Lets's Be Honest About L'oreal True Match Naturale Mattifying Mineral Finish (translucent matte)

Hello again here is a review of a product that I have been putting off for months. I started using it on me and a client, then stopped using it and pushed it to the back of my collection. I was doing makeup for a wedding during October and I need a translucent setting powder, I picked up a random one from L'oreal, and boy oh boy was that a mistake. I don't hate this product but I'm not too happy with it. I bought it to set liquid and cream products and not add any coverage. The title does call it mattifying and transulcent so I thought that would be a fit.

Packaging

This powder comes in a twist of cap tub, like most loose setting powders except this one has a top that gives you a brush and then you screw the brush off to reveal the product. So it is a three part packaging, top, brush and tub with the powder. The top of the tub has a sifter, with fairly large holes so you are getting a lot of product in the little dish. The brush that is comes with is a very stout tapered kabuki. The bristles are softish, not the nicest feeling on your face, but not horrible. I personally do not use the brush because it just isn't as effective as my own personal brushes. The brush just doesn't fit into the container, you pick up way too much product and then the cap is too awkward to tap of the excess in. You end up trapping a whole lot of product in the cap when you attach it to the brush. Not a fan of the packaging, too many problems.

Formula

This product is not finely milled, it is a little big more gritty. When you do smooth it out on your skin it feels soft and nice. Because it is a bit grittier, it takes a lot of effort to evenly distribute it all over your face instead of having concentrated white spots. The powder simply isn't translucent it gives your face a white cast no matter how much blending I do. Also the powder has sparkle in it, so it doesn't give you a matte look, it just doesn't.

So overall I'm not to happy with this product, and for the price it I don't think it is worth picking up. I bought this a CVS for $15.99, just way too expensive.

So, I hope that you enjoyed reading this and that it was helpful,

Emma

New Brushes! Costal Scents and Urban Renewal (rite aid)

So I bought two new brushes and I am a little obsessed. New brushes are always the most exciting to buy because they have so much promise of softness and perfect application. Honestly you can't have enough brushes, you just can't. I bought two brushes that I felt I need more of, a angled fluffy face brush for bronzer and blush and a duo fiber stippling brush (medium size long bristles). I have used Urban Renewal brushes before, I have their classic synthetic foundation brush and concealer brush, I really like those brushes so I have high hopes for the stippling brush. The angled brush was my first brush that I have purchased from coastal scents. It was so affordable and I have read a lot of good reviews about their brushes.

Coastal Scents BR-C-N49: Classic Angled Kabuki Stick Natural Bristles 

The brush is a densely packed angled brush with short bristles. The brush is soft and dense enough that it picks up just the right about of product and really buffs into the skin. The brushes gives a very concentrated application but, also has the ability to blend powders into the skin. The brush has a long black handle that comes to rounded point. The ferrel is sliver and is slightly pinched in at the top.  I use the brush to apply bronzer but you could definitely also use it to apply blush. It would also work as just a general face blending brush to create smooth transitions between your bronzer, blush and highlight. You can purchase this brush at CostalScents.com for $12.95. If you want to get a better deal, Coastal Scents is always having sales, so you could definitely purchase this for a discount if you check the website every few months.

Renewal (rite aid) Duo Fiber Stippling Brush 

This is your classic stippling brush with long duo fiber bristles. The brush has a lot of give to it so it gives your foundation a really light and natural look. I however have been using it to apply really a natural application of blush. The bristles are soft and there has only been shedding during the first washing. The brush washes really nicely and just feels great on the skin. If you are looking for a nice stippling brush but don't want to pay too much, this is a great option. You can get it around 7 or 8 dollars at Rite Aid and if you have rewards card you could get it on offer. 

Why I Wear Makeup

I was looking through tumblr and I came across this . . .

The photo had a bunch of comments from different men saying things like this

Girls look good without makeup, they look so fake and they have bad self confidence . . . blah blah blah.

As an aspiring makeup artist I wear makeup and love makeup. I first started to wear makeup in my first year of high school because I was having some self-confidence issues. Michelle Phan's very early videos taught me everything I know about how to wear and apply makeup. I went to the drugstore and picked up Covergirl Nature Luxe foundation and I applied it with my fingers and a my mothers foundation brush. I didn't have horrible skin but, it was problematic and wearing just a light to medium coverage foundation and some mascara gave me so much more confidence. As high school went on my skin got better and I started to feel that I didn't need to wear makeup. However makeup was my shield against the world and learning about, watching videos, reading blogs and buying/experimenting with cosmetics became a great distraction when I went through phases of depression. 

