New Stuff for Cool Girls: M.A.C. Face and Body Foundation

M.A.C.'s website describes this as
"A water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting natural coverage for face and/or body. Ideal for all skin types. Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy to blend, water-resistant formula. The long lasting-formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help moisturize and condition the skin. It delivers professional looking results that meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body." -maccosmetics.com

(Source: google.com, search MAC Face & Body images)

This is a thorough review on M.A.C.'s Face & Body Foundation that I've been working on for a while, I wanted to provide you with all the information I could and all the little details I've noticed about the product, so sorry if it's quite lengthy! Hopefully this gives you everything you need to know so you can try it if you're interested. Now, onto the good stuff...

I've been in this dewy phase for a long time now, I started with Revlon ColorStay which I loved at first but once I started using it everyday for a while I realized it didn't give me the finish or color I was looking for. I then moved to Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation and it was too oily and slippery. It didn't last on my skin throughout working and running around during the day, so this didn't work for me either. I never have owned a high street brand of foundation such as MAC just because I'm a believer that you can find equally great products without spending heaps of money. Face & Body was different though, for the amount of product, quality, and price it's the best deal and the best foundation I've used as of now. I don't want to be too positive saying "Oh this is the greatest foundation on earth!" I'm just sure it's the best one for my needs that I've tried so far.

This formula is only available at MAC stores (this means they don't carry it at places like Nordstroms) and retails for $32. This might seem pricey, but compared to the extremely large amount of product (4 fl. ounces). In comparision to other high street foundations; Nars Sheer Glow and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation retail at $42 for 1 fl. ounce, it's actually a really good deal. Via makeupalley.com it's currently rated a 4.0 out of 5 and 70% of reviewers would purchase again. There are many shades available which is a double edged sword in the sense that you've got a lot of choice, but too many choices can get a little overwhelming for some. I've taken about 3 weeks of using this product everyday to give it a true, and thorough review. I was looking for a few key things for this makeup to provide me with, those are; a natural finish, builable coverage for acne spots / hyperpigmentation, true water-resistance, and a clean formula (as in it doesn't cause me more breakouts, etc.)

Here's what I found out:

• Although it's best to get samples of maybe two shades to choose from, I just went in and asked them to match a shade that would best match my chest / body (my face is a little lighter than the rest of me) and it turned up being the perfect match. If your overwhelmed by the array of shades just ask an associate to help you, simple. Face & Body was exactly what I was looking for in terms of shade match.
• I've applied this with both my fingers and a foundation brush and I've noticed that when using my fingers it gives a more natural finish, I think this is a result of the heat that's created when your fingers are massaging the product into the skin. This allows the product to sort of melt into my face, which left me with a really sheer, pretty, true skin finish. When applied using a foundation brush (RealTechniques Foundation Brush) it provides more coverage, I find this helpful if I'm having a particular issue with breakouts because it pops more product onto the needed area without leaving a cakey residue. 
• Just because those are the only two application techniques I've tried there's tons of ways to apply your makeup and you're sure to find one that does exactly what you need it to do. Some other ways off application of this makeup are; a wet sponge like the Beauty Blender or something similar, or flat top brush, Sonia Kashuk / e.l.f. have one that people rave about (I'm going to try one of these next). You can get these brushes from Target for under $10. 
• You will need to set it with a powder because it leaves a sort of tacky consistency on the skin if you don't. I kind of like this because it makes me feel like it's really sticking to my skin and will adhere to anything else I might apply. I have used BareMinerals Mineral Veil and Fit Me Powder. Both are working well. I apply after I've applied all my other face makeup.
• I've noticed I don't need a concealer when I wear this, it evens everything out so well that my under eye circles have seemed to disappear. 
• Applying e.l.f.'s Mineral Infused Primer onto my skin 2 minutes before application helps adhere the makeup to my skin and elongates the lasting power.

