Beauty Review // Maybelline Fit Me Comparison (Dewy vs Matte)

Today I wanted to do a quick comparison between two of the offerings in the Maybelline Fit Me line - the Matte & Poreless line and the Dewy & Smooth line, today we'll be talking just about the foundations.  I plan on doing a comparison between the powders as well.  You can see here on the Maybelline website that the Dewy & Smooth is a repackaging of the original fit me line.  I have the old/original packaging so that is what you will see in this review/comparison.  So let's just get into it.

From the website

Fit Me® foundation has a new look for its same great hydrating formula!  Hydrates, smoothes skin texture and matches natural tone for a luminous, seamless finish.
For Normal to Dry Skin. SPF 18.  Fit Me!® Dewy + Smooth foundation for dry skin from Maybelline New York goes beyond skin tone matching to fit the unique texture issues of normal to dry skin for the ultimate natural skin fit.  While some foundations can exaggerate dry, rough patches, only Fit Me Dewy + Smooth hydrating and moisturizing foundation contains our genius hydra-smoothing concentrate so dry areas become incredibly smooth with a perfect dewy finish.

taken from the Maybelline Website here

Tone + texture-fitting foundation for the ultimate natural fit.  Mattifies, erases pores and matches natural tone.  For Normal to Oily Skin.  Fit Me!® Matte + Poreless from Maybelline New York goes beyond skin tone matching to fit the unique texture issues of normal to oily skin for the ultimate natural skin fit.
While some foundations can exaggerate pores and oily skin, only our pore-minimizing foundation contains our genius blurring micro-powders that erase pores and absorb oil for a naturally matte and poreless-looking finish.

taken from the Maybelline website here 

First Impression & Application

Each of these foundations come in a pumpless, square glass bottle with a black cap.  The repackaging of the original fit me foundation (found here) doesn't deviate too much from the original look - there is an addition of the words Fit Me to the black cap and the front design is a bit different.  The Matte & Poreless version has a teal accents.

The consistency of each foundation is different.  The Matte & Poreless is very, very runny.  It is a cross between the consistency of the Maybelline Dream Wonder Foundation (review here) and the Maybelline Super Stay Make Up - I feel that it is really, really runny but no too runny to blend away to nothing.  The neck of the bottle gets covered with the product no matter what I try to do.

The consistency of the original formula, repackaged as Dewy & Smooth is thicker, but not as thick as the Super Stay Make up.  It seems to give a decent amount of coverage with the sponge, but as I'll get to later, by the 4 hour mark the foundation is gone.

I apply each of these foundations with my a beauty blender style sponge.  For me, I feel that the sponge gives more coverage and less streaks.  Even though these aren't the same consistency they are still runny - just one more than the other - and streaks are a problem with a brush.

Wear time

The original formula lasts only about 4 hours on my skin.  I remember when I first got this foundation I was super impressed with it but it soon fell to the fails pile (as seen in this post).  My skin just seems to eat this foundation, quite literally.  It does slip around or get super greasy...it just disappears.  I couldn't even do a check in on it because my first check on it at work, around the 4 hour mark, left me stunned in the bathroom.  Everything was gone.

Super weird! The Dewy & Smooth is recognizably thicker than the Matte & Poreless, I hope this image picks up on that.

The Matte & Poreless, however, is the gem for me from this line.  It stays a good 7-8 hours on me.  Enough to get through my work day and then a little touch up after work and I'm sitting down to film for my channel.  I have oily skin and big pores, so the claims of the foundation really got me.  I'm not so sure about the matte claim because it doesn't stay matte all day but it does last all day, and that is the biggest thing for me.  The powder does help with the matte look though.  I would say I am matte at about the four hour mark and then after I do notice some oil but nothing too bad that I wouldn't expect.  

Overall Impressions & Recommendations

For me, the Dewy & Smooth/original formula is a no go.  I feel like if you had extra super dry skin this might be ok.  If you don't have an oil problem at all, this might work for you.  I've never had a foundation just be gone off my skin before so I was super disappointed in this foundation.

However, I am so very glad I picked up the Matte & Porless version - though I think I'll have to get another shade because 120 is too off from my skin tone - because it was impressive, especially after the original formula was a complete fail.  I like it in the way I like the Dream Wonder Foundation, too.  It has sort of an oily feel too it that makes it super runny but with really good coverage.  I don't know if the oil vs oil thing has to do with the staying power either....  Additionally, I do feel that the application of the foundation is indeed matte.  It doesn't mattify down to be unworkable but it does set matte in a way that doesn't look cakey.  I feel that I do have to be light with the powder lest I do get a bit of cake face going on.  However, a good douse of your setting spray can take care of that.

