Covergirl Clean Matte Oil Control Foundation Review

 I scored this foundation for the grand price of $1.50. Who can resist such a bargain? Especially in this economy. I think they discontinued this particular foundation. And updated the packaging for the regular Clean Foundation.  I've tried at least 2-3 Covergirl Foundations. Mostly their shade range was disappointing until they dropped the Queen collection-which was discontinued a few years ago. These days they are doing a little better. 

Covergirl claims:

This foundation for oily skin has a formula that is made with oil-absorbers that control oil, plus conditioners that help prevent dryness. Best of all, it won't clog pores, for a clean, shine-free face. Also available in Normal Skin and Sensitive Skin formulas.

Basically they are ditching the glass packaging for a plastic squeeze tube. I can see why since this is a little harder to get out- doesn't come with a pump but I manage. I just shake the bottle and grab the stuff that collected in the top. I do prefer the glass packaging even with it being more difficult to get out because glass is more sustainable.

Now that it's discontinued I can't tell you much about what the shade range was..but the new one has 24 shades. There are a few options for deeper skin- which is nice to see. But I think there should be a few more. Still miles better than they were a couple years ago. 

I bought the shade Deep Golden which is almost a perfect match for me. It matches better now that I have my summer color but can be a bit cooler than my skin tone in fall/winter/spring. 

I like the coverage but it doesn't last terrible long. Properly prepping skin leads to better wear- like using a really great primer. Maybe a setting spray. But on its own it does wear off my acne scars pretty quickly. I don't need perfection so this is mostly OK with me. I do tend to try to prep really well on days I wear this though. I don't notice it rubbing off too much on stuff thoughI don't think it's transfer proof but it stays on my face reasonably well. 

I like the finish- it does "dry" down. But it doesn't dry down completely matte. You still have a bit of glow. It's also not completely oil controlling and I do get oil breaking through but with my skin type- that's normal. It's nothing horrible. Especially at the price I paid.

I think it sits well on my skin- it makes pores and skin look smoother which is pretty surprising for the price. I think Covergirl did a pretty great job on this one. 

I don't get breakouts or any sort of skin reaction to it either. 

My favorite way to apply it is with my favorite ancient Real Techniques brush. I tried it with all the foundation brushes in my collection and that style of brush has always been a favorite for liquid foundations.

I'm pretty happy with it and kinda sad that it has been discontinued. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Super Light Smooth and Blur Primer Review

 I am a part of a makeup group for professionals and recently they were posting about how an artist was saying you don't need a primer. If you are a makeup artist you should use skin prep to prime the skin. Which I get. But I still think a nice primer is a quick and easy step to take....I like to keep my skin routine simple. Especially when I'm trying to get out the door. I don't have time to apply moisturizers, serums, etc and wait for it all to sink in. Especially with my oily skin. So...I'm a fan of primer. Although years back I didn't really see the point. 

Smashbox claims:

The Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light primer smooths the skin perfectly, prepares it for foundation and ensures your makeup lasts longer.

• softens
• fills pores
• prepares skin perfectly for foundation

Made in USA

It looks like Smashbox is revamping their primers. They seem to be dropping a line of more affordable primers. Which makes sense given all the competition and the economy. But why did they have to discontinue this one? 

That won't stop me from reviewing this one. I reviewed the original a few years back. And I liked that one....I might like this one more. I think it might be because of the texture? It's lighter and a little more gel like. I love that I can put my moisturizer on and then throw this on top and it kinda mattes it down without appearing matte? It looks healthy without looking greasy and continues to look that way throughout the day unless it's crazy humid, hot day. Even so I can tell the difference to if I apply this or now. 

It is smoothing and does smooth over pores. And if you take flash pictures, it really helps to perfect your skin and blur imperfections. 

It is the perfect canvas for foundation.

It does claim to extend the wear of your foundation....for me I don't particularly notice that. If you have a foundation that wears horribly this isn't going to improve it and if it does it's only slight. A long wear setting spray might be the way to go if you are really looking to extend wear. That and long wear products that wear well anyway.

It is pricey. And I do feel like you can easily get something comparable in the drugstore. I need to try more drugstore primers. I do like the ELF ones...but if I want to splurge I find these to be somewhat worth the money. 

Overall, I really love having it in my collection...I especially love having it in the summer of when I know I'm going to be in some flash pictures (not often). 

