foundation Tag Archives

I took Coty Airspun Powder for granted (and regret it)-it’s still fantastic!

Written by meredith / Featured / October 27, 2018

*No one sent this to me or gave me any money to write about it. Just thought you should know.*

 

One of my neighbors (neighbours if you’re Canadian) throws 2 parties a year. A summer BBQ and a Christmas party. Since it’s not Christmas yet (although most retail stores have their displays set up already), I’m going to mention the summer BBQ. Surprisingly or not if you know me, this is not going to be about the food, but about the attendees, which are mostly other neighbors. I’ve seen this one woman at both parties before but never had too much time to talk to her. This time, she sat next to me and we had some wonderful conversation. I couldn’t help but notice that she was wearing one of those ‘blurring’ powders –and I noticed it because it had a lot of different ‘reflective’ type particles on it. Having been in the beauty world for so many years, I noticed right away. I was tempted to ask her what powder it was, but didn’t have the opportunity because there were too many people around. Honestly, it was the perfect powder to be photographed in. Yes, I’ll definitely be asking her at the Christmas party.

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Review: Dior Forever Undercover Foundation

Written by meredith / Featured, News / March 24, 2018

Foundation is a must for me.  It’s also a struggle and pain point for me.  I wear it ….most days.  Due to my tanning ‘habits’ in the 90’s and again in the 2000’s, I have hyperpigmentation on my face.  I’m not one of those people that can bounce out of the house with concealer and a skin tint.  Not gonna happen.  It’s foundation for me.  In the summer, I’ll sheer it out and blot like crazy but I’ve still got it on.  I haven’t used Dior in a while but wanted to Review the Dior Forever Undercover Foundation after watching a Canadian Beauty Blogger (by the name of Samantha Jane) do a review on this.  I had some points accumulated on my Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum card so I went for.  Note: This Foundation is $$$$, so if you can get a sample (I know I saw thataylaa review this and she got a deluxe sample from Sephora), then get a sample.

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My favorite foundations for ‘mature faces’-spring edition

Written by meredith / News / April 15, 2017

I can’t be the only person that switches products for the season.  Where I live, spring is finally starting to come around.  I can actually say that this year, I am glad to see winter retreat.  It dragged on for far too long.  I’m not looking forward to allergy season though.  This is the point during the year that my skin starts ‘talking’ to me-it starts out with a gentle reminder-a bit more oiliness and (if I don’t listen to it and adjust) then the pimples.   I usually start digging through my makeup drawers at this point, and lamenting over the fact that I forgot to buy sunscreen.  Again.  I also have neglected to schedule my spring facial treatment-super important to have a professional go over your skin.  I like to start with the best, cleanest canvas that I can!

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Over 40 foundation- Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Primer & Foundation

Written by meredith / News / September 17, 2016

*I received these products for review*

I actually had written some great stuff here earlier about how I used to be in a serious relationship with tanning beds (we broke up in 2008), and that every since then I’ve been taking care of my skin (pat on the back).  Unfortunately, my computer crashed and now I’m sitting here, trying to pick up the pieces.  While it’s a first world problem to have lost that great literary genius, I know I won’t be winning any literary prizes for my posts.  Sad, but true.  So here goes part deux:

Well now I’m in my 40’s, so I’m also battling a slowing metabolism, weight gain, and hormone issues.  I won’t let up on the skin care though-and since I can’t feasibly erase every last one of my sunspots or hyper-pigmentation instantly, I rely on foundation(s) to assist me while I take the time to repair my skin.

So I thought I would start a new ‘series’ about what foundations I use.  I really honestly do use a large ‘spectrum’ of products-all the way from drugstore to high end, with some Asian beauty products too.  I’m going to break down what I’m using over several blog posts. I’m going to start with a drugstore combo that’s doing a lot better than I expected.

My skin type is combination with an extra-oily T-zone.  I’m a midday blotter no matter what I use (I should tell you all about my blotting papers!  Maybe something else I can write about?)