I now find that wearing makeup isn't something that I need to do but, something that I want to do. Makeup is fun and creative. The application of makeup is very therapeutic for me and overall just really enjoyable. I don't think anyone should ever feel pressured to wear makeup. I think I am beautiful with and without makeup. Makeup for me a is luxury and a hobby. Also tt makes me feel a whole lot better when I conceal a huge zit

With all that in mind here are some of my favorite quotes about makeup and beauty! 

makeup can only makeup you look pretty on the outside, but it doesn't help if you're ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the makeup --Audrey Hepburn

The most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy -- YvesSaint Laurent

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself-- Coco Chanel

I always find beauty in things that are odd & imperfect -- they are much more interesting -- Marc Jacobs

xoxox Emma

Coastal Scents Sale

Coastal Scents is having a sale on all their hot pots. Go buy amazing shadows are 99 cents. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO. Hot pot are amazing and I would pay so much more for them.


Go GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO

http://www.coastalscents.com/

Time to SPLURG for Spring

So my 18th birthday is approaching fast and I decided it was time for me to give a birthday gift to myself. So can you guess what I bought. . . that's right I bought makeup. I was scrolling through the MAC website and I picked up a few items. However a few items at MAC costs a pretty penny, but hey I'm worth a splurge. So if you have been feeling down, why not splurge on some fancy cosmetics. New cosmetics makes everyone happy. So in order to help you make some bad decisions for your wallet like me, here is a list of items I deem splurge worthy.

 Face

Looking to spend too much money on some face powders well look no further Hour Glass makes amazingly luxurious powders. The Ambient Lighting Powders come in six different shades for all of your highlighting and skin needs. You can use these powders all of the face for some natural radiance or in concentrated areas for a little bit more glow. You can naturally sparkle by picking up these powders for 45 buckaroos at select Sephora locations and on their website. 

Spring is approaching, though in Brooklyn it seems like eons away, March and April is coming no matter how much snow and ice is on the ground. Why not brighten your outlook on the stormy weather by putting some flower inspired makeup on your pores. MACS Mineralize Skin Finish in Perfect Topping from their new Fantasy of Flowers collection will make everything seem a little bit more sunny. Just sweep on your cheeks and instantly feel like daisies. Well, it might not make everything feel daisies but at least you will look as fresh as daisies. You can pick up this powder for 30 ducks at your local MAC counter or on the website (like I did).


Has your complexion looking a little bit dull or spotty well then it is time to treat yourself to some amazonian clay goodness. Buff on a little bit of Tarte's Amazonian Clay Airbrush loose foundation. This powder gives you medium coverage with a claim of 12 hour wear, that feels light and natural on the skin. The product comes in 11 shades, so hopefully everyone can find their perfect match. You can get our airbrushed look for 36 dollars at Sephora.


Tired of eye makeup and foundation but, you just want to get that flushed glow, then its time for endless cream blush choices. The Balms new cream blush palette will perk up your cheeks, and the packaging is so cute; apples and shirtless guys. Six colors for $32, well thats seems more like a deal than a splurge. You can get The Balm products and their How 'Bout Them Apples palette on their website thebalm.com


Not looking for a whole blush palette, more of a singles gal, well then go pick up Clinque's new spring collection of flower inspired blushes. The Cheek pop blushes give you beautiful spring inspired colors without being to harsh or gaudy. This is an effortless blush that doesn't need precise application. Throw this little flower in your purse and don't worry about streaks or that clown look that bright blush can give. These retail of 21 dollars at Sephora.com.


In the winter I tend to sleep constantly, but if you aren't an all day cat nap kind of girl then you might need something to cover those under eye circles. Conceal your dark circles using a creamy peachy under eye concealer from Pixi. Never looked tired ever again, if you can't get a good nights sleep, well then fake it. You can get Pixi products at Target but it is always on offer on Hautelook.com. So go get this little miracle makeup pot for 12 dollars. *** most affordable product!

Eyes 

Tired of your run of the mill black or brown gel liner, then go and get yourself a champagne colored gel to brighten up your eyes after long cold winter nights. Go splurge on MAC's Fluidline in Chilled, which is white gold color. Put this on your lower or top lash line for subtle sparkle and definition. Or, put it in your inner corner to brighten up any eye look. You can get Chilled at any MAC counter or on their website for 16 smack-a-roos.