I would buy it again if it weren't discontinued.

Here I had a tinted moisturizer on, this primer, and was wearing it while in the water/heat and I feel like my skin was kinda glowy and not too greasy. Also, I just love when I get some sun, can't tell me nothing once I get the sun on my skin. 

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium Deep Review

 I've had this powder for years and years now. All the while meaning to write a review. I was in need of a powder and remembered this being a really popular one so I picked it up just to see if it's worth the hype and actually worth the $39.00 price tag. I don't think I paid that much for it. I feel like I paid $30. Price Jump?  I do see they have the mini now though which is a better price tag to just try it out.

Laura Mercier claims:

Cult favorite and winner of major awards, Laura Mercier’s “Best in beauty” Translucent Loose Setting Powder is beloved for its instant blurring effect, 16H wear and iconic soft-focus finish with zero flashback. Truly translucent, the #1 Setting Powder* is Laura’s makeup must-have to set and maintain the color of your Foundation. Exceptionally milled to deliver incredible staying power without weight or texture so skin looks and feels soft, smooth and flawless from day to night. It’s no wonder, 1 Translucent Loose Setting Powder is sold every 20 seconds!** In 3 shades for virtually all skin tones including dry skin, combination skin and, especially oily skin. 

Beloved for Blurring: 92% of consumers say the powder instantly blurs imperfections.****
16 Hour Soft Matte Finish: sets makeup for 16-hours of transfer resistant wear, with 95% of consumers saying it controls oil all day****making it the best setting powder for oily skin types.
Reduces Shine: 86% of consumers say the powder reduces shine throughout the day.***
Feels Breathable: 95% of consumers say the ultra finely-milled powders feel lightweight on skin and allow skin to breathe.****
No Texture: 89% of consumers say the powder doesn’t settle into imperfections and never looks cakey.****  
No Photo Flashback: take our no photo flashback test and say good-bye to flashback with our anti-shine powder formula!
Truly Translucent: 84% of consumers say the powder is translucent upon application for a naturally flawless look.****
Smoothing Effect: 94% of consumers say the powder gives a smooth look to skin!****
Foolproof: our artist-inspired “press & roll” technique ensures the perfect application every time, with 91% of consumers saying it applies effortlessly.****
Best Setting Powder for all Skin Types: oily skin, dry skin, combination skin

Does not clog pores. Dermatologist-tested. Suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, dry skin, and combination skin. Non-comedogenic. 

Three Shades for Virtually All Skintones 
Translucent: Perfect for Fair to Medium Skin Tones. 
Translucent Honey: Sets medium skin tones with olive and golden undertones. 
Translucent Medium Deep: ideal for medium-deep to deep skin tones. 

Key Ingredients
Vitamin C + E Powders: powerful antioxidants known to support a more even toned complexion overtime 
Botanical Blurring Powder: silky, finely-milled plant derived powder blurs the looks of pores and absorbs excess oil  
Skin Conditioning Powder: natural amino acid powder that melts into skin for an undetectable finish 
Ultra, Finely-milled Texture: becomes one with skin, without emphasizing texture, imperfections, or dry patches

*Based on #1 US Rank by NPD Group Inc in Prestige Retail, YE 2020. 
** Based on Laura Mercier US wholesale YE2020 
***Based on Consumer Perception Study of 63 subjects with Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Flawless Lumière 
****Based on Consumer Perception Study of 63 subjects with Translucent Loose Setting Powder alone

Made in USA

That's a lot of claims. I don't think I've used a product before that made so many claims. I know the translucent is the one that got the most hype but when I saw it came in a deeper shade, I had to get it. I didn't want to risk the chance of flash back or any white cast although one day I might pick up the translucent mini. That is if I ever finish up this container. Powder lasts me forever because I don't use it all the time and don't wear foundation regularly anymore. 

I really do like this powder. I can definitely see a difference between this and the cheap powders in the drugstore that always looks slightly ashy on me and made my skin overproduce oils. I will say the powder itself is a little cooler than my skin tone, usually it settles in as the day goes on though. This was especially helpful when I was wearing a very warm orangey foundation. It cooled it down, which was helpful.

I don't think it helps my foundation last any longer than if I didn't use it. I've tried it with various foundations and never really noticed any significant difference in lasting powder with or without this. 

