REVIEW: Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More...

Time to review some of the goodies from the Beautyheaven Turns 10 birthday loot bag - so many amazing products, it will probably take me a whole 12 months! So without further ado, I'm starting with the fabulous AA (anti-ageing) Cream from Beauty by Nicholas - Foundation No More...

Wowee, what a gem! I chose the Medium colour for my free gift from the party, and I'm loving it so much, I swapped some of my points in beautorium for another tube so I have a spare. It's a very VERY close second to IT Cosmetics CC Cream, but it only gets pipped at the post because the SPF content is 30+, whereas the IT Cosmetics one is 50+. Mind you the Foundation No More scores a heap of bonus points because a) it's currently $20 cheaper, and b) it's readily available from Priceline (and the Beauty by Nicholas Aussie website) - availability is a major factor for me as I've been waitlisted for the IT CC Cream for over 3 months on Sephora, and only just snapped it up a couple of days ago, and it's already out of stock again. How crazy is that? Annoying too, but hey it's so darn popular. Anyway, apart from what I've mentioned above, there's very little difference between the two products, BUT the Nicholas AA Cream has certain features which I actually prefer, and that's why it's now a staple in my kit. So let's get on with all you need to know, and why I love it ♥...

In the pic on the left you can see my freckly hand, and on the right is after blending a squiddly squirt of Foundation No More with my usual dome brush. Coverage isn't complete, but I think you'll agree it's pretty darn good. Both photos were taken in natural light - the pigmented spots are blended in, the colour is natural, and the finish is a soft sheen. It has an almost mousse-like consistency when applying, it's light, doesn't crack or sink into my lines, and transfer is non-existent once it dries...

And here's a pic of my freckled spider-veined au-naturel face transformed by my usual work makeup routine, with Foundation No More as my base. Sure I've used a wee bit of concealer under my eyes and around my nose, but the coverage is fabulous. My freckles aren't entirely hidden, but the end result is natural and glowy and stays put for the whole day ♥... 

Here's the blurb that's on the box, and the list of ingredients...

And hooray, it's an Aussie owned brand that doesn't test on animals ♥...

I use one full pump for my face and neck and then dispense a tiny bit more onto the back of my hand for extra coverage on my trouble spots. It blends beautifully and makes my skin look SO good. At this stage, it's available in 3 shades - light, medium & tan, and according to their website, it "Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 63% after just 28 days of usage". Can't wait for that!...

Overall it's a winner for my mature skin - love the formula, the texture, the finish, and how it dramatically improves the look of my complexion without making it look like I've plastered on a mask. Beautyheaven lists the price at $49.99, but the product website and Priceline have it listed as $39.99 - I'm not sure if this is a "special" price, but now is sure a good time to try/buy. Thanks again to beautyheaven and Beauty by Nicholas for the opportunity to experience something that I have a feeling will eventually replace all the other foundations in my kit - whoa! ♥...

Have you tried this product? Would you rather use an AA, BB or CC cream than a foundation?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation...

My foundation collection is quite extensive, around 20 at last count, and that's after a cull of the ones that were past their use by date, or didn't seem to work for my skin, no matter what application technique or base I tried. Although most have a yellow undertone, the shades vary, as do the levels of coverage - some are long-wear, most have a matte or slightly dewy finish, and the prices range from $5 to $65. Why do I have so many? Because I haven't truly found one that I absolutely adore, and stuck with it. There's usually been a catch at some stage e.g. prohibitive long-term price, limited availability, poor performance when combined with my SPF etc. Sure I've gone through phases where I wear one from my kit more than any other, but eventually I move on, and keep searching for The One. My most recent discovery is Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation, and I think this may be "it" ♥...

Admittedly I bought it on special (which is how foundations normally arrive in my kit), but given that it's by Maybelline (my favourite in the drugstore category), and various stores often have this brand on sale, I figure it's unlikely I'm going to have an issue with having to pay full price (RRP $26.95), or not being able to find "my" shade...