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This primer claims to hydrate and smooth skin for an ageless canvas. Honestly I am not looking for the hydration part, but it definitely does smooth and I appreciate that.  I like this primer because it’s not overly silicone-ish (I can not stand the clear silicone primers like Smashbox photofinish-no way).  This primer hasn’t broken me out and spreads easily across my face.  It doesn’t ‘dry’ but it doesn’t sit on top of my face.  It’s not uncomfortable to wear.

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COVERGIRL + Olay 3 in 1 liquid foundation claims to instantly reduces the look of wrinkles, evens skin tones and delivers firming hydration with the Simply Ageless 3-in-1 foundation. Woo that’s a lot of claims. This foundation covers well (especially when used with the Ageless primer), and does even out my skin tone.  I do find it hydrating (which I don’t need), but on a hot day, I’ve got to stay indoors or have extra blotting papers on hand as it really does tend to ‘melt’ a.k.a. it doesn’t hold up in the heat.  I find setting this foundation with a translucent powder helps a lot. I top it off with a setting spray.

Overall, these are a great duo and I will recommend them for people with normal to dry skin.  They are hydrating and do even and smooth quite well.  Neither of them contain any sunscreen-that’s neither here nor there to me since my moisturizer almost always contains SPF.  Plus they are wallet friendly-these retail for $16.97 CAD and can be found at most mass retailers.

Stay tuned for my next Foundation over 40 post!  Is there any particular foundation you’re interested in seeing me try?  Let me know.

Power duo-Almay smart shade CC luminous primer & smart shade anti aging foundation

Written by meredith / News / August 27, 2014

Didn’t expect to be reading Almay in the title, did you…..

Think again ladies, because I am sharing my ‘event makeup’ power duo.  I’m amazed at how these 2 products hold up under lights and over time.

I work in the entertainment industry (and don’t think it’s the red light district because its NOT that or anything that involves a pole).  Occasionally there are times when I am ‘to be seen’ in front of a camera or make some type of appearance and I need products that work!  Of course, I’d love to have my own personal makeup artist but let’s face it, I’m still waiting for my big break.

I’ve used many MANY MANY different types of primer and foundation duos in my lifetime….and some of them worked well or very well and some of them were complete fails!  This particular duo is one that I am quite enjoying.  Please continue reading so I can tell you all about it.

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FEATURES & BENEFITS:

  • New Almay ToneMimicTM technology helps to create an even better skintone match by adjusting to the essential pigments of your skin
  • Makeup contains shade-sensing beads that are activated once applied
  • Smooth, lightweight formula blends easily for mistake-proof application in three, simple to select shades that work across a wide range of skintones
  • Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, made for sensitive skin, oil free
  • Non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores
  • UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection

 

Canada_Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer

 

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

  • Ultra-creamy formula provides medium, buildable coverage
  • Brightener contains skin brightening pearls to help give eye area the appearance of a more refreshed look
  • Concealer corrects to help even out skin tone, diminish the appearance of blemishes, improves the appearance of discolouration and minimizes redness.
  • Non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores

So yes, I’ve outlined the benefits but you want to hear my thoughts (or maybe you don’t….but then why are you still reading?)

I just love the way this combination ‘finishes’ if that even makes sense.  It has the right amount of coverage and sits perfectly on my skin.  It’s not a heavy combination and doesn’t look or feel cakey.  The skin adjusting formula really works for me and the luminous primer, while slightly pink plays oh-so-nicely with the smart shade foundation.  I wasn’t disappointed.  I thought the light/medium shade may have been too light for me but this is the ‘RIGHT’ shade for me.  Even better, the Almay smart shade bronzer (which I am not talking about here yet), can be used to give you the perfect amount of ‘summer’ if the smart shade ends up being a tad too light.

So here are photos of me wearing the primer & foundation.

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This photo was taken post an event I helped host-wear time for both primer and foundation was 7 hours at this point.  While there is a tinge of breakthrough on my t-zone, keep in mind, I did NOT touch up AND was in several non air-conditioned spaces during the night.

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This was taken in the washroom (Canadian word for restroom) at my dear friend Patricia’s wedding reception. Please look past the enormous blemish (zit if you’re nasty, I’m channeling Janet Jackson-anyone get that?) and my turkey neck.  This is approximately 4 hours wear, including almost an hour in the car-Patricia is SO worth it. I like how this looks like my face, not my face with a ton of foundation on it.