I do really like the finish of it though. It goes on and kinda gives you a semi matte finish that maintains luminosity. I'm always impressed with the finish when I put it on. Some powders I've tried in the past have sent my skin into oil overdrive where I get even more oily after powdering. Not so with this. But my skin oils do come through this after a few hours and for the most part I think it just looks like glow-y skin. I like the effect. 

Mostly just on my on my cheeks and chin though. I usually skip applying this to my forehead because I think it makes my forehead look lined and aged. On the rest of my skin it goes on smoothly, doesn't emphasize texture and doesn't look powdery or cakey. It's just my forehead that I don't like how it looks.

One thing I really dislike is the packaging. It's a nice feeling little tub of product. BUT I wish there was an extra stopper or something to control how much powder is flowing out the holes. I traveled with the powder at some point and it's messier than it should be because way to much just sits in the top. For a $39 product, this should be better. 

It adds a little bit of coverage depending on the foundation. But not much.

My favorite brush to apply it with is a brush where I can really press it in. I did like it with a Beauty Blender too but it's more work than I want to do all the time with having to wash the blender afterwards. If I am already using it (depends on my current foundation) then I will use it. I really like the Omnia Angled Stippler to apply it. It's smaller and offers great control and pushes it into your skin. I don't really own a puff, I prefer brushes because they outlast puffs (better for the environment too!)

I haven't really tested it for undereyes. I mostly use it as an all over powder. I could probably use some under eye concealer but that's usually the skip I step. So that means I also haven't tried it for baking- which I probably never will be because I feel like that just dries out your under eye area and who has the time? Actually I probably do but you won't catch me taking the time to do it.

Overall, I really do like it. So far, this and the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural are the only powders I could see myself repurchasing. But I would definitely try out the translucent next time that way I can be sure it's not altering the tone of my foundation underneath. As long as my foundation doesn't run on the cooler side- this works perfectly! 

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Dark Deep Review

 I was almost completely done with my Christmas shopping but then all the cancellations/order out of stock notifications started coming in...so I'm back to the drawing board. But at least I got a few coupon codes out of it I guess. 

MAC claims:

Rich golden bronze

A rich powder that provides sheer coverage with a dimensional yet natural finish. 

 A luxurious, slow-baked, domed natural face powder with low-level pearlized pigments – M∙A∙C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural provides a dimensional yet natural finish. This baked powder can be used alone, to set foundation and touch up makeup throughout the dayThis was one of the    only powders I remember getting a lot of hype when I first started watching YouTube makeup. That was when MAC ruled, at least back then. That was before all the sponsored brands came in. I used to be really into collecting the brushes and then decided it was time to branch out. 

Made in Italy $37.00

My Mom used to have one of these powders years ago and I did try it out and remember really liking the way it looked in my skin. I had only bought cheap powders at that point and this was miles ahead of those.

I don't remember what color it was she had and I was a little confused about what color to go with. I ended up going with Dark Deep, which is slightly too deep for my skin but I like the undertone of it. And it helps to add color if I'm using a foundation that's too light for me. 

Skinfinishes (at least in the Natural line) are very versatile and I know a lot of artist's stock their kits with this. You can easily buy a darker one to use as a "bronzer". Next time I pick up more MAC stuff (that I don't need) I will try to pick up the Dark and another one deeper than my skin tone to use as bronzer. Actually that won't be anytime soon since I just realized I have some bronzers sitting in my drawer that I need to use a little more. 

Melts right into my skin.

So far, this is my favorite powder. It has a glow to it and just has extra dimension and a little bit of radiance that other powders don't provide. It's nice over foundation, nice over concealer...it's just a nice powder. It doesn't come across ashy or powdery. It makes me feel confident when I'm wearing it. 

It also lasts a nice bit of time. It doesn't break down, turn me into an oily mess, feel heavy or cakey nor does it separate. Just wears perfectly and exactly how I want it to wear. 

The only downside? $37 is pricey. It's worth waiting for a sale though. 

Because it's on the pricey side, I tend to save it for "special" days. When I want my skin to look extra nice. I've had my current compact for a couple of years now...and it will probably last me a few more. But if and when I do run out, it will get replaced with another. 

I had it on in this pic for hours, this was after I came home! The foundation isn't a great match for me but this helped to balance it out some. 