What gives this one the edge over all the others? Oddly enough I don't think I've quite worked that out yet - all I know is that the shade Sand becomes almost invisible on my skin, and yet it makes my complexion look the best it ever has. Being medium coverage, it doesn't completely hide my freckles, but rather softens their intensity so that they appear more blended in with the rest of the my skin. It also does a terrific job of counteracting the redness around my nose. In short it looks like I'm wearing very little foundation, and yet I have all the benefits of disguising a whole bunch of my flaws. Below are some unretouched before and after pics..

Left is bare moisturised skin, right is colourless primer underneath one layer of the foundation, and NO concealer - just some translucent setting powder to matte down the dewy finish. You can see below how well it has covered the broken capillaries around my nose and the dark freckles circling my mouth, and that's without any additional application on these troublespots. Another win is that my face ends up the same colour as my neck - yay!..

The presentation is practical as well as beautiful. The compact is lightweight and super convenient - with a mirror inside the lid, touch ups are easy peasy. I'm still recovering from a virus, which means that I'm still blowing my nose 100 times in a day, which means I'm reapplying my foundation over and over again around my nose and mouth. And with this formula, there is no line of demarcation, no buildup, no patchy bits to blend - I just pop open the lid and pat the liquid onto the areas that need it...

Peeling back the leaflet on the base reveals the ingredients, and some instructions. I haven't as yet used the sponge that's inside the compact. but it's there if I need it - I normally apply my makeup with a dome brush, and this usual technique seems to work just fine...

Another bonus is the SPF40 content. I don't know that I trust a foundation to give me the sun protection I need, but every bit helps. For the purposes of showing you just how well it blends into my skin, I didn't apply it over my usual IT Cosmetics CC Cream for this post, but the combination of the two gives me darn near complete coverage, and the ultimate in protection ♥...

Absolutely in love with this foundation - there's less content than in a standard pump bottle, so it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. But whatever the time frame, I don't give a hoot as the convenience and brilliant results far outweigh any product quantity deficit ♥...

Massive thanks to Beth from Almost Posh and Rachel from Rachel Beauty Style whose honest and detailed reviews convinced me to try this ♥...

Have you tried Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation yet?

Take care of  you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - quite a gathering of brilliant blog articles, so come on over after 6:30am ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

This post comes to you from a very happy blogger - the days are finally getting longer, the Antarctic winds are finding someone else's toes to freeze, and I've started poking around in the secondary wardrobe for some of the bargains I scored at the end of last Spring/Summer. I do so love buying at end of season sales, and then stashing things away so that I've something fresh and new to wear on day one. And today I changed my hair colour (yet again!), but enough of the Kats-Has-Got-Spring-Fever ravings, let's get on with last month's empties ♥...

Skin Doctors Relaxaderm Advance (30ml RRP $59.95)

From memory I bought this at Chemist Warehouse because it came with a free tube of Younger Hands (which is very good).  I've been using this instead of a serum - advertised as a wrinkle relaxer, it claims to reduce expression lines by 66% in 28 days, but I've not noticed much difference in my crevasses. To be honest I think I'm too far gone for anything like this to have an effect, but you don't know till you try! I've had mixed results from SD products in the past - some have been astoundingly good (like their Eyetuck), while others have been nice enough, but not all that (visibly) effective. I reckon this would be excellent for much younger gals who are starting to see some signs of ageing...

Repurchase?

No - my search for the Fountain of Youth will continue elsewhere...

Imperial Leather Japanese Spa - Jasmine & Green Tea Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

Another one of my gigantic bottle purchases, but unlike the Forbidden Fruit one, I'm still loving this fragrance. Surprising as it contains Jasmine, but it's beautifully balanced with the Green Tea, plus a wee bit of citrus, orange blossom and rose - a lovely fresh and slightly exotic scent that hits the spot all year round. I raved about it HERE, in fact I think it's the same bottle lol!...

Repurchase?

