Review + Swatches: Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation, Makeup Setting Spray + Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme

Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation ($40 for 30ml/1oz)

Packaging: The bottle looks like it's made of metal, but it's actually plastic & feels lightweight. So, it's great for travel. I like that it allows you to see when you're running low on the product. It also has an airless pump, which makes it easy to get out every last bit without wasting a single drop.

Scent: It's fragrance-free and doesn't smell like anything during application.

Color: It currently comes in 24 shades. Those ending in ".5" have a cool undertone, while those ending in "0" have a warm undertone. It also oxidizes just a tiny little bit within a few seconds of application. I didn't experience any oxidation throughout the day and it didn't make me oompa loompa orange like other reviewers have mentioned. Shade 4.0 has a strong yellow undertone and matches my NC30/35 skin tone perfectly. (For reference, my other foundation shades are L'oreal True Match W4, Dior 021 mixed with 031 and Burberry Cashmere in Beige No.26.)

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Swatches + Review: Collective Haul (MUFE, MAC, Chanel, Urban Decay)

I'm back with another haul! Some of these items are re-purchases, while others have been in my collection for a while now and have been rigorously tested. 

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Swatches + Review: Drugstore Haul (Milani, Revlon, L'oreal)

Out of all the foundations in the market (drugstore, mid-range and high-end), the Revlon ColorStay and L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte are one of the best foundations for those with combination and oily skin because of their lasting power. However, the way you prep the skin can make or break the results of both foundations. 

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Swatches + Review: Marc Jacobs Undercover Coconut Primer, Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Radiance + Perfect Matte Foundation

I've tried countless primers throughout  the years and have not found one that lengthens the wear of my foundation, substantially. At best, they allow makeup to apply smoother, while the silicone-based ones (review) fill in pores really well. The ones that are intended to mattify and to control oil do exactly what they're supposed to do, but they also can emphasize dry spots and over dry the skin, especially when they are over applied or applied to non-oily areas. It's important to find the one that's most suitable for you and to apply the product by using a targeted approach. (For example, I use silicone-based primers only on areas that have enlarged pores. I don't cover my entire face with the primer as it's not needed.)

I decided to try out the Marc Jacobs Undercover Coconut primer and the Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Radiance primer along with their Perfect Matte foundation. I've tested them rigorously, using a combination of various techniques, including the use of (1) light-weight and heavy moisturizers, (2) with and without a primer, (3) light, medium and heavy foundations, (4) mattifying and luminous setting powders, and (5) fingers, various brushes and sponge. I've also waited a few minutes for each product to absorb into the skin before applying the next product. Continue reading to find out about my results!

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Swatches + Review: Burberry Cashmere Foundation + Guerlain Tenue de Perfection Foundation

I bought the Burberry Cashmere Foundation when it launched a couple of weeks ago and decided to see how it compares to the Guerlain Tenue de Perfection since both have similar claims.

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Swatches + Review: MAC Haul (Blush, Eyeshadows, Paint Pot & Foundation)

This is really a collective haul of items that I purchased over the past few months. 

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Swatches + Comparisons - Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint and Brushes

I tend to gravitate towards foundations that provide medium coverage with a matte finish. Therefore, I usually stay away from tinted moisturizers, which often provide a luminous finish and minimal coverage. However, the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint is not your traditional tinted moisturizer, which is why I decided to give it a try. 

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Swatches + Comparisons - Chanel Foundations + Concealers

I remember trying Chanel foundations about 5 years ago and while I did like their formulations, the undertones didn't quite match my skin very well. Since I've been really enjoying their cheek products lately, I decided to give their foundations another try, hoping that maybe they have expanded their color range.

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Swatches + Review: Dior Spring 2016 Forever Foundation + Powder

The Dior Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25 has been one of my favorite foundations for the past few years and I'm so sad that's it's being discontinued; however, it's being replaced with the Forever Everlasting Wear Pore-Refining Effect Foundation SPF 35, which sounds promising (and a mouth full).

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Swatches + Comparisons - Collective Haul (Guerlain, Nars, Urban Decay, MUFE)

I had some of these products for a few months and others for a few years. -_-
I decided to group them together in one big post with mini reviews instead of making separate posts.

