Shen's Addiction: foundation

I love doing before and after photos. Not only does it bring out how great a product is and shows that I'm not afraid with how I truly look, it's also liberating. Definitely lessens the expectation for a beauty blogger to be always at her best.

I'm a regular woman, I cry at the sappiest commercials and sometimes, I prefer to go out without my makeup on. Bobbi Brown is right, confidence is everything. I feel secure in my own skin. I don't mind when people see my acne marks or when I have cystic acne. I've already come to accept that it's a part of me, my gene and my monthly hormonal haywire. And I've become comfortable with it. And when you feel good on the outside, the rest automatically follows.

But for days that I need to look presentable, Bobbi Brown's right again on that account, a little makeup certainly wouldn't hurt.

In comes what I think is a genius product from the popular Bobbi Brown Long-Wear collection, the new Long-wear Even Finish Compact Foundation. Same formulation as their Long-wear Even Finish Liquid Foundation but became a lot more handy in a cream formulation.

I've loved cream formulation for quite awhile but nothing seems to have caught my attention save for this brand and this brand that I've tried in the past. It took a while for me to find a nice that meets my needs as makeup enthusiast who suffer from oily skin and acne.

I use a wedge sponge because I'm saving the round sponge that comes with it. So Pinoy of me. LOL!

It's definitely lives up to it's namesake Long-wear Even Finish. First, it properly evens out my skin tone thanks to its medium coverage. Then it stays put for a few hours once I set it with my favorite Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder. Oil control is also impressive, even if I think I'm oily, it doesn't seem to be so obvious. Rather it looks as if my face is dewy. And despite the good coverage, I barely felt it on my skin. It's lightweight and it lets my skin breathe. Don't top it off too much with powder or use a heavy coverage powder foundation lest you won't feel how light the cream compact foundation.

I got the Warm Beige as it matches my skin the best. We have to remember that Bobbi Brown's foundation matches a lot of skin tones as it contains a more yellow undertones that many women have. Looking for the perfect shade is an easy feat.

And who wouldn't love the travel-easy compact? That's one of the reason why I love cream-based foundation. No worries with spillage which is a major + for the suddenly-travel-lover like me. :)

Overall, it's Bobbi Brown.. almost anything she comes up with, I love and this foundation is no exception. I'm a big fan of her foundations and that's for a reason, she's an expert on it. If you're looking for that flawless-like-a-makeup-artist-did-your-makeup look, then get this one. I really have no bad thing to say about this. :)

That's it! Next Bobbi Brown review will be about the Long-Wear Gel Liner. :) Watch out for it!

Find out more about the Bobbi Brown Long-wear Even Finish Compact Foundation, visit their facebook page.

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You've been seeing BYS Cosmetic from this blog lately, that's because I was lucky enough to meet the general manager and I was struck by her passion and dedication for the brand. She's super hardworking and she loves what she doing. I can't help but be drawn to her and of course to BYS cosmetics .

It's what I would describe as a no nosense makeup. Housed in simple packaging, priced reasonably, easily accessible and provides a wide array of products. Albeit some of her their products are both hits and misses, it can be said that BYS is really for everyone.

One of its hits is the BYS Matte Foundation, recommended by Sam Gallardo, a talented Marketer and Makeup Artist, she said that it's a must-have for girls who have oily skin. "You will only need one pump." She advised.

"BYS Matte Foundation (Sand Beige). Matte Foundation has no shine or luminous quality and guess what? That is exactly what some of us look for in a Foundation." - www.fashionaddict.com.au

That day, I took home BYS Matte Foundation in Sand Beige, a mid-tone shade with yellowish tint (see swatch below). I notice that matching shades using BYS ones are quite easy. There's a lot of yellow-based shades that you can choose from.

BYS Matte Foundation is very creamy mousse-y consistency that is great for skin that is really oily and have a lot of blemishes that needs covering. Typically, I wouldn't be thinking of buying a foundation worth less than Php1,000. There is comfort for me in buying expensive foundation from a well-known brand. It makes me feel I'm taking care of my skin more. Especially if that skin is very oily, prone to break outs and comedones.