Definitely - at least this one is still available at Coles, but I'll wait till I've cleared some of the others in the cupboard ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml RRP $19.95)

This came in my third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, and won me over from the first application. It's just plain gorgeous - the fragrance alone is heavenly enough to put me in the perfect state for a peaceful slumber. The cream has an unusual texture - it's sort of springy to the touch (if that makes any sense). Not a gel nor a cream, but somewhere in between. Magnificently hydrating without being heavy, it absorbs in a flash, and I wake up with plump, refreshed and satin-soft skin, and no oily film. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another jar - I have SO many night creams to try, but I'll alternate them with this because it's so special ♥...

Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (35g RRP $59.50)

Well whoopdedoo, I finished some makeup! I have to hand it to Mirenesse - they make fabulous foundation. Pricey (unless you're a VIP member), and their entire range of foundations only comes in 4 shades, but Vienna is the perfect match for me. This baby is matte, oil free and contains SPF15. It's not my HG (their Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage is even better) but it's a close second. Not quite enough coverage to be perfect, but with a tinted cc cream underneath, the finish is superb. Detailed review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in a bit of a quandry - I like the Velvet Maxi Lift a tad more but it's an extra $40, and I'm just now trying their new Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse which I'm absolutely loving, so... maybe not ♥...

Maybelline FITme Shine-Free Foundation Stick (9g RRP $15.95)

I always like to have a stick foundation in my kit, but I was disappointed with this. Super easy to apply and blend, but kind of disappears by lunchtime on my combo skin, and even though I didn't wear it every day, I used up the entire stick within a month. I didn't find it to be shine-free either ...

Repurchase?

No - MNY make so many other foundations that are heaps better...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Lightest Golden Brown (RRP $12.99)

My experimentation with a new hair colour continues - so now I'm moving away from the reds and getting into the golden stream, and this shade is a natural looking dark honeyish blonde (no way is it brown!). As mentioned in previous empties posts, this range suits me to a T because the colour never EVER becomes darker with re-application. I'm actually after something a wee bit deeper as my base, but the next one up is medium brown which I reckon will be too dark, so I might do my usual trick and mix them half and half ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - there's several boxes under the bathroom sink ♥...

Lancôme Trésor in Love Eau de Parfum (30ml/50ml/75ml RRP $81/$114/$138)

SO sad when I finished this - it was only a miniature, but I sure fell under its spell, and I made it last for 4 years! I wrote a rave review about it on beautyheaven, and called it 100% romance. The original Trésor smells like rotting fruit on me, but this fruity-floral on a cedar base is nothing short of divine ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm putting all my gold coins in a jar so I can buy the big bottle - it's taking a while, but I'll get there ♥...

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (10ml RRP $50)

I'm embarrassed to say that this eye cream was part of my beautyheaven Blogstar prize that arrived in January 2014, and it's been languishing in my drawer for two years! Mind you I don't have dark circles under my eyes (I have huge bags instead), which is why I wasn't in a hurry to try it. Nor can I report that it does in fact work. All I can say is that the cream is a fleshy colour, has a lovely texture, a groovy little dispenser nozzle, hydrates well, and leaves my skin baby soft...

Repurchase?

Negative - does nothing for my eye bags, and my squinty crows feet are the same depth...

CROP Gentle Cleansing Gel - Essential Oil Blend (125ml RRP $12)

Finishing this was probably my greatest achievement last month. I'm a huge fan of CROP products, but this cleanser would have to be the weirdest one I've ever tried. In its favour, it smells fantastic because of its essential oil content (eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, cajeput & peppermint), and once I rinse out my face cloth, the water is decidedly murky and the colour of my foundation, so it's amazingly effective, but it feels way too peculiar on my skin. I'll try to explain. It's an oil. The directions say to work it into a light lather, but it's ridiculously sticky, and the only way I can get any kind of lather up is to wet my hands a little. So then it lathers a teeny bit and spreads a little more easily, but only for a few seconds, and then my hands get stuck to my skin again, and I have to add more water, and on it goes. By this stage, I'm dripping all over the sink, and well, it's all just too awkward...

Repurchase?

