Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick

My ultimate HG color (Dark Pink Frost)

This lipstick is possibly the one thing I cannot live without. Mascaras come and go, blush fades, and hairspray fails, but THIS LIPSTICK is forever. Well, maybe not forever, I mean it's not suuuuper long lasting, but in my heart, forever for sure! If this is ever discontinued, I will mourn its passing until I pass, and I'm not even kidding. Let me illustrate the many ways I love WnW Dark Pink Frost: First - the color. It's the perfect blend of a gorgeous cool toned pink, neither bright and bold nor pale and washed out, just the exact color I wish my lips actually were, with a subtle hint of gold shimmer to keep it from looking too cool. I've been wearing this for about 10 years, and I will say that when the packaging was most recently revamped I think they also added in a bit more multi-tonal shimmer, which I like. It's barely noticeable. This color goes with anything - no-makeup makeup, smoky eyes, winged liner, it's just enough color to bring my lips to life without making them the center of attention. Second - the formula. It's creamy, silky, and relatively long lasting. I tend to reapply more often than I probably need to, because I like the way it feels so much. I do notice though, that if I don't use something hydrating on my lips underneath (Lip Medex is my go-to) they do dry out in the winter as this is not hydrating enough on its own. Also - it does sometimes leave behind a bit of a pink stain, but I don't mind that, considering I wear this pretty much 99% of the time. And it is gone when I wash my face and remove makeup later anyway, so really it's a non-issue. Last - the price. At full price it is 99c in CVS and Walgreens where I live. I often get this when it's on sale buy one get one 1/2 off, so I rarely pay full price. And seriously, for what is my favorite makeup product ever, 99c is so great I sometimes can't believe it! I hope WnW makes this color forever and ever, because that's how long I'll be wearing it. I also really really love "Just Garnet" although I haven't been able to find it lately, and I fear it may be discontinued *tears* This is my red of choice. I don't look good in classic fire engine red, but this rich, deep color with it's blue/purple undertones is such a great contrast to my skin tone and natural hair color (which is hard to describe, not quite red or orange enough to be called "red" or even copper, it's lighter than brunette, but darker than strawberry blond) I love this formula, it's so creamy but not overly thick. I love the slight gloss it has, and the staying power is phenomenal. This also is the only red I can wear that does not bleed from my lips! And of course, the price is ridiculous. Absolute favorite dark red lipstick ever!

February 23, 2016

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Best foundation I've ever used

In case you don't want to read my very long (gushing!) review, here are my pros and cons up front. Please note that I have mostly dry, sensitive, acne prone skin, so these pros and cons are specific to me. Pros: Lasts all day - at least 15 hours (that's the longest I've had it on so far) and pretty sure it could go several more hours. If I wear this longer, I’ll update! Feels like nothing is on your skin, yet also feels velvety smooth to the touch once set Looks very natural, not too matte, just looks like healthy skin Great coverage, medium to full depending on application Does not have a cakey or thick appearance compared to many other matte and/or full coverage foundations Does not need a setting or finishing powder Does not transfer For me, the color match is perfect (Classic Ivory 101) Packaging is great – it’s easy to dispense controlled amounts, sanitary, and travels well So far, has not broken me out Cons: Sets very fast, so you have to work in small sections and blending might be tricky for someone with less experience applying makeup Can stick to dry patches if you do not moisturize really well Does not play well with other cream or liquid products after it's set and dried, I would recommend using ONLY powder products over top of this. The price is not a pro or con in my book. Although a lot of people say this is "expensive for a drugstore foundation" I think it's worth every penny, especially when it is just as good as some higher end foundations that cost far more. Now for the details! First, let me start by explaining that I have possibly worst the combination of skin issues imaginable. I have semi-active cystic acne, some intense scarring from past breakouts, rosacea, eczema, and very sensitive, combination (leaning dry but still very acne prone) skin. This is my first review, so my profile isn't completely updated but I'm working on that if you want to know what my skin care routine is. All that being said, you would think a long-wearing matte foundation wouldn't be for me... but this is the best foundation ever!! I think the key to using this if you have dry skin is in the prep work and application. Before applying this foundation, I make sure to moisturize really really well, with a good serum underneath, and prime with Monistat. I find that because it sets so fast, having a "slippery" primer underneath helps with blending and prevents it from settling into pores or clinging to dry patches, which is something other reviewers have complained of. This may not work for everyone, but it does for me. For the actual application, I put a small blob directly on the head of my Urban Decay Optical Blurring brush. Because this foundation sets so fast, I only do one small area of my face at a time. I tend to start with my chin and lower jawline, then upper cheeks and nose, one side at a time, then my temples and forehead. The order doesn't matter, that's just my preference as I like to do my problem areas first. On each area, I start with stippling motions to distribute the foundation and really get it into my pores and scarred areas, then I buff in circular motions before it sets dry to smooth out the coverage. I do use a bit more than some might recommend or what you might see in a YouTube tutorial or review, but I also have a lot of redness and scarring to cover. Once I've gone over my whole face, I wait a few seconds to make sure it's set really well, and go back in for additional coverage where I need it. Typically this is my cheeks, nose and chin. At this point, I usually don’t feel the need to use a concealer except on my chin and the very end of my nose as those tend to have the most redness and oil production and are the only areas this doesn’t fully stay put after several hours. I may also put concealer on small spots if I’ve recently had or currently have a breakout as mine are typically very red and inflamed. After this is all done, I use a soft-focus luminous powder (homemade – contains talc, cornstarch, arrowroot powder and a nude/gold toned shimmery mica powder) to bring back a subtle "glow" to my face so it doesn't look flat and because I personally prefer a more luminous, just short of dewy, look. I find that I don't need a setting powder at all with this foundation, and the luminous powder I use doubles as finishing powder. Applying my contour, bronzer, blush, and highlighter over this is a piece of cake, as long as it is all powder. I used to use a cream blush, and that just does not play well. It moves the foundation around in a weird way, so that I end up with really patchy splotches, but I can live with using only powders for all the other great things this does for me. I have also found that it cures a problem I never thought I’d fix, which was how my eyeliner used to magically find its way into my crow’s feet and settle there in the creases. For some reason, the outer corner of my eyes seem to be one of the most oily places on my face. Now that I have this foundation, if I apply a tiny bit just there (but NOT the under eye area, it’s a little too dry for that), my eyeliner stays put. The biggest pro for me is that this foundation definitely lasts all day! I leave the house at 7am, having put makeup on already an hour earlier, and I usually don't remove my makeup until anywhere from 7:30-8:30pm. When I look at my face 14 hours later and the makeup still looks as flawless as when I first applied it, that's a WIN in my book!! I also just love how soft and velvety it feels on my skin, and how natural it looks. It is currently February as I’m writing this, so my face is in the depths of winter dryness. I can’t wait to see how this holds up in summer… I feel pretty confident that it will still be just as amazing!

February 23, 2016