PROS

• Long lasting
• Really blendable, and sheer
• Can be built up to cover problem areas 
• Huge amount of product for the price and quality
• Water-resistant
• Good match with my skin [C4]
• Perfect natural finish
• Photographs beautifully, doesn't white out the face or create strange tones in pictures
• Clean, hygienic product dispense
• Doesn't dry darker on dry patches / get blotchy

CONS

• Funky smell
• Not the best if you need FULL coverage (but it does provide sufficient coverage for my acne and dark spots)
• Watery consistency (this can be a pro or a con, I think it's good because it blends really easily, if it were any thicker it would be hard to move around the skin and dry uneven)
• It's notorious for seperating in the bottle, this doesn't compromise the quality of the product as long as you just shake shake shake before applying! 
• As for red spots, I do need to apply concealer. I noticed it's difficult to cover redness with this product.

I'm really in love with this foundation. It does everything I need it to and has all of the qualities I look for in a formula. I give this a 5 out of 5 rating for quality, price, formula, shade, overall product. I recommend this for people who have similar wants from their foundation as I do. At least run to you nearest MAC store and get a sample just to see how you like it!

*SWATCHES COMING SOON (My camera broke, I'm in the midst of fixing it and upon that I will update with swatches)

Here's some photo's of me wearing MAC Face & Body Foundation

What's your favorite foundation and what finish do you like?

XOX,
- Mj

Stash Swatch: Face

As a result of this evenings boredom, I decided to swatch / review some of my make-up for anyone who need reference. I know when I am looking to purchase something I like to know what color I'm going to actually get. Haven't we all had that foundation we thought was our color, only to come home to something that's...not. Haha well this is to help with that, I know it's not much but hopefully it will help someone (:

FACE:

Foundation / Blush / Bronzer (from left to right) -

Revlon Colorstay for Normal / Dry Skin in 240 Medium Beige: Claims to "wear for 16 hours and provide a flawless, lightweight feel"

PROS  

- Medium coverage

- Dewy and soft when applied

- Buildable

- It goes on really smooth and blends with my skin really well. 

- The color is a little on the pink side, but it definitely goes well with my warm tone. I would describe it as a golden, fresh medium beige with a hint (and I mean the smallest of the small of hints) of rose. 

-It has about an 8 hour staying power. 

CONS

- Packaging makes it hard to control the amount of product that comes out of the bottle

OVERALL RATING

- I'm happy with this foundation, I wear it everyday with no problems like breakouts or anything. 8.5 out of 10

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Almay Bright Eyes Eye Base / Concealer in 145 Medium:

PROS

- Versatile use as a concealer and eye shadow base

- Yellow / orange color helps conceal dark circles very well

- Good packaging, controllable product release

CONS

- I don't really have any complaints about this product, it works well for what it's intended for.

OVERALL RATING

- I like this concealer and eye shadow base, it saves money of having to buy the products separately, good color match. 9 out of 10

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Bonnebell My Style Concealer in Light:

PROS

- I guess the only positive thing I have to say about this is the packaging is okay.

CONS

- The color doesn't match my skin 

- It just doesn't compare to the Almay concealer

- Too 'white' not enough color in the product

OVERALL RATING

- 3 out of 10

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bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige N20 & Matte Foundation in Medium Tan 3C: Claims to improve the look of your skin over time, and that you can sleep in it.

PROS

- Good coverage

- Buildable

- Good color, it's almost that you can change the color of the product depending on how much you apply

CONS

- Not good for dry / flaky skin (which I have) 

- Doesn't last very long if you don't set it 

OVERALL RATING

- I do love bareMinerals products, this product just doesn't work for me because of my dry skin. It makes me stand out more than it naturally does so I stay away from it. If I do use it, I use it to powder my T-zone so it's not too oily. 7 out of 10

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Physician's Formula in Peach to Glow:

PROS

- Pretty, soft, peachy beige color

- Some sparkle

- Works well with my warm undertones

CONS

- Not very pigmented

- A little bit chalky

OVERALL RATING

- 6 out of 10

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i.d. bareMinerals Natural Light in Well Lit:

PROS

- Amazing highlighter for cheek and brow bone

- Not too sparkly, it's more of a light shimmer

- Really sheer and buildable 

CONS

- You kind of need a lot of product for it to "show up, show up" but if your using it as a highlight you don't need it to do that. I really enjoy this product. 8 out of 10