Shakes head from left to right - life's too short for tacky cleansers...

CROP Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer - Solaire (10g RRP $24)

My HG bronzer - it's a quad with four shades ranging from light to dark, the lightest shade is a terrific highlighter with a slight shimmer. I've hit pan on the two deeper pigments, and halfway to the bottom on the other two, but I'm treating myself to a brand new one that doesn't look so cruddy. EXACTLY the right tone for my skin, riddled with goodness, minus all the bad stuff, and no animal testing ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - it was 40% off at Coles this morning. Yay! ♥...

Did you get through many products last month?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. It's a done deal that I'm linking this to the always awesome Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Wonder & FIT Me Foundations...

One good thing about this review is that more than six months have passed since I started wearing these Maybelline foundations (in the case of the Dream Wonder it's almost nine!), and therefore my assessment is based on long term usage, and they've been put through their paces in quite a few seasons, as well as my varying complexion conditions...

In general I'm a HUGE fan of Maybelline products - safe to say it's my favourite drugstore brand for quality, price, colour range and innovation. I'm always impressed when a company repeatedly comes up with something new, either formula-wise or the way it's delivered, and MNY seem to have an unusually high success rate, well at least with products that suit me to a T ♥

Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation

Loved this little gem from the very first application. There are two interesting things about this liquid - a) it's one of the most "runny" foundation I've ever used, and 2), it has no moisturising qualities. For someone that needs full coverage, and who's just hit 60, both of those features might seem to be negatives, but not so - in fact for me, they're actually pluses. Because the formula is so thin, it spreads in a flash with no tugging (big hit with my 87 year old Mum), and magically fills in just about all my pore craters and fine lines. I admit I was super surprised because my brain says "you need something thick and dense to cover your flaws", and yet this light-as-a-feather foundation gives me pretty good coverage for something so sheer (see below), the colour match of Sandy Beige is brilliant, and it's literally undetectable on my skin...

While my skin feels silky soft and not the least bit tight after applying it, Dream Wonder has no hydrating power, or at least none that I can detect. But that suits me just fine as I use enriching high SPF content day creams that invariably create shine issues, especially on and around my nose. With DW, I have no such problems, and I'm left with a velvety soft semi-matte finish that's really quite flattering for someone my age...

Left - moisturised bare skin. Right - Dream Wonder with no primer or finishing product

Initially I wondered about the effectiveness of the funny little bulb-tipped applicator (I've noticed that some gals loathe it), but given the formula is so liquid, I figured with a standard pump or even no applicator at all, the product would run through my fingers before I had a chance to apply it. What I do is swipe the loaded applicator onto the back of my hand, and then dab it onto my face with my fingertips, spreading as I go. It dries quickly, but there's enough time to even out the application before it sets... 

Scent-wise, it has quite a strong chemical smell in the bottle, but it doesn't bother me at all because it dissipates in seconds. Ingredients-wise, top of the list is dimethicone (a silicone) - while this formula has not given me one spec of trouble, I've read that it may not be ideal for those with drier complexions, or skin that is acne-prone...

At the end of the day, the coverage isn't as full as I'd prefer, but for more casual days and weekends, this is my go-to base. The bottle is only 20ml but I find it lasts the same amount of time as other (standard) 30ml containers. As you can see in the first pic, I've already stocked up (at half-price sales) which is a fairly good indication of how much I love this foundation ♥ SPF 20, RRP $21.95...

FIT me! Matte & Poreless Foundation

With an oily T-zone and enlarged pores, I had high hopes for this foundation, especially with "Matte + Poreless" on the label. However I must say I was disappointed with both the coverage and the finish. In the before and after pics below, you can see there's not much difference between my bare skin (left) and after applying the product (right), except for a more even skintone - my pores look just as big, and the finish isn't what I would call matte at all. Colour-wise, 220 is a beaut match (albeit a tad yellowy) and blends in my freckles well, but I reckon the coverage isn't quite as good as the Dream Wonder, which is interesting given this formula is so much more dense...

