Foundations [Updated List]

Updated: October 20, 2013

I just thought i'd list out a few of the foundations i've tried out so far.
I think this would help those of you who are either purchasing foundations online or just in a bit of a makeup rut and looking for something new to try!

Skin Type: I have sensitive, combination-oily skin, and an olive-tan complexion.
*= see notes below

NC 35 equivalents (Medium, warm/yellow/olive undertones):

1. Maybelline: Superstay 24 Hour in True Beige*
2. Revlon Colorstay in Warm Golden
3. L'oreal True Match Liquid Foundation in W4
4. Makeup For Ever Duo Mat in 207 (runs a bit neutral, not a true yellow undertone) [DISCONTINUED]
5. Makeup For Ever Face and Body in shade 32 (can work for NC 25 and 30)
6. Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 128

NC 40-42 equivalents (For medium-tan skin with golden/yellow/olive undertones)

1. Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour in Honey Beige*
2. Revlon Colorstay in Golden Caramel (perfect match for NC42)
3. L'oreal True Match Liquid in W5.5, W6*
4. L'oreal True Match Lumi in W6  (a bit lighter and less golden than regular True Match)
5. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder in Honey Beige 70*
6. Makeup For Ever Face and Body in Honey Beige 34 (runs a tad bit neutral, not as yellow as i'd like but due to the lightweight and relatively light coverage with one layer, can still look natural)
7. Makeup For Ever Face and Body shade 32 with shade 18 (mixed, I put either half of each or 2 parts 32 to 1 part 18 depending on how tan I am)
8. Makeup For Ever HD Liquid Foundation in 153 (NC 42)
9. Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 153
10. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in 357 Golden Tan 
11. TheBalm Tinted Moisturizer in Medium (NC40 skin, if you're on the verge between NC35 and NC40, this is perfect; can work for NC42 with bronzer)
12. Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Tan
13. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Combination Oily in Medium Deep  a bit neutral, I occasionally mix this with my L'Oreal True Match foundation in W7 for my NC42 skin

If you are between an NC 35 to NC 45, you might want to check these out. Some are from the drugstore and are quite affordable.

*Note: I find that the Maybelline Superstay foundations tend to run more yellow or golden toned, so you may want to be a bit careful. I'd say True Beige would suit NC 35 skin tones, while Honey Beige would be best for NC 40-42, Caramel for NC 43-45 (a bit light for NC 45)

*Revlon Colorstay in Golden Caramel is not as yellow/golden toned as i'd like it to be, but under flash photography, the color seems to match the skin tone. As of late, the formula seems to be different; different finish, lacking in longevity (compared to the first few bottles I've tried before the label change).

*L'oreal True Match foundations to me are some of the easiest to match my skin tone to, I would recommend W 5.5, W6 for those of you with NC 40-42 skin, if running towards NC43, i'd suggest mixing W6 and W7 which is the mix i've been using as of 10/12/2013

*Neutrogena Mineral Sheers in Honey Beige 70 is best for NC 40, NC 42 can pull it off

MUF Duo Mat- 207 suits skin tones that are around NC 35 the best; not a true yellow based powder. Tends to have more of a neutral undertone)

If you have any direct questions or comments, feel free to email me at lealeablog@gmail.com 

(it's the fastest way to get a response!)

RAMBLE: MUFE's Waterproof Brow Corrector in No. 3... Too dark?

Hello everyone!
In a previous post of mine, I did a review on Make Up For Ever's Waterproof Brow Corrector in Shade 3.

Ooh Jay-Z, lookin fioooone!
From Cholafied, click for more chola madness

After months of using this product, I found that it can look a bit too dark if not carefully applied. Too-dark eyebrows can definitely be a bit aging and unnatural. There's a fine line between bold and beautiful brows to "sharpie-d on" black brows, and I think there have been a couple of situations in which I deffffinitely crossed the line onto drawn-on eyebrow land. To know how I use this product, read on!

RAMBLE: Makeup For Ever Face and Body for NC 42 skin!

