Pur Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation Review

Pur Cosmetics recently sent me their new Hydra Fluid Water Serum Foundation ($39 at Ulta.com and Purcosmetics.com) and I couldn't be more excited to review it for you today because...spoiler alert...this is one of the best foundations I've tried in a long time. This Spring it's all about getting dewy, healthy-looking skin that looks natural and this foundation fits in perfectly with that idea. Let's take a look! 

L'oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation Review

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation is brand new for Spring 2016 and is one of the top products you've been asking me to review lately. So...since I've been testing it out for about a month now, I'm ready to share my thoughts with you guys! I found this at Bed, Bath & Beyond for about $13.50, but it's selling at Ulta Beauty and Drugstore.com for about $16.99...definitely on the more expensive side for a drugstore foundation. Still, if you're willing to wait, I'm sure it'll be going on sale at some point, or there will likely be coupons you can use too. 

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation Review

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation is brand new for Spring 2016 and is my highest requested review at the moment! It claims to be a gel-whipped formula with a soft, velvety matte finish. While most matte foundations feel drying on the skin, this one promises to be a hydrating matte formula. All I can say is Thank YOU Maybelline! I've never found a matte foundation that I can wear because I have really dry skin, so when I saw this at Bed, Bath & Beyond, it was like the heavens opened up and the angels started singing. And if you have oily skin, have no fear because the moisture in this formula won't clog you up.

So is this as comfortable to wear as it claims to be? Keep on reading to find out...

Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer Review

I recently spotted the new Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer at Bed, Bath and Beyond and I've been using it for about a week now so I wanted to do a review/first impression for you guys. I'm not usually a fan of compact makeup, as I've found it to feel very thick and mask-like on my face, but I'm happy to report that this isn't like that at all! So keep on reading to find out all the details...

Spotted: NEW Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup and Concealer

Happy Halloween, I hope you guys are having a great day! I was at Bed, Bath & Beyond this morning and spotted this new Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer. I absolutely love Revlon foundations, I've always had good luck with them, especially the Colorstay line, so I have high hopes for this one. Let's take a look...

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation Debuts Tonight on QVC

Tarte is debuting a brand new foundation on QVC tonight called Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation ($32.25) which also includes a brush. It's a really good deal considering Tarte foundations usually costs at least that much so they're essentially giving you the brush for free (and I doubt it will come with a brush when it launches in stores). 

This is exclusive to QVC until the end of the year, so if you want to get your hands on it, you'll have to order it from them. Also, this is a pre-order, so it won't ship until 9/24...over a month from now, which kinda stinks, but this is likely to sell out with all the hype I've been hearing about it, so if you have your eye on this, a pre-order might be a good idea! 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation

Description: 

Tarte's newest complexion perfection innovation is a lightweight, skin-perfecting fluid that floats over skin to deliver full, hydrating coverage and skin-care benefits with every application. The antioxidant-rich ingredients from the Rainforest of the Sea complex help to diffuse the appearance of imperfections, leaving skin looking flawless. The included double-ended brush is the perfect tool to let you build your custom level of seamless coverage.

In case you missed tonight's presentation, you can view this new foundation in action on QVC.com (just scroll down to the bottom of the page for the video). 

Are you excited for this new launch? I watched it live at 9pm tonight and it looks fantastic...great coverage that looks really natural!

ELF Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum Foundation Review & Swatches

ELF Foundation Serum ($8 at elfcosmetics.com) is part of the new Beautifully Bare collection and promises to give a weightless no-makeup look while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. Let's take a look!

Elf Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum in Fair

Sally Hansen Airbrush Face Makeup Review & Swatches

Sally Hansen Airbrush Face Makeup ($9.97 exclusively at Walmart) is a lightweight spray foundation that gives a sheer, natural finish. 

Years ago, I was borderline obsessed with the Sally Hansen Airbrush Makeup by What Not To Wear makeup artist Carmindy (love that show) and couldn't believe that it had been discontinued. Fast forward a few years and it's BACK...well sort of. It's not under Carmindy's name anymore and it's sold exclusively at Walmart, rather than CVS.  Needless to say, I bought one immediately with the hope that this is Carmindy's version repackaged. 

Stila Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector Review & Swatches

Stila Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector ($39 at Stila Cosmetics) is a hybrid cream foundation and pressed powder in one that gives flawless coverage with minimal effort. Keep on reading for my review and swatches.