Overall, for my skin type, the Matte & Poreless foundation is the bomb.  It has grown to be one of my favorite foundations and I would recommend it if you have normal to oily skin.  If you just prefer that matte look, I'd totally go with this one.

I hope this review & comparison was helpful.  I do plan on doing a powder comparison too because I want to show the differences between them.  You can see all my foundation reviews here.

What foundations have you tried that surprised you - both in a good or a bad way?

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // ELF HD Mattifying Cream Foundation Review

In case you haven't heard there is a pretty cool brand out there called Eyes Lips Face.  In case you haven't heard they are pretty affordable, too.  In case you haven't heard I've reviewed a few Elf products already:  Personal Blend Mineral Foundation, Acne Fighting Foundation, Baked Eyeshadows.  I also have an Elf Get Ready With Me video on my channel here.  Today I have another foundation review from their line - the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation

From the Website

High-definition, oil-free, lightweight. For normal to oily skin types.  Cream to powder formula minimized lines and leaves a natural, long lasting, matte finish.

claims taken from the website here.

Porcelain on the left, Sand on the right

First Impression & Application

This foundation comes in 6 shades and even though there are few shades the range does go very deep.  Usually (I'm thinking Rimmel 25 Hour Foundation here) there are a bunch of midrange shades - none too light, none too dark.  However, I think that this shade range is a nice representative of the differences in skin tone.  The packaging is black with white writing and I think it's very sleek.  The product does come with a nice size mirror and sponge.  

I applied this foundation different ways.  I first tried out this foundation probably a year ago when I first got it...but I didn't quite like it.  I threw it in my November Makeup Basket to try again to get a better feel for it.  So I tried a few different ways to apply it - a brush, my fingers, and a sponge.  I found the best coverage I got was from using my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge.  I loved the way this foundation applied.  It truly has a matte finish, the coverage is amazing and it blends so beautifully with the sponge.  Because of the texture and blendability, I felt I put my foundation on in an instant.  It was just so easy to apply.  My skin tone was even and my flaws were covered.  I would consider this a medium to full coverage foundation.

Wear Time

Here's were we start to get a little bit sad.  I thought that because the foundation blended on so smooth and had wonderful coverage, that it would be long lasting like the claims on the website.  However I only got a solid 4-5ish hours wear out of this.  I have oily skin (like I try to mention in these reviews!) and I felt it separating and pooling in my pores.  I like my foundation to last at least through my work day of 8hrs but really I need it to last 10+ hrs.  This just did not make the cut which really, really saddened me.

Porcelain on the left, Sand on the right

Overall Impression & Recommendations

This foundation has amazing coverage, an a matte finish.  I would say that if you were just going to get some pictures taken for a few hours or even if you needed a cheap foundation to look good for maybe filming a YouTube video - that way you don't have to use your nice foundation - I would recommend this.  If you can pick it up during one of their 50% off sales that will bring the price down to $3.  Overall I do like this foundation and feel it definitely has a use.  I wouldn't wear this foundation in any long lasting capacity but if you're going out for a few hours, need pictures taken, or the like, this is a great foundation.  I sort of feel like you have to be Cinderella here and get home before the clock chimes 4 hours from application....otherwise you risk looking crazy.  I will probably continue to use this foundation for filming since it's so fast to apply.

Have you tried this foundation?  How did you like it?

xoxo, Moe

Wet n Wild Cover All Foundation, Concealer, Powder Review

One of my favorite brands from the drugstore is Wet n Wild. Not only do they have an amazing Fergie Center Stage line with a bunch of beautiful, bright colors, but they also recently (as in probably a year ago) released a few new things in the line called Cover All. Last Summer I did a first impressions video on the foundation & the powder - it was one of my first videos! But about a week ago I found more of the line in my Kmart - I found the foundation in the shade fair and their liquid concealer. I'm slowly realizing that Kmart is a really great place to find drugstore make up that you either can't find or didn't know existed. I also found the LA Girl Glazed Lip Paints there & only bought 3...I'm trying to keep from going back for the rest!
Anyway, today I wanted to to a review of these products from the Wet n Wild CoverAll Line because I think they are great for the price!