Make Up I've Used Up That I Still Miss

 

via GIPHY

I thought this might be a fun post to do because I wasn't thinking about a color I used up that I really, really missed. And realized there are a few things I've used up over the years that I kinda miss. Which doesn't happen too much because there is almost always something out there you can replace it with or find another favorite. Except...for these I didn't.

So let's get started.

1. L'oreal HIP Intrepid Pigment- I remember exactly when I bought this, it was my freshmen year Christmas break. I was home for the holidays and in need of a little makeup. Back then I kept my collection small.  I maybe had one little 3 shadow palette...from Wet N Wild. I really wanted something from the L'oreal HIP line and picked up the Intrepid, not really even knowing what it was going to look like. It was a dark brown with a green shift...and looking at it, I didn't expect I would love it as much as I did until I began wearing it. I applied it with some Visine- cheap alternative to MAC Fix+ and it was my one and done. I wore it out clubbing a lot. It was overpriced for the amount you got, but somehow worth it. I found out it was dupe for MAC Club much later, but I never picked that up. I do want to pick up MAC Blue Brown pigment one of these days which is supposed to be the same thing. There are many more dupes of this shade, but somehow I've never happened to get one in the many palettes I have.

2. L'oreal HIP Foundation- Admittedly this foundation was way too red and dark on my skin, but I loved the way it looked on me anyway. The wear time was also pretty terrible. I think I miss it so much because of how it photographed. It had SPF in it but no flashback. It just looked so nice on my skin! I bought a bottle years later on Ebay but it was extra old and caused breakouts. I wish they would bring it back- just make a little longer wearing. But the shade range was excellent-especially for dark/deep/ethnic skin tones. 

 I was wearing it in the picture above.

3. L'oreal HIP Duo in Showy- I read somewhere the light blue shade was supposed to be a dupe of MAC Parrot eyeshadow. This was the duo that made me fall in love with blue shadow. The navy sucked. But almost all navy shadows do. The light blue was gorgeous though. I didn't want to use it up...and I still miss it today! Clearly, I really loved the HIP line, I think it was ahead of it's time and maybe a bit overpriced for drugstore, but so much of it was great.

4. Urban Decay Smog Eyeshadow- This one I could re-buy if I wanted but I have so many bronze-y brown shimmers that can work as an everyday shade, I just can't justify it at the moment. But of all the colors in the original Naked palette, I was most sad to use this one up. It was my go to for everyday. It just worked. Perfect Work shade too! 

5. Covergirl Queen Ebony Bronzer- I should have bought a back up of this while I could have. Covergirl Queen is gone now but I loved this reddish bronzer. It could look a little like red stripes but for some reason I found it really flattering. Wish they would bring this one back! It helped me balance a lot of foundations that were too yellow and light for more and make my skin just look better overall.

And....I think that's all actually. Now I am off to finish watching The Sixth Sense. We watched a thriller that kinda reminded me of it last night and I haven't seen it in years now, so figured I would watch again. It is one of the best psychological thriller movies after all. 

via GIPHY

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation Review

 I go through foundation extremely slowly...and the pandemic has definitely extended the time I've had this for. I used to wear foundation most days I left the house but now with having to wear a mask, I rarely wear it because it transfers everywhere...well everywhere on the mask. Anyway, I bought this before the pandemic really started. I had wanted to try it for awhile but I couldn't figure out my shade match...I think I'm in between shades but I went with this one because I did kinda get matched and we all agreed this was best. 

Laura Mercier claims:

Skin looks naturally luminous in any light with Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation, an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner. Infused with a potent blend of Vitamin C to illuminate skin, and a rare mushroom extract to power 15-hours of hydration*, Flawless Lumière is Laura’s essential foundation for brighter, healthier looking skin instantly and over time. Dull, dry skin and uneven skin tone are visibly improved.

Instant luminosity: 83% of consumers say the foundation makes skin look naturally glowing immediately.**
Comfortable wear: 86% of consumers say the foundation feels weightless and is breathable***
Even application: 86% of consumers say the foundation applies evenly and smoothly.***
Soft-Focus Effect: 83% of consumers say the foundation blurs the look of imperfections.***
Healthy Looking Skin: 83% of consumers say the foundation immediately diminishes the appearance of dullness and sallowness.**

Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist-tested. Suitable for all skin types, especially normal to dry.