I review a lot of products every month and sometimes it seems like the same old, same old. It's rare to get a product that's just really cool and different but when I do, it's really exciting! That's how I felt as soon as I tried Stila's new Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector (try saying that three times fast)!

I couldn't decide between shades (there are five of them) so I bought Light and Medium to try. I decided that Fair looked too light, and besides I'm almost never the lightest shade. Tan and Deep were definitely too dark for me and normally I would have just grabbed Light but I have a bit of a tan so I thought I might be closer to Medium when I swatched it on my arm in the store. Turns out, my face is lighter than my body right now so Medium was too dark and Light was just perfect.

New: Stila Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector

Stila Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector ($39 at Sephora) is a brand new skin-perfecting foundation with an innovative bouncy, putty texture and it's part of their new Modern Goddess Fall 2015 collection. Let's take a look! 

This powder/cream hybrid is a weightless, invisible formula that offers buildable, weightless coverage that looks like skin, not makeup. It offers a soft matte finish while it smooths the skin and hides imperfections, pores and uneven skin tone.
It comes in five shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, and Deep and claims to be waterproof and smudgeproof for all day wear.

According to the Sephora website, this is great for all skin types...oily skin types will love the oil-free matte formula while it won't settle into fine lines or look cakey on dry skin.

Honestly, I thought I was on a no-buy July from here on out, but now I find myself caving because I really want to try this, it sounds amazing.

What do you guys think? Will you be indulging? I'll feel better if I know I'm not the only one who wants this really badly.

You can find this at Sephora and Ulta. 

NEW Sally Hansen Airbrush Face Makeup Spotted at Walmart

Today I was at Walmart looking for the new Maybelline Summer releases and while I didn't have any luck with those, I did spot an exciting new launch from Sally Hansen! 

Airbrush Face Makeup ($9.97) is a foundation version of their Airbrush Legs spray, which I love.  I was also a huge fan of Sally Hansen's Natural Beauty Airbrush Foundation that was part of the Carmindy (makeup artist from What Not to Wear) line at CVS several years back. I was so disappointed when that was discontinued, so I'm crossing my fingers that this is the same formula, just repackaged. 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Luminous Review

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation ($8.99) is brand new for Summer 2015 and I spotted it about two weeks ago at Bed, Bath and Beyond along with some other new CoverGirl products (see that post here).  I've been using it for a little over a week now, so I wanted to give you guys a quick review/first impression since I've had a lot of requests since this came out. Let's take a look...

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops Review and Swatches

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops ($44 at Sephora) is a brand new makeup innovation that's my favorite product this year so far...and possibly ever. With so many makeup companies copying each other on the latest trends, it's refreshing to see a company actually bring us something we haven't seen before-it doesn't happen all that often.  Most of the time, new products are built on existing ones...maybe a little tweak here or there.  Custom Cover Drops has created a whole new category in makeup and it's likely we'll see many copycats down the road. Let's take a look...

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is a bottle of pure pigments that can be mixed with any liquid product your heart desires to create the perfect custom foundation.  It allows you to channel your inner makeup artist and I have to say...I've been having so much fun playing with this!
It's vegan and paraben, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil, and talc-free.  It comes in 24 shades that come in cool, warm and neutral undertones.
I have cool-toned skin so I chose a pink-based shade...P- 40 which the Sephora website says is for Medium skin with pink undertones.  I actually have light skin, so I should probably have gone for P-30 or even P-20, but I was thinking that summer is coming up and I usually go a little darker for summer, plus I figured that mixing this with another product might sheer out the color a bit. So to test my theory, while I was at Sephora I mixed a few drops with one of Cover FX's primers on the display and sure enough, when mixed the lighter shades were too light for me.  So if you're planning on mixing this with foundation or something that already has color, you can probably go with your own shade match.  But if you're planning to mix it with something that has no color, you may want to go a shade darker because it's going to sheer out a bit, especially if you mix it with something white like a primer or moisturizer.

Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 BB Cream Review

I had no idea that Physicians Formula was coming out with a BB Cream until I saw it at CVS the other day.  I loved their last foundation, Youthful Wear- it was full coverage that didn't settle into lines and wrinkles and had a really lovely mousse-like formula.  So I had very high hopes for this BB, mainly that it would have more coverage than all of the other tinted moisturizer-esque formulas  I've tried thus far.  It claims 10 benefits: 

Smoothing

Moisturizing

Protecting

Firming

Priming/Filling

Perfecting

Concealing

Brightening

Line-Softening

Long Wearing

It cost $15, but there was an instant $3 off coupon right on the package, plus I had $6 in CVS Extra Bucks, so I got it for $6.