From the Website
CoverAll Creme Foundation - All day wear with medium-to-full coverage and a lightweight, satin-matte finish. VisiBright Complex reduces the apperance of wrinkles and rejuvenates skin. (I got this description from DrugStore.com because I couldn't get the Wet n Wild website to work. Drugstore.com says medium-to-full coverage but also says sheer-to-medium coverage and also mentions that there is SPF & I don't see that this has SPF at all....find the description here.)
CoverAll Pressed Powder - All day wear with a radiant weightless finish. VisiBright complex to reduce the appearance of wrinkles & rejuvenate skin. (Taken from DrugStore.com)
CoverAll Liquid Concealer Wand - Liquid formula conceals & minimized blemishes. Easily blendable with flawless, long lasting coverage. (taken from DrugStore.com

First Impression & Application
CoverAll Creme Foundation - I did a whole video on this foundation here (including the pressed powder) but I have to say I was fairly impressed with the coverage of this. When I bought it I didn't think I'd be that impressed with it. I thought a $3.99 foundation wouldn't blow my socks off, but this one did. The foundation is rather creamy & won't drip from the tube but it isn't too thick that you can't blend it out nicely with a sponge. The coverage is pretty impressive and I would say that this give medium-to-full coverage and is buildable. The color selection is rather limited and until recently, I didn't know that the shade fair was an option. I first got this foundation in fair/light and it was a little too dark for me...and not a shade I would consider to be fairl/light! I'd actually call it medium!
CoverAll Pressed Powder - This powder comes with a sponge applicator, which you could use for a more targeted application but this powder I applied with a brush. First impression was that this powder is really drying. I could feel it being dry on my skin if that makes any sense. It applied evenly and gave a little bit more coverage. Being in the medium shade, it wasn't too dark - so the shades don't really match across products. Application with a brush did not kick up too much powder & it blended nicely on to the skin. I tend to tap my pressed powder onto my skin rather than sweep or blend it that way my foundation isn't disturbed. The brush didn't apply too much in one area and it blended evenly.
CoverAll Liquid Concealer Wand - While in Kmart I picked up three shades of this concealer - fair, fair/light, and beige. The naming is really weird & so are the numbers. I've only used the fair shade & find the consistency to be a bit unfamiliar. It is also hard to describe. While it comes out of the tube onto the applicator alright, the texture seems to be a bit thicker but also a bit drier. And not in a bad way. The texture lends well to blending & covering under the eyes. Maybe drier isn't the right term - it feels more airy, it's a light enough texture that it blends well under the eyes and doesn't cake or move around.

Wear Time
CoverAll Creme Foundation - For a $3.99 foundation this product wears pretty well, even on oily skin. I would say you would get probably 5-6 hours of good wear out of this foundation on oily skin. You will probalby get more if your skin is more normal or even leans a bit dry. I would go as far as to recommend this to dry skin because of how hydrating it feels - but its still not too much for oily skin. With that being said, I notice a significant breakdown in my t-zone during the day. It is nearly all gone from my nose at the end of the day and you will definately need to touch up. (I hardly touch up during the day, even if I need to!) Since the colors are a bit limiting, you may also need to mix two to get your right shade. I noticed when just wearing the fair shade this week it didn't quite match me going through the day - when it wore off my nose I could tell the difference in the color of my skin and the foundation. When wearing the fair/light shade I noticed a bit of oxidation....so thats a down fall.
CoverAll Pressed Powder - I'm not quite sure if this pressed powser really compliments the foundation as much as it could. I found the powder to be great for my oily skin but not sure I would recommend setting this foundation if you have drier skin. I could feel how dry it was on my skin as soon as I put it on. It wears about as long as the foundation does & would be nice to bring to touch up as it would give you back the coverage that may have faded. If you only needed a little bit of coverage you could even use the powder as your foundation. The only downfall to using this as your touch up powder is that there is no mirror. The sponge it comes with give precise and targeted application which is great to use this as a powder foundation.
CoverAll Liquid Concealer Wand - This concealer wears wonderfully under the eyes. I haven't noticed it creasing or fading away & the coverage is rather nice. It blends beautifully with a sponge - both the Beauty Blender & the Real Techniques Sponge are amazing to blend it out. The shade fair is great for me under the eyes and wonderful for highlighting. The different shades have different undertones so they can offer a little bit of color correction. For a pretty affordable concealer you can grab up all the shades!

Overall Impression & Recommendations
Overall I think these products from this line give you an affordable option if you're not trying to break the bank. I believe the foundation is great even for the $3.99 price! While the down fall is that the color selection is kinda crummy and the shades don't seem to match across the products I would really recommend giving these guys a go. The concealer can stand on it's own & I would use it everyday - and currently am! The foundation would be great for a short day out or for running errands. At one point I was looking for a more full coverage BB Cream just because I want something easy to wear - this fits the bill (though it doesn't have the benefits of SPF, ect) in that it's easy to wear. Because it lasts for a good amount of time I can wear it when I'm out shopping, etc and I don't have to waste my favorite foundations on short trips.
I would also recommend this line if you're buy for a teen or the like who wants to start wearing make up. It is more full coverage if you have blemishes but its not so expensive. I think they would be rather satisfied with these products since they don't break the bank and are pretty impressive.
xoxo, Moe