Left - moisturised bare skin. Right - FIT me! with no primer or finishing product

I've read some rave reviews extolling the virtues of this foundation, but it doesn't cut the mustard with my particular issues. It just goes to show how different complexions are, and how our needs vary ♥ I will use it up of course - with a primer, setting powder and a second layer, it improves considerably and in fact looks quite good, but I won't be repurchasing. No SPF content, RRP is $18.95...

*The above ratings are based on my own personal criteria, set out here ♥

Have you tried either of these foundations?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: DB Cosmetics Foundations - Age Revive & 24 Hour...

Golly, I'm way overdue posting the remainder of the foundation reviews from my recent "refresh", so here's a two-for-one read, and it includes (dare I say it) my new Holy Grail! Both are by DB (Designer Brands) Cosmetics, and both are excellent for my particular needs, but one of them literally ticks ALL the boxes in my ratings chart - woo hoo! Of course, the ratings are strictly personal as I'm a gal of advanced years with combination skin, and I have some major imperfections to cover, but who knows, one of these might just turn out to be ideal for you too ♥...

Both foundations are quite thick, and I found one pump more than enough to cover my whole face and blend it under my chin. They contain "Peptide infusion" for plumping and firming the skin, Vitamins C & E to assist with anti-ageing, Aloe Vera Extract to soften and smooth the skin, and SPF 15. What they don't contain is talc, bismuth or parabens. Neither of them have much fragrance, but what there is is pleasant and non-chemical, and not even a whiff of sunscreen content...

Age Revive Foundation - Firming, Flawless Coverage

I chose shade True Beige (655) which is a beaut match for my skintone. I haven't used it often enough to confirm whether it does in fact have any firming qualities or reduce the signs of ageing, but it sure does make my skin look great. It was only pipped at the post because it's a wee bit too dewy for my personal taste, but I reckon it would be ideal for gals with dry skin. In the pic below you can see what I'm dealing with on the left - some freckling which is heavier in parts, and pores that aren't as refined as I'd like. On the right is one layer of Age Revive Foundation, with no primer - stunning coverage, and of course the texture improves with a matte base, plus I can achieve the finish I'm after by using a mattifying powder over the top, but it doesn't quite last the 12 hour distance...

Still it's a beautiful formula - I think you'll agree that my pores are far less visible, my skin looks evenly toned, and yet it doesn't appear even the remotest bit mask-like. Age Revive Foundation is available in four shades, RRP is $14.99.

24 Hour Foundation - Longwear, Full Coverage

And here she is - my number 1! This is a full coverage foundation that's actually as light as a feather. I chose shade #650 - Nude Beige - an even better match for my skin. It has a smidgin more yellow in it, making it perfect for blending in my freckles, and it blends ever so beautifully...

I've not interfered with these pictures in any way whatsoever, just cropped them. How perfect is that finish on the right just over bare moisturised skin? Still lets my freckles show a teeny weeny bit, but that makes it look more natural as I've freckles all over the rest of my bod. Just the merest hint of sheen, but it's pretty much flawless. Once this foundation has set (30 seconds max), I swear it does not budge for the whole day, plus I've been wearing cream coloured scarves this winter, and there's not been even a hint of transfer...

According to their website there are four shades available, although I've only seen three at my local stockist. Here's what's on the back of the bottle - I can confirm that this is most definitely "make-up that goes the distance" ♥ 

I've saved the best news till last - this foundation retails for $12.99. Unbelievable! Until now I've not found such perfect coverage, finish, colour match and longevity in any makeup without forking out at least $65. Brilliant, and is it any wonder that I'm as happy as a clam ♥

DB Cosmetics foundations can be found at selected chemists, Price Attack, and their website. All products are vegan, not tested on animals, and if you're not happy with your online purchase, they'll give you your money back. How good is that?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness starts at 6:30am - you'll find some entertaining reads and excellent new blogs to follow ♥

SPOTLIGHT: Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation...

