IT Cosmetics CC Cream Review

It's hard to believe that there may be a product waiting in the wings to snatch the crown from Estée Lauder's iconic Doublewear Foundation... but I think I might just have found it... In all honesty I don't think I will ever feel comfortable not to have a bottle of DW on my makeup shelf, reaching for it for those special occasions BUT Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is the product I've been reaching for this Summer and is now my must have base.

What IT Cosmetics say 

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50 is our #1 best-selling, colour-correcting cream that delivers 7 benefits all in one! This multi-tasking hero could possibly be everything your skin needs in one easy step: full coverage foundation and anti-ageing with SPF50 that brightens and hydrates while camouflaging skin imperfections. Our skin-loving CC+ Cream diffuses the look of wrinkles, minimises the appearance of pores and gives you a beautiful-looking complexion. Ideal if you’re looking for full coverage makeup, hydration and younger-looking skin. Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is available in original, illumination and oil-free matte finishes.

My thoughts 

I use the original version in shade Light. My skin type is normal/combination and I am yellow toned, usually wearing one up from the lightest shade. This shade is perfect for me.

This does everything that it promises. From the useful design of the tube with an easy pump dispenser, one small pump and you get enough to give perfect coverage. The texture of the cream is serum like and blends beautifully and seamlessly into the skin so it looks just like your skin but better. For those who have a keen sense of smell, this CC Cream has a very light herbal scent. Full coverage, it covers blemishes, redness and imperfections. It feels hydrating on the skin, skin looks smooth and the foundation makes skin have a healthy and luminous glow without looking greasy. I love it.

A blindingly brilliant 10/10 I can't think of a single fault with this product. Have you tried it yet?

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ costs £31 

Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation Review

Oh I do love it when a new foundation is released and so was delighted when I was able to obtain a small sample to test it out... I picked up a sample of the new Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation in shade 020 (I was matched at the Dior Counter)

Dior say

EXTREME CAMOUFLAGE. FRESH SECOND-SKIN FINISH.

Full coverage

24-hour* wear
Second-skin matte finish

This fluid, 24-hour* full coverage foundation combines maximum complexion control with a natural matte finish for a result that is "Kiss-Proof. Touch-Proof. Life-Proof. All Night. All Day."

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, describes his view of this neo-camouflage: “Incorporated in a very fluid texture, the high concentration of pigments ensures perfect blemish correction. What’s new for such a high-coverage product is how you don’t feel or see it. The finish is fresh, and matte enough that you
don’t need powder.”

* Instrumental test. N = 20 women.

Application tip by Peter Philips - 

"This incredibly glide-on texture doesn’t set immediately and can be blended with the fingertips. Start by patting onto the areas that need correction, then smooth to blend in. If you’re looking for totally even coverage for the whole face, you can use a foundation brush. 24-hour wear means you never need to touch up."

My thoughts 

I am wearing shade 020 Light Beige which is my perfect shade.  The foundation has a delicate and pleasant perfume scent. I applied the foundation with my fingers. The foundation consists of a light fluid texture but the finish is velvety and matte. However, as you can see from my photos below, matte does not equal dull. I didn't use and I don't use a primer under the foundation and you can see that it covers the pores, smoothing the appearance of the skin completely. It also covers blemishes and red bits/ I have slight rosacea but you wouldn't be able to see once I have applied this foundation. I think my skin looks pretty damn amazing and flawless. I cannot fault this foundation and it is right up there with my favourites. 

After one hour of application and pretty much fresh on ...

After 7 hours of wear

I am extremely impressed with how well this foundation bears up to daily wear. After seven hours I think it still looks exceptionally good and keeps the rest of the makeup in place too. The only thing I would say is that the pores on my nose are slightly more visible but still pretty well concealed.

Obviously I cannot comment on the fact that it is supposed to last 24 hours but .... I would definitely purchase this foundation.

DiorSkin Forever Undercover has complete and flawless coverage, feels light on the skin and lasts.