E.L.F Personal Blend Mineral Foundation Review

This product was in my first Weekly Make Up Basket the other week and it quickly became my go to powder.  The Elf Personal Blend Mineral Foundation is great as a setting powder & as a light weight foundation.  While with my family over the Easter weekend I used this a foundation for the first time & loved it!  Here are my thoughts on this product:

From the Website

Loose mineral foundation in quad chamber packaging to create a perfect mix.  Blends seamlessly into the skin providing an SPF protection of 15.  Mineral based with no parabens, preservatives, or dyes.  Infused with Vitamin E to hydrate & replenish skin.  Dial allows you to control the amount of product.  Each pot containes .28 oz of product. All info taken from the Elf website here.

First Impressions & Application

I picked up the shade Light which has the four colors Porcelain, Fair, Light, & Beige in a little pot with 4 different chambers.  First off the packaging is horrible - but luckily it's easily modified.  In an ideal world, you would use a little bit of each shade to make your perfect blend.  While that's totally do able, it takes way too long.  Under the lid are two types of sifters.  The first one on the top is a dial with a scalloped shaped opening.  This you can turn between each opening of the bottom sifter to shake out just a bit of each color.  That does not work.  What I did was pop off that first sifter so I was just left with the 4 openings of each quadrant.  Luckily, all four shades together works pretty well for me.  One of the quadrants is a bit too dark & too yellow for me but the others blend it out.  So a down side would be that if your were rather fair the Light shade would probably be too dark for you.  If you were able to pop of the top sifter then block off a few of the sifters, you'll probably get the greatest shade for you.

First impression on application was amazing.  I was oil free for the longest time - pretty much a 6-8 hours (my whole work day) and my make up looked good even after leaving work.  I used this for the first time over my CoverGirl 3-in1 Stay Fabulous Foundation, which is a pretty full coverage foundation to begin with but the addition of the mineral foundation brought it up a notch.  I've also liked this over the Almay Blemish Heal Foundation, & I believe over my Lorac POREfection Foundation.  The coverage is great by itself & it does really step up the coverage of a liquid foundation.  It is finely milled & can blend in like you would expect any mineral foundation to do.

Wear Time

When I am testing out a foundation the key for me is that it wears all day.  I need it to look great from morning to evening.  I put my face on at 6am, get off work a 4pm, and do stuff after work - like film - and I don't like to redo my make up.  With this over foundations such as the 3-in-1 by CoverGirl, the Almay Blemish Heal, and the Lorac POREfessional I've noticed I stay oil free for longer.  My regular setting powders have never gotten me past lunch before.  I usually start to notice a break down as soon as I go to the bathroom around like 9am or 10am but with this as a setting powder I find that I'm pretty oil free all day.  When I touch my skin it feels dry...if you have oily skin I think you'll know what I'm talking about when you start to get scared you're gonna swirl your make up around on your face at some point during the day.  I also don't notice the mars around my glasses on my nose through the day.  This powder really makes your foundation stick.

As a foundation itself it also performs well.  I think I'm done with the BB Cream thing because with that I have to set & it's a liquid - this is one step with awesome coverage.  This gives me so. much. coverage!  Over the Easter weekend, I really didn't want to deal with my doing a crazy full face - I don't want to look like it's prom in photos where everyone looks natural.....you know?  I just wanted to even my skin tone & cover some blemishes.  Buffing this in with the Elf Powder Brush (pictured above) really gave me full coverage but it was so light!   The wear time of this by itself is pretty great too. I'd say a full 6-8 hours (+ even).  It covers redness & stays all day.  I found that I didn't get as oily either.  With this, since it's not liquid, you're not getting any weird separation or pooling on your face.

Overall Impressions & Recommendations

Overall, if you can get passed the horrible packaging & you (again.....) fall in the light, medium, & deep categories.......this powder is really good.  For me the pros out weight the cons & the biggest thing is the coverage and staying power by itself.  I would say that if you're looking to try out a mineral powder foundation this would be a great start.  Elf has a Mineral Foundation in different shades - more than the light, medium, dark - here.  The Personal Blend Foundation is $8 & the other Mineral Foundation is $5 (but catch it on a 50% off sale!).  But if it's something you're interested in trying, this is a really affordable option.

