foundation Archives - Irish Beauty Blog Beautynook

L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation Review

I feel like such a broken record when it comes to the Infallible Foundations. I generally love most of them. Well, besides the Total Cover and the stick one. But still overall, I am such a fan, and the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation is no exception!

I bought their new More Than Concealer originally. (Review here), and didn’t pick this up, just because I have a bucket of foundations at the minute. However, I got sent it within a PR pack from L’Oréal. After seeing so many positive reviews online about it then, my makeup heart was happy to try it 🙂

So what do they say about the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation?

It’s ‘available in 26 shades. Weightless feel, fresh wear liquid foundation. Transfer proof, life proof, party proof and waterproof. Long wear formula, lasts up to 24 hours. No compromise, full coverage base. Ultra stretchable gel formula.’

A very long winded explanation if you ask me. And in my very humble opinion, not completely true.

I have the shade 15 Porcelain, which is a really decent match for me, and it does come in 26 shades.

The formula for me, is not too fluid and not too thick. In the words of goldilocks, it’s just right 🙂

You can see it properly in action in the super short, Instagram friendly video at the top of this post and here. On me, it has medium coverage. You can see in the video, that I go in with two light-ish layers of foundation and I feel I need that on my red porous skin, to make things a bit smoother and less blotchy.

Here is my skin before application with decent lighting so it looks better than it really does:

I applied one layer:

And then I go in with another one for good measure:

This is it without powder or concealer on top. It gives a nice glow to the skin without looking too shiny. I have oilier skin, so this is definitely a rarity for me. It sets well and gives a decent medium coverage. On me, it’s not full coverage. It doesn’t feel heavy on my skin at all either, so I agree with them there. I’ve never worn it for 24 hours so I can’t attest to that, but I will say it lasts really really well. And if you do need to touch up with powder, it lends itself to that too. It doesn’t move around or become blotchy in my experience of wearing it.

Overall, I am such a fan of the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation. I’ll reach for it day to day and for a night out too. You can find it in Boots now and online. I found it for the best price here. Have you tried it?

xxx

PR SAMPLE

March 22, 2019/by Gem

Makeup

EX1 Cosmetics First Impressions

I am no stranger to the EX1 Cosmetics brand online. I’ve seen it mentioned so much over the past few years. It’s been available for us to buy here in Ireland the last while, but only online, so I never pulled the trigger.

However, Boots are now stocking EX1 Cosmetics officially now. I was perusing the makeup aisles in Boots in Liffey Valley. Nestled within the more well known brands, there it was. Small, but mighty 🙂

They only seem to have four products for us to choose from here. I think they only have five products to choose from in total though, so we’re not missing out too much. They have a compact powder as well, but that wasn’t on the stand in Boots.

I was ridiculously eager to try the products I got, people have such high praise for the brand. Prices range from around €13-€17, so it’s definitely a brand that’s more on the affordable side. I know a lot of makeup artists love the foundation, so that makes it even more endearing. I filmed this video the day after I picked the products up, just because I couldn’t wait. This is not a review, it’s a first impressions video, just showing you how the three products apply and chatting about if I like them first time around. This is my skin before application, plus a ridiculous screenshot because it made me laugh ha!

Then this is my skin after applying all three of the EX1 Cosmetics base products. I used the lightest shade 1.0 in all the products. The shade range doesn’t seem to be brilliant.

They definitely evened everything out and made a blank canvas for me to apply over. Of course I go into more details in the video, but first impressions of all three products are good. I’ll give a more in depth insight once I try them more. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date.

xxx

December 21, 2018/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Makeup

Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation

I’ve already reviewed the concealer, so it only made sense for me to get my makeup loving mitts on the Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. If I can’t blame blogging on my need to buy makeup, what can I blame it on? 🙂 What are my thoughts on the Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation? Actually really similar to the concealer, I like it!

It comes in 24 shades as well as different undertones which is awesome. I have the shade F4.

It looks like a giant version of the concealer, only it comes in a glass bottle, which is always nice, and unusual for ‘drugstore’ brand. Something to note, the bottle only contains 23ml of product. Foundation usually comes in a standard 30ml quantity. It’s an affordable product though, so I won’t mark it down for that. It comes with a doe foot applicator on the lid (very Clinique-like). Not something I am particularly a fan of, I prefer a pump, but that’s completely personal preference.

I think the Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation does exactly what it says on the tin. They describe it as a ‘buildable, blend-able full coverage foundation’, and I have to agree. It has a fairly thin consistency, considering it does pack a punch in the coverage department.