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Bed Head by TIGI Glow Mineral Illuminator: "to highlight under eyes, cheek bones or anywhere you want to illuminate"

PROS:

- I like the packaging

- Nice for a brow bone highlight

- It looks pretty...in the bottle

CONS

- Too sparkly, I look for more of a sheer shimmer when it comes to highlighters

OVERALL RATING

This product is just too sparkly for my liking. Although I sometimes use it as a brow bone highlight, I would never use it on my cheeks. Waaaay too much sparkle. 4 out of 10

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bareMinerals Face Color in Warmth, Fresh, and Faux Tan:

no pros or cons

Description - Warmth: A reddish brown contour or bronzer. Buildable color, good pigment. Fresh: Really beautiful peachy, orange with some shimmer (favorite). Faux Tan: Brown pigment with some sparkle. Great for all over body color.

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E.L.F Bronzer in Bronzed: 

no pros or cons

Description - A reddish, rose, sparkly bronzer with a lot of pigment. Good color for summer.

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Clinique BLUSHWEAR Cream Stick in 01 Glow Blush:

PROS

- Really pretty color; it's a warm, soft orangey-brown with a touch of shimmer

- Blends easily

- Good for use under liquid foundation for a natural looking contour

CONS

- Doesn't work well over powder (duh)

- Can go on a little thick if you aren't careful

OVERALL RATING

- 7 out of 10

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*If you have any further questions or anything just comment below!

XOX,

- Mj

The foundation of the day, begins with my foundation. Duh.

I've been a religious Bare Minerals user for quite some time now, I think going on 5+ years, and after reading Kardashian Konfidential they revealed the like to 'shock' their skin and hair by switching up the product every so often, being that these women are probably a few of the world's most popular fashionistas for valid reasons my mind was set upon embarking on a new, slightly frightening journey, finding a new foundation. As you can see I'm a firm believer in if it works don't change it, but time was against me as my skin has changed since I was 16, unfortunately...until now I've never had a blemish or dry spot in my life. Which is a different story now, with the of school, work, hormones and Southern California weather I had gotten myself some unwanted visitors on my face...pimples and dry spots. Now, nothing against B.M. but using a loose powder with dry/flaky skin is just asking for people to notice it all the more, so this change was necessary. I began my journey on a website called makeupalley.com, a site a friend from class recommended to me, it's a wonderful site with the option to post wanted make-up to 'swap' with someone else if you have a piece they want and a forum containing all things beauty. I was advised via google.com ( I usually go to google to ask my life's vital questions ) that I needed a liquid foundation, a heavy cross for me to bear as I have always been one who hasn't had to wear much make-up at all, but...the time had come. This, however, did not change my previous opinions on people who use liquid foundation incorrectly, lines separating their fake skin on their face to their completely different colored necks and so on, so I promised myself I would use sparingly whatever my final choice was. ( it'll last longer that way too! ) So I posted my question up on the forum and within ten minutes I had received about seven replies, all recommending Revlon ColorStay or Maybelline FitMe. Revlon ColorStay was the senior of the two considering Maybelline had just released their FitMe line so people didn't have much to say about it, so I went with the one with more reviews, after all, their both around $9 each so if I didn't like one it's not like my wallet would be dented but too much. I Had my lovely boyfriend take me to the local WalMart and purchased the ColorStay for normal/dry skin in Medium Beige. It blended great, I used a mac foundation brush ( I'm not too familiar with the brush numbers yet but will be soon ) and upon leaving for school my boyfriend commented that I look "radiant", WOW, this is one of the best compliments I've received, who doesn't want to be told they look fresh and glowing, it started off my evening lovely as I'm sure you can imagine. So, there I was, all radiant and blemish free on my way to school. This was the real test because my instructor is one who doesn't know boundaries very well, she always is sure to mention to me how pale or tired I look, but she never said anything. Fortunately, Revlon passed all tests and so, there is it, my NEW ol'reliable...Revlon ColorStay in Medium Beige.
BUT...the skeptic in me won't let me finish this post without mentioning it's only been one day of wearing this, so we'll see what time brings.