I am always being impressed by Eyes Lips Face and love trying things out from the brand because it's so affordable!  I know I do a lot of reviews of Elf on here but honestly it's because I'm so impressed all the time.

xoxo, Moe

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Rimmel Stay Matte BB Cream, Mouse Foundation, & Primer Review

Today's review is going to be on 3 semi-new Rimmel London products that I just adore.  I have to say that Rimmel foundation is my favorite foundation from the drug store.  It all started with the 25 Hour Lasting Finish foundation that I picked up a long while ago when I was looking for an affordable foundation after I graduated from college.  Seriously, two years ago my make up collection consisted of that foundation, the Stay Matte Powder, mascara, & a L'Oreal blush.  Now I have drawers on drawers (on drawers) of make up.  So anyway onto the review of three products in one post!

From the Website:

BB Cream - Packed with matte perfecting benefits resulting in gorgeous & shine free skin.  Minimizes appearance of pores, evens skin tone, controls shine.  Lightweight formula perfect for combo oily skin.  Soothes, conceals dark circles, & helps prevent blemishes.

Stay Matte Foundation - Light & oil free formula with an airy mousse texture.  Won't feel heavy or greasy.  Provides all day shine control & blends for a natural matte finish.  Minimizes pore appearance.

Stay Matte Primer - Ultra lightweight formula that minimizes pore appearance.  Controls shine for up to 8 hours.  Won't feel heavy or greasy.

Information taken from the Rimmel Website here.

First Impressions:

BB Cream - My very first impression of this was 'oh my goodness, this is awesome.'  For me this BB cream is all I wanted the original Rimmel BB Cream to be.  It's more of a foundation & offers a lot of coverage.  I would say it's at least medium & buildable.  I love how runny it is which makes it very light weight for everyday wear.  The squeeze tube is nice as well since you can control the amount o product and it's more sanitary. I like applying this with my Beauty Blender the best & I think that any sponge would be great.  A brush makes this a bit streaky for me.  As I've used this however, I've noticed that it does oxidize on the back of my hand while I'm applying it to my face.  I haven't noticed looking orange during the day though.

Stay Matte Foundation - If you like the Revlon Color Stay Whipped but it's a bit too runny for you (yea right) this is for you.  This product is very, very thick.  It doesn't apply well with a sponge & I've found a brush like the Real Techniques Buffing Brush works well with this.  It's very thick so a sponge doesn't do well blending it around.  The greater shade range means you'll find a better match to your skin tone & I haven't found that it oxidizes on me.  This also has medium, buildable coverage & I really like it for full coverage days.

Stay Matte Primer - This primer is thick as well.  If you're familiar with the Rimmel 001 primer that has more of a lotion type feel then this one will be familiar to you.  Its much thicker than the 001 primer but it's white & feels lotion like.  My first impression of this primer wasn't a good one.  I didn't like the consistency & how thick it felt on my face.  It also doesn't play well with the Stay Matte foundation, which I thought was weird.

Wear Time:

BB Cream - I don't get a long wear time out of this one.  I'm looking for a foundation to go the distance & last up to, if not past the 8 hour mark.  Around 5 or so hours in you can definitely see it's not the same as when it was first applied.  I notice the break down in my t-zone and just an over all look of the BB Cream looks like worn down make up.

Stay Matte Foundation - This one lasts pretty long into the day on me.  It does wear off in my t zone, but I haven't found a foundation that doesn't.  I think I get to about the 6 hour (ish) mark with this one.  I think with this one it will depend on your primer & your skin type since this is so thick.  If you have a good time with the Revlon Color Stay Whipped, you'll probably have a good time with this.

Stay Matte Primer - It's hard to tell with a primer how long it lasts.  I guess if it keeps your foundation on then it's doing it's job.  I will say that this primer doesn't play well with the thickness of the Stay Matte Foundation.  Pair this with a more liquid foundation & use as little as possible - but it still might not work (I used this with the Elf Acne Fighting Foundation & it was a big no).  To me, honestly, I think all primers work the same.  There are some that are horrible & this isn't one of my favorites.  I'm going to call this one on personal preference here - this primer is thick & feels like a thicker lotion, it's not my favorite texture.  If you don't like that sort of thing, you wont' like this.

Overall Impression & Recommendations:

In the photo above you can see the swatches blended out a little.  You can also see how frosting like the Stay Matte Primer is here.  The Stay Matte Foundation also shows the mousse texture in the swatch.  You can see how full coverage it is & can be.  Also this one leans more yellow.  All of these swatches look like they don't quite match my skin but I promise they do!  I didn't want to blend it so much where you couldn't tell!  Anyway, the BB Cream is definitely orange.  You can see here how much orange it leans.  It's too bad that there are only 3 colors but man I do love this BB Cream because of it's foundation consistency.  I don't like the lotion like feeling of the original BB Cream.

