Intents Beauty Favourites: Foundations

I'm definitely quite fickle with my foundation. I may get into a routine for a week or so, using the same product, but I can never settle on just one for very long. However, after a lot of experimentation and testing my collection of foundations with different primers, application methods and setting powders I've streamlined my everyday, go-to foundations to just four absolute favourites that I know I can always rely on. I've provided a detailed review of each foundation below:

// Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Gel

The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue has been a staple in my routine all year and a base I continue to reach for when I'm after a light, but perfected base. I absolutely love the glowy finish it gives to the skin as well as how incredibly comfortable it is to wear. I am also always impressed by how well the Complexion Rescue wears, whether I just quickly throw it on for uni or I completely set it with a powder. Highly recommend as a light-weight base that would be great for summer!

• Light Coverage
• Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Best applied with fingers or a buffing brush
• $43 for 35mL

// Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Whenever I want a decent coverage with long wear I always reach for the UD Naked Skin Foundation. Naked Skin has a really unique, thin texture that sits incredibly comfortably on the skin and is fantastic for building up coverage. The finish is definitely matte but doesn't look dry or powdery at all, especially on my combination/oily skin. The matte formula is one that does dry down and sets on its own so you can get away without setting it with a powder. 

• Medium, build-able coverage 
• Best applied with buffing brush for fuller coverage or a beauty blender for a lighter coverage.
• $60 for 30mL

// Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint

This is one foundation that really surprised me when I first tried it and one that I love to wear when I want my skin to look glowy and healthy. It has quite a thick texture that is best blended in with your fingers or a synthetic blending brush (Hourglass No.2 brush is perfect!). This is not my longest wearing foundation, however when applied over the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and set with the Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, you have a winning combination that tends to last me the entire work day. Another great feature of this foundation is the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid which makes it really comfortable to wear.

• Medium Coverage
• Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Best applied with fingers or a buffing brush
• $80 for 30mL

As you can tell from my choices, I definitely prefer higher end brands when it comes to base products. The main reason is the shade range available and I can never seem to find a perfect match in drugstore foundations. However, if you are looking for a great foundation formula at a more affordable price I recommend; Maybelline FitME Matte + Poreless, Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation and Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

xx Cat

Tried and Tested: Maybelline FitME Matte + Poreless Foundation

As mentioned in my last post, Maybelline is currently 50% off at Priceline until the 24th August. I took advantage of the sale to pick up the new formulation of their FitME Matte + Poreless foundation after being a fan of the FitME concealers for a few years.

I matched myself to the shade 115 Ivory in store which I find to be a little bit too pink to be a perfect match but it is still definitely wearable. There are only 6 shades in the range which I find to be quite poor considering the range is supposed to be about finding your perfect match.

Despite the limited shade range, this foundation has really impressed me. The formula is gorgeous - creamy and blend-able. I have applied the foundation both with a beauty blender as well as a buffing brush with great results. Matte + Poreless is definitely accurate! The foundation smooths over pores and sets to a natural matte finish.

Even as a matte foundation I don't find it to be drying at all and find it wears really comfortably throughout the day. Not only is it comfortable to wear all day but I want to wear it all day because it looks so damn good! I tested this foundation over a week of 8 hour work days and even 12 hours after application my makeup still looked fresh.

My foundation hadn't worn off at all apart from on the bridge of my nose where my glasses sit, but that is hardly avoidable. I did have a little bit of shine coming through the t-zone but not to the extent that I felt I needed to powder. I also found the Matte + Poreless foundation to be a great long lasting base for my blush and bronzer which also looked fresh at the end of the day.

My only other gripe about the product - apart from the limited shade range - is the packaging. This foundation doesn't come with a pump (GRR) and is in a glass bottle which is not ideal for travelling.

Overall however, I'm super impressed with this foundation and how it has performed so well, especially considering I paid less than $10 for it! A great one to try if you're looking for a long wearing foundation that feels comfortable on the skin.

xx Cat

Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup

It's gets pretty hot during summer in Australia. I'm not talking just warm enough to walk around in pretty dresses or cute shorts, but an average day usually includes being drenched in sweat as the wall of heat hits you. This is definitely not good news for the longevity of your makeup. Luckily there are a few great products that make wearing makeup wearable during the hottest times of the year and also actually stays on your face.

The worst thing I could possibly think of on super hot day is wearing a thick layer of stuff on my face, which is why a light weight foundation is a great option for warm weather. I like the Chi Chi Super BB Cream [$22.95] which gives decent coverage and evens out the skin tone. Another great option is MAC Face and Body Foundation [$49.00-$60.00], which is practically undetectable on the skin, has an amazing finish and can be built up for a fuller coverage without the cakey-ness.

