HD Microfinish Powder by Makeup Forever

I am an extremely big fan of Makeup Forever. They have completely revolutionized the look and feel of modern makeup. In the technological world we live in it has now become necessary to update our makeup regimen with HD compatability! Fascinatingly enough, I watched a movie from the mid-90's recently on blu-ray (that was obviously not shot for blu-ray) and it was remarkable how flawed the faces of the actors appeared! So many details that would not have shown up on film otherwise.

So, with that in mind, I have begun the gradual process of converting much of my makeup to HD quality.........starting with the HD Microfinish Powder by Makeup Forever (available in two sizes: small $15.00 and large $30.00).

Here are my findings:

- available in 1 shade only: translucent. This seems strange, but actually it is much easier because you don't need to agonize on finding the "correct" color. And it truly works on all skintones, keeping in mind that you might need to adjust the amount you apply. Example: if you are fair you can apply generously, but if you are tan or darker use sparingly, otherwise it can look a bit chalky.

- helps set your foundation with a matte finish that really lasts all day, or wear by itself (apply a bit of concealer if necessary) for a flawless and natural look

- color stays true (because it's translucent!)

- made with 100% silica powder and helps to even out complexion

- actually "blurs" imperfections in person and on camera (this is where the HD factor comes in nicely)

- truly feels like you have no makeup on! Seriously...touch your face and it feels like nothing!

- talc free


Bottom Line: To buy or not to buy? Buy!

Too Faced Lashlight Mascara

In my never-ending search for the ultimate mascara, I have certainly found a contender in the new Lashlight Mascara by Too Faced ($25). First, and most importantly, it lights up! Really! LED lights are built into the mascara wand so that you are able to grab virtually EVERY lash (because they are lit up like a light saber!). My initial concern about this new product was that all the hype would be in the tech-y packaging, but I was soon proven wrong.

The formula is actually injected with microscopic "mirrors" to keep lashes shiny and healthy, and a jet-black color that makes your eyes appear whiter and brighter. Also, the formula is packed with Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E, Red Algae and Panthenol to help condition lashes and increase strength and flexibility.

My findings:

- Yes, it really lights up! Yes, you really can see every lash, even in the dark!
- Has a full mirror on one side of the mascara bottle so I'm able to apply while out and about!
- The formula goes on nicely, no clumping.
- No flaking, and lashes stay nice, glossy, and soft all day (I can't stand when mascara makes lashes look dry and brittle).
- It was not the most volumizing formula I've ever used, but it was not bad either.
- Has a super-dark, jet-black color, which is sometimes hard to find.

Bottom Line: 4 stars. The ingenuity of this mascara is undeniable, and hopefully it will help pave the way in this new direction of packaging.

Lash Stiletto by Maybelline

I have to say once again, way to go Maybelline! My absolute new favorite mascara is Lash Stiletto ($7.49). It comes in sleek packaging and claims to lengthen lashes by 70% and is safe for contact lens wearers. Also available in waterproof.

I decided to test it out after my sister (who has very short, fine lashes) showed me what a difference this mascara made on her lashes. Here are my findings:

- lengthens remarkably
- provides intense color that looks natural
- shiny, patented finish that makes my lashes look really healthy
- conditions lashes with vitamin B5
- great, thin brush with 2 different lengths of bristles to really get in there and find every lash
- no clumps or smudging by the end of the day

Really the only negative I can find to say about this mascara is that it doesn't have a pleasant smell, but then again what mascara actually smells nice? Hopefully one day someone will invent a mascara that smells like vanilla.

Definitely worth giving a shot, I have recommended this product to a few clients already after they commented on how long my lashes (and theirs after I applied it on them) were. It's always nice receiving a compliment!

Bottom line: 5 stars!

Dream Liquid Mousse by Maybelline

So I was out browsing for a new medium-coverage foundation and decided to give Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse ($9.59) a try. I have had some luck with Maybelline in the past, and had even tried a sample of this foundation out of a magazine (unfortunately, the sample was far too small to really use appropriately). But I got the general idea, and was impressed by how lovely the models faces looked in the advertisements. Go, marketing!

My findings:

a. feels nice on my face, not heavy or cake-y
b. covers well, I did need to use a bit of concealer and loose powder
c. wears nicely, doesn't settle into fine lines
d. did not make my face oily, but did not help to control it
e. blends well, looks natural
f. impressive range of colors

I admit I was skeptical, since this foundation was being marketed as "airbrush finish". But this foundation really does work nicely and photographs well too. Tip: Shake well, then apply with fingertips.