Having tried this latest foundation, I noticed a few things,

How smooth it applies on to the skin, with our without primer.
Provides great coverage that eliminates the need to use concealer for my acne marks and spots.
A little goes a long way, like what Sam said.
Gives a incredible matte finish
Goes on like second skin and blends well
A bottle will last you a long time
Has great staying power
Keeps oilies at bay for at least an hour or two.

Sand Beige is almost like warm beige in Bobbi Brown. It's lighter on my skin but given its acidity, it melds well into my skin after a few minutes. It's great for everyday especially if your skin needs to a lot of coverage from pimples and acne marks, even redness.

The only problem I have with this foundation is the scent. I'm not a fan but good thing it's not bad that it's completely off-putting. I notice that BYS has a lot of scented products and I'm glad that I like most of them.

Take a look at my FOTD below. :)

How do like this look?

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Happy Sunday to you all, loves! It's been a whirlwind of events this week. But I'm determined to get back on the grind now that things are going well and on to being great for the next few days. Say hello to yet another Foundation review. As you all know, I am always drawn to new and exciting foundation especially when they have intriguing ingredients and packaging.

Snoe Premium Cosmetics HyperFunction Fond de Teint + Serum is a lightweight formula that gives skin perfect coverage, skin healing ingredients, antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection. This feel-good formula is extra emollient to instantly "melt" into skin and give it a fresh, healthy glow. Over time, it also helps replenish and strengthen skin. Infused with:

Escargot - Repairs damaged skin cells, boost production of collagen and elastin, anti bacterial, scar repair, anti-acne, anti inflammatory

Broccoli - Contains phytochemicals that will help reduce inflammation, and detoxify your skin. It contains twice the vitamin C of a lemon that will whiten and also acts as a antioxidant energy agent. It contains natural lactic, malic and citric acid and contains a high level of vitamin K, which will improve skin elasticity and improve under eye circles.

Acai - Most powerful and nutritious fruit in the world. Contains highest level of antioxidants, higher than any fruit.

Directions: Apply directly on skin or use a Stippling or Foundation brush. For perfect and matte application set with any Snoe finishing powder.

Snoe in less than a year have expanded their cosmetic line, one of which is the much-awaited Snoe HyperFunction Foundation and Serum. As always, leave it to the busy brain of Jen Gerodiaz-Diaz to create multi-function products, this one doubles as makeup and skin care. All with its unique and updated ingredients.

Skin care wise, HyperFunction Foundation + Serum (Php1,199.00) provides good amount of anti-oxidants that improves skin texture. Thanks to escargot, made popular by Korean skin care line, the slime that helps mortorize snails apparently contains skin collagen that we all know is good for aging skin.

I would never have imagined that I would ever slather anything on my skin that contains brocoli given that I hate the vegetable with a vengance. But alas! I surprise myself. Despite this psychological phobia to veggies, I can't help to appreciate the help it does to the body and I'm glad I get to take advantage of it without having to eat it!

Acai to be honest, I have never even eaten and I don't think I've seen it, too! Have you? Acai as you all know is a popular skin care ingredient and known to be a miracle fruit that not only nourishes the skin but great at revitalizing the body, too.

Add that this has SPF, too! Pretty decent protection at 20.

Ivory Creme

Here's the before and after photos as usual.

Impressive results right? Albeit a bit too light on my skin, Ivory Creme settles down nicely as I am acidic. I got Golden Caramel, too, as it works well for the summer skin tone.

At first, I didn't think that this foundation will hold up well. It dries slower compared to other foundation and it looks to be more like a BB Cream than a foundation as it claims. But I can't deny that it provide good coverage, good enough to even out my skin tone and diminish some of my hyper pigmentation brought on by pimples.

Staying power isn't that impressive though. Oilies creeped up only an hour or two from application. Women with dry skin will definitely love this though, as it provides moisture and dewiness that will make your skin glow. As for us with skin that shine, Edward pales in comparison, well, we just need a good pressed powder. I used Snoe Poudre with Rare Acai Berry and it does perform well on controlling the oilies.