Oh and of course a primer underneath your foundation will also help extend the life of your makeup look. I like Benefit's Porefessional [$53.00] to fill in pores and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer [$45.00] to lock in moisture.

Although I do prefer a fresh, dewy glow for a summer look, I definitely don't want to look either oily or sweaty. The line between 'glowy' and 'sweaty' is a fine one so setting your base with a powder is a must. My favourite this summer has definitely been MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural [$49.00]. This does everything you want from a setting powder - gives a flawless finish, sets your foundation in place and doesn't look cakey or powdery at all.

For the eyes, again a primer will help colour stay on your eyelid and not migrate into the crease. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is a great base for powder shadows to stick to. However, I usually opt for a cream eyeshadow like the Maybelline Colour Tattoos which are also really easy to apply. And if you're looking for a long lasting blush, something like the Benefit Cheek Stains will stay on all day, or if you prefer a powder the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour blushes, really do last well, even in the heat.


xx Catherine

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October & November Favourites

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog which has definitely not been ideal for me. I've been struggling with my health and after spending three weeks in hospital It's taken me another month just to get back into the hang of everyday life. I hope to do a more in depth post later on, or even starting another blog to document my experience of struggling with mental illness.

As we get closer to the end of the year, I have a new goal of posting every day in December! There are lots of things to be excited for (it's my birthday tomorrow!!) and I'm really happy to be diving head first into my writing again, and of course sharing my love of beauty with you.

I thought to best way to start off would be to take you through both my beauty and non-beauty favourites from the last couple of months!

Beauty

Two of my most recent beauty favourites are both new finds for my base - and are definitely on the other ends of the spectrum when it comes to coverage. Firstly, is the Super BB Cream by ChiChi ($22.95). I've heard a lot of reviews impressed with this BB cream's coverage but to be honest I find it to be pretty similar to other light coverage products on the market. The reason I've been reaching for this a lot is that it lasts SO LONG! In this Australian heat, a long wearing base is essential for any makeup look and this will last all day when set with a little bit of powder. Such a fantastic everyday base and is also great value as you get 50mL.

My other favourite is another base product, again in the drugstore price range. I picked up the Australis Full on Foundation ($12.95) in the recent Priceline 40% off sale and I have been very impressed. This foundation, marketed as "heavy coverage" is so easy to apply, blend and covers imperfections flawlessly. I swiped the product straight onto my face and then blended out with a fluffy brush and that was it! I have tried Australis face products before and they really did not work for me so I was pleasantly surprised, especially as the shade 'Nude' was the perfect shade for me. Another great affordable foundation!

My final two favourites also fall into the same category - nails! I've been really enjoying painting my nails as a little motivation to grow them out after my anxiety resulted in the total destruction of my nails. My favourite nail treatment is the Ultra Strong Nail Hardener by Essence ($4.10) and I was so excited to see that it was back in Essence stands as part of their Australian range. I always use this as a base coat and it keeps my nails nice and strong as well as preventing staining. Essence is available at Target and in Priceline.

Finally, after lots of trial and error, I have finally found my perfect top coat and my no.1 essential for doing manicures at home. The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat ($15.45) ticks all the boxes: fast drying, glossy gel-like finish and makes a huge difference in extending the life of your manicure. Whilst I do think it's a little pricey, I always stock up at either Chemist Warehouse or Priceline when they have their big sales as I do go through this quickly!

Non-Beauty

Having some extra time on my hands meant I have been able to spend some more time exploring Youtube. I have been particularly loving watching daily vlogs and a few favourites include Zoella and Lindsey from BeautyBaby44. 

My favourite beauty guru of the moment is the incredible Tati of GlamLifeGuru. She is just amazing, posts videos five times a week and gives amazing tips and reviews. She is currently planning her wedding and has started a 'Wedding Wednesday' series including little vlogs of all the wedding craziness!

I've also been obsessed with the Divergent trilogy and can hardly put them down! They are a great easy read and a must if you have enjoyed the Hunger Games series.

And finally, I hate to admit it but I have been slightly addicted to the new Candy Crush Soda Saga app. I'm really terrible at computer games at general but really like those type of puzzle games. I hate how it drains the battery on my phone though! 

