MAKEUP – FACE REVIEWS

Primer

Favorites

*Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (mini size; standard size; value size): goes on smooth; no scent; blurs appearance of pores without clogging them; highly recommend.

Want to try

Others I’ve tried

*lune+aster RealGlow Primer: nice, subtle scent; absorbs quickly; actually makes skin glow; didn’t make a difference in appearance of skin texture; not hydrating enough for my dry skin

*Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas (sephora.com): absorbs well; nice, barely-there scent; clean beauty product; creates a smooth canvas for foundation, but didn’t really blur appearance of pores as much as Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and dried out my skin a bit. Overall didn’t make a significant enough difference for me to justify the price, but gets great reviews, so might be worth checking out yourself. Be sure to leave a comment below!

Foundation

Favorites

*Giorgio Armani luminous silk perfect glow flawless foundation (standard size; mini size): I use shade 4.5. smooth consistency; beautiful, flawless finish; buildable coverage; blends well; slightly drying without a face oil; pricey but worth it – a little goes a long way.

*MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation (maccosmetics.com): I apply it with my fingertips like a tinted moisturizer then dab to set with a sponge/Beauty Blender; really hydrating and gives face a more dewy appearance; lasts all day; buildable coverage; reasonable price

Want to try

Others I’ve tried

*Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation (sephora.com): really messy, but blends onto skin smoothly and gives sheer coverage. Actually thought it covered my neck (which is usually splotchy from self tanner) really well despite being sheer, better than most foundations. Unfortunately it was too drying for my dry skin. If you have oilier skin you could probably use it without moisturizer, saving a step. Allure 2019 Best of Beauty award winner.

*LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation (sephora.com): serum-like consistency; a little goes a long way. Easy, smooth application, but you have to be quick because once it dries it’s hard to blend. Serum consistency seems like it would stay dewy but dries to more of a matte, skin-like finish. Light to medium coverage. Vegan beauty product. Unfortunately clogged my pores.

Concealer

Favorites

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer (maccosmetics.com): I use NC25 and the coverage is pretty good. I like wand applicators and the sponge stays really soft the whole life of the tube. Texture is creamy and doesn’t settle into fine lines. Price midrange but worth it.

Want to try

*NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (sephora.com)

Others

*Armani Beauty luminous silk multi-purpose glow concealer (sephora.com): higher end price but a tiny drop goes a REALLY long way. very hydrating and glowy. blurs, brightens, & conceals undereye area, but shows undereye creases more than MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix concealer. Makes a great highlighter/contour.

Setting Powder

Bronzer/Blush/Powder Contour

Setting Spray

Favorites

*Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray (sephora.com): refreshing scent; hydrating; sets makeup well; midlevel price range; fun sparkly packaging (product itself is not shimmery!)

*MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ Makeup Setting Spray (maccosmetics.com): nice fresh scent; lightweight but hydrates skin and sets makeup well; reasonable price; love the packaging. All-around favorite setting spray.

Want to try

Others I’ve tried

*e.l.f. Dewy Setting Mist (target.com): lovely coconut smell (makes me feel like I’m on vacation); light & refreshing, but not particularly hydrating (I have dry/dehydrated skin and need something that really helps that); great price point; does a decent job setting/holding makeup

*it Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray+ (itcosmetics.com): smells great (contains coconut water) & sets makeup well. Hydrating initially but doesn’t last long.

*Makeup For Ever Mist & Fix Make-up Setting Spray (mini size; standard size): love the minimal packaging; light, fresh scent; sets makeup well & instantly refreshing, but hydration doesn’t last long enough for my dry skin