Revlon Photoready Makeup

THE FORMULA:

Photoready has a very good consistency - fluid enough to blend but not runny. It provides light to medium buildable coverage. There is a faint foundation smell but nothing strong like Revlon Colorstay.

Despite the fact that the foundation does have A LOT of shimmer to it, it is not oily/grease/shiny. But do keep in mind that the foundation is VERY SHIMMERY, particularly IN SUNLIGHT. It may be a good WINTER FOUNDATION.


THE COLOR RANGE:
I had a hard time finding the right shade to suit my NC35 skin tone. The color range offered is very poor for those looking for a yellow based foundation. Your only option will be Golden Beige or Rich Ginger. Golden Beige is similar to NC40. Rich ginger had a mixture of yellow and red undertones and is comparable to NC45.

I purchased Medium Beige and found it lacked enough yellow.

Here is a pic of Medium Beige (picture right) in comparison to Giorgio Armani Luminous silk 6.5 (pictured left) :

And a close up, Revlon on the right:

For reference, my shades are:
- 6.5 in Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
- TAWNY and Rattan (mixed) in Estee Lauder DW
- BA24 in Chanel Perfection Lumiere
- Stromboli in NARS Sheer Glow


APPLICATION:
I applied this with a BEAUTYBLENDER. Application was fine, except.... I felt a slight tingling sensation, like I had applied mild peppermint toothpaste to my face. The sensation was only temporary but worth mentioning. Maybe I got a bad batch?

Because the foundation has ALOT OF SHIMMER I would recommend applying it only to those areas of your face where light would naturally hit. If you apply like all over it is not flattering and you will end but looking flat and shimmery.

I am very impressed with the pump on the Revlon Photoready. It is a precision pump and is very controllable.

Compared to the Giorgio Armani pump it dispenses less product and causes less mess.

STAYING POWER:

I would say this foundation has moderate staying power. On my unpowdered dry/combination skin it lasted about 3 hours with no shine at all however I began to have slight shine on the nose and chin at the 4th hour.


THE VERDICT:
I may buy this again in the right shade (Golden Beige) but it isn't a product that I will be rushing out to purchase. I am not thrilled that I cant use this all over my face without looking like a disco ball. There are better products on the market.

NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder

THE FORMULA:
NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder is an extremely finely milled translucent setting powder. The powder has light reflecting properties, NOT SHIMMER. Looking at the powder you will notice a subtle sparkle. It is available in both loose and pressed form.
Although I do not own the pressed form I have tried it and I can say that it is a 'hard' powder - meaning that it is pressed rather firmly and that you will not pick up much product with your brush when you swirl over the powder. This makes for very light application, in my option, too light allow the product to do what it claims.

 

THE COLOR RANGE:
There is only one shade since this is a translucent setting powder.

 

APPLICATION:
I purchased this powder with the intention to use it as an under-eye concealer setting powder. I had been setting my under-eye concealer with Ben Nye Banana Powder but I find it does not work well with my chosen concealer (Dermablend, because I have a birthmark under my eye). The Banana Powder would immediately oxidise on application and give me dark circles :( I definitely needed a translucent powder to over come this so I decided to pick the NARS powder up.

NARS light reflecting powder is very silky to the touch. I used a Real Techniques setting brush to apply it. It did not catch on my dry skin. I applied the powder over my Estee Lauder Double Wear which is notoriously matte and it managed to give me a subtle dewy finish.

The biggest strength of this powder is that it SIGNIFICANTLY BLURS PORES :)

 

Another great thing is that it does not leave a white cast. I have tan skin, (Tawny is Estee Lauder DW, NC35 Mac, 6.5 Giorgio Armani) and the powder did not leave a white cast over my foundation like some other powders which claim to be translucent.

 

Here is a pic of the powder over my foundation mentioned above:

 

STAYING POWER:
It is very hard to say what the staying powder of this powder is because this is a translucent powder. What I can say is that my CONCEALER STAYED PUT and my t-zone did not become greasy as the day progressed. I think that on someone with oily skin a touch-up would be required to remain shine-free all day.

THE VERDICT:
This is a great product. The powder is clearly of very high quality and all the claims it makes are true. I will buy this again as I believe it is the best translucent powder on the market at the moment.

MAC Mineralize Foundation SPF 15

 

 

I picked this up from duty free while on transit at DBX. I used to swear by MAC from my late teens to my early 20s but I have come across better cosmetics since then. The only reason I picked this up is because I needed something in a hurry and all my makeup was in my checked-in luggage.


THE FORMULA:

MAC Mineralize Foundation is a crème formula. It is very similar to MAC Studio Tech only more sheer and emollient. It is very moisturizing to the skin, which is great for DRY SKIN but will be problematic for oilier skin types.