[To skip the mini review/ramble, feel free to scroll down past the 3rd paragraph]

I've tried this foundation out several times and have just been itching to purchase my own bottle of the foundation despite the price tag. I'm usually a person who goes for medium-full coverage, long lasting foundation that I can quickly and easily apply. Given that I have oily-combination skin, I was a bit hesitant about even trying this foundation because of the dewy appearance it seems to give off of the several reviews that I've seen.

Just try it. 

Seriously. 

It feels light, looks natural, and is long wearing. 

Though it does not completely cover my acne scars and other dark marks on my skin, it has enough coverage to even out the skin tone and give a healthy and smooth look to the skin. 

With it's unique gel-like consistency, applying it using your hands seems like the best way to go, but flat/round top synthetic brushes like the Real Techniques stippling brush or the infamous Sigma synthetic brush collection work just as great. 

It claims to be water resistant but I have yet to test to what extent that is... I'm hoping it's closer to being waterproof because it would be amazing to not have to scare people every time I go to the beach without makeup. ;D

ANYWAYS, MAIN POINT:

If you're around an NC 42, it may be a bit hard to get that perfect shade match.

Shade 34 seems to be the best option, but I find that it does tend to run a tad bit neutral. 

It's not a huge difference and given the consistency, it isn't hard to get away with; it can actually look natural. 

BUT I just have this pet peeve about foundations that don't closely match my skin and if you decide to use this alone and feel the same way as I do, here are some ways to ameliorate this little setback.

OPTIONS TO SOLVE THIS:

1. Mix 2 foundation shades. Yes, yes, I know, pricey. But if you love this foundation as much as I do, maybe you wouldn't mind. (4 fl. oz. does last quite a while...) The two foundation shades I would probably purchase would be 32 (more suitable for NC 25-35 skin) and 18 (around NC 43-45). 

If you can reach a free standing MUFE store, they custom mix shades. Not sure about the MUFE counters, but I know the one in NY does custom mixing)

2. Set with a true yellow based powder The neutral tone isn't extremely noticeable, but like I said, pet peeve. I'm yellow, I need yellow. 

3. Use a yellow color corrector Coastal Scents has a nice variety of color correctors that are a light, watery consistency and easily blend into foundations and other products to create the perfect shade. I lost my yellow color corrector but it works great and it doesn't seem to affect the original foundation at all. If you purchase this, just mix in a drop or two of the corrector and blend together (one drop should be sufficient)

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me or leave a comment down below! I'll be glad to help in any way I can. (Especially for those who are purchasing online! I know how hard it is to purchase these things via internet.)

REVIEW: Makeup For Ever Waterproof Brow Corrector

Hello!

I've been growing out my eyebrows for about 5 long months now due to my eyebrow mishap. And just 2 months ago, I had another one. Great. So a chunk of my eyebrow went missing and I turned to my MUFE Waterproof Brow Corrector!

I have mine in shade 3.

In the tube, it looks as if it is a very dark brown color, but may vary depending on how it is applied.

How do I apply it?

1. Brush

2. Spoolie

(I will be making another post on how I fix up my eyebrows using this product)

I find that the smallest drop (about the size of the tip of a ball point pen) is a sufficient amount of product to use for both of my brows. 

Is it really waterproof?

Yep. I forgot to wipe off my eyebrows before rinsing my skin with water and they were still on. I tested it on my hand, too. With minimal rubbing, the product slightly faded, but did not wipe off completely. I'm out and about for long periods of time (12-13 hours straight) and I find that this has been the only product that I've used that has not only lasted a whole day, but still looked good by the time I took my makeup off. It doesn't look the same as when I freshly applied it, but just as great.

To make it last even longer?

I sometimes like to apply an eye primer over my brows (it typically stays fuss-free or about 8 hours, primer or not), then I apply MUF's Brow Corrector, and lastly, my eyebrow powder to finish it off.

Overall:

10/10

It's small and portable, but not exactly "travel friendly" as you would have to use some sort of brush to apply the product. But quite versatile in terms of application; You can easily achieve a lighter, natural looking brow or a more defined look depending upon how you apply the product. 

If you live in an area that typically gets very hot or humid, this product should hold up pretty well to your weather conditions. 

[Pictures coming soon]