Favourite Foundations

My Favourite Foundations

L-R Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Bourjous Healthy Mix, Illamasqua Skinbase

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - B50 £32 here

Coverage: Light/Medium

Finish: Dewy

Buildability: Very Buildable

I used to have oily skin, I was a huge fan of Chanel Matte Lumiere (discontinued) however since I had my daughter my skin type has really changed a lot. I would class it as combination however the majority of the time my skin leans more towards the dry end of the scale. So when Matte Lumiere was discontinued rather than purchase Perfection Lumiere, which was the new foundation released a hybrid of the discontinued Matte and Pro Lumiere I decided to try a lighter, water based more dewy foundation and I purchased Vitalumiere Aqua. 

My first application I used my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, it applied ok, I wasn't wowed and it still showed on my skin.The main reason for be buying this was how natural it was said to look, undetectable on the skin therefore I was pretty disappointed.

For my next application I used my beauty blender sponge and it applied patchy, maybe because of the damp sponge and a water based foundation combination. At this point I was really disappointed, it's not the cheapest of foundations and I've always really enjoyed Chanel foundations. 

Refusing to be defeated the next time I used Vitalumiere Aqua I went back to basics and applied it with my fingers, it was beautiful! I've continued to apply it this way since. The heat of your hands warms up the foundation and really allows it to work into your skin. This then gives the illusion of no makeup, just lovely, dewy skin.

I would recommend this to anybody with dry skin wanting a healthy glow.

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix - £9.99 here

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural

Buildability: Buildable

Firstly notice I haven't put my shade above, this is because I can't remember my shade as it's so long since I had it.

 I was under the impression that Bourjous had discontinued their darker shades as I have three Boots stores close to me, one being a megastore and every time I've been to repurchase Healthy Mix the darkest shade they have 54 is too light for me however as I love it I have been buying it anyway and adding a bit of my Illamasqua Skin Base in SB12 to match my skin. 

While looking for a link to add here I saw Superdrug offer an additional four darker shades online. 

Healthy Mix is my most repurchased foundation ever!

 I never wore foundation before I was pregnant,  I just never felt the need to. I still have pretty good skin, breakouts are very rare. I had a bad time when I was around 11/12yrs however once that cleared up and luckily left no scars I haven't had a problem since. Anyway, when I was pregnant I developed the 'pregnancy mask' (can't remember the actual medical term) and had crazy pigmentation on my face. I went straight out to buy a foundation to even out my skin and Healthy Mix was the one I chose. It was the delicious, fruity scent that swayed my decision as being pregnant and craving fruit I actually wanted to eat it! Luckily though I loved the foundation, smooth application, medium coverage which covered my pigmentation and a nice natural finish. 

Three years on I still reach for this most days over my high end foundations. 

Healthy Mix has been likened to the discontinued Chanel Pro Lumiere. Having never used Pro Lumiere I can't comment on that

I would recommend this foundation to anybody. 

3. Illamasqua Skin Base -SB12 £27 here

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural/Skin

Buildability: Buildable

The main reason for me buying this foundation was the tag line 'ultimate skin realism'. That's the look I prefer, I want my skin to look like skin. 

Does it live up to its claims? It certainly does! I like to buff this into my skin with my Real Techniques Expert Face brush and it is practically undetectable yet still covers any redness and imperfections. 

The shade range is fantastic too stretching from pure white to darkest ebony, a shade for everybody. 

The only problem I have is with the packaging, the tube becomes harder and harder to squeeze the right amount out the more you use it and I anticipate that near the end I will need to cut the packaging open or lose a lot of product. 

Again I would recommend this foundation to anybody. 

Have you tried these foundations? How did you get on with them?

What's your favourite foundation? 

Any recommendations you think I should try?

Please comment below.

Disclaimer: All links provided are for your convenience, I am not affiliated with any of these brands.

My Favourite Blushers

This was so hard to choose just 5. One of my favourite blushers I actually use to contour so I left it out and will do a 'My Favourite Contour Shades' post at some point this week.