---

I hope you all enjoy my presence back in the online beauty world and I am very excited to be back! One of my favourite beauty bloggers' Sarah from More Than Adored is hosting another photo challenge on instagram which I will also be taking part of every day in December so don't forget to follow me there and definitely get involved too!

                                  

Happy 1st Day of Summer! 

xx Catherine

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Review and Comparison: Beauty Blender v Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

I was so excited to finally see the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge stocked at my local Priceline! I've been using the original Beauty Blender for a few months now and absolutely love it, so I thought I would do a comparison of the two most well known beauty sponges out there to see if the RT sponge is a good affordable version of the Beauty Blender.

For this post RT = Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and BB = Beauty Blender

Shape and Size:

The BB shape is what I would describe as a 'teardrop' shape, with one pointed end - perfect for dotting on concealer or blending under the eyes and around the nose - and the other end is rounded. The RT has a distinctly different shape. The overall shape looks more oval than round and whilst one end is pointed, the point isn't as defined as the BB. The RT sponge also has one flat edge which the BB does not. When they are both dry, the RT is slightly bigger than the BB, both in width and length.

Flat Surface of the RT sponge.

Texture:

On the surface, both sponges have the same sort of soft, porous texture. However the RT is much denser and not as soft and bouncy as than the BB when dry. When damp, the RT definitely does soften but is still much more firm than the BB

Soft, porous texture.

Application:

Overall both sponges are very similar in their application of foundation. Despite the RT sponge being much firmer you can get the same finish by using a bit more pressure. I definitely prefer how the BB 'bounces' and creates a really natural look in a small amount of time. The RT doesn't bounce so to get the same finish a pressing motion combined with a buffing motion is required. In my opinion the advantage of using a sponge over a brush for the application of foundation is that you can layer coverage much easier. With a brush, more product is picked up so its harder to apply thinner layers on top of each other.

I also prefer how the BB has a more pointed tip which is much easier for applying concealer over imperfections and for blending out around the nose.

However, sponges are not the best for all foundations. I mostly use either the RT or BB sponge to apply the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation and it gives the most flawless finish. Foundations or BB creams with thinner consistencies tend to be absorbed into the sponge result in quite a bit of product wastage. Both sponges are also really great for blending concealer.

Price and Availability: all prices are in Australian Dollars

Considering both sponges are pretty similar in the way they work, the most important point of comparison is the price. The BB isn't available in store in Australia but a number of online retailers stock them which means they are pretty easy to get a hold of. Two Australian online retailers I know which stock the BB are:

• Crush Cosmetics - $24.95
• Lipstick Republic - $19.95

Or you can purchase online from UK retailer beautybay.com where the BB retails for $24.20. BeautyBay has free shipping and both Crush Cosmetics and Lipstick republic charge for shipping unless you spend over a certain amount.

In comparison the RT is available in store at Priceline which also stocks other brushes from the Real Techniques brand for $15.99. The RT has just started to be stocked in store so it isn't available on the Priceline website just yet. Otherwise, the best online retailer for any Real Techniques products is iherb.com where the RT retails for around $6 depending on the exchange rate. iherb.com provides $4 flat rate shipping or DHL express shipping starting from $8.

Overall the RT is definitely the more affordable option with both sponges being easily accessible.

I think my favourite is the Beauty Blender but the RT sponge is very similar and a fantastic way to try a really great quality sponge at a cheaper price. Have you got either of these sponges in your collection? Let me know in the comments :)

xx Catherine

Review: L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation

A relatively new release from L'Oreal and initially had thought I wouldn't pick it up because the shade range didn't seem to include any pale shades that would suit me. However, I received a sample for this foundation with my Priceline payback voucher and after one wear I had to get my hands on it!

The foundation has a light to medium coverage which is really impressive considering the formula is very thin, almost water like. I like to use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to buff this into my skin. Because of the thin consistency it blends in beautifully. The shade is a little too dark for me, however, because it does blend in so nicely it is quite forgiving in terms of colour match. I have the lightest shade available on the Australian market, 120 Pure Ivory.

I absolutely love the powder finish which looks so velvety and does wonders for my skin! It reminds me of the finish of mineral powder foundation in the way that it melts into the skin and looks better as the day goes on. This foundation also lasts a usual long day of uni which is fantastic considering I don't need to powder over it. It's one of my favourites to wear on a long day because it looks the most natural after a long day of wear.

