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My Foundation Routine

Today I’m going to be sharing my foundation routine with you!

SKIN PREP

The key to smooth, flawless foundation is exfoliation! I got the Exuviance Rejuvenating Bionic Scrub from Ulta as a large sample. Wow, it’s amazing! It is quite expensive ($36) but I think I will invest in the full size when I run out. I use this every other evening. It has done wonders for my skin, and it helps my foundation apply so smoothly!

I have very fair skin with a lot of facial redness. I like to use MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer in Neutralize after my moisturizer and before my foundation. It helps to calm the redness and offers SPF 35, which I love! I did a full review on this product, click HERE.

FOUNDATION

MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC15) has quickly become a Holy Grail for me. I would call it a medium buildable to full coverage foundation with a matte finish. It is perfect for oily/combination skin like mine. The color NC15 is a great match for my skin, and the extra yellow in the foundation helps to counteract my facial redness. I am super pale, but have warm undertones on my neck, chest and the rest of my body, so this one is perfect. The last time I was at MAC the MUA told me that they have a new shade, NC5, which is alabaster white. So any of you ladies that find NC15 too dark, then check out NC5!

I use the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki to buff my foundation into the skin — another Holy Grail! Please click HERE for a more indepth look at the F80.

CONCEALERS

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser (Fair) is perfect for under the eyes! I have under eye circles, but they aren’t terribly bad. This is the only conealer I use for this area. While I really like this product, I’m still looking for my Holy Grail… do you have any suggestions?

MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NC20) I use for blemishes or defining underneath my eyebrow, which I do on occasion. Great concealer!

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer is the only true FULL coverage drugstore concealer that I’ve found. It is similar to Dermablend. This stuff is amazing, and is only $6! My only complaint is the color selection. Light is a smidge too light for me and the next color is way too dark. I use this when I my skin is really acting up.

Here’s a pic of Hard Candy Glamophlage fully covering one of my tattoos… this is stuff is hardcore!

POWDER

To me, powder is powder… I don’t feel the need to spend a million dollars just to powder my face. Lately I have been loving Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (001 Transparent). It was $5 at Ulta and has lasted me forever. After it is finished I think I’m going to try the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural because I’ve heard such great things. I apply this with a MAC 129SE or Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Ok ladies and gents… that’s my foundation routine! I hope you found it helpful! Let me know in the comments below if you have found a great undereye concealer… one that doesn’t settle into fine lines!

What’s your Holy Grail foundation?

MAC 239 vs MAC 242

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Today’s post will be short and sweet — a comparison between the 239 and the 242!

The MAC 239 is a long time favorite of mine. It is a flat shader brush made of white goat hair and is best used with powder products.

The MAC 242 is also a flat shader but made of synthetic bristles. Because it is synthetic, the 242 can work with powder, cream, and liquid products.

The bristles of the 242 are slightly longer and the 239 is wider.

I did a little experiment the last couple days to see if I could get an identical result using the 239 on my left eye, and the 242 on my right. The eyeshadow I chose to use yesterday is Club — and if you own this one, you probably know why I chose it. Club is somewhat of a tempermental eyeshadow and if you want its duochrome to show it really has to be packed on. I also tried this with Saddle (Matte) and All That Glitters (Veluxe Pearl).

My results: The 242 without a doubt packs on more color, especially when using Matte and Satin eyeshadows. Because it is made of goat hair, the 239 eats up more color and doesn’t deposit as much on the eye. Although the 242 deposits more color, I can’t say it is the clear cut winner. The 239 gives a softer look — so I guess it depends on your preference. I think the 239 is better for beginners and the 242 is a great addition to any eyeshadow addict’s brush collection!

Do you have the 239 or 242? What’s your favorite brush to pack on color?

Sigma Brush Haul — Brutally Honest Review

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I have been putting off purchasing Sigma brushes. I just got the impression that they were a poor substitute for MAC brushes and I don’t like copy-cat companies. Today I’m writing an HONEST review. I don’t have affiliate links, coupon codes, and I’m not sponsored by Sigma.

Whew! Now that I have that out there, lets get started! Please click the pictures to enlarge!

Left to Right: F10, F80, E40, E34, E65

Sigma F80 – Flat Top Kabuki Brush

I rarely say this — but this brush has completely changed the way I do my makeup. I hardly ever wore liquid foundation because I hated the way other brushes applied it and it took forever… until I found this brush. It is hands down the best foundation brush I have ever used by any brand. Not only does it leave a flawless finish, but it does it in half the time. The synthetic bristles are so soft and they don’t eat up all your product like a lot of stippling brushes do. This brush also helps to give a fuller coverage. I have washed it three times in the last week that I’ve had it and I haven’t noticed any shedding. It does take quite a while to dry because the bristles are so densely packed. Regular exfoliation is a must! Buffing brushes like the F80 can cause micro-exfoliation — this will make any dry patches appear flakier. I haven’t had any issues, but I have combination oily skin… Ladies with super dry skin may proceed with caution.