Available in 30 shades for virtually all skin tones.

Key Ingredients
Super Clear Crystal Pearl: reflects light for an immediate luminous effect
Vitamin C: helps reveal brighter, clearer, more even looking skin over time- so even without makeup, your skin looks radiant
Silver Ear Mushroom Extract: keeps skin visibly smooth while softening the look of lines and wrinkles
Light-reflecting Powders: create a refined blurring effect to smooth skin’s texture and diffuse the look of imperfections

*Clinical results based on independent consumer testing with 29 women
** After 2 weeks of independent consumer testing with 29 women
***After 4 weeks of independent consumer testing with 29 women

This is an expensive foundation...but I find foundation can be one of the make up products that is worth splurging on for a good shade match/better wear (not that you can't find something great in the drugstore.) Which this wasn't. It's just a little lighter, and I could have bought another shade to mix in but at that price? Nope! It does work a little bit better in winter for me though.

I went with the shade Pecan which is described as a Medium Deep with a  Cool Undertone. I don't think the color is cool at all. And I am definitely not cool toned. My skin is very warm. As far as colors for deeper skin, it's a line that does a better job than most and that was before it became in to have a more universal range. 

 

As for wear...it's not the best for me. When I am putting it on, I like the coverage it gives without being heavy but I find on the problem areas like my chin area it just kinda disappears after a few minutes unless I set it heavily with powder. But while it's there for those ten minutes it is nice coverage without look heavy, it's just the color looks slightly off and too orange. It seems to last well everywhere else. It's more of a medium coverage foundation.

The finish is slightly dewey. I like the finish. And it doesn't get too oily and greasy looking (just a luminous glow as the day goes on) unless I put something too heavy underneath it. I only use a primer sometimes since I expect great performance without a primer for the price. I do think a primer greatly extends the wear...but it does pretty decent on it's own in my non-problem areas. 

It doesn't have any particular smell, it smells like any other foundation. Maybe like the Revlon Colorstay.

One thing worth mentioning- I don't feel like my bronzer and blushes like to show up over it too well. They will be nicely pigmented and easy to show up on other bases...maybe it's a combo of the powder and this foundation? But I thought that was something I should mention. It may just be a "me" problem though.

I don't find that I get any particular skin care benefits out of it, but I like the idea of it having Vitamin C and whatever special mushroom stuff they put in it. It's definitely not drying and doesn't seem to be harming my skin. Doesn't cause breakout or anything else concerning.

The packaging is nice. Glass bottle that comes with a pump. They aren't charging you extra for the pump...but it's probably factored into the price. 

I set it with the Laura Mercier Powder, added the smallest touch of bronzer and NARS Gina Blush.

Overall, it's not something I would repurchase. I like the finish...but for the price I want a better shade match (it may work for you) and more long wear in my problem areas without setting it with a ton of powder.

Ignore my two different eyes, I was testing one purple vs another trying to decide which I liked more.

Monoprix Brume Eau Minerale Hydrating Facial Spray Review

Blog time...because there's not much else to do. I bought this facial spray last summer when we went to Strasbourg, which is a beautiful city. We ended up walking in the downtown area and of course I had to check out the drugstore. Evian is the most known one in the USA and they did have that one, but I went with the cheaper one. They are very cheap already in France and  Germany at no more than 2-3 dollars. Way overpriced in Sephora. 

Anyway, I do like these....even though they are essentially a water spray.

I use a lot of facials oils/butters and like to mist this one before applying the heavier oils because they absorb easier. I also do find them helpful to spray on skin irritations or burns. I don't know why it's any different from regular water or if it's all in my head, but I do like it. 

They are also nice in the summer when it's super hot outside to spray on the face to cool you down. I don't carry it around in the winter months but in spring/summer I will throw it in my bag. 

You can spray it on you face after makeup, but I don't find it to get rid of the "powdery" look. Not like a makeup setting spray would do because it is essentially just water. It can take away some of the oiliness in my skin though. So that's another reason I like having it in the summer months. 

As for hydration purposes, if you have dry skin this isn't really going to moisturize your skin. I don't know if it claims to be hydrating- I can't read French but I thought I would mention it. 

There's no scent at all. Which I do like....I used the Mac Fix Plus before this and found the scent overwhelming. Although I do wish they would make options like Lavender or Peppermint. Natural scents. 