Not a fan of gel liner? Thats fine, brushes can be annoying and difficult to use. That's why felt tip liners are the lazy girls best friend, no sharpening and easy application. Stilla's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner is the liner challenged best friend. With a super fine tip you can build up your intensity slowly without having a steady hand. Another plus, if you get tired of black these bad boys come in a variety of bold and bright colors (15). Go get this at Sephora or on offer at Hautelook.com for $20.

Lips

Want to spice your lip life? Get bold long lasting color from Lime Crimes Velvetines. These are lip-stains that dry matte and last forever. They come in a variety of bold and unique colors. Pick up Suedberry for a bright wearable red with pink undertones. This color will brighten up your face and pretty much looks good on every complexion. Afraid of wearing bold reds, then this is a great color to ease you in. Get this tube at limecrime.com for 20 bucks.


Bite Beauty has just about the cleverest name for a lipstick company, and these products pack a punch in very bite sized tubes. Your getting your moneys worth with these lipsticks, they are pigmented and smooth. Bite Beauty's Luminous Creme Lipsticks come in a million shades, 25 shades to be exact. You can get reds, nudes and berries for 24 well spent dollars at Sephora. Just be careful you don't feel like biting anyone well wearing them (even love bites).

Fragrance 

It's always nice to smell good, so why not smell like sultry floral amazingness. I have had a mini Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb perfume and I am obsessed. I was given the miniature bottle as a gift and I use it very sparingly. The fragrance has notes of sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, ballerina freesia, and patchouli. You can get the 1 oz bottle for 80 big ones at Sephora and other fragrance retailers. Honestly you spray this and you feel like your in a field filled with fairies and elves.


So that is my splurge list, go out and splurge or just stock the Sephora website like I do if you don't have the funds. Remember splurging on nice products should be saved for a rainy day when you feel sad, because new cosmetics makes everyone feel better. 

Let's Be Honest About Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

So I needed a new sheer foundation (that wasn't a BB cream) and I decided to pick this up at the drugstore. This is a liquid foundation that is supposed to look like your wearing no making but, it still evens out your complexion while also giving you broad spectrum sunscreen protection.

Packaging
The product is in a glass bottle with a twist off cap, that clicks nicely into place. You have to pour out the product from a pretty long nozzle/bottle top ( I don't know what you would call it). Because this product doesn't have a pump, it is difficult to pour the right amount of foundation. Not a huge fan of the packaging, but it isn't too bulky or heavy for a glass bottle, which is nice. The bottle contains 1fl or 30 ml of foundation.

Formula
This is a LIQUID foundation. It is super runny and almost feels like skin colored water, with a strong scent of sunscreen. Some people love the smell of sunscreen but, I am not one of those people. The scent is really strong and I wish it wasn't. I don't really understand why its smells like sunscreen because it only has an SPF of 20. That really isn't that high, my moisturizer has an SPF of 30 and doesn't smell like that strong. This is a sheer foundation (like it is advertised) it isn't really build-able so this is a no makeup kind of day product. The foundation isn't very blend-able, I will be using my Real Techniques expert face brush and it will take forever to get rid of the streaks. Use clean fingers to apply this product. Because it is very liquidly, if you use to much it just goes everywhere and just sits on top of your face in streaks.

Finish/Lasting Power
This foundation once it sets gives you a semi-matt finish, but you MUST set it with a powder if you want it to last longer than a few hours. It is a sheer foundation so I didn't expect have great staying powder, but this just slides/melts off my skin in seconds (I have dry to combo skin).

Shade Range
There are 16 shades in total, ranging from very pale to kind of dark. Most drugstore foundations don't come in dark skin colors, which is so stupid. If you have a medium or light skin tone, you should be able to find a good match, but darker skin tones probably not. This is a sheer foundation so if the color is a little bit lighter, it might not really be noticeable on the skin. My shade is 120 Vanilla, which is the second palest color in the collection; it is an ivory with yellow undertones.


Overall I would not repurchase this foundation or recommend it. I will use it all up because I bought it but then I will tossing it out and never looking back. If you want a light/sheer foundation use a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream. This foundation retails for different prices depending on where you are and it should be around the $8-10 mark. I would rate this product a 2 out of 5 stars :-(