First, some packaging shots: 

One thing I have to stress about this product before we go any further is that it separates!  The first time I squeezed the tube, I got some clear oil and then a blob of product after that, and when I tried to mix it, it just turned into an oily mess.  So I shook it up really well, and it was fine.  But then the next time, same thing happened- more separation!  So I've learned that you need to shake this up each and every time you use it. 

This formula is what I have been waiting for in terms of a BB with coverage. This is actually a cream formula with medium coverage, similar to foundation.  For a light/medium shade, this was a little dark for my skin.  I'm not super-fair, but I'm very light with pink undertones.  This was yellowy and definitely closer to a medium shade.

Below is the product fully blended in.  It feels very moisturizing, but leaves more of a matte finish. I wasn't crazy about the finish, because as someone with dry skin, I felt that it took away luminosity and almost looked sort of muddy on my face, especially since it's quite a bit darker than my skin.  Sort of like when you try to apply powder bronzer while your moisturizer is still damp!

On a positive note, it has great coverage, which really sets this apart from the other drugstore BB's, and didn't settle into lines and wrinkles, which is fantastic. 

For me, the biggest disappointment was the lack of luminosity/muddiness of the finish.  It might be that the shade was just too dark for me, and also the fact that it's been 15 degrees out where I live, which means that my skin is drier than usual.  If they came out with a lighter shade that blended better with my skin, I might try this in the summer months to see if I have a better result.  Other than that, I'll probably just stick with my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation, which has similar coverage and makes my face look healthy and glowy.

What do you think, have you tried this out, or do you want to?  Anyone with normal or oily skin have a better result with the finish?

Spotted in Stores! New Maybelline 2013 Products- The Lifter Foundation, Eraser Dark Spot,The Rocket Mascara and More!

At Walgreens yesterday, I spotted Maybelline's Spring 2013 line, and it's got me really excited!

First, their newest foundation from the Age Rewind collection The Lifter.  This is foundation and primer in one, and is supposed to have a lifting effect on the skin.  I bought one, and will be reviewing it soon!  There's also the Perfector powder which is supposed to smooth the skin.

Next is the Eraser Dark Spot concealer. It's packaged like the regular Eraser but this one is also a treatment to help get rid of darkness and spots- pretty cool!  I also bought one of these, and will be doing a review soon. 

Next are some new Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow shades!  There's a pretty Rose shade, a light silver, bright yellow, the same beige that launched with the limited edition brown shades in the fall, and a navy blue. 

Finally, a new Volum Express mascara called The Rocket.  This is supposed to have a very rigid brush to deposit more product at the roots for bigger volume.  I also bought this, so check back soon for a review!

There were also new Color Sensational lipstick shades, and a double ended eyeliner that has both thick and thin brushes, which I didn't get photos of, unfortunately.  

Has anyone tried these products yet?  If not, which ones are you most excited about?

NEW Drugstpre Launches- Rimmel BB Cream and Eyeshadow Sticks, Neutrogena Eyeshadow Sticks and Lip Crayons plus more!

Today I was at my local Walgreens and spotted a slew of new products!  I couldn't even photograph them all because I was getting weird looks from the employees and I didn't want to get kicked out.  I'll get some more photos tomorrow.
Anyway, get ready to be excited- there's so much to talk about!

First up is a BB Cream from Rimmel called BB Cream 9-in-1 Super Makeup. There were only three shades in the store, but it looks like there's a spot for a fourth, so I'm thinking there has to be one more.  I bought one so look for a review very soon!

Next from Rimmel is Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara.  This is supposed to lift, give volume and length.  It also has a funky brush with a rounded tip, similar to Benefit's They're Real mascara or Revlon's PhotoReady.  I wasn't too impressed with the last two Scandaleyes formulas, but maybe this one will be better!

Also from Rimmel is 24 Hour Eyeshadow sticks and Kohl Eyeliners.  I'm really excited to try these out!

Neutrogena has come out with new Crease Proof Eyeshadow sticks!  I also can't wait to try these out! 

Lastly, at least for today, are Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks, which look a lot like Clinique's Chubby Stick (Revlon also launched a similar version last Spring).  I purchased one of these also, so a review will be coming shortly. 