L-R Vivo Baked Blush - Rouge Shimmer, 

Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush - Berry Light,

NARS - Mata Hari, NARS - Desire, MAC - Desert Rose.

Clockwise Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush - Berry Light, Vivo Baked Blush - Rouge Shimmer, NARS - Mata Hari,  

MAC - Desert Rose, NARS - Desire.

L-R MAC - Desert Rose,

Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush - Berry Light, 

Vivo Baked Blush - Rouge Shimmer, NARS - Mata Hari,  

NARS - Desire. 

1. MAC -Desert Rose £17.50 here

If you've read my Favourite Nude Lipsticks Post you will not be surprised to learn that as well as my dusky pink lipstick obsession I'm also a huge fan of dusky pink blushers. 

They're just so easy to wear! A nice natural flush.

Desert Rose is a matte formulation which I also favour, I like my blusher to be matte then strategically add my highlighter.

Desert Rose is highly pigmented, finely milled, very blendable and on me, lasts all day.

2. Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush - Berry Light

Firstly let me apologise for the state this blush is in. My daughter (Lyla 2yrs) has a fascination with mummys makeup and is slowly but surely ruining it all! I can't repurchase this blush as it is no longer for sale, I'm not sure if it was limited edition or has been discontinued, either way I'm gutted especially as my little angel gouged so much of it out! Luckily a little goes a long way.

This is a creme to powder blush, I've found the best way to apply it is with fingers or a beauty blender. Its like the creme version of the former blush (yet another dusky pink product), its very natural, easy to wear and long lasting. 

3. Vivo Baked Blush - Rouge Shimmer £4 here

Vivo was doing the rounds on beauty blogs over the summer, I had a look for their stand in Tescos while I was doing my shopping but my local store doesn't stock their products. I wasn't too bothered if im honest, I do like trying out new brands especially when I've heard rave reviews and their prices are very competitive but nothing caught my eye. Shortly after Christmas I got a marketing email from Vivo, they had an offer on which I can't remember but it was pretty good as when I started shopping on their site my shopping basket didn't seem to be going up in price no matter what I put in it. Anyway I picked up a good few baked blushers amongst other things ( haul when I get chance).

When I swatched this blush I could not wait to get it on my cheeks! As I said earlier I much prefer matte blushers but this is a shimmering blush and I love the sheen it gives. 

Its a beautiful true coral which really compliments my olive skintone. I use it as a blush and highlight, it applies sheer at first but colour builds really nicely, therefore I build the colour on my cheeks and use it sheerly down the bridge of my nose, cupids bow and tearduct area. Using a separate highlighter would be total glitter ball face. I already know I'm going to get so much wear out of this come summer, its the perfect summery blush.

4. NARS - Mata Hari £21.50 here

Mata Hari is not a million miles away from my beloved dusky pink but leans slightly more cool toned. It has a matte finish and is very natural on the cheeks. In my opinion Mata Hari is such a versatile shade it would look gorgeous and natural on everybody. 

As with NARS blushers in general Mata Hari is packed with pigment and therefore I can see it lasting me pretty much forever as you only need a light hand to apply.

You may already be aware but if not I'm giving away this blush to one lucky follower here.

5. NARS - Desire £21.50 here

I have no idea what made me buy this blush but I'm glad I did. It's really different than what I usually go for and so bright! 

Desire is a blue based bright bubblegum pink, sounds really scary but you can build it up or sheer it out as much as you want. 

As I said earlier NARS blushers are highly pigmented and this is no exception. It has a matte finish which as I've said already is what I prefer my blushers to have.

I tend to reach for Desire when I'm looking particularly pale and need a complexion pick me up or for a night out.

What are your favourite blushers? Do you own any of these?

Disclaimer: All links are provided for your convenience, I am not affiliated with any of these companies. 

Favourite Lipsticks Part Four - The Ones That Didn't Fit In

L-R : Revlon Lip Butter - Candy Apple, 

YSL Glossy Stain - 13 Rose Tempera, 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Wild Orchid.

