get this compact or another powder sunscreen from another brand, just make sure you keep a little blush with you because you may have to do a few adjustments. Applying Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation will more than likely neutralise what you had on so if you want some definition, a blush and maybe even a small bronzer may have to elect permanent residence in your purse for the summer.

I'm thinking a little number like NARS Laguna/Orgasm compact will be just perfect for that and it will nicely counteract the "mattness" of Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation finish! :)


Ingredients: octinoxate 6.9%, titanium dioxide 15.3% petrolatum, talc, polymethyl methacrylate, nylon-12, silica, hydrogenated c6-14 olefin polymers, synthetic wax, sorbitan sesquisostearate, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, zinc myristate, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, thotaurine, dimethicone, methicone, glycerin, tocopherol, bht, ethylpraben, fragrance, mica, iron oxides.

As with any products if you're clog and/or acne prone or have sensitivity issues do patch test first.

What do you think of powder sunscreen for extra protection during the day?

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème Enhancing Moisturizer...

Getting ready for warmer days... I hope they come quick because I'm really tired of wearing a heavy coat and socks!!! Oh how I hate socks!

Warmer days mean I have to lighten my makeup choices and the Marcelle CC cream I was using this winter would not do and neither did the Clinique CC I tried recently. Since I returned the latter I had to find something else at Sephora and the options were not that many mainly due to the color options. I wanted an alphabet creme simply because I just fell in love with the one step go to concept in the morning. I don't care about the name they're given as long as they do the job.

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème Enhancing Moisturizer For Immediate Beauty SPF 30 - PA+++* ...

Here we go with another super long name to describe a tinted moisturizer with SPF!

It comes in only three shades, 01 Luminous Beige, 02 Golden Peach and 03 Sunny Amber. I chose the lightest color and although it's a little too warm for my complexion at the moment I know that in a month it'll be just fine. I can't remember where I read this, who wrote it but truly, companies seem to enjoy giving us few color options when it comes to BB and CC creams. It's like they're getting lazy and expect that these few options will suit all skin tones. Not!

The packaging is just plain perfect! As much as I disliked Marcelle's CC container for the fact that I couldn't see how much product was left I did like it for the pump. I loved my tube of Estée Lauder reviewed here, because I was able to get pretty much every last bits of cream from it. Here Dior offers us the best of both, a tube with a pump that gives the perfect amount of product for one application.

The formula...

It doesn't have that cake icing texture many BB creams have, more "liquidy" than most I've tried I'm surprised at how well it covers. It's not full coverage per say but it's just enough (Lordy I do hope I'm making sense here!). It blends in easily and is much faster to smooth on with a sponge than Marcelle CC was but then again it is slightly less moisturizing. It dries quickly and although I thought at first the finish was too matte it turns out to be a good base and a light dusting of either Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Dim or Radiant or Guerlain Crazy Météorites make my skin look almost flawless, almost! The shine on my nose... doesn't show up until mid afternoon!

The proof...

This past week I had a weird sleeping pattern and felt super tired but a co-worker told me on Friday it didn't show one bit and that I looked well rested!!! Oh the joys of good makeup!!! :)

The claims...

Hydra Life BB Crème combines the moisturizing and protective powers of a skincare product with the immediate complexion-enhancing and even-toning properties of a foundation. The complexion is left moisturized, smooth, and velvety soft. This product provides active defense against environmental stress and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB SPF 30 protection. The ultrafine pigments and reflecting micro-pearl particles immediately embrace the skin to cover its surface with a halo of imperceptible color. 

The formula features a revolutionary nylon powder with high absorption properties to smooth the skin’s texture and control sebum for a long-lasting, perfectly flawless, natural finish. Jisten promotes aquaporins to optimize the flow of moisture on the skin’s surface, correcting dullness, uneven texture, and dryness. Black rose strengthens the skin’s defenses against free radical damage which works towards helping sensitive skin, noticeable pores, and blemishes caused by the environment. 