10/10

Dior DiorSkin Forever Undercover Foundation costs £34 

Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup Concealer

As a quick fix go to on the school run I like to use Revlon ColorStay 2in1 Compact Makeup Concealer which is a bit of a revelation for me. I do tend to prefer using liquid foundations but this cream foundation works well, covers great and stays put.

Revlon say 

Expertly matched makeup & concealer that lasts all day. The ideal on the go product not only features your perfect shade duo but also includes a mirror for touch-ups and a teardrop applicator for a flawless finish.

Revlon Colorstay Compact Makeup & Concealer:
• 4 expertly matched shades of foundation and concealer
• Concealer one shade lighter than foundation
• Flawless, velvet – matte finish
• Lightweight, buildable coverage
• Sweat and smudge resistant

Swatches of the concealer and foundation in shade Ivory which is perfect for me. 

My thoughts 

Soft, creamy and silky in texture this is a really light cream foundation and concealer that melts into the skin and gives coverage without you feeling that you are wearing anything at all. It covers mild redness and blemishes (I have normal/combination skin) and the lighter concealer shade is good for around the eye area. It is a buildable foundation but I personally find I need one swipe of the superb enclosed sponge is enough to give a coverage that I like. The finish is velvet but with a brightening effect. What I also think is impressive is that both the makeup and concealer appear to be running down at the same time  - you may be able to just see this from the swatches picture above.

A foundation, concealer, mirror and sponge in one super handy compact. Marvellous!

The picture below was taken when my skin was in a bit of turmoil both from coming out of pregnancy and the first few hormonal months after birth and I think it looks great. My skin has settled down now and I still think highly of this foundation.

A great every day foundation and portable quick fix (if you need it!)

Wearing Revlon ColorStay 2in1 Compact Makeup Concealer in Ivory

*PR Sample

No7 Airbrush Away Foundation Review

Today I am sharing with you my thoughts on No7 Airbrush Away Foundation and how I think it is a pretty good dupe for a luxury brand's own foundation....

No7 say 

No7 Airbrush Away Foundation glides over the skin like liquid silk.

It delivers buildable coverage whilst blurring the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Clever optical blurring powders give a velvet yet radiant finish, like your complexion has been placed into soft focus.

No7 Airbrush Away Foundation also contains Berryflux Vita to hydrate and care for skin. Non pore blocking. Hypo-allergenic.

How to Use

For Best Results
Always shake before use
To draw the foundation up in to the dropper ensure that the cap is fully screwed down
Squeeze the bulb gently to dispense a few drops onto the back of your hand and then, starting from the centre of your face, blend outwards using a foundation brush.

My thoughts 

As you will see from the swatches the foundation is fairly runny, thus it is easy to apply and glide over the skin, blending in without any drag. It's quite strange really as even though it blends and leaves a nice, flawless finish, it feels as though it is sitting on top of the skin if you happen to touch your skin.

The finish is ever so slightly powdery but bright and radiant and the look lasts all day. It smooths lines, hides pores, covers redness and looks really natural. My skin but better and who doesn't want that!?

I really like it for an everyday foundation. As I mentioned right at the very top, I found this really similar in texture and finish to the YSL Fusion Ink Foundation and it is half the price!

Below I have added swatches and a full face shot of me wearing No7 Airbrush Away Foundation.

The shade I am wearing is Calico 

Swatch of Calico 

Calico blended 

Wearing No7 Airbrush Away Foundation in Calico

No7 Airbrush Away Foundation 30ml costs £16.50 

*PR Sample

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup Foundation Review

It has been a while since I last write a foundation review but it doesn't mean I haven't been spending my time trialling them...

I love it when cosmetic companies include a little sachet sample in a magazine as it is a great way of trying before buying. Obviously,  it is inevitable,  that the one shade suits all colour they have selected to include isn't going to suit everyone but luckily for me, this one is perfect!

