Foundation update and a few drugstore goodies.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had bought Neutrogena's Healthy Skin foundation (click here to see my post on this foundation).  I tried the foundation for a few weeks and I must admit I'm very mixed on how I feel about it.  It's lightweight, safe for sensitive skin and blends fairly easily.  The drawbacks I found were that it was almost too lightweight, had minimal coverage and poor staying power.  I really liked the application but at the end of the day I noticed most had been rubbed away.

Revlon's Colorstay Foundation (Normal/Dry) in Natural Beige

After dealing with Neutrogena's disappearing coverage, I decided to find a foundation that was short on price but long on wear.  Colorstay by Revlon has been noted in the past to be a good choice for those who are looking for all day wear.

First I would like to mention that Revlon's color selection is much better than Neutrogena's.  I was able to find a shade that matched me and Revlon offers their Colorstay foundations for Normal/Dry and Oily skin types.  I know it's not completely fair to compare Neutrogena's Healthy Skin to Colorstay since Neutrogena doesn't claim to be a long wearing option but I must say that Revlon's Colorstay performed well.  I noticed my makeup didn't fade or rub off.  I also noticed my skin was less "greasy" and the coverage was much better.  The one drawback to Colorstay is that it seems to be absorbed very quickly into my skin so I use more foundation than I would normally.  I also feel that Revlon's Colorstay is harder to blend than Neutrogena.  You can find Colorstay at your local drugstore for around $8.00

Of course when I picked up the foundation I just HAD to pick up a few more goodies.  I had been eyeing Milani's baked blushes for quite some time.  I love Milani's regular blush line so I knew the baked blush collection would be a good fit.  Currently at my local CVS Milani only offers 3 different shades.  I decided to pick up Rose D'Oro which is a beautiful berry/coral color with gold veining throughout.  When swatched the blush appears more pink/coral with gold shimmer.  Many people compare Rose D'Oro with the rare and much lusted after Stereo Rose by MAC.  I plan to do a comparisson between the two for my next blog entry.

Close-up of Rose D'Oro

Rose D'Oro swatched with a flash.

Picture taken without a flash.

I find that all the Milani blushes I own are smooth, pigmented and affordable.  You can find Milani at CVS, Kmart and Target.  Rose D'Oro was purchased for around $6.50. 

Aside from enjoying Milani's blushes, I also LOVE their 3D Glamour Glitzy gloss line.  I now own almost all of the shades and I love each one.  The most recent color I purchased was In Vogue which is a gorgeous, bright magenta with pink sparkle.  The glitter is not gritty on the lips when worn.  3D Glitzy Glamour gloss has been compared to MAC's Dazzleglass but personally I think Milani is better (and cheaper!).  MAC's Dazzleglass is notoriously sticky.  I'm not going to say that Milani's Glitzy gloss is 100% better but it is less sticky.  The one drawback for Milani is staying power.  MAC Dazzleglass does last longer when worn.

Close-up of In Vogue-notice the glitter.

Swatch with no flash to show true color and pigmentation.

Milani's In Vogue worn on my lips alone.

  If you want a gloss that is packed with sparkle and doesn't break the bank, consider Milani's 3D Glitzy gloss which can be found for around $7.00 versus MAC's Dazzleglass which is priced at $18.50.

I've been on a nail polish kick for a while now and two more bottles surely don't help my addiction any!  Revlon makes great nail polish for cheap and I took advantage of the buy one get one 1/2 off deal recently.  I picked up Coconut Crush and Gold Coin.  Coconut Crush is a pearly white shade with super-fine shimmer.  When dried it resembles mother of pearl and is scented.  Currently it's on my toes and I really like the way it compliments almost any outfit.  Gold Coin is a gold polish with fine shimmer.  I was hoping this polish would be a winner but with it's slow drying time compared to other Revlon polishes I own, I find this one to be a dud. 

Lastly I want to highlight a recent mascara purchase that I am pretty excited about.  I really enjoy Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara.  It's volumizing, doesn't smudge, has a great wand and makes my itty bitty lashes look great.  What I don't like is the huge price tag.  I think I've solved my problem (somewhat).

Prestige makes a mascara called My Blackest Lashes.  I found my tube at Ulta for around $6.00.  In my opinion My Blackest Lashes is a close dupe to Lancome's Hypnose Drama.  It's super black, volumizing, has a great wand and makes my lashes look amazing.  There is almost a $20 price difference and I was happy to discover this mascara.  The only drawback was that at the end of the day I noticed some slight smudging under my eyes.  I've used this mascara for almost two weeks and the smudging does not occur every day.  I'm even beginning to wonder if the smudging is heat related considering the 100 plus degree weather lately!  I cannot say that My Blackest Lashes is completely smudge proof like Lancome or Covergirl's Lash Blast but it's benefits outweigh any negatives at this point.  If you want your lashes to appear longer and thicker, consider Prestige's My Blackest Lashes.

Fresh picks for cheeks and lips!