I can't exactly decide whether I love-love this foundation, though. It has a lot of good in it. It doesn't break me out. But I think I will take a pass on this the next time and choose a more suiting one for my skin.

But I do love the packaging, though. It's so chic! Oh! And make sure that your pump works. Mine is a bit wonky. A glitch I think and not something everyone should worry about. But I'm giving you a head's up anyway. :)

Hoping that Snoe create a matte version to of this, expand the shade range and toss out the other ones... then I would probably get another tube.

'Til then, well, there are other Snoe products that I think are worth a try. :)

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Ruffa of Jailex Couture contacted me a few weeks back and sent me some samples of the much-raved Krave Minerale Cosmetics. I've seen it in vlogs and various local beauty blogs. She wanted me to try out selected products that she thinks my skin would enjoy.

Trying out the Luxurious Perfection loose mineral foundation, I have to agree with her. This mineral foundation is awesome. Like it's predecessors it has great skin care qualities that controls oil, gives my skin smoother appearance and reduces the chances for acne. Thanks to its 4 key ingredients:

Levomenol - anti-irritant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory
Allantoin - protects the skin, moisturizing
Golden Jojoba - moisturizing and helps with evening out skin tone
Pro Vitamin B5 - lessens oil production and reduces chances of acne

Makeup wise, Luxurious Perfection provides great coverage. It goes well with my liquid foundation as well as alone. The finish has a slight sheen to it but not quite visible on the skin. It gives natural-looking effect while hiding away blemishes with it's medium to heavy coverage. I like that it's photogenic and allows my skin to breathe. A great mineral makeup foundation to use on a daily basis.

Great at oil control (2 to 4 hours)
Provides medium to heavy coverage
Good for everyday use
Doesn't break me out
Reduces skin blemishes
Great additional skin care benefits

French Latte is the lightest shade, I think, and it matches m medium fair skin tone.

Why use mineral foundation?

For many women I know, a lot prefer mineral makeup. It has lesser ingredients, great for sensitive and acne-ridden skin! It also contains no preservatives, allergens and other harmful chemicals. A great addition is that it's affordable and easily available.

If you're tired of cosmetics breaking you out or just find them too expensive, then you might want to try mineral makeup instead.

There are a lot of mineral makeup available now. Krave Minerale is one of the newest players in town. They are highly against animal-testing and boasts of using only natural and organic ingredients. Their makeup line doesn't only stop with colors but they also offer solutions such as skin care and other cosmeceutical products.

Find out more about Krave Minerale at Jailex Couture. Visit their Facebook Page today.

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Foundations are foundations. It will cover what it needs to cover. But like everything else, we just don't buy the first thing we see on the shelf. We take a look, read what's on the label, the ingredients and test it out. Always, even when it's a gift.

Recently, Clinique introduced a liquid makeup that delivers a nearly poreless look, instantly and over time.Introducing Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup.

And I got a chance to a sample of it. Now what makes this new foundation different from others? I asked the same questions myself. If you've ever tried anything from Clinique Pore Solutions line, you're getting the same effects from this new foundation.

As always, a before and after photo. :)

How It Works:

Smoothes and conceals instantly.

Sophisticated spherical optical diffusers and soft focus materials capture and diffuse light to immediately soften and blur the appearance of large pores.

Refines skin and minimizes pores.

Padina Pavonica Extract and Salvia Sclarea work together to build up the pore surface to helppores appear smaller.

Salicylic Acid gently clears out dead and dulling skin cells that build up around the edges of pores, keeping pores clear so they don’t stretch out and appear larger than they really are.

Laminaria Saccharina Extract minimizes sebum production that may cause pores to stretch.

Since my concern these days are about my oiliness and excessive breakouts, I've been relying mostly on hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin foundations. And though I'd love to take a break from makeup all together, I can't. I need to look my best everyday at work and of course, when attending events. I have taken measures like eating healthier and doing extra physical activities to lessen the breakouts. But at this point, all I can do is hope.