Sigma F10 — Powder/Blush Brush

I use the F10 for blush only. It’s not big and fluffy enough to be used as an all over powder brush. I think the F10 is soft and performs its job well. It is similar to the MAC 129. I find that a patting motion works best with this brush. I would repurchase it and I use it daily. I’m not over the moon, but I like it and would recommend.

Sigma E40 — Blending Brush

I originally purchased this for applying my transition. After washing the E40 around 7-10 times it has completely lost its shape and now I only find it suitable for applying highlighter to my cheek bones. I would NOT repurchase.

Sigma E45 – Tapered Blending Brush

I have been praying that MAC repromotes the 226, but now I could care less if they do… this brush is perfect for detailed crease work. I think it applies eyeshadow beautifully and is great quality for the money. I have washed it twice and it has completely kept its shape. I bought my mom one for Mother’s Day 🙂

Sigma E65 — Small Angled Brush

Total Disappointment. As you can see in the close-up it is not at a perfect angle… it just levels off. This is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to brushes. I would return it but it’s not worth the shipping cost. I’m sure not all Sigma E65’s will have this problem, but mine does and I’m pissed. I was going to use this for gel liner but clearly that’s not an option. It is also too wide imo to be used for this purpose — unless you want a thick line.

I don’t think all Sigma brushes are created equally, as I’ve read a lot of bad reviews on certain ones… so if you are planning on purchasing some I would recommend checking out makeupalley or reading other reviews. I plan on getting a couple more and will do another haul post!

You can purchase them at www.sigmabeauty.com

Hope that this was helpful and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and comment!

Do you have any Sigma brushes? How do you feel about them?

A Guide to MAC’s Matte Brown Eyeshadows

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I don’t know about you gals, but I do A LOT of my shopping online. There isn’t a MAC store near me and the counter is about 45 minutes away — not to mention it is the busiest counter I’ve ever seen, and it drives me INSANE. I like to buy the pan form of eyeshadows so it makes much more sense for me to buy them online. Before purchasing, I frequently tried to find reviews/blogs describing and comparing MAC eyeshadows to one another in the permanent line, i.e. Saddle vs Texture, Cork vs Wedge, etc. I’m not looking to buy a bunch of dupes! I never really found anything that was detailed enough, so after collecting nearly every matte brown MAC has, I’m writing what I was looking for — an ultimate guide to MAC’s matte brown eyeshadows.

I will also discuss some of the Satin finish shadows that are commonly compared to the Matte shades. These are not ALL of MAC’s Matte browns — but nearly all of them. Whew! Now that I’ve got all that out there, lets begin!!!

I am NC15 — for swatching reference!

Left to Right: Wedge, Cork, Soba, Texture, Saddle, Soft Brown

Left to Right: Soft Brown, Era, Omega, Kid, Malt, Wedge, Cork

Left to Right: Brun, Espresso, Brown Down, Embark, Handwritten, Swiss Chocolate

WEDGE: Wedge is a beautiful slightly warm mid tone taupe brown that can be used for transition or in the crease. One of my most used eyeshadows! Wedge vs Kid –Wedge is very close in color to Kid but slightly cooler and darker. I do not think owning both is necessary. Of the two I would choose Wedge because it is more versatile and has a better texture — but I go back and forth between the two.

CORK: Cork is a “muted golden brown” and technically a Satin, but it appears Matte on the eye. It works beautifully in the crease on lighter skin, and as a transition color for tan skin. Wedge vs Cork — Cork is darker and cooler. They are similar, but not dupes. I think it is justifiable to own both… but that’s just me.

SOBA: Soba is a “golden brown with gold shimmer”. It is super pigmented and buttery. This eyeshadow has a lot more shimmer and luminosity than most other Satins. It is almost a muted mustard/camal color, if they makes any sense… not the most flattering color on some skintones. I would try this one before purchasing. Soba looks beautiful when paired with Era, very pretty work appropriate look. Soba vs Cork — often compared as dupes but I could not disagree more. They give a completely different look on the eye. Soba vs Patina — I think they are similar, Soba is more pigmented and a darker gold.

