Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 HR Foundation Review

I thought Estee Lauder Double Wear could never be topped.  That it was my "ride or die" foundation.

I WAS WRONG.

I recently won an incredible giveaway on Instagram (all details to follow on a separate posting) and purchased the Lancome Teint Idole Foundation.  I had been wanting to try it for ages.  All of the reviews I have read were positive.  At a hefty price point of $46.50 I was really hoping this stuff would be flawless.

And it is!!!

I picked my shade on the web, and went with 210 Buff N-for light skin with neutral undertones.  This comes in a variety of shades to choose from....neutral, cool and warm.  So if you know if you are pink or yellow or a mix, you should be able to accurately "guess" when picking online.  Otherwise, I would suggest going to a Lancome counter and getting color matched and getting a sample.

Moving on......so it comes in a glass bottle with a pump.  That was my number one peeve about Double Wear, NO PUMP! So I am spilling it all over with my eyes half open getting ready in the morning.  Lancome allows for a lot less wasted product with the pump.

I tried it with a beauty blender the first day I wore it.  It went on seamlessly.  It did not oxidize or move on me all day.  It did not rub on my clothes.  It did not FEEL like I was wearing foundation (as Double Wear can sometimes feel like that).  The finish is matte, but a light matte.....like, it is your skin but better.  My skin is oily in the summer and combo (oily and dry) in the winter.  This leaves my skin looking great.  I do think the next time I pass a Lancome counter I will stop and see if I chose the color they think I should be, just to check :)

My mother has always loved Lancome products and I can still smell her wearing Tresor as I was growing up.  She told me today this was my grandmothers favorite too.  Makes me smile from ear to ear.  Lancome has won over another generation!!

Today when I wore it, I applied it with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.  It also went on just as smooth as the beauty blender application did.  I was able to work so quickly (running late as usual) but it still melted right into my skin.  So if I missed any spots, I surely couldn't tell!  Tomorrow I am going to try the Lancome concealer and we will see if I am converting over for good!

Update-I did try the concealer in light buff and I like it/ It goes on light and another great color match,but I don't think it is as long lasting as Estee Lauders double wear concealer.

Have you tried this foundation?  What are your thoughts??  Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

Too Faced's Born This Way Foundation Review

As ya'll know my holy grail foundation is Estee Lauder Double Wear.  But since I stopped using silicone primers and use my Clarisonic dupe every day, my skin doesn't always require a full coverage heavy duty foundation.

Welcome, Born This Way Foundation by Too Faced.

This foundation has been described as, "your skin but better foundation" and it's largely because of the ingredients!

I have also been trying new ways of application to withstand my oily tzone throughout the day. Surprisingly enough, using those cheapo triangle makeup sponges in a dabbing motion on my face each day has been working out really well!!  I think the change in the weather here in Chicago is helping too, but it has withstood the hot, humid days as well.  Am I the only one who is trying this method?

Overall I find this foundation to be light to medium, buildable, but not cakey, coverage.  It lasts all day long and brightens my face.  It does not oxidize and it also only takes a little bit to get the job done.

I am using nude which is actually light with pink undertones.  Warm nude pulled too yellow on me, so with my neutral undertones, this is actually the perfect shade!

Here I am in natural lighting, with no filter! Pretty spot on coloring if I do say so myself!

Have you used this foundation yet? What are your thoughts?  Was color selection hard for you?

Let us know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo

Hourglass Hyaluronic Skin Tint Review

Lately I have been on the search for the perfect BB cream or foundation for summer. I am so pale in the fall and winter months, so when I get tan, I need another product.  One that doesn't cover my tan, but any redness or imperfections I may have.

Introducing Hourglass Hyaluronic Skin Tint!!

This comes in 12 shades for varying skin tones.  I chose Golden Tan.  And the color is exactly that.  It gives me golden tan, which accentuates the tan I already have.