BB Cream - This is my favorite BB Cream.  I love the coverage, the SPF, the texture, etc but it's a shame it leans orange and that it only comes in three colors.  I wear this on days when I want an easy look as it's easy to blend out and create a simple look with.  Do I think it's necessary? No.  Is it the BB Cream I will repurchase? Probably.  It's got coverage, for a BB cream, so that's what I want.  Overall I love Rimmel for the price but I think that this is actually a more expensive product from this line - and the 25 Hour Lasting Finish Foundation from Rimmel is just as good, has few more colors, & doesn't oxidize.  So it's not the end all, be all here.

Stay Matte Foundation - I love this foundation because it's more affordable than the Revlon Color Stay Whipped & has nearly the same effect.  It's a bit thicker, to me, but for significantly less than the Revlon Color Stay Whipped & in better packaging.  The squeeze tube is better & it's more travel/user friendly.  So, if you're a fan of the Color Stay Whipped I suggest trying this out because it's at a lower price point.  It might be a good alternative for you.  Actually, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I chose Rimmel after college because it was affordable & amazing.  The 25 Hour Lasting Finish foundation replaced my Revlon Color Stay after college (even in college I couldn't justify the $13 on a foundation!) so it's a good brand at an affordable price.

Stay Matte Primer - If you been on the hunt for a primer & no other primer has worked for you maybe you should try this out...but probably not.  It's rather thick.  It might work as a mattifying product - if you just where it alone it might be something for you.  But as a primer, I would suggest skipping it.  Honestly.  The Rimmel 001 primer in the white tube with the blue top is much, much better.

Well, that was a lot of info on these three products!  But I wanted to include them all together since they are part of the same sort of release here in the states.  Over all Rimmel is a great brand to try new things from.  They are affordable so if you feel adventurous you're not shelling out the big bucks.  You can also find a great selection at Walgreens but I found my Matte BB Cream at Meijer.

What are your thoughts on Rimmel as a brand?  How do you like their new releases? Did the primer work for you??

xoxo, Moe

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Elf Acne Fighting Foundation Review

Today I want to review for you the Acne Fighting Foundation from the brand Eyes Lips Face.  If you didn't see the elf haul I posted, check out that video here.  But as soon as I got this foundation I swatched it on the back of my hand.  I was pretty impressed at the coverage it looked like it had on my hand & even more impressed by the coverage on my face!  A while ago I got the Maximum Coverage Concealer from Meijer to see how that would play out as a foundation.  I was less than pleased - so that experience really pushed me away from trying elf face products other than blushes.  But I have to say I'm glad I picked this product up!  This review is going to focus on the foundation but I did set the foundation with the Studio pressed powder by Elf, I may review that later.

From the Elf Website:

This lightweight acne fighting foundation works to disguise redness, blemishes, & uneven skin tone.  The flawless coverage foundation formula is infused with acne fighting key ingredients Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel, Camphor, Tea Tree & soothing Aloe to help prevent and treat acne blemishes.

Apply to clean & moisturized skin.  Squeeze a small amount on to a sponge, fingertips, or a foundation brush & starting at the center of the face blend outward.  One layer gives a natural finish or apply in buildable layers for fuller coverage.

Price is $6 for 1 fl oz, but I bought mine for half off (they always have half off studio sales!).  I'm in the color Porcelain which is the second to lightest shade & has more yellow tones to it.

First Impression:

The first time I used this foundation I applied this over the L'Oreal Youth Code primer.  I dotted the foundation on my skin then blened it out with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush.  This is the first foundation that I've loved applying with this brush.  Sponges work so much better for me & usually I use the brush to buff the foundation into my skin if I've applied maybe too much or really want to give a brushed look to my skin.  This foundation worked amazing with this brush!  With my new favorite contraption - the Beauty Blender - this foundation blended wonderful as well.  I think the Beauty Blender is my favorite new tool.  The coverage of this foundation is definitely buildable.  A thin layer did even my skin tone & hid the redness on my skin.  I was so impressed with the coverage on this!  I was also able to build it up a little in the areas I needed more coverage.  This foundation doesn't have too much of a dewey look - more of a satin matte finish, I'd say.  I set my foundation with the Real Techniques Powder Brush using the Elf Pressed Powder in Porcelain - I have two shades, Sand which has more pink tones & Porcelain which is definitely more yellow toned.  I liked this pressed powder too, but that might be in a separate review.

I would recommend only up to 2 layers of this if you're using a brush because it can start to look a bit like you're in fact wearing too much make up.  But the Beauty Blender really gives the best look for me with this foundation.  The finish of the foundation is more satin matte & really does even your skin tone.  I found it was a bit flat looking so I warmed up my face with the Maybelline Fit Me powder in a darker shade.  