All in all, I'm really anxious to try all of these new products.  What about you?

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation Review and Swatches

Earlier this week at CVS, I spotted the newest Cover Girl Foundation- Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1.  It's supposed to combine foundation, primer and concealer in one product.  I'm all for making life easier, so I bought a bottle to see what it's all about.  It cost around $12.

I love that it comes in a pump bottle.  They're so much easier and less messy than jar foundations, or the kind that you just pour out in your hand.  

The texture of this product is a medium thickness- not runny and not super thick.  

You can see as I start to blend it that this is a full coverage foundation- they definitely mean what they say about this acting as a concealer. 

I would say that the claim about coverage is definitely accurate, and it lasted all day as if I wore primer, so that was good as well. 

But the bad news is, this foundation doesn't work well on my dry skin.  It has a matte finish and it clung to the dry flaky patches, such as my chin and in between my eyebrows.  It also tended to settle into my fine lines quite a bit.  I think that those of you who have oilier skin, and even those who have normal skin that are looking for a matte finish will love this!  Especially if you're seeking full coverage.  

But I'm sad to say it didn't work well for me.  :( 

Has anyone tried this yet?  What did you think?

New Products at CVS! Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation, Revlon Colorstay Timeless Perfection Concealer and more!

I'm so happy that the new 2013 continue to hit the drugstores early!  Every day there's something new to talk about.

Today I was at CVS in CT, and saw some new products.  So without prolonging the suspense, here they are!

Cover Girl Outlast 3-in-1 Stay Fabulous Foundation

This foundation has a built-in primer & concealer to help it last all day.  I love that it comes in a pump bottle!  I purchased it in Buff Beige which is my usual Cover Girl shade- I'm guessing they're the same all around?  Review coming shortly!

Revlon Colorstay Timeless Perfection Concealer

This one claims to have 24 hour wear with a time release formula.  I love concealers and am always on the lookout for one that covers well but doesn't settle into fine lines or cake under the eyes.  I bought this also, so I'll be reviewing it soon!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Liquid Makeup

I'm so excited about this one and I've been waiting for Sally Hansen to do this for a long time!  I loved the results of the original Airbrush Legs spray, but hated the application.  It was super messy and left overspray all over my bathroom.  I can't wait to try this out. I wanted to buy it in medium, but it's already sold out.  

Almay Smart Shade Mousse Makeup

Since mousse makeup has been hit or miss for me with other brands, I didn't buy this one right away, but I know I'll eventually try it out.  I love the thought of poreless coverage, and have been hoping for a mousse that works well on my dry skin.  Hopefully this will be it!  Below, some close-ups of the shades and blushes.

Has anyone tried any of these products yet?  If not, which one are you most excited about?  

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation Review and Swatches

I spotted the new Revlon Nearly Naked at my local Rite Aid in CT, and I almost didn't buy it, since the display and packaging weren't the most exciting thing I've ever laid eyes on.  But OMG I'm so glad I did.

In the center of the display, there was a booklet that helps you to determine your shade based on undertones and how light or dark your skin is.  With my pink undertones and light skin, my options were either the very lightest shade, or one that was about 4 in from the left, called Nude.  So I ended up buying the Nude shade, since the Ivory was too light.  It's a little dark for my skin, but I'd rather add a little color than be too pale.  

My only complaints about this foundation are about the packaging.  There's no pump or dispenser, so you have to pour it out into your hand.  The formula is very liquidy, so I always have to be really careful not to dump the whole thing out at once.  

Below is the Nude shade on my skin: 

Although it looks like a thick foundation in the bottle, the formula is so light, it reminded me of a tinted moisturizer.  I was positive I would be disappointed with the coverage- but I was so wrong. 

This has amazing coverage and staying power.  I don't have terrible skin, but this evened me out completely, taking away all redness and darkness under my eyes.  I used my Sonia Kashuk flat top synthetic brush to blend it in, and I got the most flawless, beautiful finish.  The picture below is the product completely blended into my hand.

Every time I passed a mirror all day, I kept checking out my skin- it looked so good.  This has a soft, satiny finish that made my skin just glow.  Not in a shimmery/sparkly way, but in an airbrushed, soft focus sort of way.  Also, this felt perfect on my dry skin- it didn't sink into lines or pores, just seemed to melt right in.  

It's so light, I can imagine that oilier types wouldn't have a problem either, but I'd love to hear from those who have tried this with other skin types to see what you think!