Without foundation

One layer of Eau de Teint Foundation

The big flaw with this product is definitely the packaging. I think that the small glass packaging definitely does look really luxurious but it is incredibly inconvenient. Particularly because the foundation itself is so watery, trying to dispense product out of the bottle by pouring it out is not easy. I can definitely see a lot of product being wasted (and a huge mess!) if you aren't super careful when pouring out the product. A pump is definitely need and something L'Oreal should consider. I'm also confused as to why there is only 20mL of product as opposed to the usual 30mL. This annoys me a bit considering it retails for $24.95 in Australia.

I love the finish and staying power of this foundation, however, because of the inconvenient packaging I don't see myself reaching for it as often as I would like.

xx Catherine

Review: Dr Dennis Gross CC Cream

Say hello to my new favourite every day base product. One fateful day after handing in a stressful assignment, I took a emotional trip to Bondi Junction to shop away my sorrows (I would end up getting my first HD for a law assignment so it really was a good day all round). The fluorescent lights and the soothing white decor of Mecca Cosmetic called my name and I walked in ready to release all my feelings and spend all my money.

Now after my very exciting story on to the actual review. The texture of the CC cream is really interesting, it is a moussey kind of texture that I find is best blended in using two fingers. It has a very light coverage which can definitely be built up. Even with one layer it evens out skin tone and covers redness. It is a perfect coverage to just have a nice light base for every day - just what I wanted. I got the shade fair which is absolutely perfect for my skin tone - I'm talking perfect match!

What's on My Face? #2

What's on My Face?

15 Minute Makeup

It seems like time is always of the essence these days and to have an hour to sit down and do your makeup seems like an impossible luxury . However, looking great doesn't have to take a super long time. With the right tools and products you can be glammed up in the smallest amount of time. This is a look I wore for a night out with friends.

Read on to see how I did this look 

Tarte Cosmetics/Sephora Mini Haul

 

 

When I hear someone is travelling to the US or anywhere with a Sephora I get VERY excited. I immediately thought of all the makeup I could buy! However, I thought to be considerate of the person kind enough to shop for me and also keeping in mind my budget, I chose a few special things that I've been lusting over from Tarte because there is literally no way to get their products in Australia unless you use a shipping service. Taking a few recommendations from one of my absolute favourite Youtubers Essie Button I picked up the;

• Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Natural Beauty
• Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation in Fair-Light Neutral
• Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush

I just wanted to share with you these beautiful products before I try them out and do full reviews - but really I just couldn't contain my excitement!
Thanks to Maddy's mum for picking up these products for me at Sephora and of course Maddy for helping organise everything <3

Hope you enjoyed this special haul as much as I did !
xx Cat  ^.^

Stay All Day - Long wearing makeup look

With uni starting again next week, I'll be back to the daily grind - attempting to juggle study, work and social commitments. This usually means long days, many hours in the car and maybe physical activity (although pretty unlikely tbh...) and I need my makeup to look fresh and last all day. I actually wore this look for a law revue rehearsal, dance class and then all night long when I went out clubbing.

Review: M.A.C Matchmaster SPF15 Foundation

This is the foundation I picked up from M.A.C in my last haul and have been able to try it out since and give a review for you guys! This product retails for AUD$59 for 35mL which is 5mL extra than regular foundations. I'm in the lightest shade 1.0. I really liked how it felt and looked on my skin when I tried it in the store and I was also interested in the fact that it contained particles that were not pigmented in order to match even the subtleties in your skin tone.

Firstly, this is my face with one side of foundation applied. I used my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush to apply which worked really well and it blended beautifully into the skin. Even with one layer - 2 pumps for half my face - you can see how well this foundation really evens out skin tone.

My skin is being extremely problematic at the moment, with lots of break outs and redness. After applying one layer all over my face and then going in again with a bit of extra product on my cheek, chin and forehead I felt confident enough in the finish to wear the foundation without any concealer.

I wore this foundation all day (around 8-9 hours) and it was a fairly hot day, around 30 degrees celsius, and I even went to work at my job as a swim instructor which is in the most humid environment ever. This results in a fair amount of sweat and 10 year olds splashing you in the face.

After 8 hours

I was so happy with how it lasted, especially after work. The product had worn off a little bit above my lips, on my nose - especially where my glasses sit but that's pretty normal, and on my forehead. As I do have an oily t-zone, this was expected but the wear was hardly noticeable and I definitely didn't feel like I needed to re-powder.