So there you have it.  I like this primer and foundation duo because it’s easy to apply (I use my fingers in a pinch but you could use a brush of course or even a beauty blender!), and wears nicely on my face!  The smart shade part takes away the guesswork, not to mention the “Why does it look like Meredith’s face and neck are a different color in that photograph?” question.

Because it’s me, I do have one small hang-up about the primer.  WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN A GLASS BOTTLE? I am so klutzy and I know it’s just a matter of time before the bottle slips out of my hand and shatters all over my granite tile.   You know, like the eyedropper for my phytomer gel did.  Oh, I didn’t tell you about that? Pffffffttttt.

Other than that, I really truly AM enjoying these products and will continue enjoying them until it’s time to contemplate a repurchase.

Anyone else have any thoughts on Almay? These 2 products or something else you’ve tried?  I will be telling you about the liquid lip balm in a future post, another love of mine.

 

Summertime-how about an Almay picnic!

Written by meredith / News / August 16, 2014

This was a fun event-and so well done.  I loved the picnic theme.  As per usual, I don’t want to talk too much.  I’ll let the photos do the ‘work’ for me and then summarize at the end 🙂  (You’re welcome!)

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isn't this cute? Reusable lunch bags contained the almay products for the 'hands-on' tutorial.

isn’t this cute? Reusable lunch bags contained the almay products for the ‘hands-on’ tutorial.

My lunchbag containing almay smart shade products for my skin, eyes, lips!

My lunchbag containing almay smart shade products for my skin, eyes, lips!

Jacquie demonstrates how to use almay smart shade eyeshadow on a beautiful invitee

Jacquie demonstrates how to use almay smart shade eyeshadow on a beautiful invitee

Some of my fellow beauty bloggers got in on the action too….check out @jillojello and @thebeautyblogca getting ‘hands on’ :

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Now let’s check out the products:

IMG_3714Quite a nice bag of products, wouldn’t you say?

Almay smart shade anti aging makeup with SPF 30 in light/medium; Almay smart shade CC luminous primer

Almay smart shade anti aging makeup with SPF 30 in light/medium; Almay smart shade CC luminous primer

Very excited about these 2 items right here. Let’s face it (eh, see what I did there…..? FACE IT! Don’t worry, I’ll keep my day job), a beautiful face starts with a great canvas.  These 2 products work together to ensure a smooth, even toned face!

Makeup removers from Almay

Makeup removers from Almay

I’ve been a bigger and bigger fan of makeup remover wipes….especially when I work alllllll day long and then want to look fresh for an evening out!  A couple of swipes and I’m ready to begin again.  I like the towelettes-they are unfragranced and don’t leave my skin feeling tight.

almay smart shade eyeliner

almay smart shade eyeliner

I do apologize for the blurry photo. I have to admit, at this moment-this product is my ‘stand out.’  Why you ask?  It’s the color, it’s somewhere between a copper and chocolate brown with shimmer. It looks so good at the base of the upper lash line.  Complements my blue eyes wonderfully!

Almay smart shade bronzer

Almay smart shade bronzer

This bronzer also intrigues me.  Haven’t delved into it just yet but I’m interested for sure.   I’m in love with it already just for the polka dots!

intense i-color volumizing mascara

intense i-color volumizing mascara

I’ll be ripping this product open when I remove my lash extensions. I have heard great things about it.

IMG_3719Hmmmm, out of everything I have to say this is going to be a tough sell for me. I am not in agree-ance that blue eye shadow “works” on the eyelid of a blue-eyed gal such as myself.  However, Jacquie did give me hope that this could work for me and in fact even demonstrated using this product WITH the sponge-tipped applicator. WHOAH.  *gasp*-yes it’s true.  Let’s keep in mind that she is a professional though.

Stay tuned for a closer look at the products-more specifically 2 products that I am REALLY enjoying for flawless skin.  I’m a bit surprised that I am liking these 2 products SO MUCH!

Thank you to the lovelies at Almay who invited me to this event!  Well done!