It also minimizes pores and gives me a flawless finish.  The only criticism I have is that I have oily skin, more so in the summer months, so I do use a setting spray or powder to set it, depending on where I am going.  It gives you a natural, fresh faced finish and sinks into the skin so it doesn't look like foundation.  It is named "tint" but I think it provides plenty of coverage.

For application, it suggests using your fingers or the Hourglass Foundation Brush No.2, but since that is $58, I said nope.....I use my stippling brush and it applies seamlessly.

I have yet to be disappointed with the Hourglass brand in general.   It is a little pricey but remember, cheap makeup is not good and good makeup is not cheap!!

I have a few other ones I am reviewing so will keep you posted!

Have you used this before?  What are your thoughts?  What is your go to summer bb cream or foundation?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Review And The Brush Version Of The Beauty Blender

You may remember my review on Estee Lauder's Double Wear and how much I loved it.  That was also a post I had written when I had my old phone, so all of the associated photos were deleted with the transfer of data.  The link is still above so you can read my thoughts on it but wait until you hear about Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light.

This is Double Wear's younger, hotter sister.......Quite frankly, I am ashamed I haven't reviewed this sooner. If you love the full coverage, matte finish of Double Wear but find it a bit too drying or heavy, than Double Wear Light will be your new obsession.

It comes in only 10 shades but if you are an online shopper like I am, it is much easier to make your selection than it is with the Double Wear.  I think the fact that it has such a narrow shade range makes it easier to find one that matches you.  Sometimes too many options can be confusing.

There are of course several ways to apply this, for me fingers is the worst way. I feel it just smears the product on and doesn't allow for an even application.  I tried with the amazing beauty blender and that works great but I am literally about to tell you about the brush version of the beauty blender.....I am so serious!!

Sephora Pro Airbush Blender #78

This brush has over 100,00 bristles.....it is so soft and allows for smooth, even application AND you can stipple it for targeted concentration on an area.  Think of how many beauty blenders you buy when they need to be replaced and you can justify the cost (at least that is how I did).  My foundation goes on like it is air brushed every time I use this brush.

So soft and lovely

The only negative is it takes a while to clean it and it also takes 2 days for it to dry completely but it is worth it if you want a photo shopped smooth face!  Click HERE to buy it and read even more reviews!!

I wore it this weekend and used the brush for application.

#nofilter loves

I think it looks amazing, it goes on light and doesn't make you feel like you are wearing makeup.  I am using Laura Merciers translucent setting powder for under my eyes and to set my face lately.  I am still on the fence about that powder, and am looking to try Bobbi Brown's pressed powder next.  Laura Mercier's powder sets my under eyes perfect and doesn't crease but I don't feel like it lasts all day and that is a problem with dark under eye circles like mine.

For reference, I am 1N2 Ecru, pale ivory beige with neutral undertones, for Double Wear.  That is why I selected Intensity 1.0 in Double Wear Light.

Currently Sephora is offering a primer, night serum and foundation brush for only $10.00 with purchase of either Double Wear Light or Double Wear! Click HERE to get that!  Otherwise, you can go to any department store counter and get a free 10 day sample of either!

Have you used Double Wear light before??  What are your thoughts on it??  How soon are you going to get this brush??

Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

MAC Studio Sculpt Quicky Foundation Review

I think I mentioned this in my most recent video, I love my Estee Lauder Double Wear but I have been so dry lately I needed something to help with that.  Enter MAC Studio Sculpt!!

I love it, I seriously am in loooooooove with it.

It goes on like a dream and is so smooth and creamy.  I am actually an NW20 in this shade which I am at odds with.  Mac is backwards with its toning system....is that a thing??  So the W is usually referring to warm yellow undertones but at Mac it is for cool, pink undertones.....I am confused just typing this.  I think it is a bit too pinky on me, although it photographs very well.  I have ordered an NC20 which I should have Friday to really compare.  So just keep that in mind when ordering online, their system is backwards.  And if you try it on in store make sure you go to a window to check it in natural lighting.

