Favorite Foundations

I've found foundation to be really specific to your skin type.  What works for me won't necessarily have the same effect on you and vice-versa. It's important to test out products before you purchase them and Sephora is a great store for purchasing products because their return policy is fairly lenient.   This can be useful when you think you love a product only to wear it and change your mind.  Also, most makeup counters will let you get a sample, so you can try the product before you make a purchase.  Some of the higher end foundations can be really expensive so it's important to make sure you like the product in all lighting before shelling out $40 for it.

My foundation usage has definitely varied throughout the years and I'm currently into experimenting with different foundations based on the occasion.  Foundation is a product that can be used at your discretion.  If your skin is even and you don't have too much you're worried about covering then you can even skip it for an every day look; but if you're going out or just trying to even your skin tone it can definitely make a difference.

Normal or Combination Skin-

I absolutely LOVE Bare Minerals foundation.  It does an amazing job of making your skin look flawless while not being heavy or making your skin feel oily.  I like using the loose powder in the summer or for less of a heavy feel/look and the pressed power when I want a little more coverage.  This product is not the best if you're trying to cover up a lot of scarring or acne, but if you just want an a simple every day look this is should be your go-to.

http://www.bareescentuals.com/bareMinerals-READY-SPF-20-Foundation/USMasterReadyFoundation,default,pd.html

Dry Skin-

I think for dry skin the best product is usually a cream or a mousse foundation.  These are usually lighter than a liquid yet still provide more coverage than a powder would; while often being moisturizing as well.  I am obsessed with the Nars Radiant Cream Compact.  I think the product is great, light weight and moisturizing, while still providing excellent coverage.  Also, the case it comes in is easy to throw into your purse for touch-ups.  It comes in a variety of different colors so I was able to find a color that matched perfectly with my skin tone.

http://www.sephora.com/radiant-cream-compact-foundation-P381712?skuId=1525013

If the Nars compact is a little pricey a great drug-store alternative is the Maybelline DreamSmooth Mousse.  It provides great coverage, is easy to apply and only $10!  This was my absolute favorite foundation in high school when my skin was a more broken out and I wanted coverage without looking like I was going on a photo-shoot.

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Foundation/Dream-Smooth-Mousse.aspx

Oily Skin-

I think mineral foundation is great for oily skin as it's easy to apply to a slicker surface and the powder helps to sop up some of the oil.  However, if you have a lot of acne or scars you want to cover up you might prefer a fuller liquid  coverage, and that's where the Mac Mineralize Moisture Foundation is perfect.  It's a liquid coverage but has the lightweight feel of a mineral product.  I've only recently started getting into liquid foundations as I've never liked the feel of foundation on my skin but this doesn't have that oily after-feel that a lot of products too.  It goes on as a liquid but stays as a more mineral-powder-esq (did I just coin a term...) finish.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/24923/Products/Face/Foundation/Mineralize-Moisture-SPF15-Foundation/index.tmpl

Another great liquid foundation is the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation.  This product really lives up to it's name and lasts for hours.  It goes on smooth and provides a pretty full coverage while not being too heavy.  While I'm a Mac girl at heart I'll definitely reach for this from time-to-time!

So those are my picks for foundation.  What do you all think?

xo 

Kelly

My Can't-Live-Without Products

So I've definitely run the gamut of trying different makeup products.  I've tried everything from inexpensive drugstore products to way too expensive designer labels.  However, I've found that some products are worth the splurge, so these are my-splurge products.  I'll definitely include less expensive alternatives whenever possible, but these are some products that I could not live without.  Here are my ride-or-die products....

Face-

This is a toss-up for me.  For years I've used bareMinerals powder foundation.  I absolutely love it.  It's light-weight, it stays well and it provides amazing coverage without making my skin feel oily or greasy.  I've been lucky enough that I don't have too much in terms of needing to cover, so this product definitely isn't for you if you're looking for heavier coverage.  It's affordable too at only $27 a container and it lasts MONTHS.  If you were only going to splurge on one "higher end" product, this is it hands-down.



http://www.bareescentuals.com/bareMinerals-SPF-15-Foundation/USMasterSPF15Found,default,pd.html

Recently I've discovered Nars liquid and cream foundations.  These are expensive but I've found the coverage is amazing and the product lasts all day/night so it's definitely worth the investment.  The cream product I love but it's not for every skin type so that's where the liquid foundation comes into play. This  is the first liquid foundation that I've found the color is perfect for my skin, so I will definitely keep purchasing this one until they stop making it!  I think the coverage is great and it last for hours.  I only wish it came with a pump...

 http://www.sephora.com/sheer-glow-foundation-P247355?skuId=1202167



Bronzer-

This is another hands-down bareMinerals win for me.  A few years ago for Christmas my mom got me their starter kit (which is amazing if you've never tried this product) and it came with the Power Foundation, the Warmth Bronzer and the Mineral Veil.  While I can do without the mineral veil I've never looked back as far as the bronzer goes.  I'll admit the warmth is probably not the recommended shade for my skin tone but I think it works perfectly to give me a shadow contour.  I use it under my cheekbones, along my jawline and along my temples to help slim and shape my face.  The matte finish creates a great shadow and it last all day.
http://www.sephora.com/bareminerals-all-over-face-color-P61005?skuId=1164771


Eye Shadow-

The Mac Paint Pots are amazing.  I like the Soft Ochre for an every day base but the Bare Study is my absolute favorite product.  It's this beautiful shimmery nude-beige base that intensifies colors and makes your eye shadow last for days.  I don't even use primer when I wear Paint Pots because I've never had a problem with my eye shadow wearing off when I use them.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/1573/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Pro-Longwear-Paint-Pot/index.tmpl

Eye Liner-

Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack is my go-to every day liner.  You have to be able to use a brush to apply it but once you figure that out (see the above video!) you'll be obsessed.  It does not move.  I've tried a lot of smudge-proof, water-proof, budge-proof liners and none of them stack up to this.  It comes in a few different colors so you can experiment with different colors if you're not into black liners.  I've found this product will get old before it runs out so it's definitely worth the investment.


http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/898/Products/Eyes/Liner/Fluidline/index.tmpl


Hair-

I promise I will not post a lot about hair.  I don't think I'm particularly good at styling mine, nor do I spend much time researching it.  However,, Bed Head After Party is my go-to for straight hair. My hair is a weird consistency, it's wavy and very thin and yet it refuses to stay straight.  I've found when I use this product my hair will stay straighter for way longer and have a bit more shine to it.  While I promise to not post much until I learn more this is definitely worth the investment for beginners like me who just want their hair to stay straight for the night!

 http://www.bedhead.com/en/#/products/styling/smooth-frizz-control/after-party


You'll notice I didn't include any lipsticks or blushes above.  I like to play around with those products and while I do have my go-to's I don't have have any that I couldn't live without.  Do you have any products that you can't live without?

xo

Kelly