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Review + Swatches: Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium + 04 Light Tan

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium and 04 Light Tan)

Pros: 

• affordable (retails $6.99)
• buildable, sheer to light coverage
• matte finish
• looks natural
• feels light on the skin
• doesn't emphasize flakey skin or dry spots
• compact is wrapped in plastic seal
• separate compartment for powder puff and mirror
• lasts at least 8 hours on normal skin (not dry or oily skin)

Cons:

• bulky packaging
• floral design does not go all the way through the pan
• doesn't cover blemishes (that's what concealers are for)
• doesn't layer or cover pores without a silicone-based primer
• lasts 3 hours on oily skin before having to blot
• has a slight baby powder scent to it, but it quickly dissipates within minutes of application (I personally don't mind the scent because it smells good, but I think it would please more people if the powder was fragrance-free.)

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 04 Light Tan)

Packaging: The compact is wrapped in plastic seal, which is a major plus because it's easy to detect whether anyone has tampered with the product. I also love the beautiful floral imprint, which lasts for at least a few uses before it's completely rubbed off. There is also a compartment beneath the powder where there's a mirror and a place to store the powder puff. However, this makes the compact very bulky and thicker than the average powder compact, such as the MAC Select Sheer pressed powder. 

Ingredients: Talc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Stearate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Parfum (Fragrance), Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (Lyral), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Eugenol

+/- May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium - Natural Lighting)

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium - Direct Sunlight)

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 04 Light Tan - Natural Lighting)

(Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 04 Light Tan - Direct Sunlight)

Color Matching: Currently, I'm a MAC NC30/35, L'oreal True Match W4, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031, and MUFE HD 127. The MAC Making Pretty Mystery Sheer Powder in Medium Plus is a perfect match for my skintone, while the MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30 is a little bit lighter; however, they both work well for my skin tone when used as a setting powder because they are sheer. The Milani Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium is too light for my skin tone, while 04 Light Tan is a tad bit dark. However, 04 Light Tan has a warm, yellow undertone and works well during the summer months when I'm an NC35/37, L'oreal True Match W6, Dior Forever 031 and MUFE HD 128. (The Milani Multitasker Face Powder comes in 9 shades.)

The Milani Multitasker Face Powder can be used as a setting powder and foundation because it offers buildable, sheer to light coverage. It leaves a matte finish and slightly offers more coverage than a setting powder, but it doesn't offer as much coverage as any of the liquid foundations that I've mentioned above. The coverage is similar to a tinted moisturizer, except it's in powder form. It also doesn't cover blemishes; however, I don't expect it to because that's what concealers are for.

I love the versatility that the Milani powder offers. When applied with a big fluffy brush, it acts as a setting powder and gives me a light dusting of product, which reduces shine and sets my makeup. When applied with a dense brush, it acts as a powder foundation and evens out my skin tone with 2 layers. It doesn't feel heavy on the skin, doesn't leave a cakey finish and doesn't emphasize dry spots or flaky skin as long as you moisturize well. (However, keep in mind, it doesn't layer or build up unless you wear a primer underneath. Also, it doesn't cover pores; therefore, I strongly recommend wearing a silcone-based primer underneath.)  

I have an oily t-zone and normal skin on the rest of my face. The Milani powder lasts at least 3 hours before the natural oils around my nose area starts seeping through. My MAC Select Sheer pressed powder lasts at least 4 hours before I have to start blotting my nose area. However, it's also $24/12g, while the Milani powder retails for $6.99/10.5g. 

MAC Making Pretty Mystery Sheer Powder in Medium Plus

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 02 Light Medium 

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in 04 Light Tan

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30

Bottom Line: I recommend checking out the Milani Multitasker Face Powder if you're in the market for a powder that feels light, looks natural and most importantly, is affordable! 

Note: Each Milani Multitasker Face Powder contains 10.5g/0.37oz and comes with one powder puff. It is available at Target ($5.99) and Drugstore.com ($6.49). As with any drugstore product, I would definitely wait for a sale because there is always a "buy one, get one half off" or even a "buy one, get one for free" sale.

By the way, remember to check out my massive giveaway, which ends January 6, 2012. ^_^

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Swatches: GlossyBox USA August September 2012 + Giveaway

I've never purchased any beauty box subscriptions because they usually send out only samples and mostly skincare products. I do like trying a sample of a product before buying the full size, but It's difficult to assess a skincare product when you only get one or two uses out of it. Moreover, I can get samples at Sephora or a department store for free.