The shade is 08 Silk Canvas (MF-N)

The foundation - Clinique superbalanced silk makeup SPF15

Suitable for - dry combination to oily 

Clinique say 

Slip on a silk-enriched foundation. Feel naked, yet covered to perfection. Control oil, yet hydrate where needed. Protect with SPF. Oil-free. Sheer to moderate coverage. Natural-matte finish. Ideal for Dry Combination to Oily Skin Types.

My thoughts 

It takes a lot to get me excited about a foundation and for me to rave about it. I have a checklist and it has to tick all the boxes. I have to say I really love this new foundation. Superbalanced silk is fantastic for my skin. Texture wise it is a runny foundation, it glides on like silk. Applies smoothly and seamlessly. It looks natural, blends well and despite it claiming to only be sheer/moderate coverage, I find it conceals everything I need it to, better than some foundations that claim to be full coverage. Like a silk veil, it fills in the dreaded pores on my nose, covers imperfections (specifically I have a brown dot on my nose and you cannot see it in the picture above. I think it makes my skin look flawless and bright. I feel really confident and happy wearing this foundation.

It lasts a good few hours too and keeps my blusher in place.

Love, love, love!

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup costs £23 and is available in 20 shades. 

Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation Review

Vichy say 

Dermablend 3D is enriched with reference skincare ingredients salicylic acid and eperulin, soothes the feel of skin and reduces the appearance of imperfections.

- Up to 16 hour wear
- 5 shades
- Dermatological tolerance
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Allergy tested
- Non comedogenic
- SPF 25 for shades 05 to 55
- SPF 15 for shades 65 and 75

The complexion looks even, smooth and matte for up to 16 hours. The skin feels supple and comfortable.

The skin’s transformation is immediate: 91% of women agree it improves their acne-prone skin texture*

A breathable, gentle, effective formula that will:
- Leave skin looking clearer
- Provide immediate texture correction
- Helps conceal blemishes and breakouts of acne
- Reduce the appearance of redness
- Mattify skin for a natural finish

*consumer test on 60 women

With VICHY DERMABLEND [3D CORRECTION], only one application is enough to turn acne-prone skin into a smoother, more even, “ready to face the world” complexion.

This is thanks to a texture innovation, Alliagel™. The pigments and soft focus agents that cover and blur imperfections are trapped in this gel, which unfold like a second skin, only more even, smoother, and more beautiful.

Application tips 

1) Pick up a small amount of Dermablend [3D CORRECTION] with a makeup brush or your fingers.
2) Apply a little product on the most pigmented imperfections. Dab it on to melt it into the skin. Repeat if your imperfections are still visible.
3) With a large brush or your fingers, smooth down and blend outwards all the foundation you have just applied, for a seamless, natural looking finish, do not apply to an unhealed wound.

My thoughts 

I was sent shade 15 OPAL which is a bit pale for me but I would much rather a shade be a bit lighter than darker as you can always warm it up by applying a bronzer.

My skin type is normal/combination (in the t-zone) however since giving birth 10 weeks ago it has felt a bit drier and has some psoriasis patches which are really dry... This foundation states that it is for oily/acne prone skin which I don't have and I can see why when using it.

Coverage wise this is a really effective foundation and there are tips on how to apply it which I have mentioned above. Personally I found that it worked best if the skin is well moisturised as it just glides across the skin, or else as it will cling to any dry patches. You also only really need a small amount as a little goes a really, really long way. A thin layer really does disguise the bits you want hidden and enhances your good bits.

I liked the brightening effect it gave, matte doesn't have to equal dull as this foundation shows. It feels nice on the skin and it lasts a full day. Used in conjunction with the fabulous translucent setting powder, you can be confident of great skin all day long.

The setting powder being white doesn't change the shade of your base and is undetectable once applied.

Vichy Dermablend 3D

Wearing Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation

Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation £21.50
Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder £17

*PR Samples

Magic Minerals by Jerome Alexander Review

I am a liquid foundation kind of girl no doubt about it but I was suitably impressed by the mineral foundation - Magic Minerals by Jerome Alexander 

The compact is sturdy, it comes complete with a stubby brush to apply the powder with and a blending sponge and there is a mirror inside the compact too.