(Swatched in same order as above)

1. Revlon Lip Butter - Candy Apple £7.99 here

With this being a 'lip butter' it didn't really fit in with my Favourite Red Lipsticks Post but it has been my most worn lip product for the passed 5 months! I'm not going to ramble on about the formulation,  packaging etc everything that could be said has been said several times over. 

I love how easy this is to wear and apply (no mirror needed), it's been in my coat pocket since around September as its perfect for a pop of colour on the go. Its a gorgeous sheer red orange and builds really nicely. I wouldn't be without it.

2. YSL Glossy Stain - 13 Rose Tempera £23.50 here

I felt this didn't fit in with my Favourite Pink Lipsticks Post with it being a lipstick/gloss/stain hybrid but I couldn't leave it out. Its definitely one of my most used lip products. 

Again the formulation and packaging has been yapped on about over and over so I won't get into that except to say I love it!

Rose Tempera is a yellow based pink which would suit most skintones, it really brightens up my complexion. 

The only negative I can say about this shade is that it does give your teeth a slight yellow tinge as do most yellow based lipsticks however if your teeth are well looked after I wouldn't worry.

3. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Wild Orchid £7.49 here

This didn't fit in with any of my favourite lipsticks posts. 

Wild Orchid a dupe for MAC Show Orchid is a very purple fuchsia with strong blue undertones which unlike the former really makes your smile sparkling white.

This isn't a most reached for lippie but I really do love it. I prefer to wear Wild Orchid on a night out or in the summer as it really packs a punch and can be quite in your face.

Wild Orchid is nice and creamy on application and goes on really nicely, it's opaque with one swipe, wears well and has a lovely sheen.

What are your favourite lipsticks? Do you own any of these? 

Please link below if you've done a favourite lipsticks post, id love to have a read.

Disclaimer: All links provided are for your convenience,  I am not affiliated with and of the companies stated.

My NARS Giveaway is still running,  you can enter here.

Favourite Lipsticks Part Three - Reds

L-R MAC - Russian Red, Lasting Finish by Kate - 107, 
Lasting Finish by Kate - 01, 

Revlon - 028 Cherry Blossom, OCC Lip Tar - Stalker

(Same Order in Swatches Below)

1. MAC - Russian Red - Matte £14 here

My swatch is pretty deceiving,  Russian Red is a blue toned red and shows up this way on my lips but in the swatch looks more yellow toned which I put down to my skintone. 

This is my most worn red, its very classic and easy to wear. A slick of black winged liner paired with this, glamour in minutes! 

Although this is a matte it is extremely easy to apply, it feels creamy as it goes on then dries completely matte.

The lasting power is phenomenal! It doesn't wear off at all just fades slightly throughout the day, therefore it requires very little upkeep and you don't have to worry if its on your teeth, it stays put!

2. Lasting Finish by Kate - 107 £5.49 here

The fact I have four 'Kate' lipsticks in three posts speaks volumes for the formulation. I love them! 

I'm not going to bore you talking about the formulation and finish, I have twice already. As you can see this is the darkest,  most blue toned of the five. I would say its more of a 'vampy' red a great alternative for those not keen on rocking black reds or dark plums.

The perfect wintery red!

3. Lasting Finish by Kate - 01 £5.49 here

The first 'Kate' lipstick I bought when they first came out, was it 2011 or early 2012? I can't quite remember. Anyway as I said above I won't bore you talking about the formulation and finish,  I'll just tell you a little bit about why I love this shade.

I would class this as your true red, it doesn't lean either way and therefore will look great on most. I find myself reaching for this shade more in the daytime, that's just personal preference. I prefer a darker blue toned red in the evening. 

4. Revlon - Cherry Blossom £7.49 here

This is a very pink red which I like for daytime.

