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Sunday 31 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect Foundation
Brand: Illusions Cosmetics

Name: Picture Perfect Foundation *

Coverage: Medium - Full
Shade: Worship Tan (Great colour match)

Swatch:
Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect Foundation Swatch
What The brand says: This creamy formulation provides a sheer to full coverage, may be worn everyday or used for that fabulous wedding day makeup, and even on camera. Our crème foundation is perfect for creating a flawless complexion, it is the ultimate in coverage and can be used for any occasion, excellent for photography. Suitable for all skin types.
Wear time (with/without primer): I was really worried about weartime, being an oil based foundation and my combination skin, but I needn't have worried. It held up well throughout the day, even without primer.

Price (ml): $25 for 30ml
Pros: Oil based
17 shades
Controllable coverage level
Can be used as concealer
Cons: Oil based
American based
Packaging
Suitable Skin Types: All, but super oily girls may want to prep skin accordingly.

Ingredients: Coconut oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ozokerite, Carnauba wax, Stearic Acid (vegetable), May contain; Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI77492, CI77499, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Ultramarine Blue CI77007.  
Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This would work great for highlighting and contouring in the appropriate shades. This foundation does have a scent, a cross between baby powder and baby oil, not unpleasant and dissipates once on the face.
Conclusion: This foundation gives a beautiful flawless finish, I applied with a damp beauty blender and buffing brush and got great results each time. You can control the coverage, but even at full coverage it doesn't look cakey or heavy. Check it out here.

**Rating: Lust
*Pr Sample
**Ratings; Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Friday 29 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in Au, 14 & 15
Brand: Illamasqua

Name: Skin Base

Coverage: Medium
Shade: 14 & 15 (15 is my actual shade, both yellow undertone with pink)
Au (I believe based on shade no11 with added gold shimmer, can be used as a bronzer on lighter skintones and as a highlighter on darker skintones)

Swatch:
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation swatches in Au, 14 & 15
What The brand says: Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.
Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation lasts well on the skin, with or without primer, but I particularly like it with illamasqua hydraveil. It covers well while still looking like skin
Price (ml): £32 for 30ml

Pros: Nice shade range
Nice packaging
Shade 18 is a good shade for really deep skintones or if you struggle to find a contouring shade
Slightly thicker consistency help smooth skin and give a flawless look
Suitable for all skintypes, extremes prep well
Cons: There can be a big jump between shades
Need some half shades in the darker end of the spectrum
The darker shade range could do with extending (see above)

Suitable Skin Types: All
Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM (MINERAL OIL), PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, TALC, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, MICA, DIMETHICONE, SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CYCLOMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, ISOSTEARIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, METHYLPARABEN, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DIMETHICONE/METHICONE COPOLYMER, SODIUM HYALURONATE,PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) [+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77002 (ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE)].

Oxidation: None.
Any Other Information: I've had these foundations a while now, They were £27 each when I bought them, ordering online meant I ended up with 2 shades that I need to mix depending on the season. Au is a limited edition shade, which is still available, it's got gold flecks in it and can be used to highlight or added to other foundations to give your skin a glow.

Conclusion: I like this foundation,  it's a great everyday foundation, it looks natural on the skin, covers well and stays put. I quite like the fuss free spill proof packaging too, great for travel.  Available here.

*Rating: Like
Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Thursday 28 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation files; Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer
Brand: Clinique

Name: Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer*
Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: Golden (24)

Swatch:
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer Swatch
What The brand says: A foundation-and-concealer in one for a natural, beyond perfected look that lasts all day. Lightweight, moisturizing makeup covers thoroughly without clogging pores. Skin breathes comfortably, colour stays true, even through sweat and humidity.Due to the rich pigment level that enhances this flawless coverage makeup, shades may appear deeper when first applied. Leave the foundation to settle just for a few minutes, this will allow the high pigment in the formula to adapt to your skin tone which is why you get such a flawless perfected finish.Suitable for ALL skin types. One dip of the wand gives you a full-face application and/or spot-conceals. Slow-dry formula makes blending easy, for 12 hours of full-coverage wear from a flexible formula that moves with skin.

Wear time (with/without primer):
Price (ml): £25 for 30ml

Pros: 20 Shades
Buildable coverage
Multi-purpose
Oil free
Cons: Possibly unhygienic
Inci list not on the website

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremes prep accordingly)
Ingredients: Not on the website

Oxidation: None
Any Other Information: It has a unique doe foot applicator, which is a nice change, but a very tiny OCD voice in my head questions the hygiene, that aside the foundation is a thick mouse texture, so I can see why a pump may not have worked in this instance.