GlossyBox costs $21 each month (with free shipping) and it's more expensive compared to other beauty box subscriptions, but they provide 5 travel-size products from well-known beauty brands, including Burberry, Illamasqua, Ole Henriksen, Zoya, Missha, and many more. You are actually getting more bang for your buck. I've calculated the value of the August and September box and each of them was worth more than $21.

GlossyBox USA August 2012 

GlossyBox USA August 2012 ($92.90 Total Value):

1. Touch In Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base 1.06oz ($18.76) - The full size costs $20/1.13oz. It's a primer that preps the skin before the application of foundation. It has a gel texture that feels super lightweight and thins out to a watery texture once I start blending it. Also, it quickly absorbs into my skin. It doesn't leave a sticky finish at all, even though it looks thick and sticky in the tube. 
2. Ellis Faas Milky Lips in Burnt Orange L204 0.095oz ($35.00) - I received the full size! It has a creamy texture and excellent pigmentation without any scent or flavor to it.
3. Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Taint 0.5oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! It's a dark greyish brown with a matte finish and it has an opaque finish with 2 coats. This is definitely one of my go-to colors for the fall.
4. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 0.5oz ($24.00) - The full size costs $48/1oz. There's actually enough product in the travel size for me to decide if I like it enough to buy the full size. It has a citrus scent to it and quickly absorbs into my skin without feeling sticky. I have been using this as a serum right before applying my moisturizer. I've noticed that I have gotten less dry patches on my skin when I wake up the next morning.
5. Biolage Exquisite Oil Replenishing Treatment 0.16oz ($1.14) -  The full size costs $22/3.1oz. I have been using this on the ends of my hair because they're a little bit dry. The serum makes my ends look more healthy.

GlossyBox USA September 2012 

GlossyBox USA September 2012 (at least a $56.99 value):

1. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water 3.38oz ($13.00) - I received the full size! I use this to clean the fallouts underneath my eye. It makes my skin feel refreshed and it doesn't leave an oily residue.
2. GKHair Balancing Conditioner - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Conditioner is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Conditioner and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The conditioner leaves my hair non-greasy and manageable. Keep in mind, I only use conditioner on the middle part and the end of my hair. Also, I haven't chemically processed my hair for about 2 years, so it's pretty healthy. However, my scalp gets greasy if I don't wash it every other day and my ends are a little bit dry. Moisturizing conditioners usually leave my hair greasy, while the deep cleansing ones leave my hair unmanageable. The GK one leaves my hair "balanced." 
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Moisture Rich Lipstick in Glossy Pink 0.14oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! This is a midtone rosy pink shade that's neither too bright nor too dark.
4. GKHair Balancing Shampoo - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Shampoo is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Shampoo and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The shampoo is too moisturizing for my hair, but this would be more ideal for those with damaged, fried and overly processed hair.
5. Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.31 Golden Beige 1.69oz ($29.99) -  I received the full size! I'm about an NC35/37, MUFE HD 128 and Dior Forever 31 right now and unfortunately, Golden Beige is too dark for me. I'm going to have to mix this with a lighter foundation.

GlossyBox Giveaway

Prize:

• 1 Month Subscription of Glossybox

Deadline:

• This giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on October 21, 2012.

Good Luck, everyone! ^_^

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. Also, the giveaway is sponsored by GlossyBox.

Swatches + Comparison: L'oreal True Match Foundation SPF17

W4 ~ W4.5 ~ W5 ~ W5.5 ~ W6 ~ W4

I like trying out different foundations and I'm always looking for the next best thing, 

but I just keep coming back to the L'oreal True Match one. 

Pros:

• affordable
• can be applied with a sponge, finger, dense buffing brush, stippling brush or flat paddle brush
• blends easily
• doesn't dry too quickly
• doesn't flake or emphasize dry patches 
• buildable, medium to full coverage
• leaves a natural finish when worn with a setting powder 
• large color selection (33 shades)

Cons:

• US version does not come with a pump (Asian & European version offers a pump)
• skin's natural oils start seeping through after 2.5 hours of application
• nose looks greasy after 4 hours of application
• foundation looks shimmery under direct sunlight

Packaging: The US version of the L'oreal True Match foundation doesn't have a pump, which is unsanitary and inconvenient. I apply my foundation with a brush, so when I pour/pump the foundation out onto a glass lid, it's easier for me to measure if it has a pump. Also, the pump prevents bacteria from getting into the foundation, thus extending the shelf life.