Overall, not a necessity. I probably won't get the chance to purchase this one again since I've only seen it in France. But I have noticed other brands popping up (off-brand- but it's only water anyway) so more than likely I will always have a can of this on hand. 

Random: 

Pics I took of the cathedral in Strasbourg. It was breathtaking. I really want to go back! 

Iman Second To None Stick Foundation Review (Earth 3 and Clay 1)

Iman Cosmetics have been on my list of brands to try forever. And now..years and years later here we are! 

Iman claims:

Easily Creates a Flawless Complexion. Second To None Stick Foundation is an oil-free makeup. Formulated with moisturizing jojoba esters nourishing antioxidant vitamins. Full coverage, long-wearing matte color for a natural looking complexion.

Apply with sponge for a natural and sheer look. Use fingertips and blend evenly for maximum coverage. Apply foundation and blend downward in the direction of your hair growth for a more even texture. When applying with fingers, use your ring finger, this applies the least amount of pressure. A good choice for oily/combination skin.

I've seen Iman Stick Foundations quite a bit. The reason I never bought the foundation is because it's so difficult to figure out your color match. And after looking at the colors for awhile...I finally just picked one. They have 14 shades shades that are mainly meant for women of color. I couldn't figure out if my Skintone was Clay or Earth. And the main problem I have with her color selection is the colors run too cool. My skin tone is pretty warm and they are just missing completely. I know there is a gap with other lines in cool tone deeper colors, so I'm glad Iman fills that gap. But I wish that she would offer both warm and cool tones. 

On it's own..I can't wear it. The only way I can wear it without the color looking too off is to mix it with another warmer and lighter foundation. I use Covergirl Queen...the old one since I found it on clearance and picked up a couple bottles. Before that I bought another color in the line (Clay 3), which looked horrible-ashy and still too cool when I mixed the two together. I still have it and have no idea how I'm going to use it up! Sometimes I blend it down my nose as a highlight and I might try it as an eye primer. 

The foundation is more suited for oily complexions. I found it to be quite drying on my combination skin, which wasn't good when the weather was cooler. My skin tolerates it a little better now that it is warmer. I think it tolerates oil break though pretty well too. 

The coverage it pretty high. I tend to blend it out but if you want more coverage you can dab it on and blend minimally and use it as a concealer. 

I think it's pretty long lasting. It lasts pretty much the whole day.

I paid about $13 for the foundation. Which is on the pricey side for a drugstore foundation.

The packaging is alright. The writing on it wears off easily. But it's functional.  

It is made in China. Which..I'm kind of disappointed in that. I wonder why she didn't make the line in Ethiopia or the US or even the UK. There are cheaper lines available in the drugstore that are made in the USA so I'm not sure why they are made in China. 

Overall, if you have oily, cool toned skin...this might be one to try. For warm toned, dry or combination skin, it's skippable. The fact that I couldn't find my shade was a deal breaker for me. I would still try out other things in her line though..

Have you tried Iman's stick foundations? What did you think? 

Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Facial Spray Review

I had a moment where I thought I would need to replace my phone. Even though the screen has been cracked for a little while I don't really want to replace the phone just yet. Phones are crazy expensive these days and I'm a Apple loyalist. But I haven't bought a new phone in quite awhile and since I saw the almost screen of death I should probably just replace it sooner than later. But I really, really don't want to. Bummer.

Anyway...let me stop going on about phones and get to reviewing the Evian facial Spray. 

Evian claims:

Revive makeup & refresh skin

- Spray lightly at any time throughout the day to wake up and rehydrate skin. 

- Spray over makeup to revive color and reset powders. 

BEAUTY TIP: Quickly spray to cool down on hot or humid days without messing up makeup.

Soothe & calm sensitive skin

- Generously apply to irritated skin for a calming and soothing effect.

- Mist skin after spa treatments or at-home facials to cool skin and replenish its essential hydration.

- Safe for all skin types, even the most delicate.

FAMILY TIP: Use during diaper changes to cool and soothe baby's irritated skin.

Blend & finish makeup

STEP 1: Thoroughly spray a cosmetic sponge or brush with evian® Facial Spray. 

STEP 2:  Blend makeup in a gentle, circular motion using the moistened sponge or brush for a flawless, airbrushed finish.