Bottom line: 3.5 stars

Shimmer Strips Blush and Highlighter by Physician's Formula

I have been a big fan of Physician's Formula ever since they've taken an active step in creating organically beautiful makeup that works great! Their newest addition is Shimmer Strips Blush and Highlighter ($11.99). It's a lovely collage of five colors that when swept together across your cheeks creates a natural and rosy effect. If you want customization then use the darker colors as your contour blusher and the lightest color as a highlighter. Either way, it's virtually fool-proof in achieving the "correct" color!

Shimmer Strips Blush and Highlighter comes in four shades: Natural Glow, Sunkissed Glow, Rosy Glow, Healthy Glow.

I tend to be cautious when using a highlighting product, however I immediately found out that this product did indeed look healthy and natural, not glittery, streaky or shiny. And the application is very simple, I don't even need a mirror to apply! Having recently been to the beach, this was the perfect (and only) makeup I applied on myself and my friend. We looked rosy, luminous, and very natural all weekend. And even after returning home applying it made us feel like we were still at the beach!

Bottom line: I really have to give another 5 stars for this product due to it's versatility in wear.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I have finally found a tinted moisturizer that actually covers as well as makeup! It's Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer ($13.99).

Here's the low down:

-- Two different shades: Fair-to-Light, Medium. Being quite fair myself I bought the Fair-to-Light, though I have a feeling the color spectrum is actually quite broad since I recently acquired a bit of a tan and the color still suits me.

-- SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection

-- Immediately evened my tone and texture with a Soy-Complex. So far this tinted moisturizer has noticeably faded my old and new discolorations from acne scars.

-- Light reflecting minerals that actually helped disguise my blemishes and discolorations.

-- Skin really looked radiant, healthy, and dewy while helping to control the oil.

-- Very natural finish that provides real coverage. A little powder on my t-zone and I'm set to go!

-- A little goes a long way, this bottle will last awhile!

Bottom line: I will definitely be purchasing again! 5 Stars!

Au Naturel

“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” - Calvin Klein

Let's face it, natural takes work. As much as we try to fight aging and blemishes we can never quite seem to win! The good news is that numerous wonderful products are out there, it's just a matter of finding the ones right for you. Everyone's needs are different according to our age, skin type, environment, even diet. However one thing stays the same, and that is Budget!!!!

Here is how to achieve the "Natural Look" on a budget!

1) MAKEUP PRIMER
USE: Smooth over a clean face with your fingertips.
TRY: Beyond Natural Smoothing Makeup Primer by Revlon ($9.99). Formula goes on clear, works for all complexions.

2) CONCEALER
USE: Use with concealer brush or fingertips to blend a small amount over blemishes or dark circles.
TRY: All Over Coverstick Concealer by E.L.F. ($1.00)

3) FOUNDATION
USE: With powder foundation brush swirl over powder and in circular movements cover entire face. Make sure to blend in well around hairline and jawline.
TRY: Mineral Foundation (loose powder) by E.L.F. ($5.00).

4) BLUSH OR BRONZER
USE: A light sweep of blush or bronzer on apples of cheeks. Just smile, you'll see the apples!
TRY: Natural Radiance Blusher by E.L.F. ($1.00). For light tones, Glow. For med-dark tones, Bronzed.

5) EYES
USE: A light, neutral color shadow swept over entire lid up to brow looks classy and awake.
TRY: Eyeshadow in Rare Silk by Everyday Minerals (this color works for all complexions!) ($2.50).

6) MASCARA
USE: Sweep one coat on upper lashes, then apply on lower lashes only at the very outer corner, it will really open up the eye! If fair, use brown. Medium skin, use dark brown. Dark complexions, use soft black.
TRY: Lash Extender by Rimmel ($6.99).

7) BROWS
USE: Keep brows looking natural by keeping them waxed or plucked (not too thin!) and grooming them with a brow brush. If they are sparse, choose a matching shade and fill in lightly then blend well.
TRY: Ultra-Brow Brush on Color by Maybelline ($4.99).

8) FINISHING POWDER
USE: Sweep onto a big powder brush and apply all over face and neck. This will "set" the makeup and keep from looking cake-y and unnatural. Skin will look luminous! Will also help to inhibit greasiness so you won't have to keep applying more makeup.
TRY: Mineral Booster by E.L.F. (only 1 shade, works with all complexions!) ($5.00).
TIP: If oily, try using blotting paper instead of applying more makeup.

9) LIPS
USE: Choose a neutral shade gloss and apply.
TRY: Beyond Natural Cream Lip Gloss by Revlon ($6.99). Any shade works well for a natural look, but Peach works best for lighter tones, and Deep Spice for med-dark tones.


And there you have it! A beautiful, flawless, natural face! Enjoy the day :)