Empties - Foundation

This is a post that I've been meaning to put together for a few weeks now, but for some reason it was something that I just kept forgetting to write. I've collected these few foundations over the past five or six months & realised that I finally had a little collection that's big enough to write a post about.

This is my first "empties" post but after watching numerous videos/reading many blogs I think I've managed to get a general idea of the things that are typically talked/written about.. However at the same time ensure my own twist is included. 

To start - as you'll be able to tell from the photo below - Rimmel is definitely the prominent brand here.. But what can I say? When it comes to everyday foundation there's just something I love about Rimmel products. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation - 

Pros: During the duller months of the year this is a great foundation for adding a little extra glow to the skin and adding the "wake me up" look that this product is so well known for. It's also pretty light on the skin so doesn't feel cakey or clogging.

Cons: I know I know, I've just sung the praises of the glow this foundation provides. However I feel it's important to note that the added "shimmer" is not something can be used once the sun does finally make an appearance.. You'll more than likely end up with that glittery effect that only Edward Cullen can pull off so well.

Would I buy this again?  I think I'll definitely re-purchase this foundation but not until the autumn/winter months roll back around & I need a little something extra to help hide how sleepy/sun deprived I look.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation -

Pros: I think the coverage from this foundation is perfect for day-day wear. It is full coverage - so covers blemishes/uneven skin tone well - yet doesn't leave my skin feeling caked in product *a feeling I personally hate*.

Cons: In my opinion, I don't think this needs to be advertised as "25 hour". Admittedly the product is long lasting but I probably wouldn't go from a day in the office to a night out without at least a few touch-ups.. so unfortunately this isn't a miracle foundation that will cover blemished for ever.

Would I buy this again? Simply put.. Yes. The fact that this foundation doesn't last 25 hours isn't going to put me off re-purchasing. How often do you really need something to last that long? For me, this is a perfect every-day foundation that I can see myself repurchasing time and time again.

Max Factor Whipped Creme  Foundation - 

Pros: The main pro this product has to offer is the medium, yet easily buildable, coverage. The "whipped" element of the foundation means it didn't leave my skin feeling clogged or weighed down with product - yay!

Cons: Unfortunately the main con is also one of the main things that makes this product stick out from the rest.. The packaging. The little glass pot that this product comes in - although handy for storing a make-up bag - is in my opinion the one thing that let it down.  I found that no matter how hard I tried, there would always be some product left in the grooves of the glass.. & it was something that I just couldn't oversee.

Would I buy this again? Unfortunately, probably not. As much as I liked the overall effect the foundation had.. there was something that just frustrated me about not being able to get the last amount out of the pot. I know that there will always been some product left in any foundation (as you can see from the photo above) but in my opinion it was too much to overlook here.

Rimmel Match Perfection - 

Pros: In my opinion this works as a great summer foundation It offers a lightweight coverage that is ideal for warm days when you just want a little something to even-out skin tone/hide the fact that you stayed at the pub far too late the night before. I also think this is perfect for those that are new to foundation or simply prefer a lighter coverage.

Cons: The downside to being such a lightweight product, in my opinion, is that this probably isn't the best "go too" foundation for covering blemishes etc. However it has to be said that this is nothing a little concealer would't fix. 

Would I buy this again? Probably yes. Although not for day-to-day wear, I'd purchase this ready for the few weeks when England actually has a summer or for if I was jetting off somewhere sunny & wanted to pack a lightweight foundation with me. 

What foundation are you currently loving?

Do you have any tips for future "empties" posts?

xxx

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

After a lunch with the girls a little while back - I decided to kill some time in town whilst waiting for my boyfriend to finish work. The smart thing would of been for me to go home - especially considering we only like a short walk from the city centre - but nope.. somehow I found myself wandering into the local MAC store for a browse.

I know what you're thinking..who just browses in MAC? 

I completely agree with you - but I honestly did have the intention of just browsing. However within no more than five minuets in the shop, I found myself at the counter asking one of the girls if she could match me up to some foundation. I don't even know how it happened.. It's like my brain left my head & floated off to make-up land. 