The formula is very creamy and stays in place. This is my 'stick it in your bag' shade. It requires very little upkeep and I don't bother with a liner, it doesn't need it. It's just a nice all rounder to have to hand when you want a bit of colour. You can't go wrong with this.

5. OCC Lip Tar - Stalker £9.95 here

Wow! Just look at that pigmentation! What can I say about lip tars? Its all been said already. A tiny pin prick of this applied with a lip brush is enough to cover your lips and show off the vibrant colour. This does need a lip brush I wouldn't even attempt to apply it without. Which can be a pain if you want to take it out with you but there are so many retractable lip brushes around now that's easily solved. This will stain your lips which is great for an all day lip colour but be warned it can smear so watch your hands by your mouth as it will also stain anywhere else it gets. Best to keep a good coverage concealer with you just in case. Take this from somebody who was walking round town with it on her chin, so embarrassing! 

Do you have any of these lipsticks? How do you find them? Again if you have done a favourite lippies post please link it below so I can have a read. I love this type of post, what better recommendations can you get than somebodys favourites? 

Disclaimer: Links provided are for your convenience, I am not affiliated with any companies named.

Favourite Lipsticks Part Two - Pinks

L-R Lime Crime - Centrifuchsia, MAC - Impassioned, Rimmel Moisture Renew - Oxford Street Fuchsia, Revlon - 002 Pink Pout, Lasting Finish by Kate Moss (for Rimmel) - 101

(Order is the same in picture below also)

1. Lime Crime - Centrifuchsia £11.50 here

Firstly I have to mention the packaging, I love pink, I love unicorns,  I love holographic sparkles but oh my word! This is hideous! 

Packaging aside this is absolutely beautiful. Its a bright,  blue toned (makes your teeth look whiter) pink and very richly pigmented, so much so I've actually found this to stain my lips. Some mightn't like this but I love the just bitten/berry stained hue it leaves behind.

As it is so highly pigmented I recommend you use a matching lip liner and and a lip brush to apply. The actual product is very creamy therefore application is a breeze.

2. MAC - Impassioned £14 here

This swatch is showing this up to look more red as it has a lot less blue than the lipsticks swatched either side. Impassioned is a yellow toned, bright pink. It is very complimentary to my yellow toned complexion, it is really brightening and brings any look to life.

Impassioned is an Amplified finish, another of my favourites. As the name suggests Amplifieds really pack a punch!

I love to wear this with a very natural makeup look, as it's so bright I feel this is the best way, neutral eyes, cheeks and a statement lip.

3. Rimmel Moisture Renew - Oxford Street Fuchsia £6.29 here

Hmmm the name of this lipstick is very misleading, this is not a fuchsia. I would describe it as more of a light bubblegum pink. Which sounds scary but it is very wearable. 

As I've said before I love the light, moisturising, vitamin packed formulation. It's not long wearing but that doesn't bother me, each application is more nourishment for my lips.

4. Revlon - 002 Pink Pout £7.49 here

Probably my most worn pink lipstick. It's one step up from a nude, slightly more pink than my usual everyday dusky pink nudes and lighter in colour, I would liken it to MAC Snob. Which I can't seem to find anywhere or it would be in my favourites. It's probably in one of my 8 billion handbags (slight exaggeration). Ive googled away to find a comparison which wasn't very hard is a post by Makeup and Macaroons which clearly shows how similar they are. Pink Pout is slightly warmer in tone and also more matte, if my memory serves me right Snob is a Satin finish.

Although it is a matte finish it is comfortable to wear and not at all drying yet still remains to be long wearing.

5. Lasting Finish by Kate Moss (for Rimmel) - 101 £5.49 here

Another shade I wear a lot. This is similar to the former although it is slightly darker and warmer. Another slightly more pink to be a nude shade but just as easy to wear.

As ive said before these are described as matte finish but there is a sheen to them. Nothing frosty but not flat matte.

It's comfortable to wear, goes on nicely and has a considerable amount of staying power to boot.

As I said on my nude lipsticks post I enjoy reading this type of post, if you have one please link it below. I would also love to hear any recommendations you think I should try.