I love this foundation so much that I went out of my way and got the Asian version just for the pump. I have been repurchasing the US version and have just been refilling the product into the one with the pump. For a more convenient way, you can buy an empty pump dispenser bottle at Target, Walmart and other stores, but I just find the L'oreal glass bottle to be more attractive looking.

Color: The L'oreal True Match foundation comes in 33 shades, which are labeled using a number and letter system. C denotes cool, which is suitable for those who have a pink undertone. W means warm, which is suitable for those who have a yellow undertone and N means neutral, which is suitable for those who are neither cool nor warm.

I have a warm, yellow undertone, but W4.5 is too yellow and made me look like a Simpsons character. W5 is too light and is oddly lighter than both W4 and W4.5, while W5.5 is slightly darker and more orange based than W6. When I have a summer tan, W6 matches my NC37/40 skin tone perfectly and the undertone is warm, but it's not too yellow or too orange. In the winter months, I'm an NC30/35 and wear the L'oreal True Match foundation in W4. For reference, I also wear 021 mixed with 031 in Dior Forever and 127 in MUFE HD.

Application: The L'oreal True Match foundation has a liquid consistency that's slightly thinner and runnier than the Make Up For Ever HD foundation. It doesn't streak when I use a dense flat brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-40 (mini review), and it buffs quickly into my skin when I use a dense round brush, such as the Crown Brush C439, but my favorite method of applying it is using a stippling brush, such as the MAC 187 (review), because it leaves an airbrushed finish.

The foundation glides onto the skin smoothly and it doesn't dry as fast as the Revlon ColorStay or Dior Forever foundation. So, it provides ample time to blend and you don't have to worry about it leaving a patchy or blotchy finish. Also, it doesn't flake or emphasize dry spots if you exfoliate and moisturize well. It evens out the skin tone and covers redness and blemishes with just one layer. Although it offers buildable, medium to full coverage, it doesn't make your skin look thick or cakey. Instead, it leaves a natural finish that's not too dewy or too matte when set with a powder.

The L'oreal True Match foundation contains SPF 17, which causes a white cast to the face when taking flash photography, but it offers sun protection and blocks about 95% of UVB rays. It is also important to mention that it does contain tiny shimmers, but it is only noticeable under direct sunlight. When I'm under artificial or natural lighting, I can't detect a single shimmer on my face.

Longevity: I have an oily t-zone and normal skin on the rest of my face. My skin's natural oils start seeping through after only 2.5 hours of application and my nose looks disgustingly greasy after 4 hours of application. I end up having to blot and re-touch with powder quite often throughout the day. Because the foundation is not long-lasting, I prefer to use it when my skin is not as oily, like during the winter months or when I'm only going to be out for only a few hours, like during a dinner date. 

One thing to keep in mind is that I never wear primers underneath my foundations except when I wear my MUFE HD foundation because I've had no luck with most of the ones that I've tried, including Benefit The Porefessional (review), CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Too Faced Primed & Poreless (review), Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. The MUFE HD primer is the only primer that lengthens the wear time of my MUFE HD foundation; however, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.  

If you find that primers lengthen the wear of your foundation, then they might also work well with the L'oreal True Match foundation. We all have different textures, skin types and complexions. Just because the foundation doesn't last long on my oily t-zone, it doesn't mean you will get the same result.

Bottom Line: I've tested over 20 foundations, ranging from drugstore to high-end, and the L'oreal True Match is one of my favorites of all time. Although the wear-time could be better, I find the foundation to be super easy to work with, no matter which tool I use to apply it and I love that it provides great coverage, while still leaving a natural finish to my skin. Also, it matches me perfectly and I'm sure you will find a "True Match" for you too from their wide selection of 33 shades. I highly recommend checking it out, even if you're not a fan of drugstore products because it beats alot of the other ones in the market, including those in the high-end range.

Note: The L'oreal True Match foundation contains 1oz of product and is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $8. As with any drugstore product, I would definitely wait for a sale because there is always a "buy one, get one half off" or even a "buy one, get one for free" sale.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Have you tried the L'oreal True Match foundation?
Which shade do you wear?