THE COLOR RANGE:

MAC is famous for their generous color range so I had no problem matching my medium yellow-based skin. I think this foundation runs a little dark because I was matched to NC30 whereas I used to wear NC35-40 in Studio Tech.

 

 

Below is a swatch comparison with Estee Lauder Double Wear in Tawny and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in shade 6.5

From left to right, MAC, Estee lauder and Giorgio Armani:

Notice that the MAC is grainy in comparison with the other two. This could be because it is a crème foundation but this really bothered me because it affected application by settling into dry patches :(


THE APPLICATION:

I initially applied this with the latex sponge provided but I found that it was absorbing a lot of product. I think the best way to apply this is with your fingers. This foundation will not dry to a powdery finish like Studio Tech. It is very moisturizing and gives a very dewy look even on dry skin. that being said, it would probably exaggerating oily skin.

I feel as though this foundation has a very low pigment content because it is EXTREMELY SHEER. I would compare this to a tinted moisturizer rather than a foundation.

STAYING POWER:

The staying power of this Foundation is VERY POOR. It melts into the skin and disappears within a few hours. It couldn't hold up on my very dry skin so I can imagine that it would fade even faster on oily skin.

NB This product will oxidize and become darker. If you are averse to this I suggest you purchase one shade lighter than your skin tone.

THE VERDICT:

I have heard that MAC DISCONTINUED this product but it is STILL AVALIABLE on the website and in store - at least in Australia. It retails for $59 AUD. I don't remember how many Dirhams I paid for it in Dubai but I assume it is slightly more expensive here, like everything else :-/

Honestly, this is just a tinted moisturizer in crème formula, I will not be purchasing this again.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear became a cult foundation because it is extremely long lasting and non-transfer. It is the definition of a matte foundation and for this reason many people with dry skin dislike it. However, as a person with dry to very dry skin I still love this foundation and I think it all comes down to application technique.

THE FORMULA:
I started using this foundation just this year so I am not familiar with the old formula and therefore cannot compare between the two. I am VERY IMPRESSED with the current formula but I can relate to those reviewers who have complained that the formula is too thick and too fast-drying. I also find it to be rather tacky for some time after application. It also makes by beautyblender sticky so I do find that after applying the initial coat with one beautyblender I have to use a fresh beatyblender to do my blending. Nevertheless it does dry to a powder finish and leaves you with a flawless SOLID MEDIUM to FULL COVERAGE result.

 

THE COLOR RANGE:
There is a very generous color range. Cool, Neutral and Yellow skin tones are all catered for and women of color will have no problem finding the perfect shade, even here in Australia the counter stocks a great selection.

My best match ever in foundation has been STROMBOLI in Nars Sheer Glow so I tried to match it as closely as possible when I was choosing my Double Wear shade.

I find that this foundation does oxidise to at least half a shade darker than its actual color. I originally purchased 3W1 TAWNY but after experiencing oxidization and darkening I went back to the Estee Lauder counter at Myer and purchased 2W2 Rattan. I currently mix the two for my perfect shade or use 2W2 alone with bronzer.

Here is a comparison with Nars Stromboli, from left to right: Tawny, Stromboli, Rattan.

 

As you can see Tawny is more beige than yellow and has a slight redness to it. Meanwhile Stromboli and Rattan have strong yellow undertones.

Here are the three swatched on my hand, from top to bottom: Rattan, Stromboli, Tawny.

The difference is so subtle on my hand but on application it is more obvious.


THE APPLICATION:
I used a beautyblender to apply this foundation because I have dry sensitive skin and cannot buff product onto my face because it will cause flaking and irritation. I applied very well and dried to a beautyful POWDER FINISH. Although this product is marketed at oily skin, I have very DRY SKIN and it work well for me provided I have moisturised well.

NB The thickness and HIGHLY PIGMENTED nature of this foundation caused permanent stains on my beautyblender :(

STAYING POWER:
The longevity of this foundation is SECOND TO NONE. I have very noticeable laughlines which often catch product and leave very noticeable lines however to my delight this foundation did not crease at my laugh lines! I was wearing the TOO FACED Primed and Poreless underneath which I do with all my foundations. I believe the staying power of this particular foundation is superior irrespective of the fact that I had a primer on. Not untill the 6th hour did I notice any shine on my nose.
This foundation did not transfer onto any clothing which came into contact with it! It does not transfer even the slightest hint of product and that is a huge plus for me because I wear a lot of white.


THE VERDICT:
Given this is a high-end foundation the $50 AUD price tag is very reasonable!
I will be buying this product over and over again! It is an excellent foundation for evening or special occasions.

NB Product will oxidize and become darker I suggest you purchase one shade lighter than your skin tone.

DUPE:
If you would prefer a drugstore alternative, Revlon Colorstay is said to be a dupe of this foundation. I have only tried Colorstay on the back of my hand so I cannot confirm or refute this claim.