Any concerns I had about the powder being too dark for me were allayed as soon as I tried the product. It is a great universal shade. It promises to be a foundation, corrector and concealer in one.

It also contains some random spots of colour which actually have a purpose as opposed to just being fun to look at.

Pink - brightens and gives a healthy glow
Mint - reduces redness and covers breakouts
Yellow - conceals dark circles and uneven skin-tone
Lavender - corrects sallow complexions.

Magic Minerals say 

Magic Minerals covers, conceals and corrects all at once for a flawless look. This ultra-fine micronized mineral powder is so smooth and light it naturally diminishes the appearance of age spots, dark circles and uneven skin-tone without caking or getting caught in wrinkles.

Benefits 

Hypoallergenic
Natural SPF
No Irritants
Fragrance free
Lasts up to 12 hours

My thoughts 

As I said above, I was suitably impressed by this mineral powder. It went on smoothly and blended nicely for an (almost!) flawless look. I had one particular stubborn blemish that refused to be hidden...

However, my redness on the inner cheeks was covered, skin-tone was evened out and there was not a trace of powderiness which I was pleased about. It also left my skin looking bright and it lasted. If you like mineral powders I highly recommend it.

Magic Minerals costs £9.99 

*PR Sample

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup Review

Over the years I have bought and tried many Estee Lauder foundations as they really do seem to suit my skin type, what I have noticed is how my shade has changed - I have been Vanilla Beige, Pale Almond and even Fresco. I popped along to my nearest counter to get matched up to their newest foundation - Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF25 and was told that my perfect match was 2N1 - Desert Beige. 

Estee Lauder say 

Infuse youth with this innovative makeup from the Serum Experts, infused with age-defying Perfectionist serum technology.
Instantly: Brightens and perfects. Re-ignites the look of radiance. Reduces the look of lines. Nourishes with oil-free hydration.

Long-wearing shades for all women, all skin tones. Now re-ignite your youth.

Swatch of Desert Beige 

My thoughts 

Skin type - Over 30, normal/combination 

This foundation has a gorgeous thick, creamy texture and feels wonderfully silky to apply and yet it looks barely there and feels light once applied and blended. I find it instantly smoothes and perfects skin with a brilliant brightening effect. I feel confident having applied this foundation, I feel that any flaws I have seem to disappear, leaving behind beautiful skin.

This foundation lasts for well over 11 hours on my face and keeps makeup in place too. I really like this foundation and would be tempted to purchase it once I have run out of my current foundations.

Wearing Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF25 in Desert Beige 

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-infusing Makeup 30ml costs £37

Max Factor All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation Review

I do get excited when I see a foundation sample in a magazine I have to say. If the sample shade (they usually put in the one that would suit the mass population) is correct you can try before buying.

In the latest issue of Red Magazine there was a sample of the Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation in shade Natural 50. 

Max Factor say 

Max Factor All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation for women who want their foundation to easily deliver a long-lasting professional finish. The intelligent formula has three elements; Primer to hold, Concealer to correct, Foundation to finish. 

• Lasts all day, giving a flawless finish
• Primer gives a smooth base for hold
• Concealer corrects for a flawless look

With SPF20 

Swatches -

My thoughts 

My skin type - normal/combination

Although the formula is quite runny I found it quite dry and difficult to apply and work with. I found the best way to apply it was sparingly with my fingers, blend it in and then to add more foundation if necessary to get full coverage. I then used a finishing brush to buff and set the foundation. I also think that you should definitely prep the skin with moisturiser as well.

That said... I absolutely adore this foundation. The shade Natural worked really well for me. The finish is flawless with maximum coverage and yet it feels barely there on the skin. Skin looks bright even though it is a matte finish. It lasts for hours on end, one day I counted 10 hours and with not a hint of shine or wear on the skin. It looked immaculate. For the price I think this is definitely worth a go.