Conclusion: Firstly the ‘natural’ finish is dependent on how much you apply, but it’s great that the foundation is buildable. If you adjust the amount you apply you get a lovely demi-matte natural look, the foundation lasts all day on me, although my oils do push through slightly in the T-zone area so to keep the perfected look I start with, one touch up is required. This foundation gives a beautiful finish to the skin, the dual use is convenient and cheaper than buying a separate concealer and the doe foot applicator is a unique touch. It's available here.  

**Rating: Love
**Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love.
*Pr Sample

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Aallexxy's FoundationFiles; CoverFx Custom Cover Drops

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Coverfx Custom Cover Drops
Brand: CoverFx

Name: Custom Cover Drops

Coverage:
1 Drop = Sheer Coverage
2 Drops = Medium Coverage
3 Drops = Full Coverage
4 Drops = Total Coverage
Shade: N80

Swatch:
Coverfx Custom Cover Drops Swatch
What The brand says: Custom Cover Drops contain concentrated pigments that allow you to customize any product and adjust the level of coverage you desire. Custom Cover Drops can be mixed with anything liquid to add coverage - moisturizers, serums, oils, primers, foundations and tinted moisturizers that are water, oil or silicone-based. These revolutionary drops feature our Flash Fusion Technology™, so as soon as you drop, the solution flashes off leaving behind the pigment that weightlessly transforms your favorite beauty product into the sheerest tint all the way to a total coverage foundation, depending on how many drops you add. The pigments are coated with Lecithin, which is biochemically similar to the skin, to ensure ease of blending and the smoothest application. With unprecedented control, you are free to customize coverage like never before. 
Before using Custom Cover Drops, shake well. Then, it’s simple! Just place your usual product into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage, from a sheer tint to total coverage foundation!

Wear time (with/without primer): This is unique in the sense that it can be mixed directly with primer, as well as a multitude of other things, so wear time isn't directly related as easily as other base products. I've been mixing this with a clear gel serum, and wear time is great, whether I wear a primer prior to this ir not.
Price (ml): £36 for 15ml

Pros: Suitable for all skintypes
Customisable coverage and finish
Free from parabens, sulfates, fragrance etc
Dropper style applicator
Only a small amount needed
Cons: Mixing agent may adjust shade slightly
Pricey
Dropper style bottle

Suitable Skin Types: All
Ingredients: Ethyl Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Mica, Jojoba Esters, Triethylhexanoin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Water (Aqua, Eau), Alcohol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: You have to be careful what shade you get and what you mix it with, for instance if I mix this with a white coolured moisturiser it will lighten the shade slightly, which won't work as I get darker during the summer months. I can easily see myself getting the next shade up from this though, as I love this product. You can also buy a shade to adjust a pre-existing foundation that's either too light or too dark for you, or to adjust the as you tan so no need for a seperate summer/winter base product. Does not contain; Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan.

Conclusion: I absolutely love this, the customisable nature of it, the mixing process etc. This is a product my combination skin can wear all year round and will truly suit all skintypes, as it depends on what you mix it with. forexample, in the winter I'd mix this with a facial oil, while in the summer a mattifying primer.
Rating: Love*
*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love
 

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post). So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: Urban decay

Name: Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation*

Coverage: Medium
Shade: Dark Warm

Swatch:

 
What the brand says: Want a foundation that delivers amazing coverage, lasts all day and works both wet AND dry? Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation delivers. Our advanced, velvety formula provides weightless, buildable coverage with a luminous, demi-matte finish for a Naked Skin feel.

While some traditional powder foundations might look dusty or even cakey on the skin, Naked Skin blends gorgeously and wears comfortably. Like the rest of our Naked Skin line up, Naked Skin Powder Foundation diffuses light to blur fine lines and wrinkles to make you look as if professionally retouched. It’s also ultra-forgiving: apply more in the areas where you need extra coverage and all you’ll see is beautiful, perfected skin.

Enriched with coated, micro-milled powders and HPP (Highlighter Performing Pigments) technology, Naked Skin Powder Foundation has a creamy feel, rich, long-lasting colour, and a perfect level of coverage to even out the look of your skin tone.

Added bonus: We included a protective pouch in a purple X-rayed flower design to help keep your compact protected from crumbling.