It means you can go in hard with it if you like a really really flawless base, or blend out a thin layer if you prefer a more medium coverage finish. For me, it blends out well with a sponge or a brush. It does dry down quickly in my opinion though so it’s best to work pretty fast with it.

Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation Review

It definitely has a more matte finish and I find the longevity really decent, especially on my oilier skin. It might also be good to note that it’s oil and paraben free.

Overall I am a fan of the Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation. I will reach for it in my usual rotation, which is always a good sign for me. When I test base products, sometimes I have to force myself to use them when I know I’ll be out and about for a long period of time. I trust this though. I can put one layer on during the day, or a couple if I’m going out in the evening. It works for both and I’m not afraid of it sliding off of my face after a couple of hours. It’s cheap too coming in at around the 11-12 euro mark here in Ireland. depending on where you buy it. I’m a fan 🙂

xxx

November 24, 2018/1 Comment/by Gem

Makeup

It Cosmetics CC Cream Oil Free Matte

Oh I jumped on the It Cosmetics bandwagon, I jumped on it hard 🙂 I just couldn’t bloody resist it. Good coverage and really high SPF! So many people had such awesome things to say about it, and the brand is in Arnotts now. It was a no brainer really.

I bided my time a little until the Oil Free Matte version came to our shores. I am generally oily, particularly in my t-zone. The older I get, the more dehydrated some of my skin is getting, but I still get a super oily nose, so I like oil free products.

So what is the Oil Free It Cosmetics CC Cream you may ask? Well I’ll let the brand do the specific explaining and then I’ll throw my two cents into the equation:

‘Created to improve the look of skin texture, this complexion-perfecting breakthrough provides long-wear coverage and camouflages skin imperfections including dark spots and discolouration without creasing or cracking. It’s also infused with charcoal, tea tree extract, colloidal clay and Moroccan lava clay—plus, oil-absorbing, minimising technology and an advanced anti-aging serum. You’ll see powerful results instantly and more dramatic results over time. Finally, a full-coverage CC cream that airbrushes the look of your pores while providing natural-looking matte complexion perfection that lasts!’

The other versions of the It Cosmetics CC Cream have broad spectrum SPF 50+. The oil free version is SPF 40+ which is still amazing! I love the packaging. It’s a tube with a pump, so you can squeeze every fairly expensive drop out of it.

It Cosmetics do recommend you apply this with a brush. And that’s what I was doing, like I would with a foundation for the first couple of weeks. I liked it at this point, the coverage and pigment was great and the longevity fairly decent, especially for something that has such high protection. However I did find, it clung to dry patches as it is matte, and it was hard to blend into my giant pores. I have the shade Fair Light.

Then, I brought it on holiday with me, and started wearing it as my SPF. One of the days I was just wanting to slap some on and used my fingers to blend it in. This was a bit of a revelation for me. It blended so much easier into my skin, it was easier to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Which makes complete sense I guess, since it is a CC Cream. It just performs like a really decent foundation.

Here it is in action on my skin in video form:

The coverage and staying power of this stuff is pretty overwhelming considering it’s good for your skin to boot. I need to get a sample of the original formula asap to see how that performs on my skin! I do get a bit of shine on my t-zone after a few hours, but I’ve yet to find anything to combat that. And a bit of blotting makes it disappear. The rest of my skin lasts really well though and I’ve found myself using less powder with this and can even skip setting spray if I fancy. Just be wary it is matte and it can cling to dryness. Once you aware of that, it does exactly what it says on the tin!

The It Cosmetics CC Cream Oil Free Matte is available now from Arnotts. It will set you back €39.

Have you tried it yet?

xxx

October 12, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Am I right in saying the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation has had a bit of a moment since it’s release? Some may say blogging is dead, but I 100% wanted to try this foundation because of all the hype online.

Now I will say I have seen some not so great things said about it. But sure balance is key in this industry and not everything can work for everyone (generally). We’re all different, looking for different things and different results. It’s one thing I love about this beauty world.

I picked up the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation when ASOS were having a 20% off everything sale. I had gone in to buy it a couple of times in Brown Thomas, but they never have my shade. It’s also important to note too, Nars counters never give out samples, which I think is a load of baloney! But sure didn’t I buy it anyways 🙂

So what do Nars say about this foundation? They say it has:

‘Liquid texture.
Luminous finish.
Fade resistant for up to 16 hours.
Available in 33 shades’.

I colour matched myself to the shade ‘Mont Blanc’. And it’s a pretty perfect match.

My thoughts on the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation are kind of contradictory if I’m being completely honest. I love the packaging, it’s very sleek. I love the formula. In my humble opinion it’s has really good coverage, but not oh shit, I’ve just put plaster all over my face, good coverage. Although you can definitely build it up.