The consistency did seem relatively similar though. I will purchase and review it in future.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

THE FORMULA:
NARS Sheer Glow is very fluid in texture in comparison to other high-end foundations such as Estee Lauder Double Wear. 'its definitely great for DRY SKIN and with a good setting powder may could be suitable to combination skin. I have very dry skin and find by the 6th hour that I need to blot so I wouldnt recommend this for oily skin. The coverage can be sheered out to very LIGHT but is BUILDABLE to a medium coverage. It does live up to it's name - when applied this foundation gives a beautiful GLOWY effect. It reminds me of the YSL Touche Eclat.

THE COLOR RANGE:
NARS has a very generous shade range. There are plenty of nice warm shades with yellow tones so I had no issues finding a match. The shades are names after famous cities - Santa Fe, Barcelona, Siberia, Tahoe, Syracuse, ect. My shade is STROMBOLI - a warm medium shade with strong yellow undertones, perfect!

For reference I am SHADE 6.5 in Giorgio Armani, NC35-40 in Mac and in between TAWNY and Rattan in Estee Lauder.

 

Here is a swatch of Stromboli

 

And blended out



APPLICATION:
I applied this with a BEAUTYBLENDER. Big mistake. This is the one foundation which I have had bad results with using a beautyblender. The foundation sat on top of my skin and refused to blend. Three hours later it was patchy all over my chin. The second time I used it I buffed it in with a brush and that seemed to give the best results. Because I have dry skin this wasnt the best option for me but the beautyblender was not working out at all. I may try applying this with my fingers next to avoid aggravating my skin.

STAYING POWER:
This foundation had DECENT staying power. It is NOT TRANSFER-RESISTANT though which is really annoying because I got stains on my new cream scarf :(
I might try a setting spray on top next time.
THE VERDICT:
I'll be buying this again because I love the WARMTH and LUMINOSITY it gives my complexion. It was $68 AUD which I think is reasonable given the quality of the product.


(Please Note: I will be reviewing the powder in the first pic at a later date as I havnt had a chance to try it yet.)

Giorgio Armani Luminous silk Foundation

I regularly contribute to many makeup review websites and have decided to start my own blog with my thoughts on various hair and beauty aids/products. This blog will record my various contributions that I have made in one convenient location :) I hope its helpful!

 

I was introduced to this Giogrio Armani foundation by a friend who has skin similar to mine. The foundation retails for $90 in Australia and the finishing powder is $80. I purchased the foundation in 2 shades and the finishing powder in one shade and was gifted a makeup bag with my purchase :)

Here is a little about the foundation and the powder:

THE FORMULA:
Firstly, the foundation is a good pick for DRY SKIN, not recommended for oily skin whatsoever. LIGHT MEDIUM to BUILDABLE coverage. This foundation is runny, but not so runny that it becomes difficult to apply. It is water based so it does not have an emollient like consistecy, however it is good for dry skin. LOOKS BEAUTIFULLY LUMINOUS WHEN FIRST APPLIED. I was going through a period of very dry flakey skin when I purchased this foundation to wear at my sisters wedding. It applied very well without catching onto the dry patches, but I did apply a very rich night cream the day before the wedding to ensure that my makeup does not cling to my dry skin. Overall the formula is GOOD but not faultless.
The powder is a very average sheer setting powder, it does the job but nothing. Period.

THE COLOR RANGE:
Giorgio Armani uses a very odd numbering system (4, 5, 5.75, 6, 6.5, 7 ect) and is very confusing because the numbers do not necessary indicate the darkness of the shades in ascending order. I found shade 5 to be darker than shade 6. There is also no particular order for undertones. For instances, 5 is pink, 6 is yellow, 6.5 is reddish, 7 is pink. It is best to head to the counter and get a professional colormatch.

 

My colormatch was spot on, I am SHADE 6.5 (I also own shade 7) and for reference I wear STROMBOLI in Nars Sheer Glow NC35-40 in Mac Studio Tech and TAWNY in Estee Lauder Double Wear.

 

The powder has very poor color selection and I dont think anyone darker than NC40 will be able to find a match :(

APPLICATION:
I applied this with a BEAUTYBLENDER. Because I have dry skin this was the best option for me. Ideally it should be buffed into the skin with a Kabuki if your skin can tolerate it. I would not recommend applying this with your fingers simply because this will result in a very sheer application.
The powder can be applied with a duo-fiber brush to avoid cake-face :p I find that it accentuates fine lines :(

STAYING POWER:
This foundation is definitely not long wearing. Even though it looks beautiful on, it will start to fade in the T-zone and breakdown after 5 HOURS MAX even with the setting powder.

THE VERDICT:
I will not buy this foundation again mainly due to poor staying power. Same for the powder, it is very average.