I won't be relying on Dior Hydra Life alone for sun protection. It does not have a DIN number (Drug Identification Number) so it's not considered a sunscreen but it does have a PA+++ rating which means that it's UVA protection factor is above 8. Surprisingly Estée Lauder DayWear BB Cream does have a DIN number but no PA. Even if Dior's pump provides about 1/4 teaspoon of product the fact that I use a sponge to blend it in thins out the protection so on days when I know I'll be spending more time outside I will wear a proper sunscreen. As for the other claims I take them lightly. For me this is a tinted moisturizer that provides good coverage and protection from accidental exposure like waiting for the bus or a short walk.

Do I recommend Dior Hydra Life BB Crème? Yes!

For normal to combination skin Dior's Hydra Life gives good medium coverage and should help control oil for several hours. I don't know yet how it will fare under hot temperatures but my guess is it should do ok but I don't intend to use it on super humid days.

If you have dry skin you may need a to use a moisturizer first because Dior Hydra Life may not be enough.

If you have a very fair coloring, even the lightest shade may be too dark. I know it's borderline for me and the only reason I'm content with it is that I know it'll be just fine in about a month or so as mentioned. For winter, when my skin is super pale, 01 Luminous Beige would definitely be too dark.

I did try to photograph swatches but they just don't show! :(

The major downside... It's $65.00!!! Just typing this made me choke but you do get 20 ml more than Estée Lauder's DayWear BB cream which goes for $45.00. For fun I did a little calculation and as it turns out, Dior is the least expensive of the two at $1.30 per ml versus $1.50 per ml for Estée Lauder. It's definitely a good chunk of money so if you're hesitant do try to get a sample first.

As with any products if you're clog and/or acne prone or have sensitivity issues do patch test first.


Ingredients: 

Reviews:

Makeup Alley: 3.6 / 5 lippies for 48 reviews.
Beauté-test: 4 / 5 stars for 125 reviews.


By the way, can I just say I loooove opening a Dior product!

That little CD seal gets me every time!

*PA System: The Protection Grade of UVA (PA) system is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) reaction and is now widely adopted on the labels of sunscreens. According to the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association, PA+ corresponds to a UVA protection factor between two and four, PA++ between four and eight and PA+++ more than eight.


Is the weather finally getting warmer where you live? Have you started to lighten up your routine?

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream...

Warning, this will be a brief and quick "review"!

Reason? I returned it!

Those of you who follow my Sunday posts saw in my most recent one that I had purchased this product to replace my recently emptied Marcelle CC cream which by the way, I ended up liking a lot for winter.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30...

Ouf! Could the name have been any longer???

As stated Sunday I bought it during Sephora's VIB sale and thought I had gotten a pretty good deal. Regularly priced at $39.00 it was 15% off. Sadly, it's too rich and a little too sheer for me! Not only is it too rich for my t-zone but it made the pores on my nose more prominent. Not the effect I usually go for in a base product.

This would very likely please normal to dry skin, especially if you want a one step option for summer. For those with extra dry skin you may still have to wear a moisturizer under it.

So I'm not saying that this is not a good product in any way, simply that it's not for my skin type and I need a little more coverage.

This is the only picture I took of it from this post, here.

By the way, the color I had purchased was Light which normally should have been fine but again, it was not enough for my nose. Do know that I'm not Rudolf so it wasn't a color issue, it was an oil issue! It made my pores more visible but I must admit that the coverage wasn't that great to begin with. I thought NARS was too sheer and had passed on it but today I tested both again side by side and Clinique definitely offers the lightest coverage of the two.

I really did think I was going to like it but after wearing it four days straight, had to admit it wasn't for me and so yesterday I was relieved to be able to get some BB from my "superpressed" Estée Lauder tube. Honestly, if Sephora had had this one I would have repurchased it! You can see my review of it, here.

Do I recommend Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30? Yes and no...

Yes if you have normal to dry skin and if you only need light coverage but it is possible that it could look more opaque on a dryer complexion.

No if you have normal to oily skin or if you live in a warm climate. I honestly don't think it would be long wear on hot days! On me it lasted about three hours on my t-zone and maybe six or seven on the rest of my face which it pretty normal these days.

Needless to say I won't comment on the "color corrector" promises since I haven't used it long enough but then again I don't really believe in these claims to begin with. I like these alphabet creams just for the fact that they're a one step skin perfectors in the morning.

Oh by the way I did replace it with another... Stay tuned...