I wouldn’t call it ‘luminous’, although it’s not flat on the skin. There’s definitely a bit of a satin sheen to it. It blends like an absolute dream. And when I first apply it, I could probably say it’s one of my favourite foundations ever. The term ‘weightless’, I can 100% get on board with though! However, there is a ginormous but! Saying it’s a fade resistant for 16 hours foundation in my very humble opinion is just plain madness. I did google other opinions on it because obviously I would have more oilier skin, and people with combination and even drier skin types were of the same opinion. It just doesn’t last. On me, it starts to break down after probably the second hour. Considering I use two primers, powder and setting spray, its just not cool! Where I’m more combo, it lasts a little better. But still, at the end of a day wearing the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, I look super greasy.

Here it is in action in video form:

I want to love this foundation with all of my heart. Dramatic much Gemma? I love the finish, the application and the coverage. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t last the test of time for me, even with all the makeup accoutrements 🙁 In all honesty I probably went for the wrong Nars Foundation. I should have went for the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. Lesson learned!

Have you tried it yet? I would love to know your thoughts on it.

xxx

September 14, 2018/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Makeup

Catrice Lip Foundation Lip Liners

There is five shades of these Catrice Lip Foundation Lip Liners. I managed to find four of them to try. I initially bought two while we were staycation-ing in Kilkenny. Enjoyed the concept, so wanted to grab more shades when I was back in Dublin to do a post on them.

I believe these were part of their Spring/ Summer collection from last year, I hadn’t seen them until now though. I ran out my brow pencil while we were away and needed to pick up. So I just went to the local chemist and they happened to have a Catrice stand. I got one of their micro brow pencils, and then kept perusing. That’s when I came across these little beauties.

The concept of the Catrice Lip Foundation lip liners is that they’re a base colour for your lips. So you can use them to prime for lipstick, contour, or as an all over colour.

I really just like them because of the shades available and the fact that their super creamy and pigmented.

They’re my kinda nude lip colours and within the four that I have, I think there’s a matte nude shade for pretty much for everyone. That alone, made me think they deserved their own blogpost 🙂

As always, I’ll give them an oul swatch and you can make up your mind.

First up is ‘Addicted To Cafè Au Lait’ a lighter pinky nude:

‘Caramel Blonde To Go’ is light pink shade:

‘I Take You To The Chocolate Shop’ is a medium brown nude.

And the final one I have is ‘Cool Brown’, which I think ironically is a warmer toned brown 🙂 :

The shade I am missing just because the chemists I went to didn’t have it is ‘Can’t You Hear That Super Base’. This one seems to be the lightest shade in the collection.

And that’s it! Just to mention, they are super soft pencils, which is great. But it does mean you’ll get through them pretty fast. Thought that was something to note.

The Catrice Lip Foundation lip pencils are available in all good stockists now in store and online. Inish Pharmacy have all five shades online here. And they only cost €2.80 a piece which I think is really decent.

xxx

July 25, 2018/by Gem

Posts

I feel like such a broken record when it comes to the Infallible Foundations. I generally love most of them. Well, besides the Total Cover and the stick one. But still overall, I am such a fan, and the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation is no exception!

It’s ‘available in 26 shades. Weightless feel, fresh wear liquid foundation. Transfer proof, life proof, party proof and waterproof. Long wear formula, lasts up to 24 hours. No compromise, full coverage base. Ultra stretchable gel formula.’

Overall, I am such a fan of the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation. I’ll reach for it day to day and for a night out too. You can find it in Boots now and online. I found it for the best price here. Have you tried it?

xxx

**************PR SAMPLE**************

They definitely evened everything out and made a blank canvas for me to apply over. Of course I go into more details in the video, but first impressions of all three products are good. I’ll give a more in depth insight once I try them more. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date.

xxx

I’ve already reviewed the concealer, so it only made sense for me to get my makeup loving mitts on the Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation.

xxx

The It Cosmetics CC Cream Oil Free Matte is available now from Arnotts. It will set you back €39.

Have you tried it yet?

xxx

So what do Nars say about this foundation? They say it has:

‘Liquid texture. Luminous finish. Fade resistant for up to 16 hours. Available in 33 shades’.

Have you tried it yet? I would love to know your thoughts on it.

xxx

The Catrice Lip Foundation lip pencils are available in all good stockists now in store and online. Inish Pharmacy have all five shades online here. And they only cost €2.80 a piece which I think is really decent.

xxx

PR SAMPLE

‘Liquid texture.
Luminous finish.
Fade resistant for up to 16 hours.
Available in 33 shades’.