L-R- Hard Candy Fox in a Box blush duo, Cargo Beach Blush, Essence XXXL Shine lipgloss, NYX Blush, Revlon Colorburst lipgloss and CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipstick.

I don't know what it is about blush and lip gloss lately!  I'm always finding myself picking up a new blush and gloss when I don't need one.  I LOVE blush...I'm always looking for that perfect shade that highlights my cheekbones and gives my face good color.  Gloss is the same way.  I want a gloss that makes my thin lips fuller and comes in a shade that goes with everything!  That's not too tall of an order, right?!

Covergirl Lip Perfection lipstick in Feline (see swatch below)

This past weekend I picked up a few blushes, some tubes of gloss and a new lipstick.  I was standing in Target and met a nice woman who was in search of a new foundation brush.  I recommended a great Sonia Kashuk one (flat blusher brush) and she recommended to me a new CoverGirl lipstick which I had to pick up of course!  Makeup lovers unite!  Because of her suggestion, I picked up CoverGirl's Lip Perfection lipstick in Feline for around $6.  It states it helps smooth and improve the overall appearance of lips.  Anything for better lips I say!  I really like this lipstick.  It does go on smooth and the color payoff is great.  It seems to last longer than my other drugstore lipsticks too.  I received many compliments over the weekend while wearing this shade and I will probably pick up a few more.

Cargo's Beach Blush in Miami

I also stopped by Ulta and got a few items.  I've heard a lot about Cargo blushes and I almost picked up a set from Cargo that included an AWESOME blush but I backed down at the last minute.  I picked up Cargo's Beach Blush in Miami instead.  It is like a blush and bronzer in one.  It goes on incredibly smooth, is not too bright but it gives my cheeks a soft glow.  It does have some shimmer, however it is not too chunky nor glittery.  I really am excited about this product and I hope to pick up some more Cargo bronzers and blushes in the future.  You can find it at Ulta for $28. 

NYX blush in Terra Cotta

I also couldn't resist picking up another blush by NYX.  I chose Terra Cotta which is a warm, bronze-toned blush which will make a great contour shade that will be perfect for summer.  This shade is more shimmery than the Cargo blush and is more bronze.  I find that NYX blushes give a lot of bang for your buck and go on smooth.  You can find this blush at Ulta for $6.

Hard Candy's Fox in a Box Bronzing Duo in Skinny Dipping

Hard Candy is always a great brand to get a lot of color payoff for very little money.  You can find Hard Candy at your local Walmart.  In the past I've recommended their Sheer Envy primer (see review here) and now I want to recommend their Fox in a Box bronzing duo in Skinny Dipping.  This duo contains a bronzer and cheek color.  You can use each color individually or you can combine them.  I prefer to swirl my brush in both colors to get a gorgeous, warm coral that will be perfect for this summer.  There are more expensive brands that carry wonderful coral cheek colors but if you are looking for good color at a small price, then pick up this choice for $6.  I love the texture and the cute packaging (Benefit anyone?!).

L-R Blush Swatches- Skinny Dipping, Terra Cotta, Miami

Top-Bottom Lipgloss/Lipstick Swatches- Revlon's Rosegold, Essence's Glamour To Go and Covergirl's Feline

I would not have normally picked up another one of Revlon's Colorburst lip glosses since the one I purchased in the past failed to impress me (see review here) however I had a certificate for a free one, so I went ahead and picked up another.  Revlon's Colorburst gloss just isn't for me.  I really don't think it's opaque enough and the color is too streaky.  It's really a shame since they have a nice color selection and good packaging.  I do like Essence's XXXL Shine gloss though.  I find that it is not only super shiny but it goes on smoothly and is super cheap.  You can find it at Ulta for only $1.99!  At that price you cannot find another gloss this great.

Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in "Peony"

When I saw the most recent Revlon lipgloss display at my local Walgreens, I couldn't resist purchasing a tube.  I really enjoy Revlon lipgloss, so I decided that this one would probably be a winner too.

First let me say the packaging is great.  The tube reminds me of Chanel's glossimers.  It's sleek, handy and fits into any sized purse quite well.  The top is identical to Revlon's Colorburst lipsticks (which I love) and the tube is thinner and longer than Revlon Super Lustrous gloss.  The wand is doe foot style.

When I first applied the gloss, I noticed the smell.  This gloss smells identical to vanilla extract (straight from the kitchen)!  It's not totally offensive however it is noticeable.  Secondly, I noticed that it took 3-4 tries to get enough product out of the tube to completely cover my lips.  When you pull the applicator out, the tube tends to "clean" the applicator too well.  

The biggest issue I had with this gloss is that it is too sheer.  Now it may be color choice however I feel that the formula sheers out too much.  Revlon's Super Lustrous gloss is much more opaque and provides better coverage.  I don't dislike this gloss...it's nice to have on hand and does add shimmer without being over the top.  I do think though the Super Lustrous gloss is a better choice since it has more color payoff and costs less on average.  Both choices offer .2oz of product.  You can find Revlon's Colorburst lipgloss for around $7.50 at any drugstore.

Swatch of "Peony" above (with flash)