So far, Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup has been a great help. It works well as a foundation and at the same time lessens the oiliness a great deal. Like Clinique Derma White foundation, I really like that this one also has that skin care / makeup duality but this time targeting pores. I'm actually relying on these two foundations right now.

Another good thing about this foundation is the fact that it has Salicylic Acid which you all know is a great healing component for acne. Also, it helps mattify the skin immediately.

Lasting power is quite impressive on air-conditioned environ, it's great for everyday wear for work. No kidding. But I don't suggest wearing liquid foundation, this or any type at all, if you're always out on the field. I suggest you use a mattifying powder instead (like the Clinique Superbalanced powder makeup), as the liquid tends to run on high humidity and extreme heat. Yes, this one doesn't hold up on humidity.

Also, salycilic acid burns easily. Not a good thing if you're always exposed under the sun. I suggest wearing a sunblock with this, preferably something that's mattifying, too.

Overall, it is a great foundation, great for everyday wear. What I noticed, too, is that I'm doing my skin a lot of good when ever I use this. No breakouts, no comedones and it's pretty much a safe foundation for rioting skin.

Who will benefit from Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup?

Those who are battling with large pores, oily skin, and pimples like I do. Those in need of something that won't worsen the state of their skin.

Have you ever tried a foundation that's specific with the skincare need as this one?

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Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup will be available this December 2012 at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Essenses Robinson’s Place, Rustan’s Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan’s Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma, Marionnaud

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When living in a tropical country and the sun shines on us most of the time, seeing SPF 60 on a foundation descrip could be life changing. I exaggerate of course. But then again, wouldn't it be convenient? Island girls have skin that easily tans, have larger pores and tend to be on the oilier side. And since most oily skinned ladies tend to have pimples, blemishes is natural aftermath.

And if you are exactly what I just describe and you are as "conscious" as I am when it comes to their skin, you apply both sunblock and skincare all at the same time. Am I right or am I right?

Enter VMV Hypollergenics Skin Savvy 60 Foundation, a second version of their former one of the same name. The one that earned a spot on my Top Makeup Picks for 2010. This new one comes in a bottle and hygeniece pump and contains more products (albeit a bit more expensive).

Like it's predecessor the new Skin Savvy 60 has become quite a favorite. It's got high SPF that allows me to skip sunblock. It's got a semi-matte finish that gives a medium to full coverage. Compared to the former one, the new Skin Savvy has better coverage, easy blendability and better staying power.

What I love that it retained its feature that doesn't aggravate pimples nor does it cause it. It's actually ideal for those who currently are battling with pimples and cystic acne who wants the benefit of both sunscreen and coverage in one. Since Skin Savvy is both, it's ideal for thosw hwo want to apply less products during your A.M. regimen.

On the shades though, I still think that VMV needs to work on providing more options for many skin tones. After all, they are a global brand. :)

Let me show you the effects of VMV Skin Savvy 60 Foundation. :)

I was surprised it held ground pretty well. Last Friday, I went for both work and play and found that my the foundation was still quite intact up until the evening. Given I've had glycolic facial at Flawless recently, I thought it was nonetheless performed well.

No irritation, truly hypoallergenic skin, this seems to be a perfect foundation for those with sensitive skin and those who enjoy laser and skin peeling procedures. :)

Is it worth your money? I think so. It works for me and I think my skin is like most women out there, maybe even worst. I suggest you try this out first. Go for a makeuove at a VMV counter, see if you like it. Skin Savvy is pretty steep and is on the high end. Some also doesn't like the high SF as it tends give a white cast on photos. I didn't really experience any of that.

I love it and it's a great foundation for those who are frequently exposed to the sun, have oily skin and are prone to breakouts. :) And you know I don't say these things lightly when it comes to foundations. :)

Have you tried Skin Savvy 60 Foundation? Let me know what you think and comment below. If you have more questions, ones that aren't addressed here, please feel free to send me an inquiry or by writing them at the comment section below. :)

Find out more about Skin Vavvy 60 Foundation at www.vmvhypoallergenics.ph

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