The only thing I wish I could change is that I do need to set with a pretty good setting powder or I will get oily during the day.  I have read a bunch of reviews and this is just the way this foundation is. So if you are super oily, I do not recommend this. If you have normal to dry skin, this is worth picking up.  It gives a natural looking dewey finish to the skin.  I also noticed that after you put it on, it looks even better by the time I am done with all of my makeup.  Like it settles in a GOOD way :)

The foundation is thick (but not KVD thick) and not runny and despite the weird presentation, like you're squirting out frosting, it makes for a no mess application.  I put it on the back of my hand to pick up with my brush.  It is medium to full coverage but I barely need any.  If I have a breakout then I can use more.  I did just think about when I got to the bottom of the tube how will I get all the product out? This product is definitely build-able.

I use my 187SE duo fibre brush to apply and it gives me an airbrushed finish.  I tried my Sigma F80 with it and I was not pleased.....maybe it's me??  I'm truly more of a stipple-er than a buffer.  I haven't tried to apply with my beauty blender yet and I am not sure why.  I think I wanted this to work so badly with my brushes I just overlooked my old standby.

I will update you when the NC20 comes as I am really hoping it is even better due to the coloring. This is the only foundation I have tried from Mac, which one do you all use or prefer?  There are so many to choose from!

Let me know in the comment below :) Would you like a post on determining undertones and all that jazz? :)

Did I mention I am in love with this?? :)

Have a great day!! xo

Winter Look MOTD-drugstore edition

commonly referred to as RSG

It has been a long time since I have purchased drugstore makeup.  And not because I have become a makeup snob now, only that the items I buy that are high end last me so long that I haven't needed to venture out to the drugstore.

But I have heard great things about CoverGirl's Ready,Set, Gorgeous line so you know I had to check it out. Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back!

So, of course, my struggle is always determining foundation color.  I don't want to look like a napkin and I don't want to look like I have a makeup mask on either.  I want an accentuation of my own skin, that's not too much to ask, is it.....

You all may be having a similar struggle as none of us really have that summer "glow" anymore since it is January.  Unless you are tanning in which case I am so envious since I stopped going to tanning salons and miss it so very much.......

This website is a great tool to aid you in finding other brands and in what shade you are....Findation

I got shade 110 which is classic ivory and it is just a tad off from my coloring still.  I used my wrist as my guide which you really should not do, always test on your jawline when testing a new foundation shade.  I was in a hurry and now shall pay the price of going back to the store.  Although when I use Findation it does tell me that 110 is my color in some of the other products so I don't feel completely useless.  In fact, I do plan on trying Urban Decay Naked Skin next based on this website.

The foundation went on amazing.  It was smooth and creamy but not runny.  It is well pigmented so covers any dark spots or blemishes and did not crease up in my smile lines.  I used my Beauty Blender to apply it.

always looks the best when first put on

It doesn't even look like I have makeup on which is the look I am going for!!  I decided to get crazy and try a makeup setting spray.  I know, already giving the RSG a bad rap thinking it won't stay on all day.

they also have a matte setting spray

I went for NYX dewy finish setting spray.  It is nearly noon and I have had the foundation on for 6 hours.  I am starting to "feel" it.  So to me that means it is possibly piling up on my face.  And when I look in the mirror my face is slightly pink.....funny because usually I have foundations turning yellow on me and this one turned pink.  

a little pink face

So my experimentation tells me two things.  One, this is not the right color for me and two, I need to find a better color.  Good thing I wore a turtleneck today :)

I used Too Faced's Natural At Night Palette for my eyes and MUFE's brown liquid liner.  I contoured with my NARS narscissist cheek palette.  So drugstore for the most part :) Oh and Anastasia's dipbrow in blonde which I am IN LOVE with!!  Do ya'll need another eyebrow tutorial? Want it on video? Want it with dipbrow? Let me know xo  I cannot believe the transformation my eyebrows have made in the past 6 months.  They are full and shaped and mama likey :)

What is your go to cheapie foundation?  I want to know!!

Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great day!! xo

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review aka My New Holy Grail Foundation

I am a foundation and concealer junkie, I am always looking for the next best thing.  Let me tell you guys, I have found it and am done looking.    I recently just did a post on Kat Von D's Lock It Foundation (check it out HERE).  Based on several recommendations from my beauty junkie friends, this foundation is better than Kat Von D.  So I had to put it to the test since I liked KVD but there were enough cons to make me look elsewhere.

I blindly ordered my color online at Sephora since there was no exact color match for me based on my color IQ number.  I ordered Rattan.  Now, just so you know, Estee Lauder has so many shade options covering all ranges of skin tones.  Many more than Kat Von D.  From warm, to cool to neutral.  I am usually warm in other foundations, thus the reason I chose Rattan.

When I got the actual foundation though I was worried it was too yellow.

Hard to tell from the swatch I know since it actually looked like a perfect match to my hand.  So I thought I would still apply it to my face to see what I thought....did you hear that? It was angels singing when the foundation touched my face!   Now I am a committed beauty blender user since all the foundations I have tried using brushes with just smear and look cakey.  But I did my research and it does say this is best applied with a foundation brush.

I used my Real Techniques foundation buffing brush (all the way to the right) to apply.  It went on smooth, it covered my blemish, it covered my pores, it looked airbrushed and it was overall beautiful.

The problem was that yes, this color was much too yellow for my face and there was a noticeable difference in my face and my neck, my ultimate makeup pet peeve.  But I thought maybe it would tone down throughout the day so I bravely left the house.  Luckily I have long hair (long hair, don't care) and could hide my neck.

Now, those who know me, know I want what I want when I want it.  Sooooo, I spent all day trying to figure out how I could get my right shade since I don't have a Sephora right by me.  Well, Carson Pierre Scott down the street from me has an Estee Lauder counter and not only will they color match you, they will give you a 10 day sample of your shade! Done!  I knew that would get me through till Friday when I could exchange my Rattan for my correct shade.

It turns out that I am Desert Beige, a neutral shade in this foundation line.  The match is incredible.  My dream foundation look is one that completely matches my face so I can really rock a bold eye or a lip.

SO I got my sample and used it this morning and it matched perfectly.  Unfortunately for me, I tried a new lotion and primer (today I used NYX pore filler and yesterday I used Benefit porefessional) and my face is pretty dry today which affected the flawless look I am going for.  I am also on fertility medication (another post for another day) and that is of course affecting my skin.

But I love it, I love the way that it looks and it literally lasted all day, no smudging, no blotching.  I looked the same at the end of the day as I did when I walked out the door at 7:30 am. And best of all, I did not ever once even feel like I was wearing makeup.  And I obsessively checked this stuff out on my face all day to make sure it looked the same.

Now this one does dry quickly too so work on small sections of your face.  But even when I did that with Kat Von D, I couldn't get a seamless look and it just wouldn't stay on and it oxidized throughout the day no matter what I did.

The con is the price point at $38 a bottle and that there is no pump on the bottle.  It is a pour top which can be quite messy especially if you are in a rush in the morning.  But other than that I am in love.  If I feel the need for a bit of extra coverage in a spot, it doesn't look cakey at all.

So I went out and got my full size bottle :) EEEK! I love it!!

Here are a few more pics in different lighting.  The last one is at the end of the day, it looks the same as when I put it on.

Now this foundation also claims to be transfer proof, well I don't believe that any makeup is truly transfer proof. I mean if I put a white shirt on over my head I am sure this is going to smudge.  But I will tell you I am sick and blowing my nose, and I don't get a tissue full of makeup when I do so it doesn't come off easy.

That being said, it is a 15 hour wear makeup so make sure you are using a makeup remover prior to cleaning your face to ensure that you got it all off.

And there ya have it, I am in love.  If you are on the fence about this foundation, GET THE FOUNDATION :)  The end.