STEP 3: Mist over finished look for a dewy complexion. 

Boost skin's hydration

STEP 1: Mist generously after cleansing skin.

STEP 2: Wait a few moments to let skin absorb the unique mineral content of evian®.

STEP 3: Pat dry before applying morning or evening moisturizer.

SKINCARE TIP: Use anytime throughout the day for an extra boost of hydration! 

Evian® Facial Spray contains pure, natural evian® water. Unlike other sprays, evian® Facial Spray provides an ultra-fine microdroplet mist that allows the upper layers of skin to absorb the unique mineral content only found in evian® water. This process allows the skin to experience an unparalleled boost of natural hydration. Pure evian® Facial Spray won't irritate skin and is safe for all skin types 

Evian® Facial Spray is committed to protecting the environment and the natural purity of our source. Our facial spray cans are made from 100% recyclable materials and we aim to minimize the amount of plastic in our packaging. Unlike other atomizers, our spray is propelled by ozone-friendly nitrogen (nitrogen is about 80% of the air we breath!).

My Mac Fix Plus was on its last few sprays when I came across the Evian sprays in Globus on sale for two euro. I'm pretty sure the spray is well over $12 in the US. I remember seeing the mini version at the check out and I thought they were kinda pricey. I really did manage to get it at a bargain. I'm glad I waited it out! 

I actually bought two and considered going back for more later but I didn't make it. 

The first thing I noticed...it's very refreshing. Spraying cool water on your face on a hot day is so nice. But I'm pretty sure you can just fill a spray bottle with water and get the same effect.

There's no scent because it's only water. And I'm happy about that. The MAC Fix Plus scent was kind of overwhelming sometimes and I remember wishing it was lighter in fragrance. 

It kind of settles a powdery makeup look down. But not as well as Fix plus. I like that it doesn't make me look greasy at all. It dries down and my skin just looks normal.

It doesn't extend the wear time of your makeup, in fact I noticed my eyeshadow would wear off after a couple of hours. Even with primer. I would try to avoid the eye area...but if I'm looking to feel refreshed it kind of defeats the purpose because I like to spray it all over. 

I sometimes will use it to moisten my face before adding an oil face to seal in some extra moisture. I liked using it for that, but felt it was kind of wasteful. I'll still use it like that occasionally though. 

I almost forgot to add, I did use it on some irritated skin I had and it was very soothing.

Overall, I like it at the price I bought it at. I probably wouldn't like it if I had paid more. I will use up the bottles I have and would pick it up if I saw it for the bargain price of 2 Euro. Otherwise I would just add water to a spray bottle and make it work that way.

Have you tried it? What's your favorite facial spray? 

Covergirl Queen Natural Hue Compact Foundation Soft Copper Review

The queen collection is getting discontinued! I remember when it came out. It seemed like Covergirl just straight up ignored women of color for years..and then BOOM! A line just for us. Their shades used  stopped at tan. I remember buying something in their darkest shade before the queen collection which was called tawny and being so disappointed it wouldn't match. I didn't try as much of the line as I intended. I did try the much raved about Queen Ebony Bronzer and remember loving it. I also really liked the liquid makeup. So when I saw this on clearance for $3.87, there was no way I could leave it in the store.

I know they are coming out with a line to replace the Queen collection which I'm pretty excited to see. They would have gotten a side eye if they just discontinued without replacing.

Covergirl claims:

Mid to high coverage. Queen Collection Natural Hue foundation provides mid to high, buildable coverage.  It's specifically designed to match darker skin tones  and contains oil absorbing agents the minimize oily shine.

It comes in a simple plastic compact. I haven't had issues with it breaking but I don't travel with it either, so I'm not as hard on it as I could be if I were traveling.

It has an excellent shade range for deeper skin (of course!).  It can be a little hard to pick out the right color. Which is not a problem I have very often. I think a couple years ago I bought a completely different color in the liquid. It was basically a perfect match. I couldn't find that color this time. 

At first, I thought it matched perfectly but after looking closely, it isn't a perfect match. When I look at it compared to my neck or chest it looks slightly green. I don't know where the green is coming from but it's there. It's not a perfect match-but setting powder helps out a lot since the one I use matches my skin. 

It applies pretty easily. And it's truly a cream to powder. This is actually my very first time using this type of foundation. I've tried mineral, stick, liquid, mousse, and now cream-to-powder foundation. 