My favorites……from Covergirl!

Written by meredith / News / November 18, 2013

2 of these products are courtesy of #BeautyUnited! Because I am a part of #BeautyUnited, I will occasionally receive products for review. This will *never* change my opinion of the products but I want to mention it first!

Covergirl hasn’t been on my radar-until lately. I know that other YouTube ‘gurus’ and bloggers have sworn by their products for years.  However, I’ve found several Covergirl products have made their way into my rotation.

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This is my latest favorite-and I’d like to thank Stacy (Stacysunnysidemakeup on YouTube) for turning me on to this product.  It’s great on its own but I find that it plays SO well with other mascaras.  I’ve just recently started exploring layering mascaras and this has worked out so well.  It’s not going to make your wallet cry either so I highly suggest that you pick this up.  My only caveat….and it’s minor is that you will NEED an eye makeup remover to take this off as it will not come off with water.  I happen to consider that a positive-raccoon eyes are so not my thing!

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Another YouTuber recommendation is the CoverGirl +Olay Eye Rehab 2 in 1 Brightening Concealer and Olay Hydrating serum.  I’ve been having to rely on concealer more heavily more recently (unfortunately).  I have 2 or 3 high end concealers that I swear by but this one stands up to the job as well.  The consistency is a gel/mousse and it DOES NOT CAKE UP.  It applies so well and the shade I have just works so well for my skin tone.  Again, another product that deserves a swatch/purchase.

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I can’t specifically thank ONE particular blogger/YouTuber for this purchase because I have watched SO many videos/read so many blogs about this foundation.  Since my skin is going through it’s oily phase this product really does the job.  It’s a long wearing foundation with a natural finish.  I can’t use it without a primer but it does contain one. Coverage is medium and buildable so if you are looking for a full coverage product, you can achieve it.  This product is a bit more expensive than most drugstore foundations but I’ve seen it on promotion and have seen coupons for it more than once.

I’d love to know more about your Covergirl favorites-what should I try?  Tell me in the comments section below.

My favorites from……Revlon!

Written by meredith / News / November 02, 2013

We all know Revlon’s been on ‘the scene’ for awhile now….and for me, this brand had always been around but nothing I was running after anyone for (especially after the lip butters).  However, there are several products from Revlon that I do truly adore and thought I’d mention!

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Revlon Colorstay whipped foundation in 200 sand beige

Revlon Colorstay whipped foundation in 200 sand beige

If you watch my YouTube channel, you’ll  know this is one of the foundations I’ve been going on about.  I absolutely love it….the finish, the texture, the application are so easy and flawless.   This foundation is a medium to full coverage, and I apply it with my Urban Decay Good Karma brush.

Revlon Photoready cream blush in flushed

Revlon Photoready cream blush in flushed

This was one of my first cream blushes. I originally bought it because I wanted to try cream blush but didn’t want to invest in a more expensive one (although I’m quite certain I bought a MAC version around the same time).  This color may look intimidating but never fear, its sheer!  I like this blush because it’s super blendable and easy to layer with other colors!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick from L: Black Cherry, Foxy Lady

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick from L: Black Cherry, Foxy Lady

I’ll call these my ‘latest loves.’  Back in High School-and I won’t tell you what 4 years that was…..my standard lippie was “Wine with Everything” which is a color that Revlon still makes and I’d still wear.  However, I’m not sure if they have reformulated these or what but I am loving everything about these 2.  They have great payoff and are soft on the lips.  I’m definitely fall-ing for fall colors (GROAN-terrible pun).

So there you have it, my Revlon faves……I know you’ve got some of your own.  What are they?  Let me know in the comments section below.

 

 

 

My favorites from…….IT Cosmetics

Written by meredith / News / August 17, 2013

Just in case you’re not familiar with IT cosmetics-and some people aren’t….here’s a snippet or two from their website:

IT Cosmetics® works with leading plastic surgeons to infuse cutting edge anti-aging technology into truly innovative, high performance color cosmetics. A favorite line of both celebrities and beauty editors, IT Cosmetics has several award-winning products and has been featured in hundreds of leading magazines and television shows.

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