What was the last veauty product you took back and why?

The Birthday Post...

It's my birthday today!

Another year, another number and no I won't tell you what it is! :D

Photo source, here.

This week I've been looking left and right for birthday goodies to give to myself but didn't fall for much... so far!

I almost did get Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin but decided no because there are several makeup goodies that will start popping up at my favorite counters in the next month. There's also the fact that I need clothes, shoes and especially a bag!!!

Yesterday I went shopping with Catherine and found nothing that wowed me enough to buy except maybe for a Dooney & Bourke bag. I just spent my entire morning looking on the web for bag inspiration but now I guess I'll end up at Ogilvy getting a Lonchamp Le Pliage for now. Pathetic I know but I need something fast! Oh and you should see my wallet! It's a mess and every time I take it out Cat looks the other way. It's that bad! I've been looking for months now but I just can't seem to find one that fits my needs. This is what happens when you've been a stay at home mom for so long, you just don't renew stuff as often and wake up one day with practically nothing!

I took care of fall and winter but now for spring and summer I'm stuck! Argh!!!

Enough of that! Here's a very quick weekly update because I gotta go do the grocery shopping and might take my girl see a movie so here goes...

This week's makeup love...

It's been the same for several weeks and I'm not much inspired by spring looks at this time. Just look at last week's and you see what I've been using. I've only written one post these past few days, about Chanel Les Beiges and I must say, it's love!

New additions...

Dior Le Vernis in Mirage (I just applied it and the formula is pretty much amazing!) and I just might go back for Aventure! I finished my Marcelle CC cream and on Friday I purchased Clinique's CC cream which I do think I will like. I went to Sephora to take advantage of their VIB sale and looked at Dior's  BB or CC (I just get so confused about these alphabet creams) but the lighter shade was too dark. NARS' Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser seemed a little sheer so I opted for Clinique. In the bins close to the cash registers I picked up a little roll-on from Comptoir Pacifique Sud in Vanille Coco. Since I wont be travelling anytime soon I figured this would make me dream about the Caribbeans!

What I have my eyes on...

So many things but I did say I was going to keep it short so you may get a double dose next week! :)

For your viewing enjoyment...

This is so off topic but hey, it's my birthday and it's my blog! :D

The trailer for the new Captain America movie that I will likely go see with Catherine later today because of course, the weather just had to be bad today...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SlILk2WMTI

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

Marcelle CC Cream / Review...

My tube of Estée Lauder DayWear BB Cream is done! Empty to the last drop, I simply ended up loving it and there's a good chance I'll repurchase next it summer.

Now it's December and thinking about getting something a little more moisturizing I wanted another one-step do-it-all. I'm done with the whole moisturizer and foundation bit in the morning, for now anyway.

The contenders where Diorskin BB Cream and Chanel CC. Both have a beautiful creamy texture, penetrate quickly and give a soft luminous finish to the skin. I almost fell for Chanel but at sixty something dollars I didn't want to go there since I've splurged quite a bit lately and I still would love to get Accent the blush from Chanel Nuit Infinie Holiday 2013 collection.

Talk about having my priorities straight! Makeup instead of skincare? Yup, I'm vain!!!

The whole alphabet theme is a little annoying really because I haven't seen much difference between BB and CC so far from swatching on my hand. This I did with some of the brands available here, Estée Lauder, Dior, Clinique, Clarins, Vichy and Chanel. The only thing I've noticed is that CC's seemed a little more moisturizing and so for winter this was what I wanted.

Now the price was a deterrent on most of these, even Clinique is close to $50.00!

Drugstore? Well, I haven't had much luck with the lower priced brands this year and figured why go there if it's to still get a high end CC after a few weeks of being disappointed? You just can't get samples of those and some you can't even try for there are no testers. Still I went to the drugstore looking and stumbled on this one from Marcelle.

Marcelle CC Cream...

Regular priced at $29.95, I purchased mine on special at $19,99. Now that's what I call a good deal!

Product description and claims as per Marcelle website...