Wear Time:
The thing that impressed me the most was the staying power of a $6 foundation.  When first applied this foundation looks flawless - the coverage is great, it blends well into your skin, and it is very impressive.  This foundation dissolved mostly in my t zone, where I get most oily, over the course of the day.  I noticed it first on my nose then I saw that it sort of gathered around the edges of my nostrils.  I was also able to pick the foundation up if I pressed my fingers along the edges of my nose. Because the foundation did not wear away or break down on the sides of my face my blush was on all day long - I was wearing an elf blush too. I think that if I'd brought the pressed powder a long during the day or had blotting sheets I could have touched up & looked good all day.  Even though I could see it breaking down I feel the it maintained the coverage all day, if that makes sense.  I would say you can get a good, solid 4-5 hours of awesomeness out of this foundation.  But longer than that and you're gonna need to touch up - though I just roll with it at work. I was also surprised that the foundation didn't oxidize on me for being at such a low price point.  It was rather impressive.

Overall Impressions & Recommendations:
I like this foundation & was very impressed with it even though it was only $6.  I wore it everyday for a week & loved it over the L'Oreal primer.  I tried it once with a thicker primer like the new Rimmel Stay Matte Primer and it didn't not work at all.  So thinner primers work best with this foundation.  The wear time is alright, not as great as some of my other foundations but I'd wear this on the weekends or for a jot out.  I have a feeling this would look amazing in photographs just because of the matte look & the coverage.  So for shorter periods of time this foundation is a great option.  Additionally, if you're on a super duper tight budget stock up on this when studio items are half off.  I'd probably only buy this again when it's half off.

As for the claims from the website, I agree with everything they mention though I'm not sure I saw any benefits from the acne fighting ingredients.  I don't think it clogged my pores or broke me out so that's a plus!  I would suggest this for normal to combo skin because I believe it would last longer.  I don't know much about dry skin, but would not really recommend this for super oily skin.

So there you have it, a full review of this affordable foundation.  I'm hoping to do more reviews in this format in the future.  I think the format of this is pretty comprehensive covering from when I open the product to wearing it for a bit & including swatches.  Hope you enjoy!

Any foundations you've been loving lately?  What is your experience with elf foundations?

xoxo, Moe

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Foundation Wars // The Battle of the Bottle

It seems like every time you turn around different brands are coming out with new foundations with amazing claims.  Recently it's really been the battle of the BB creams.  But today I want to share with you a range ouf foundations & BB creams I've tried to fight my main problems - oily skin & acne scars.  The coloring of my face is very uneven due to acne scaring from the younger me who couldn't leave well enough alone & my face is very oily.  I do have a skin care routine that fights the oil & tries to fade the scars, but when it comes to make up I need something with a matte finish & a full - if not buildable - coverage foundation.  In my foundation routine, just like with all these foundations, I use a primer & Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed powder always. I never skip it.  So with that in mind, here are 9 foundations that were hits & misses with my skin type:

T H E   H I T S

(in no particular order because each is good for different things)

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour Foundation

This is the foundation I turned to after college because of the affordable price tag.  I switched to this on a whim & really love it.  It is comparable to Revlon ColorStay but not exactly the same.  It's much lighter, offers comparable coverage but ColorStay has more coverage, is very long lasting, & blends better than ColorStay.  There are a lot of pros & cons to both and I wish these two foundations would have a baby that is a blend of the good bits of both!

Medium to full buildable coverage

Blends well & best coverage with a damp sponge or beauty blender

Truly long lasting

Feels light but steel feels like make up on your skin, you do forget it is on though it's not too heavy

Very few colors to choose from

Matte like finish

Revlon Nearly Naked

This is one of my favorite of the hits.  It's super light & I may turn to it more.  I think its a great foundation for the Summer time especially if you're looking for the lightness of a BB cream.  In fact, I used it in this tutorial for a bronzy summer look.  Pretty much I love this on my skin.  I also love the color names - for example I'm in Vanilla.  Just sounds so pretty.  Also, if you can't find your color these really set up to match you rather well.

Medium buildable coverage

Very light, feels like you are in fact nearly naked! I forgot I was wearing it

Long lasting

Matte finish - the only true matte finish I've found

Can take a good blending of blush on top (doesn't separate, etc)

Available in 16 shades

Blends to match your skin tone

Revlon ColorStay Liquid & Revlon ColorStay Whipped

Both of these have great coverage, very close to full coverage & both are on the pricey side for drugstore foundation.  I like these, they stay well on oily skin - there's an oily skin formula - and the coverage is amazing, but it's a bit heavy for summer.  I can really feel this on my skin but I think it would be better for the winter months.  I don't notice it melting off in the heat but it does start to feel more make up like.