Throughout my recent foundation refresh, this was the one I was most excited to try - Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation. Although the most expensive of the lot ($39.95 - more than double the majority of the others), it's the only one that doesn't contain a whole swag of the usual chemicals - no talc, no parabens, no silicones, so it gets a hefty nod even before the first squirt! There are five shades in the range - I chose Light/Medium, which is perfect for my skin at this time of year, although I would need the deeper Medium in Summer when I give the old bod a bit of a golden glow with some fake tan...

 

This is one of the most delightfully lightweight foundations I've ever worn, but beware - the formula is also very thin and runny, so be sparing with your pressure on the pump. I always use my fingers to blend my foundation, and this little darling produces a magically natural finish, although it's a wee bit too shiny for my particular issues (VERY oily T-Zone). It also takes a while to dry, and while it sure is buildable, you need time to let it set before applying the next layer. The left picture below is my bare freckled cheek, and on the right is one layer of Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation. I think you'll agree that given my particular issues, it's reasonably good coverage for one coat, but I usually apply another to blend in my brown spots a little better. I scored the companion Airbrush Mineral Primer in a GWP - highly recommended as this creates an excellent base, and also helps makeup last a bit longer. On my particular skin type, sadly this foundation doesn't make it through the day on my oily areas, even with a finishing powder, so I've scored it low for longevity, but I'm sure gals with dryer skin will love it's hydrating power to bits, and have far greater success with the wear..

Here's the blurb from the packaging - I can confirm it's fragrance-free (there's only the faintest oily kind of smell), and yes it's light-weight and very dewy. Lots of delicious ingredients from Mother Nature's garden too, including Lilly Pilly, Jojoba, Kakadu Plum and Green Tea...

Like all Nude by Nature products, the packaging is superb - glass and bronzed metal, the combination is super sturdy AND classy-looking, and one pump is more than enough to cover my whole face...

So here's my rating - the coverage is a tad better than the Mirenesse Silk Foundation, there's minimal transfer, and it's available in most pharmacies and variety stores (Target, BigW etc.), but the price is a bit of a joy-killer...

All up though, it's a stunning foundation full of natural ingredients to nourish and protect the skin, and that's where it has the edge over the other ones I've tried recently. I think it would be PERFECT for any gal with skin sensitivities, it doesn't clog pores, nor does it cake or crease. The colour is a great match for me, and it's a comfort to know that I'm not plastering my face with a whole bunch of yucky stuff. Would I buy it again? Hmmm, it's tempting, but to be honest it's just a wee bit too moist for my combination skin, plus with such limited time in the morning, I really need a single-coat foundation that sets in a flash, and lasts a sure bet minimum of 12 hours. A beautiful product - just not my HG at this time in my life...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation...

I have to hand it to Mirenesse - they do make beautiful foundations ♥ Looking back over the many many years I've been wearing a tinted face-base, my favourite of all the brands I've ever tried would without a doubt be their Velvet Maxi-Lift. When I bought it last it was around $90(!), but with the new VIP deal I can pick it up for $44.75, which makes it affordable - hooray!. This Liquid Silk variety is a close second, not quite the same immaculate finish and coverage, but then it is considerably cheaper at $29.75 (VIP price)...

All Mirenesse foundations come in four shades - Vanilla (lightest), Vienna (my PERFECT match), Mocha and Bronze. Out of my list, colour is probably my most important criteria when choosing a foundation - I can work around coverage and finish, but if the shade is wrong, forget it. I have fair skin, but I also have golden brown freckles scattered all over - if I match a foundation to the lightest part of my complexion, I look dreadful, like a ghost. On the other hand if I match it to my freckles, I look like Malibu Barbie! So the trick is to find something in between, something that blends the two extremes together...

In the before photo on the left, you can see what I'm talking about - lots of pigmented patches that when I was younger everyone said were "cute", but now that I'm almost a senior citizen, they're more commonly referred to as age spots :-( But as you can see, this foundation does a wonderful job of disguising the discolourations, while maintaining a natural look and finish. For this pic I applied the foundation with my fingers, without a primer, and no setting product...