Oh and finally it photographs beautifully

Max Factor All Day Flawless 3in1 Foundation costs £11.99

Dior Diorskin Star Foundation Review

Dior Diorskin Star Foundation SPF30 is the newest foundation from Dior and as there was a sample in my RED magazine I was only too happy to give it a try!

Dior say

A new weightless perfecting liquid foundation with a high concentration of brightening pigments and ingredients. Diorskin Star maximises light, neutralises colour imbalances and delivers lasting flawless perfection.

Immediate and lasting studio glow.

Dior Star Foundation 020 Light Beige Swatch 

My thoughts 

I tried shade 020 Light Beige which is a tad too dark for me but I just warm up my neck with a touch of bronzer. The foundation has a lovely fresh scent, if a little perfumed but I don't mind it at all. The consistency is neither too runny or too thick and it applies and blends like a dream. It covers pretty much everything (it can be applied barely there or built up if necessary) to leave an absolutely flawless, soft focused and radiant finish that lasts for a good 8-9 hours. As an added bonus makeup seems to cling to it too to remain perfectly in place as well.

Light and Bright this is a winner of a foundation. 

Ps it photographs beautifully - take a look below.

Wearing Dior Star Foundation 

Dior Star Foundation costs £32 for 30ml

My Top Five Foundations

Listed below in no particular order are my current top five favourite foundations - 

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup £28

A light to medium coverage foundation that is so light in texture that it melts into the skin leaving a natural and radiant finish that makes my skin look so good.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/04/elizabeth-arden-flawless-finish.html

bareMinerals BARESKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation £26

bareMinerals first ever liquid foundation blew me away with its results. Flawless perfection, a bright and natural finish with buildable coverage.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/08/bareminerals-bareskin-pure-brightening.html

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation £30.50

Over two years down the line this foundation still impresses me with its ability to transform my skin, illuminating and enhancing in a great gel like formula.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2012/08/ysl-le-teint-touche-eclat-foundation.html

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation £14

This foundation provides almost full coverage and has excellent staying power, I would use this on a daily basis as a good alternative to Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2013/10/no7-stay-perfect-liquid-foundation.html

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup £29.50

A best seller and it is easy to see why. A perennial favourite of mine, this foundation provides full coverage and all day staying power. It is heavier than other foundations but it really does cover everything and is ideal for the winter months. 

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2011/01/estee-lauder-double-wear-foundation.html

Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation Review

 Max Factor say

The secret to healthy-looking, flawless skin, this foundation contains light-reflecting particles that create a gorgeous, healthy glow.

• Subtle skin luminizers are specially designed to reflect ‘warm’ light tones.
• Also contains a hydrator that helps improve skin’s condition to create a healthy glow from within.
• Medium coverage with a dewy finish.
• Handy pump dispenser

My thoughts

I was sent the shade Warm Almond to try out. It isn't a perfect match but it is very close. I have to add a bit of bronzer to my neck to get the two to match but this is no biggie. One of my bugbears is the limiting shades to choose from - the actual foundation is really good!.

First of all the bottle is see through, always a bonus for me. It has a shiny gold top and bottom and the product is an attractive swirl. The pump dispenser is very handy although one pump dispenses a little too much product for my needs, so being less heavy handed helps to dispense the right amount.

The actual foundation is creamy and a joy to apply, smooth and silky it feels very moisturizing on the skin and literally just melts into the skin. My skin is pretty good right now with no real blemishes and this evens out skintone and tones down the red perfectly.

Skin is radiant but not oily looking and it lasts the working day.

Overall a really nice day to day foundation.

Max Factor Luminizer Foundation £11.99

*PR Sample

bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20

bareMinerals say 

Our first ever mineral foundation and skincare serum in one. This ultra-thin, skin-perfecting fluid provides seamless adjustable coverage, a natural finish and the look and feel of beautiful skin. Supercharged Lilac Plant Stem Cells and Vitamin C help to reveal brighter, more even-looking skin tone.