Disclaimer: All links provided for your convenience, I am not affiliated with any of the companies. 

My Favourite Lipsticks Part One - Nudes

First of all let me apologise for the photo quality, the snow has melted and it has been so dull. I've been everywhere in the house and out in the garden but the lighting has been abysmal everywhere. I will therefore take better photos when the lighting improves and edit this post.

L-R Kate Moss Lasting Finish - No19, Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick - Starlight, MAC - Shy Girl, Rimmel Moisture Renew - 720 Notting Hill Nude, Loreal Colour Riche - 102 Beige Praline.
(Photo Below in Same Order)

1. Kate Moss Lasting Finish - No19 £5.49 here

Where to begin? I LOVE this lipstick. The Formula is beautiful, so creamy, glides on and is richly pigmented. I can't quite explain the finish, I believe Rimmel describe these as matte I find it's sort of semi matte with a sheen and more comfortable to wear than a matte.

This is my most reached for nude at the moment. I prefer nudes that are more dusty rose, my lips but better shades and this is exactly that! It is slightly darker than my natural lip.

I have seen this called a dupe for Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle. I don't have the Chanel lipstick regrettably so I can't swatch however; I've had a good old Google and you can see the comparisons here on Flutura Whispers blog.

2. Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick - Starlight

Before I got the lipstick above this was my favourite nude, however I prefer the finish of the former lipstick. I have had this lipstick for a good while, since before my daughter was born so at least 3yrs. I think this is the oldest lipstick in my collection, it is probably past its use by date but I can't bring myself to chuck it especially as it's now been discontinued. Just my luck!

I would also describe this as semi matte however it doesn't have the sheen of the former. It is pretty much a match for my lip colour so it perfects the lip and looks really natural. 

This has the best staying power out of the five, it is extremely long lasting hence why a well used lipstick has lasted so long.

3. MAC - Shy Girl £14 here

Clearly the lightest nude in my favourites, totally different than the others. Shy Girl is more of a peach nude. 

I prefer to wear this during the summer when my skin is darker, as I have strong yellow undertones in my skin it can intensify them making me look like Marge Simpson. I do wear this during the winter but I will apply a dusty rose colour (predictably) over the top.

Its a Cremesheen finish which is my favourite of the MAC finishes. It's creamy, glossy and hydrating. Not very long wearing but most lipsticks do tend to wear off on me rather quickly,  maybe its because I never shut up!

4. Rimmel Moisture Renew - 720 Notting Hill Nude £6.29 here.

Yet another dusky pink nude although this is slightly lighter than the others. It still looks natural (obviously its a 'nude') but a little more 'done up!'. I like to team it with a Smokey Eye.

This formula is gorgeous as the name would suggest it is very moisturising and feels great on the lips.

It's not particularly long lasting but what moisturising lipsticks are? These are infused with vitamins A, C and E. It also has spf20. Who cares if you need to reapply you're conditioning your lips each time.

5. Loreal Colour Riche - 102 Beige Praline £6.19 here

This is the most brown toned nude in my collection, this is because they don't suit me particularly well. So why is this in my favourites? Because it has a frost finish (which I also don't like), it is packed with gold shimmer. I think that's why I can't get it to photograph particularly well. In the above swatch it shows a lot more yellow toned which I put down to the gold shimmer. Back to why I love it, it looks amazing with a tan! Natural or out of a bottle. I love a glowing, bronzed complexion. 

A look I like to wear a lot is light base, cream bronzer on all the high points of my face and through the eye sockets, golden highlighter, mascara and a slick of this on my lips. It really ties the look together. It gives the appearance and glow of somebody who's just returned from a fortnight in Tahiti!

This lipstick also contains omega oils so is also very nourishing, comfortable to wear but not particularly long lasting. 

I love this type of post, if you've done a post on this please link it in the comments, if not you can always just tell me your favourites below.

Disclaimer: Links provided are for your convenience, I am not affiliated with any of these companies.