Final thoughts:

• This is a fantastic, long wearing foundation that definitely dries down to a matte finish. 
• I would recommend priming your face first because I did feel it was quite drying and this is probably my own fault for not moisturising/priming
• Fantastic for oily skin types as it does a great job at controlling shine 
• Probably a little too drying for dry skin types
• Light/Medium coverage - build-able
• Great packaging and the pump makes everything so much easier

I also love the review of this foundation by one of my favourite beauty Youtubers - Jodi from Goo Roo beauty. This is an amazing video with a comprehensive review of the M.A.C foundations. (You can skip to the different reviews you want to watch.) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rii6ZRZvzb4&feature=youtu.be

I'm really looking forward to using this foundation in my everyday makeup routine!
xx Cat ^.^

Flawless Base; by Benefit

Another weekend, another trip to Benefit! Mum and I visited the Brow Bar for a wax and tint and then headed over to the beauty counter where some of the lovely staff treated us to a mini makeover/makeup lesson. I absolutely love visiting the Benefit counter because the staff are always so amazing and friendly.

I wanted to focus on complexion and try some products to create a really flawless base. The product I tried on my face was the Play sticks 3-in-1 foundation, concealer and powder. WOW! Just with one layer applied with a paddle type foundation brush it created the most flawless, full coverage base that looked liked it just melted into my skin but didn't feel like I was wearing such a full coverage product.

Look how much a difference a brow tint makes!

Since I just bought a new foundation last week, and the Play sticks are on the more pricey side, I decided to buy the Hello Flawless pressed powder instead since I was desperate for a new pressed powder! I have been using the Australis Fresh & Flawless and I was surprised that it didn't work for me considering it is widely reviewed as a great product, but even the lightest shade was way too dark and orangey for me. This shade is "I Love Me Ivory" which is a much better match for my skin tone. This is also beautifully finely milled and just takes the shine off without looking cakey - everything you need in a powder!

Although you're paying a little extra for Benefit products you're definitely getting a fabulous quality product in cute, sturdy packaging (I love how they close with a magnet) and it even comes with both a little brush and a sponge which is a really nice touch!

Overall another amazing experience at Benefit. I was super impressed with the products that created a truly flawless base. The Play stick has definitely gone on my wish list and I'm thinking of ordering it on the Benefit website to save some money.

xx Cat ^.^

Review: Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush

I have been wanting to try this brush for so long but have had a lot of trouble with my skin lately and a few eye problems so I've only been wearing mineral foundation if I wear makeup at all to try to let my skin breath a bit. Anyway, I was super excited to finally try it out!

The Shiseido Perfect foundation brush retails for AUD $49 at department store counters. However, I was really happy that my girlfriend picked it up on her recent trip to Japan for only ¥1800 - approximately AUD $20 - so a significant saving!

Its a tiny little brush with an angled flat top. The brush is very dense but so so soft and absolutely beautiful on the skin. 

I used a liquid foundation and after applying some to the back of my hands, dipped the top of the brush into the product and in a stippling motion, dabbed the product into my skin. I ended up moving in circular motions in order to cover my face quicker and I found that was a good technique to really buff the foundation into my skin.

In comparison to the paddle-type foundation brush I've been using this brush creates a much more flawless look. I was so impressed with the way it buffed the product seamlessly into my skin without leaving streaks or patchy bits - so easy to work with!

The only issue is because the brush is quite small, you can't cover a whole lot of your face at the same time. I didn't find this to be much of an issue though and was still able to apply a whole face of foundation in a reasonable amount of time.

This video is actually really helpful in explaining how to use the brush with different types of foundation and I watched this before trying it out for the first time.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ2i9BnOHt0

I definitely recommended this brush for flawless foundation application and would be perfect for those who love makeup brushes and want something unique for their collection.

Hope you enjoyed this review!
xx Cat ^.^

MAC Haul and Swatches

MAC Red (Satin)

Studded Kiss (Matte) Limited Edition

Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Superb (Left),  Powder Blush in Melba - Matte (Right)

Matchmaster Foundation in 1.0

Popped into the stand alone MAC store in Bondi Junction the other day to spend the vouchers that I was so lucky to receive for Christmas. I didn't really know what I wanted, but was leaning more towards face products and I also wanted a few different lipstick shades to add to my (exponentially increasing!) lipstick collection. Unlike when I've visited MAC stores in Myer or David Jones, where the staff were less than helpful, I had such a fantastic experience at the Bondi Junction store and will definitely be going back there to pick up more MAC goodies in the future! The lovely staff member started from the base by demonstrating the products I wanted to try on my face. I was really happy about this because I picked up a foundation which I never thought I was going to pick up! Can't wait to play around with all my new goodies !

xx Cat ^.^