Now, this may shock a few of you out there, but I have never owned a MAC foundation before.. I know - I know. But I just couldn't justify £20.00 & up on foundation whilst trying to live on a student budget.. Other things had priority like alcohol vegetables. 

However since beginning my full time job, my mindset has changed too "what's the point in working so hard if I can't treat myself?!".. I'd probably go insane working all those hours with nothing nice to show for it! 

Before I walked up to the counter in the first instance I honestly felt a little nervous and dare I say it, intimidated by these girls who look so down right amazing  but once I started chatting to them, they were actually lovely & so helpful.

So there I was, sat in the chair at MAC.. surrounded by girls whose make-up had been applied to perfection (I honestly felt like some sort of troll..) explaining to the sales assistant how - yes - I did want the foundation to match my natural skin tone (I'm usually too lazy to fake tan) how I wanted something medium/full coverage & how I have quite dry skin.

After nodding along, the girl vanished for a few minuets before returning with MAC's Studio Sculpt Foundation. She explained how this was perfect for dry skin as it's super moisturising and also ticks off all the things I requested. She tested some out on my skin & explained how nice the shade looked on me (I know - I'm sure they're paid to say that, but still.. a compliment is a compliment) & I happily agreed to take it.

I have shade NW15 - I know, pretty pale. 

I've been using this for on and off for a few weeks now & I can honestly say I love this foundation.

 I was a little unsure at first as I had read that some MAC foundations had caused people to break out & obviously this wasn't something I wanted to happen.. But besides a couple of spots when I started using this product *which if I'm honest were probably going to appear either way* I've not had any problems yet. 

More Things I love:

• Moisturising - The sales assistant wasn't lying. Wearing this foundation leaves my skin feeling silky smooth & moisturised throughout the day 
• Shade - In my opinion, there's nothing better than finding a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly 
• Wear - I was worried that this would wear off throughout the day, but I actually find it to be long lasting 
• Coverage -  Studio Sculpt definitely met my requirements as a medium coverage foundation that's easily build-able 
• Fragrance - I can't really describe what this exactly smells like, but it has such a lovely scent - especially for a foundation

There are only really two downsides that I have found so far with this foundations. The first being that it can take a while to dry on this skin (but whilst I wait for this I tend to go ahead and concentrate on my eyebrows etc.) and the other being that sometimes it feels a little thicker on my skin than other foundation. I wouldn't go as far as to say this feels "cakey" but sometimes I feel a bit aware of it on my skin.. if that makes sense? However overall, these really are tiny "cons" that haven't put me off this foundation yet.

Retailing at £25.00 this is obviously on the pricier side in comparison to high-street brand foundations. However you're definitely paying for quality. I won't be giving up my favourite drug store foundations any time soon - but this MAC foundation has found a place in make-up collection that I doubt will be replaced any-time soon.

Studio Fix can be purchased in store or online here x 

What's your favourite foundation?

xxx

Review - Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Earlier this week I decided to treat myself to a new foundation brush. After browsing around the internet and reading a few reviews I decided on the Real Techniques Stippling Brush which retails on feel unique for £10.99. 

The brush is described as:

"This dual-fibre brush is the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high-definition results with all types of make-up:

- look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
- ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
- self-standing for easy storage
- extended aluminium handle is light and easy to use"

As soon as this arrived this morning I was so excited and, as I hadn't done my make-up yet, decided to try it out straight away. 

I found there were many advantages of using this brush. These include the white tips to the bristles, which makes it easier to know when they're clean; the super soft feeling of the brush, which felt lovely against my skin; the flat base which makes it possible to stand up (no more messy foundation on your dressing table - yay) and the lovely pink colour of the handle. 

According to the Real Techniques website when using the brush instead of sweeping on foundation like you would normally, you buff it on in circular motions. This eliminates any streaks and ensures the make-up is properly blended. I usually use a  Beauty Blender to apply foundation but definitely think this provides much better results. 

Overall I would definitely recommend this make-up brush. I was so happy with the results and I've been looking to purchase the Retractable Kabuki Brush for bronzer and contouring. 

If you're interested in purchasing the Real Techniques you can get it from the Feel unique website or by clicking here. 

xxx