SOFT BROWN: Soft Brown is a warm mid tone brown that is best used as a transition color. Some will find this to appear a bit orangey… but I happen to like it, even on my extremely fair skin.

SADDLE: Saddle is a warm orange brown. It has excellent pigmentation and is easy to blend. This is a beautiful transition shade for women of color. Saddle vs Soft Brown — they are definitely in the same family, but NOT dupes. They are gorgeous when used together — Soft Brown as a transition, Saddle to Deepen the crease.

TEXTURE: Texture is a Velvet, a “peachy-brown with shimmer” according to MAC. I would call this a straight up orange brown. It applies to the eye nearly Matte. There is a tiny bit of sparkle that helps it blend like a dream. This is also another great transition color for woc. Saddle vs Texture — close in color but differ in texture and use. I don’t think it is necessary to own both if you are beginning your MAC collection.

SWISS CHOCOLATE: Swiss Chocolate is a girl’s best friend… it is absolutely beautiful in both color and texture. A warm muted medium red brown, I don’t think there is a dupe in the permanent collection. I have seen this used as a transition for tan skin but I’ve never used it for such.

HANDWRITTEN: Handwritten is a Matte2 (matte squared) finish and extremely pigmented. It is a dark warm brown. I think while the Matte2 shadows are super pigmented, they are a pain to blend and Handwritten is no exception. I typically use Handwritten for liner.

BROWN DOWN: Brown Down is a warm medium-dark brown that is VERY close in color to Handwritten — a much drier, less pigmented version. Brown Down has recently been discontinued, so if you were looking to purchase it, look no further than Handwritten.

ESPRESSO: Espresso is a cool toned medium brown that is very popular, but has rather lackluster quality. It has so-so pay off and it’s somewhat of a pain in the ass to blend. I don’t use Espresso as eyeshadow, but I do use it to add depth to my brows — Love it for this!

BRUN: Brun is a very cool toned dark black brown that leans on the ashy side of things — which makes it great for filling in dark brows. I love Brun as a liner as well. Brun vs Mystery — I personally do not own Mystery so I cannot say either way. I have heard they are dupes so many times that I have avoided Mystery all together. You tell me… are they dupes?

EMBARK: As you can see in the swatch, Embark is somewhat of a tragedy. It is a dark red brown that has a dry texture and sub par payoff. I used to love Embark, and this is my second pan… maybe this one is a dud. Handwritten and Brown Down are close in color to Embark.

Guide to MAC Transition Colors (click HERE) for a more in depth description of Malt, Kid, Era, and Omega along with Wedge, Cork, Soft Brown.

Guide to MAC’s Eyeshadow Finishes (click HERE)

Hope that as helpful! If I acquire anymore browns from MAC I will be sure to update the post.

What is/are your favorite brown eyeshadow/s? Mine are Wedge, Saddle and Swiss Chocolate!

Cork vs Wedge, Soba vs Cork, Cork vs Soft Brown, Soft Brown vs Saddle, Soft Brown vs Texture, Texture vs Saddle, Handwritten vs Brown Down, Swiss Chocolate vs Handwritten, Embark vs Handwritten, Brun vs Mystery

Lancome Curtain Call Lipstick — All Time Favorite!

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Although I may seem like a MAC addict (which I am), my favorite lipstick of all time is by Lancome. I got this lippy about 4-5 years ago with a free gift. I didn’t try it on for at least a month because usually free gifts have generic colors that never suit me… boy, was I wrong! I’ve repurchased it twice since then!

I would describe Curtain Call as a berry color without being too deep or too red. Just perfect! The wear is about 4-5 hours and it leaves a pleasantly stained pout after it has worn off that looks just as nice as the lipstick does on the lips. I like to wear it without a lip liner as shown above. I never have any problems with smudging or bleeding. Lancome describes Curtain Call as a Sheen finish, which is similar to a Satin.

There are so many looks to wear with this baby… my favorite would probably with winged eyeliner, for a modern pinup look. I also like to wear Curtain Call with a soft brown smokey eye — very chic. If I want to go for a more vampy look I like to wear it with MAC’s Burgundy lip pencil.

What’s your favorite lipstick??

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MAC Lovelorn Lipstick

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MAC Lovelorn

MAC Lovelorn is a Lustre finish blue-based medium pink. If you aren’t familiar with MAC’s lipstick finishes, Lustre lipsticks are usually sheer with a glossy finish. Because they are glossy you usually get less wear time, and Lovelorn wears about 2-3 hours on me. I do think the pigmentation on this one is very good considering it is a Lustre. The formula feels nice on the lips and I don’t find it be drying in the slightest.