Pure 24K gold has been infused into Marcelle’s Complete Correction Cream to diminish the appearance of dark spots and skin tone imperfections that can be caused by sun exposureor the aging of skin. The formula’s lightweight consistency and ingredients provide full coverage and leaves your skin feeling smoother, firmer and highly moisturized. Radiance is boosted to give your complexion a perfect glow! With SPF 35.

12 IN 1 MULT I-BENEFITS

1. Corrects and helps prevent the appearance of dark spots and imperfections
2. Offers complete coverage
3. Evens out skin tone and texture
4. Controls shine
5. Provides anti-dull radiant complexion
6. Allows long-wear hold for lasting perfection
7. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
8. Reverses the signs of aging
9. Favours and improves skin elasticity
10. Protects skin from environmental stressors
11. Offers immediate and intense hydrating benefits
12. Soothes and calms dry/damaged skin

What I like about it?

Fragrance free, it covers well, still controls shine on my nose (although not quite as well as Estée Lauder) and mostly, give my skin a nice natural satiny finish. It's not matte like some others I've tried like Vichy or Clarins for instance which looked stiff on my skin. Lastly it's quite comfortable to wear and so I feel my skin is getting some moisture.

The texture is not as thick as Estée Lauder's BB but not as liquid as a regular foundation.

According to Marcelle this would appear to be the perfect product to use in the morning but the fact is I didn't buy this CC cream for all it's claims but more for how it felt and the SPF.

What I don't like about it?

The container! There's no way to know how much is left in it and no way to know if I'll get the lats bits with the pump. Others like Dior come in a tube with a pump which I think is quite smart but not this one. Rethinking the packaging would be a good thing in my view. It may look somewhat more luxurious but in fact it's not a smart container.

Do I recommend Marcelle CC Cream? Yes.

Despite it's bad choice of packaging, Marcelle has come up with a good affordable option that in my view would be suitable for normal to combination/oily skin. Someone with dry skin may have no other choice than to use a moisturizer underneath because I don't think this would be enough.

As with any skincare if your skin is sensitive or is acne and/or clog prone, either getting a sample or patch testing would be advise.

• Ingredients Active

  OCTINOXATE,TITANIUM DIOXIDE

• Ingredients

  ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE,ALUMINA,ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE,ANHYDROXYLITOL,AQUA/WATER/EAU,BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1,BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 DIMETHICONE,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,CAMELLIA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT,CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE,CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT,CICHORIUM INTYBUS (CHICORY) ROOT EXTRACT,COLLOIDAL GOLD,CYCLOHEXASILOXANE,CYCLOPENTASILOXANE,DIAZOLIDINYL UREA,DIMETHICONE,DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER,DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE,GLYCERIN,HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER,HEXYL LAURATE,HYDROLYZED PRUNUS DOMESTICA,HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN,IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE,IRON OXIDES,ISODODECANE,ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE,JOJOBA ESTERS,MICA,OCTINOXATE,PISUM SATIVUM (PEA) EXTRACT,POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE,POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE,POLYSORBATE 20,POTASSIUM SORBATE,PROPYLENE CARBONATE,PROPYLENE GLYCOL,SODIUM BENZOATE,SODIUM CHLORIDE,SUCROSE DILAURATE,TALC,TITANIUM DIOXIDE,TOCOPHERYL ACETATE,TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE,XYLITOL,XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE

What are your staple morning go to for good looking skin?

L'Oréal Magic Nude Liquid Powder / Review

This product is not even on the website yet! Isn't it usually the other way around meaning, you'll see the new offerings on a company's website and then will start looking for it, waiting for it to be available? Anyways, yesterday I stumbled upon this new display for L'Oréal Magic Nude Liquid Powder.

What is it? L'Oréal describes it as a bare skin perfecting makeup.

The texture: very liquidy. In a way it reminded me of Erno Laszlo's Shake-It Tinted Treatment although not as watery, with less alcohol and more pigment.

How did it perform? I tried a darker color on my arm and I must say I was pleased with the coverage. It dried up quite fast and left a nice powdery finish. The problem, it didn't last. About two hours later I could barely see it on my arm and it wasn't due to friction. I must also add that as it did feel powdery smooth it didn't feel comfortable. I got to try YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat recently which was lovely and even Bourjois' Healthy Mix foundation seems more "flexible". I think with L'Oréal Magic Nude Powder one would have to use either a makeup spray or a spritz of thermal water to make it not only feel more pleasant but slightly more dewy.