Naked Skin Powder Foundation comes in a range of meticulously calibrated shades. Our shade-matching system provides a clear starting point for finding your perfect shade: the first part represents shade intensity, and the second indicates shade undertone.


Wear Time (with/without primer): Excellent, minimal touch-ups required, if at all any. (NB: not tested during humid summer weather) 
Price (ml): £26 for 9g

Pros: Compact
Non Cakey
Long lasting
Multi-purpose
14 Shades

Vary the coverage

Good Value

Cons: Probably not suitable if you have extremely dry skin
Contains Talc and Silicone
Packaging prone to finger prints
Suitable skin types: Normal, Combination, Oily. (Extremely dry skin will need to thoroughly prep skin or avoid).
Ingredients: Talc, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Silica, Magnesium Myristate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Zinc Stearate,
Dimethiconol, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lauroyl Lysine.

[+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides)].


Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Comes with additional carry pouch and puff.
Conclusion: For an avid liquid/cream foundation lover like myself, I have fallen hard for this powder foundation, it's creamier than typical powders and works brilliantly wet for fuller coverage or dry for light coverage and a matte finish. I have used this alone, over concealer, to set liquid and cream foundation or as a touch up powder throughout the day.
Rating: Love

Pick it up here. Have you tried this foudantion? What are you thinking of my new blog series so far? Any requests?

Thanks for visiting the blog today
Alex
**Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love
 *Pr Sample

Thursday 21 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid
Brand: Laura Mercier
Name: Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid

Coverage: Medium
Shade: Pecan (Medium to Deep with Cool to Neutral Undertones)

Swatch:
Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid Foundation Swatch
What The brand says: A long-wear, oil-free foundation that magically blurs the line between real skin and makeup. Shake & tap to activate this unique formula. This revolutionary bi-phase, two part formula is designed to deliver the most natural looking colour and lightweight coverage. Colour true pigments rest at the bottom of the package while reflective waters (Hydro-Brilliant Technology) float to the top. Vigorously shaking the package before each use ensures the pigments blend with the reflective waters to create fresh colour every time. Long-wear (12 hours). Humidity-proof, sweat-proof / water resistant. Oil-free; non-comedogenic. Non-greasy; non-drying. Dermatologist tested. Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), especially normal-to-oily skins.

Wear time (with/without primer): This base has great wear time, on my combo skin though, my oils do push through after a while, but it gives more of a glow than oil slick look.
Price (ml): £35 for 30ml
Pros: 24 Shades

Cons: Messy packaging
Suitable Skin Types: All; oily skin types will need good prep, especially if you prefer a true matte finish.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Water/Aqua/Eau, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phytostearyl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Poly(Glycol Adipate)/Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone Copolymer, Citrus Limon (Lemon)Fruit Extract, Fumaria Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Fumaric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsexquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Lauroyl Asparate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Zinc Chloride, Polysilicone-1 Crosspolymer, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloydimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Polyurethane-40, Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. Maycontain/Peut Contenir/(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Ironoxides).
Oxidation: None
Any Other Information: This is one of those bi-phase products, where the fluid and pigment seperate, so you have to shake it to mix. If you shake it with the lid on, the product oozes out everywhere, a way to prevent this is to shake the bottle with the lid off and your finger over the hole.

Conclusion: This is a gorgeous lightweight base, that photographs beautifully and covers well without looking cakey or heavy. I have overlooked Laura Mercier base products in the past, not sure why, but I will definitely be investigating them further.
*Rating: Love
*Ratings; Hate, dislike, like, lust, love

Monday 18 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation

Welcome to my new blog series, Foundation Files (see original review here). This is where I test different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and posting my findings. So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation
Brand: Premae

Name: Premae Mattifying Mouse (MM) Foundation*

Coverage: Medium
Shade: 09 Maple

Swatch:

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation in 09 Maple Swatch
What the brand says: 'The mousse conditions and cares for the skin, nourishes the pores and soothes blemish prone skin with Rose and Lavender essential oils. Due to the allergy-friendly formula, this foundation is gentle enough to fall asleep in, and also includes hydrating Mango and Jojoba to protect and shield the skin against free radicals.
This foundation has the same technical and scientific attributes as the rest of the multi-award winning Premae Skincare range; it is free-from gluten, nuts and tree nuts, parabens, petrochemicals and SLS. Suitable for all skin types, this healthy foundation shade 09: Maple caters for dark olive to light golden skin complexions.
8 core benefits of using Premae Mattifying Mousse Foundation
– World first Mango Butter based foundation
– 2 in 1 Mattifying Mousse Creme to powder formula
– Anti-ageing, Antioxidant and Phyto Nutrient (Vegan fruit and herb ingredients)
– 15 shades from fair, olive, to very dark
– Buildable coverage: light to full
– Soft enough to sleep in!
– Lightweight, airless, breathable and pure
– The 1st healthy foundation formulae – Mango Butter, Jojoba and Rose based'

Wear Time (with/without primer): This has decent wear time, but I do require 1-2 touch ups throughout the day.
Price (ml): £29 for 15ml

Pros: 15 shades available
Allergy free
Great for sensitive skin
Gluten, Nut, Paraben, Petrochemical and SLS free
Cons: Price; as you are getting half the size of a usual foundation.
Contains Essential oils
Suitable skin types: I wouldn't let the word Mattifying put too many dry skinned beauties off, as this foundation is hydrating and gives a luminous glow, if you're super oily you will need to prep skin accordingly. 

Ingredients: Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Mango Butter, Xanthan Gum, Rosewood, Lavender and Rose Essential Oils, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarine Blue. May contain: Zinc Oxide, Micronized Zinc Oxide, Silica and Kaolin Clay.
Oxidation: I was shocked to be colour matched to 09 Maple, it adapts well to the skin tone.

Any Other Information: I feel come summer I will need a darker shade.
Conclusion: I'm really enjoying using this foundation, and it's great to know that long-term it's doing my skin good, and on the odd occasion I do fall asleep in my makeup, I won't wake up the next day and feel guilty.

Rating: Like**

**Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love.
*Pr Sample

Sunday 10 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; NYX HD Concealer

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.
NYX HD Concealer
 Brand: NYX
 
Name: HD Photogenic Concealer*
Coverage: Medium
Shade: CW08 Nutmeg (perfect match for me) and CW05 Medium (Swatching for reference and I can mix the two for a under eye highlight)

Swatch:
NYX HD Concealer Swatches
 What The brand says: Concealer who me? This lightweight cover-up obscures imperfections, discoloration and under eye circles, but does so without ever looking cakey or obvious. Little wonder the Concealer Wand is one of our best-sellers. The concentrated, emollient-rich concealer formula goes on like a dream, is non-comedogenic and creates medium to heavy coverage. Available in 12 shades. Use the lavender for sallow skin, the green to neutralize redness and the yellow for under-eye darkness.
Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is great, holds up well with and without primer and doesn't crease on me. It has good coverage without looking cakey or heavy.
Price (ml): £6 for 5ml

Pros: Affordable
Long wearing
Non-cakey
Doesn't crease
Lightweight

Cons: Needs darker shades
More accessibility
Suitable Skin Types: All (extremely dry prep accordingly)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol, Trimethylsilcxypheny Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Polymethlmethacrylata, Silica, Sorbitan Olivem, Magnesium Sulfate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) wax, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan-GUM, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Red (77492), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499)
May Contain: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol,Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylmethacrylate, Silica, Sorbitan Olivem, Magnesium Sulfate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax,Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and Xanthan-Gum. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI77491), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77492) Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007), or Manganese Violet (CI 77742).


Oxidation: None
Any Other Information: Its called the Concealer Wand on the website , it's showing 8 shades with 3 colour corrective shades on the website, but having attended the beauty blogger event last week, I do believe that when they officially launch in the UK more shades will be available (I'll update this post accordingly).

Conclusion: I absolutely love this concealer and can see why it would be a best seller for NYX, for something so affodable it's very effective. It covers well, has good staying power and is Talc and Paraben free.
**Rating: Love
*Pr Sample
**Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.


Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum foundation SPF40
Brand: Bobbi Brown (bobbibrown.co.uk)

Name: Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40
Coverage: Medium

Shade: Warm Almond 6.5 (Golden was too light, sent it back, but swatched both shades below for reference)

Swatch:
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 Warm Almond Swatch



Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 Golden Heavy and Blended Swatch

What The brand says: See healthy, beautiful skin. Inspired by Bobbi's much loved Intensive Skin Supplement, it's a combination of supercharged serum ingredients with true to your skin pigments. Formulated with Lychee, Bamboo Grass and Cordyceps Mushroom extracts, this high-powered formula helps give skin the energy it needs to look fresher and younger. Super silky emulsion floats over skin’s surface for a flawless yet natural look–instantly and day after day. Normal to dry skin types- anyone who wants the treatment benefits of a serum combined with the flawless, skin tone correct coverage of Bobbi’s foundations. Goes beyond the surface, beautifying skin with a powerful combination of serum ingredients. Helps support skin’s cellular energy and also offers key anti-aging benefits for a smoother, firmer, more lifted look. Ultrafine pigments cover imperfections without settling into fine lines. Plus, SPF 40 helps prevent future damage.
Wear time (with/without primer): Wear time is decent in this current mild weather, by the end of the day my oils start to push through, my nose needs more touching up than this though.
Price (ml): £39 for 30ml (I picked it up from House Of Fraser for 10% off)

Pros: Infused with skincare
SPF

Cons: Needs darker shades
Expensive
Contains Silicone
Suitable Skin Types: Normal to dry, but works fine for my combo skin in this current mild weather.

Ingredients:
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 Ingredients
Any Other Information:  In a skincare-foundation hybrid, for silicone to be the second ingredient, kinda of defeats the purpose for some. Pipette dropper style applicator isn't that user friendly, not sure why, but it doesn't seem to suck up as much product as you would expect. I end up dipping the wand a few times and dabbing it on my face.
Conclusion: I like this foundation, but did not love it as much as I expected to, also the fact that I am the darkest shade available in a brand that usually has a really good shade range is disappointing. Also for the price, I would expect to love it.

*Rating: Like
*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Sunday 3 May 2015

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette
Brand: Bobbi Brown

Name: Face Touch-up Palette
Coverage: Medium

Shade: Golden; Comprises of Corrector in dark Peach, Creamy Concealer and Skin Foundation Stick in Golden, and Sheer Finished Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow. (In the order swatched below)
Swatch:
Bobbi Brown Face Touch-up Palette Swatches; Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin foundation Stick & Sheer Finished Pressed Powder
What The brand says: Perfect skin, simplified. This palm-sized palette has everything you need to make your skin look its best—Bobbi’s top-rated Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin Foundation Stick and Sheer Finish Pressed Powder. Ideal for all skin types and available in fifteen skin tone correct shade combinations.
Great for travel and touch-ups, this coordinated four-in-one face palette contains shades, textures and finishes designed to look like skin: Corrector to brighten and neutralize under eye discoloration; Creamy Concealer to lighten and even out under eye skin tone; Skin Foundation Stick to cover any redness and unevenness on the face; Sheer Finish Pressed Powder to set Concealer for longer-lasting wear. Start with Corrector to brighten and neutralize under eye discoloration, beginning at inner corner of eyes where skin tends to be darkest. Layer on Creamy Concealer, gently patting to blend. Apply Skin Foundation Stick all over the face, or just where needed. Set concealer with a light dusting of Sheer Finish Pressed Powder.
Wear time (with/without primer): I haven't reviewed the wear time on this, as the palette is more about touching up, which assumes your original base has worn away or you are wanted to touch-up/increase coverage to go out after work etc. Plus I will be including some of the products in this palette individually in this series, and will go into more detail then.
Price (ml): £34 for 5.1g

Pros: Great to try a selection of Bobbi brown's base products in one go
Great for travel and daily touch up's
15 shades, although I can only see 12 available on the website
Cons: Very small
Really deep skintones may not find a match
Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Not stated on the website and the tiny leaflets included in my order are so small a picture would be difficult to read anyway. I am going to try and review majority of the items in this palette individually as time goes on, so will include individual ingredients then.
Oxidation: No
Any Other Information: I think this maybe limited edition so not sure how long it will be around for.

Conclusion: I think this is one of those things where, if it meets your need it's worth it. It would be great for travel/daily touch-ups, and a good way to trial 4 base products from Bobbi Brown without having to invest in full sizes. I would have liked if the price was a little cheaper though, considering the size. I personally don't tend to touch up concealer and base daily, just powder, plus if I do touch-up concealer (if I'm going out after work) I would use a lighter shade to highlight. So I will be exchanging this for the creamy Concealer kit (stay tuned for a review), as I think this is best suited to my needs, and I can pick the appropriate highlight shade for my skintone.

*Rating: Dislike (I like the individual products inside, but this palette doesn't serve it's ourpose for me).
*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Llike, Lust, Love