I have rediscovered Lovelorn these last couple months… surprising how much you come to like a product when you have it in your handbag! I found myself reaching for it more and more! This midtone pink works well with a variety of different looks and I think it would flatter many different skintones!

Dupes: Revlon Temptress — 85%

Overall Rating: B+

MAC ANGEL LIPSTICK

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MAC Angel is oh so famously Kim Kardashian’s favorite lipstick… or so I’ve read about 1000 times. Who really knows if there is any truth to that?

Angel is a frost finish light-medium pink with semi-opaque coverage. The wear time is about 3 hours and I find it to be somewhat drying — but almost all frost finish lipsticks have that effect on me. Frost lipsticks also have the reputation of highlighting flaws/dryness/lines on the lips and Angel does this somewhat — not so much that it is a deal breaker.

I do like the ease of this lipstick — throw it on and go kind of product. I also feel like this nude pink would go with a lot of different looks.

Do you have Angel or Creme Cup? I have read that they are similar — I will be trying Creme Cup next.

MAC Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick

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Dare I say, I’ve found the perfect pink lipstick?

MAC Pink Pearl Pop

Apparently in August 2012 MAC came out with 8 Permanent Cremesheen + Pearl lipsticks (which I was unaware of), and last weekend I picked up one of them. Say hello to Pink Pearl Pop. As soon as I walked up to the lipstick rack this is the first one that caught my eye. I saw the name, which I didn’t recognize, and put it back… After all, I know all the names of those on my wishlist and this wasn’t one of them.

I thought it was limited edition — which I typically won’t purchase. I may be the only gal in the world that isn’t interested in limited edition products, but I hate the idea of falling in love with something that is no longer available, so I avoid them all together.

Anyhow, it is a slightly cool toned medium pink with very subtle shimmer running through it. Unfortunately the lighting is total crap at my house and I had a difficult time getting a true color in the pictures… I would say the pic with it on my lips is about 85% true to color — it’s brighter in person!

Pink Pearl Pop wears about 3 hours and it has semi-opaque coverage. Although it has to be reapplied more frequently then some of their other lipsticks, the beautiful color of this one makes it worth it to me!

This will definitely be my go-to lip for spring… What’s yours?

P.S. That’s a piercing scar, in case you were wondering 🙂

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss

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Left to Right: Orchid, Crystal Lilac, Hot Pink

The Revlon Colorburst Lipglosses create “lips that shine with killer color.” “This weightless gloss makes lips pop with 5X more shine than patent leather.” Of the fifteen shades, I will be reviewing 3: Crystal Lilac, Orchid and Hot Pink. I really like the packaging — simple and sleek. It looks high end to me!

Top to Bottom: Crystal Lilac, Orchid, Hot Pink

Crystal Lilac is a nude pink with purple micro shimmer. I absolutely love this one! It has semi-opaque coverage and wears for about 3 hours.

Orchid is a muted purple-pink with gold micro shimmer — very close to the color of my lips. This one is the sheerest of the three.

Hot Pink is a fushia with silver shimmer — the shimmer in this one is chunkier than the others, but it has fully opaque coverage.

They are light weight, non-sticky with about 2.5 hours of wear time. They are so light and comfortable, it feels like you are wearing chapstick or something similar. Although I can’t name specific dupes, they give a very similar effect as the MAC Dazzleglasses (without the sticky feeling!). I wouldn’t say that they are either moisturizing or drying. When the gloss wears away you are left with shimmer on your lips — not a deal breaker for me. These lipglosses are a great value for your money at about $7.49 each. I would recommend getting them when Walgreens or another drugstore is having a BOGO sale.

Overall Rating: A-

On a side note, I just moved into my new apartment and I’m having a hard time finding a place with good picture lighting… So it looks like I’ll be taking most of my photographs on my kitchen floor. Classy, I know 🙂

Have you tried any of the Colorburst Lipglosses?

MAC Hue Lipstick

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I went to the MAC counter this weekend to pick up a couple lipsticks and I am in love with them all, especially Hue! Typically I am not a big fan of nude lipsticks/glosses… I think they can look chalky and corpse-like. Because it is a Glaze finish, Hue is semi-opaque and doesn’t completely blank out lips. There is a hint of pink, which keeps it from washing out my incredibly pale skin. I think it would look great on a variety of different skin tones!

My lips are pretty pale so this may look a bit different on someone with more pigmented lips. Also, it looks much better in person than it appears in that photo — nudes typically look less flattering in close ups.

I’ve been pairing Hue with C-Thru for the perfect nude lip!

Do you have Hue? What is your favorite nude lipstick?

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