Most closest to full coverage

Blends well with a beauty sponge or your hands, whipped works alright with a brush

Semi-matte finish

Really does wear well all day (I'd believe the 24 hour claim though I've never worn it that long)

Can start to feel heavy, not that great for summer

Available in 20 shades

Combination/Oil & Normal Formula

Pricey drugstore foundation that works for oil & coverage

Wet n Wild Coverall Foundation

This stuff blew my socks off for the price point.  You can watch my reaction here if you wish!  I love the coverage, it lasts just as well as Rimmel's 25 Hour Foundation & has the amazing coverage of Revlon Colorstay.  Overall, for $3 it's so worth it.

Nearly full coverage
Lasts pretty long
Only available in a few shades (much like Rimmel)
Blends well with a sponge or your hand
Comes in a squeeze tube
More on the pink side
Cheap but oh so great!

T H E   M E H

(these are alright but not astounding.  They do the job but don't blow socks off)

Rimmel BB Cream

This is one of the best bb creams I've found.  It has a strong smell of sunscreen & sort of feels like sunscreen when you apply it.  It's rather thick but has great coverage for a BB cream (I feel BB cream is code for tinted moisturizer).  This is my favorite BB cream of the two mentioned in this list.

Light but buildable to Medium coverage

Thick consistency but blendable

Not too heavy on the skin

SPF + SPF smell! (it fades though)

9-in-1 claim is crazy but I think it does live up to some of them since it is more like a foundation

Not as long lasting as ColorStay, Nearly Naked, or Rimmel 25 Hour

Best applied with hands or brush & built up with sponge

Matte like finish

Only 3 colors - light, medium, medium dark

Almay Clear Complexion

This is the one that I used before switching to Rimmel.  This is what I used all through high school & college.  It's alright for coverage, the blemish technology appealed to me.  I was a perfect match for two shades - one summer & one winter - and could blend the two to get a perfect transition color.

Medium coverage

Blemish control seemed to work for me

Blends well with a damp sponge, foundation brush, & stippling brush

Lasts about 5-6 hours on me

Available in only 7 shades

Not too heavy on the skin

T H E   M I S S E S

(these didn't do so hot & I don't really like them)

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

I really wanted to like this.  It went on with great coverage, seemed buildable, & had a matte finish.  I was so excited to wear it to work but then, by the middle of the day, it was gone....completely.  This foundation is supposed to let the real you show through & it really does - your skin is what you see 4 hours into wearing it.  If you're looking for a real you but flawless look, Revlon Nearly Naked is sooo much better

Applies well with a damp sponge or beauty sponge but it's suggest to apply with your fingers

Easily blendable

Only lasts a few hours, not great for long wear - maybe if you were running errands

Matte Finish

SPF but only in a few shades

Color match is great

Available in 18 shades

Garnier BB Cream for Oily Skin

When I found this I was like 'Sweet! BB cream for oil skin! This is going to be awesome!'  And at first, when I applied it, it was great coverage.  I thought I was set.  It's really liquidy & runny (as opposed to the normal formula) but it sets to a matte finish.  Blends really well with your hands & has about lighter to medium coverage.  It wasn't buildable at all.  It too was gone after a few hours.  I was hoping this would be a long lasting, light bb cream with SPF that I could use everyday effortlessly during the summer.  But I much prefer the Rimmel BB cream over this one.

Weird runny formula that sets to a mat finish

Blends well with your hands & a brush

Only lasts about 4-5 hours

Decent but not buildable coverage

Only available in a few shades

Color match is alright for the few shades available

Pricey for not a very good product

SPF

CoverGirl Foundations Period

I tried the cheapy CoverGirl Clean Foundation that runs about $3-$5 to save a bit of money in college.  I regretted it immediately.  This foundation left my face full of blackheads & I had a horrible rough texture because of it.  Because I tried that one foundation I'm afraid to try any other foundations by CoverGirl....which is why it isn't in the wheel up there but in the list down here!  I really want to try the  newer 3-in-1 Foundation but am afraid I'll have the same results.  CoverGirl, to me, is just a juvenile brand - I know this is sooo not true but I will always see it that way.  They smell weird to me, break me out, & it's not the best quality.  Sorry CoverGirl, but you don't make my list.

So there you have it...my foundation journey!  I've been trying out a few more that didn't make this list because I haven't formed an opinion on them yet.  This is list is seriously geared toward oily skin.  On me, all the hits (obviously) are what I go to when I know what I want.  Revlon Nearly Naked is what I've been wearing lately & I actually wore it in the wedding I was in last weekend.  Even in the heat I think it all looked great!

Do you have any other suggestions?  What works best for your skin type?

xoxo, Moe

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