I didn't see for which skin type L'Oréal Magic Nude Powder is for but, I believe it would be more suitable for combination to oily complexions since it dried so quickly and was quite mattifying. In my case for some reason and I might be wrong here, I would be afraid of oxidation just because of the way it felt on my skin and the fact that at the moment my skin is more on the oily side.

It will be interesting to read the reviews as people get to try it. I guess we'll see soon enough if this new foundation becomes a best seller.


This comment is based on one trial of the product and on my experience. L'Oréal has been one of my go to brands for foundations in the past and I've been satisfied with the ones I've used. It's not because this one is not for me that it's not for you. :)

Avon's Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation / Review

For a little while there I sold Avon. I did it for close to 2 years as a past-time. What I find sad about this company is that they have such a huge turnover that it's hard to keep track. Every year they bring out truck loads of new products and discontinue the same amount. This means that if you "fall in love" with one of their offerings, it doesn't mean you'll be able to repurchase it. This is the main reason why I've almost given up on the brand. Almost.

Bourjois' Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation / Review

When it comes to foundation I'm not a big spender. The reason? I rarely wear any.

Years ago, when I used to work in cosmetics, it was part of my morning ritual. Winter, Summer, I always had foundation on, even on those hot and humid days of summer. Yuck! Blotting papers, powders.... I sometimes wonder today why did I put myself through that? I had oily skin! On top of that, I didn't have too many hyperpigmentation spots or sun spots. I've always avoided the sun and acne was petty much under control. So why? It was the thing to do. All the girls working for cosmetics companies did and still do. You do have to sell the stuff so you have to make sure your skin looks as flawless as possible and foundation is what enables you to achieve that perfect neutral canvass that will welcome colors.

So, since I only wear foundation once or twice a month in average, if at all, I don't see any justification in spending $40+ for one. It will turn before I get to use half of it. On my search for a good little foundation I noticed that Bourjois' Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation was mentioned often on MUA's Makeup Board and the review where very positive.

Bourjois' claims

• Instant revitalizing effect, refreshing and light sensation from radiance boosting shades. 
• 8 hours of moisture, lets skin breathe.
• 3 "super fruits" at the heart of it's formula, lychee, goji and pomegranate for strong anti-oxidant and skin enhancing effect. In other words, good for your skin.
• Better looking skin in 4 weeks of use.

How I use it

I'm very fair so the shade I use is no 51, Light Vanilla. It's a light gel formula that goes on smoothly with which you can achieve light to medium coverage. To make it disappear I have to use a brush. The one I use at the moment is a simple blush brush from Quo. Not the best quality, I purchased it for blush application but it barely picked up any powder so I decided to give it another task. Once my foundation is applied, I use it's tip to erase streaks and little spots. A light dusting of loose powder over it and I'm done. I have combination skin and this foundation does well for both my dryish and more oily areas. If you're very oily this may not be for you. I've worn it in Summer on hot days and after 4 hours or so, it was pretty much gone from my nose area.

This foundation receives a lot of love. Does it improve skin's texture? If you use it and have seen any difference I would love to know since I don't wear it often enough myself to notice.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

• Light,
• Easy to apply 
• Convenient pump
• Stays put for a good 8 hours on normal skin. If you have very oily skin you may want to pass on it.
• Under $25.00

Reviews:

MakeupAlley: 4.2 / 5 lippies for 148 reviews
Beauté-test: 4 / 5 stars for 190 reviews

INGREDIENTS from Bourjois website : 
Aqua (Water) • Dimethicone • Cyclopentasiloxane• PEG-10 Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Aluminum StarchOctenylsuccinate • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Chloride •Disteardimonium Hectorite • Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate •Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Glycerin • AlcoholDenat. • Parfum (Fragrance) • Panthenol • Aluminum Hydroxide• Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract • Silica • Lycium Barbarum FruitExtract • Pantolactone • Punica Granatum Extract • PotassiumSorbate • Sorbic Acid [+/- (May Contain) : CI 77007 (Ultramarines)• CI 77019 (Mica) • CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)• CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)] 10BMT001-1