The sponge works to apply it, but I like to apply it with a flat synthetic foundation brush or a synthetic buffing brush. I feel like sponges harbor too much bacteria to use continually.

It is really good for oily skin and I don't have a problem with the drier parts of my skin either since I do have combination skin.

The only problem? It doesn't last long. And it transfers if you don't set. It's an easy foundation to touch up but I do like my foundation to last. I'm not the type to touch up anything. I feel like this wears 1-4 hours before it starts fading. Especially in areas where I have acne scars. 

It is truly medium-to-full coverage.

In conclusion, it's not the best I've ever tried. And it's also not the worst. If you just wear foundation for short amounts of time and have oily skin, it might be worth trying out. I probably wouldn't purchase again because I like a longer wearing foundation and it wasn't my perfect match. 

In the picture I am just wearing the foundation and blush. No primer and no powder over top. 

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Martinique Review

I bought this around the time that Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line dropped. I was trying to wait for her to restock the darker shades but I ran out of foundation and couldn't wait any longer. Plus I had a gift card I really needed to use. And Sephora was having their 20% sale. So I swatched  nearly everything in the store and looked for something I could take home. But I couldn't seem to find my shade in anything I wanted to try. And I really wanted something nice and light and easy to throw on. So I ended up with this.

NARS claims:

A lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens skin tone and provides a translucent veil of protection. 

Infused with lush, naturally-derived ingredients, this lightweight tinted moisturizer immediately 

helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of 

discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter 

complexion in as little  as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of 

lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin. 

Natural polysaccharides from Moorea Island in French Polynesia hydrate, condition, and help 

 support natural cell renewal. Mineral-rich seawater uniquely revitalizes and adds key minerals

 back into the skin.Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 helps improve

 skin’s overall condition. Soft and smooth to the touch, skin looks natural and glowing.

 This oil-free, dermatologist-tested product is free of synthetic fragrances and is 

noncomedogenic. 

Research results:
- 84% felt their skin was more radiant and luminous
- 81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin
- 81% felt the product gave them immediate hydration

It has about 12 shades. I picked up the second darkest shade. Which isn't that dark. But the next deepest shade (Polynesia) looked too deep for me. They really need a shade in between those shades. I figured I could get away with it by adding bronzer in the Summer and it matches a little closer in the winter time. The shade range is not too bad but its not the best either. I think the colors are a little strange too. But after you blend it in, it's OK. But just OK.

It has SPF. But sun protection is not really something I look for in a foundation type of product. Mostly because you would have to apply it every two hours and I would never reapply it like that. If you need the extra protection I guess it could work, but for me..I don't really care for SPF in a foundation type product.

It also claims skincare benefits which is another thing I don't look for in my foundations. As long as it's not messing up my skin, I'm good. I look for skincare benefits from my skincare. 

As for coverage...it's pretty sheer. And buildable. It does provide a more even skintone, that looks pretty natural. And it is buildable without looking caky.The finish is quite radiant. A little too radiant for my skin, which is why I prefer to set with powder. I think those with dry skin would find the extra radiance pretty nice though. My oily/combination skin could probably do with a more matte finish.

I don't mind the coverage too much where I have minor pigmentation on my face. But I have some pretty deep dark pigmentation on my chin (I'm always touching my chin and it stays breaking out which leaves horrible scars) and this doesn't cover it hardly at all. And it does it seems to wear off my chin area in about 20 minutes but oddly stays on the rest of my face pretty well. But I guess that's what concealer is for. Also setting with powder doesn't help it to last longer.

For application, I tend to apply it exactly as is shown in the video. A brush works. But applying with hands is pretty easy and means I don't have a brush to clean later on in the day. 

I find NARS foundations aren't very long lasting in general on my skin. And I'm generally a fan of the longer lasting foundations and expected this to last a little longer. Especially at a price point of $45. You do get 1.7 ounces of product through, which is much better bang for your buck than the standard one ounce size.

Overall, I like it. I don't love it. And probably wouldn't repurchase.

Rocking it in some natural lgiht. Looks pretty pretty natural. 

Have you tried it? What were your thoughts?

I do see NARS has a new long lasting foundation and I kind of want to try that once I get through this, but I really need to start branching out and stop buying the same brands all the time.