Have you tried Double Wear yet?  What are your thoughts and tricks?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Review

I just recently was introduced into the world of full coverage makeup.  There are so many foundation options out there right now.  Tinted moisturizer, beauty balm (BB), correcting cream (CC), daily defense cream (DD), mineral foundation, medium to full coverage foundation.......I am sure there are more that I did not think of, too.  In the summer I love to be tan and not wear makeup unless my fight club under eye bags are visible still and in that case I will put concealer on.  But in the winter, when discoloration and uneven skin tones and blemishes are more easily spotted, we reach for a fuller coverage makeup.

I asked numerous people which the best one to use was.  I got a 50/50 response to Kat Von D and Estee Lauder.  Estee Lauder review will be coming up soon!!

First impression, I love the packaging.  It is girlie but gothic and I love that style!

I also love that the bottle comes in a pump and that you can see the amount of product left in it.

 The compact has a mirror and also an applicator sponge underneath so it fits perfectly and isn't always being rubbed on the product.

I got color matched (Light 48) in store at Sephora and I highly recommend doing that since there are so many color shade options.  I bought the powder foundation online and got the same color which ended up being darker in powder so that will be going back.

I also got a sample of the concealer (Light 18) since that also received such rave reviews.  It is not as thick as the foundation and I love it and it is the exact color of my face.  It is actually perfect for touch ups or to cover blemishes especially if I don't need a full face of makeup that day.  It is $25 for the concealer and a little goes a long way.

Okay so on to the Kat Von D Lock It Foundation review.

You can use with either a beauty blender or a buffing/stippling brush.  I prefer a beauty blender as I thought the brush gave me "makeup mask face".

Now this stuff is thick, thick, thick and it dries quick, quick, quick!!  Work in small sections of your face.  Don't do half a face at a time, lesson learned from trying it myself.  I pump some on the back of my hand and dab the beauty blender and then quickly dab on my face.  This is actually used to cover tattoos in the workplace so you can imagine the coverage!

As you can see from my hand alone, the coverage is full and you only need a little.  So for the price, $34, I think that is very fair.  This bottle should last me a very long time. You probably need half a pump to a full pump to cover your whole face.

Here is a close up and you can see it really makes for a flawless face.

Here is at the end of the day and while my concealer has worn off a bit, my makeup still looks great!

Full face from a distance.

Another day, same results.

So pros, this will cover anything you want it to.  The price is super affordable considering how little of it you need.  Large shade selection for all types of undertones.  Although it is full coverage, it doesn't feel like you are wearing anything.

Now for the cons.....the only big one I have is I am still trying to figure out the correct moisturizer/primer combo to wear under this makeup.  It does NOT like argon oil and will pretty much melt off as the day goes on.  It does not like water based primers as this is a silicone based foundation.  So it's like mixing oil and vinegar.  Now Kat Von D used to make a primer that was formulated perfectly to go under this and she no longer does.....why Kat?? WHY?!?!  But again, using my beauty blender during the day to kind of touch up any patchy spots works wonders.

So anyone reading this review I would love your thoughts on how to get it to stay on all day.

It also claims to be transfer resistant....well, I have been able to disprove that theory.  Again, maybe it is because of what I have going on underneath it.

If you have dry skin, this is NOT for you as it will make any dry patches on your skin stick out like broccoli in your teeth.

This will also make your entire face one color and take away any and all highlights and natural shadows so you will need to use bronzer and blush.  Read my review on contouring HERE for some tips.

Now, the Kat Von D Lock It Powder is really not the right color for me but I liked the powder itself. You just use the included sponge and pat it on your face (no buffing like Bare Minerals) and it covers anything and everything. You could even use this as your touch up powder throughout the day but that is how I figured out it was too dark for me :)

Overall, I have become a lover of Kat Von D based on both the foundation and the concealer.  She has an incredible selection of lipsticks and everyone loves her eyeliners too.  ALSO, coming in 2015 she is releasing a contour palette and a cosmetics website!! So stay tuned for that gem as I will surely be announcing the details when it is here!

Again, please let me know in the comments, any and all thoughts and what your favorite KVD products are!

Happy Friday and have a great day!! xo