The container is made of light but sturdy plastic that has the look and feel of glass, and the cap and base have a cross-hatch pattern, which makes for quite a glamorous presentation. The pump works well and the amount dispensed is easily adjustable with different finger pressures. The label states it is matte, oil-free, and with SPF 15, and on my skin, the finish is semi-matte. Coverage is medium, it lasts well, doesn't crease or cake, there's minimal transfer and barely any fragrance...

In summary, it's a lovely, lightweight foundation that looks fresh and natural. I always use a primer underneath any foundation and set it with a translucent powder - following this process, I find Mirenesse Liquid Silk requires very little in the way of touch-ups throughout the day, just a wee bit of shine on my oily T-zone around midday, but that's all sorted with a dusting of mattifying powder...

Nice one Mirenesse, although I probably won't repurchase it now that the new VIP price structure is in place - I'd rather spend a bit more on my fave, the magnificent Velvet Maxi-Lift Supreme ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Whatever you do don't miss Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party - starts at 6:30am every Monday morning ♥

SPOTLIGHT: Foundation Collection Refresh...

Oh boy - I had so much fun doing my lipstick refresh that I couldn't resist repeating the same process with my foundations ♥ I haven't dallied much at all in this market as I've been quite content with my Lancome Teint Visionnaire. But I'm also aware that foundation technology is improving all the time, and at $65 a pop, my HG makes quite a dent in my wallet. So I wondered if there were any clever companies out there that could match my beloved face-base for far less bikkies. Below is a collage of the brands and products I chose for my research exercise, and that I've put to the test over the last few months...

Unlike the lipstick refresh (which at this stage seemingly has no limit lol), I restricted my test group to nine products, primarily because as I went along, I discovered that most of these work either well or brilliantly for me, and I figured I'll never get to finish up any more than this quantity before their use by dates (as it is I reckon I'll be pushing it to get through them in time!). I also didn't go with samples because in reality those little sachets annoy the hell out of me - they're fiddly and messy, and there's never enough in them for more than one application, two if you're lucky. All up I forked out just under $150 for the lot - mind you some of these were at awesome on-sale prices, and the Mirenesse compact came in a VIP kit (which is sort of free)...

So here are the foundations as they are pictured above (left to right in each row):

Mirenesse Liquid Silk - Vienna (RRP $59.50 VIP $29.75)

Designer Brands (DB) Age Revive - True Beige (RRP $14.99)

Nude by nature Liquid Mineral - Light/Medium (RRP $39.95)

Designer Brands (DB) Longwear - Nude Beige (RRP $12.99)

Mirenesse Airbrush Mineral Soft Focus (RRP $64.50 VIP $32.25)

Maybelline FIT Me! Matte+Poreless - Natural Beige (RRP $18.95)

Rimmel Lasting Finish with Comfort Serum - Soft Beige (RRP $17.95)

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous - Soft Honey (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline DreamWonder Fluid-Touch - Sandy Beige (RRP $21.95)

And just for the record, my criteria for foundation is always:

• colour match - I'm a light/medium with warm undertones, if the shade is wrong, forget the rest...
• medium to full coverage - I have spider veins, enlarged pores and freckles (which are turning into age spots - boo!)...
• finish - I have normal skin but a very oily T-zone, so I need something reasonably mattifying that doesn't look like I'm wearing a mask...
• no caking or creasing - I'm old and I have wrinkles, nuff said ♥...
• longevity - my job is VERY demanding so there's little time for touch-ups...
• no transfer - especially at this time of year when I'm wearing scarves and high-necks...
• availability - my preference is for something I can pick up easily at the supermarket, or at least somewhere nearby where there are testers...
• price - my absolute limit is $65, anything above that would need to give me a face-lift as well!

I'll be reviewing all of these over the coming weeks, and very much looking forward to sharing my experiences with you ♥

Are any of these your favourites? What are the most important factors for you when choosing foundation?

Take care of you,
kats xxx