To use - 

Shake bottle well 

2 drops for light coverage

4 drops for medium coverage

6 drops for full coverage

My thoughts

For reference I have normal/combination skin.

I didn't get on with the original bareMinerals loose powder foundation at all, I just found it accentuated my pores which wasn't a good look on me. The pressed powder foundation was better and although my sister loves it, again I wasn't convinced it was right for me. I much prefer liquid foundations on my skin personally and so I was rather curious to say the least and of course delighted that bareMinerals have launched a liquid foundation. 

I chose to review shade Bare Linen 03 - which is a neutral light tone. I have to say this is probably the BEST match ever to my natural skin.

I also was sent the brush that bareMinerals recommend to use with the foundation - a round brush with the inside cut out a bit, this is where you drop the foundation into and then buff in circular motions. 

I have been wearing the foundation for almost a week now, I have tried applying it with the brush, applying it with my fingers, wearing it with primer and without.

First of all I want to say straight off, that for me this is a holy grail foundation. I absolutely LOVE it. I love how light it is to wear, how it evens my skintone, conceals the redness on my skin and just makes my skin look utterly flawless. It looks so incredibly natural that it really just looks like my skin is amazing. The area that I love the most is my nose area, it is smooth and wonderful looking. Pores are concealed (although I am using the brilliant Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel).

Overall my skin looks fresh, radiant, clear and beautiful without looking mask like. This really is my skin but better. Skin perfection indeed.

It lasts a good 10 hours without need of a touch up.

I would 100% purchase this foundation.

With regards to the brush, do you need it? No you don't need to but personally I love the finish that it provides.

Below I am wearing bareMinerals bareSkine Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20 in Bare Linen

bareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20 £26

Perfecting Base Brush £24

Available in 20 shades

*PR Samples

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation Review

YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat is one of my all time favourite foundations for the appearance of naturally beautiful skin -you can read my review of it here, so when I heard that YSL were bringing out a new foundation I hot footed it down to my nearest YSL counter and picked up a sample.

Luckily many of the shades of new YSL Fusion Ink Foundation are the same as LTTE so it was easy to do a direct colour match. Originally I had BD20 but earlier this year when I bought a YSL lipstick the counter asst popped a couple of samples of BD40 and I preferred this for Summer as it is slightly warmer. Without me saying a word the counter assistant this time even suggested BD40 of the new foundation (gosh they are good!)

YSL say

FEELS LIKE A FEATHER. WEARS LIKE AN INK. NO MORE COMPROMISE. 24 hours of soft-matte perfection and comfort. Our exclusive fine-as-ink formula perfects the skin yet wears weightlessly all day. Never cakey or heavy. Feel the difference of all day perfection and freedom. SPF 18. Available in 16 shades.

Swatch of YSL Fusion Ink Foundation BD40 

My thoughts 

One thing I learnt was that the product separates so you must shake well to avoid just a watery liquid being dispensed. I find the foundation to be really runny, far runnier than LTTE and super light. I use my fingers to apply and blend and it does take a lot of effort to get an even and smooth application which surprised me. However, once blended it looks fabulous, even and flawless. I would say the coverage is medium and any major flaws will need a separate concealer (I like Estee Lauder's Double Wear Concealer)

The finish is matte but not at all dull, in fact my mum said I looked quite radiant and dewy when I was wearing it! Personally, I think it has a slight powdery finish but what this does mean is that it has superb staying power, taking you literally from day to night with no reapplication or even touch ups needed and it still looks as fresh as the moment you applied.

I tried it with a few different primers just to see if there was a difference in finish. I loved how much easier it was to apply, literally glided over my skin and the glow provided when wearing Clarins Flash Beauty Balm underneath.

Another bonus of this foundation is that it does photograph beautifully in different lights which you will see from the pics below.

Wearing YSL Fusion Ink Foundation BD40

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation £30.50