CoverGirl OutLast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

The Claim 

All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step.  This foundation is an all in one primer, concealer and foundation in one that promises to last all day.

How it stacks up

My skin is very oily, so I was definitely hesitant to use this without my primer, but I decided to try it anyway so I could fully test out the claim.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  I've worn it several different times over the last month and I have not noticed my face getting shinny or excessively oily.  In fact it looked the same way that it would if I had worn "regular" foundation and primer.   As for the concealer promise my skin has several marks (from acne), redness, and surface acne and I was pleasantly surprised how well it covered them up.  I would compare the coverage to be about the same a medium coverage foundation paired with a  concealer, it definitely conceals as promised and is a very full coverage foundation.  I dare say using concealer with it would be overkill. 

I'm so glad it comes with a pump, I always make a mess with foundations that do not have one.  I got shade 805 Ivory which is their lightest shade, it is a very good match for me.  I sometimes run into even the lightest shade being too orange but I did not have that problem with this.

Consistency 

As expected it is a little thicker than most foundation  but it is not so thick that it feels cakey or looks unnatural on .  Once it is on I did not notice it feeling any different than other foundations.  It is a little bit watery (not exactly sure what to call it) which is probably what helps it not to feel too thick on.

Before Vs. After

*Sorry for the lighting difference in before and after pictures.  Also after pics make me look a bit orange thats the light, one of these years I'll get that right.

 Notice the redness/marks from my acne in the before shot and the after it's been smoothed out.  Also notice that my blemishes aren't nearly as noticeable.  I've applied concealer before foundation and after and still had more showing.  To say I'm impressed is an understatement!

I don't have as many blemishes on this side of my face but I do have a fair amount of redness and acne marks.  Notice my skin tone is very close to even in the after picture.

I sometimes apply a little extra under my eyes as a concealer/extra coverage.  Please ignore that I have on very little eye shadow and need to work on my brows.  Also sorry that before and after picture is a different eye, but they are pretty much the same.  I have a little bit of discoloration/spots under my eyes and this evens them out pretty well.

Not the most flattering picture of me but I wanted you all to see a full face shot (I also hate having my hair up but it is not fixed so I would look like a made woman with it down).   I've got a good amount of redness in my skin (as seen above) that is nicely evened out, I really can't say enough about how much this covers.   I wish I had taken pictures when I was trying it out, but most of the time I was in a hurry to throw on some make up and run out the door.  That's probably my favorite part that I can cut out so many steps when I use this.

Bottom Line

This foundation far exceeds my expectations.  It is excellent for those on the run or those like myself who simply do not get up early enough to fuss with tons of steps.   I especially love it when I go to gym before work and still want some make up--so much easier bringing this instead of primer, concealer, and foundation--just put his on and go.  Give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Those of you that decide to try it, I would love to hear your opinion.

Thanks for reading,

Em :--)

CoverGirl Clump Crusher

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara promises  200% more volume and zero clumps.

(Image from CG website)

I usually prefer straight brushes since they are easier, in my opinion, to use in the corners and bottom lashes but I do think it gives volume to lashes.   I did have some trouble getting corner lashes but I was able to hold brush up and down and get them pretty well.

     Without                           With

 My lashes aren't very long or full, but they do seem to be improving (I'm not treating them or anything but I have been trying to be easier on them).  I think it does live up to the claim of providing length to my lashes, I can see a noticeable boost in length.  I'm very impressed in lengthening ability especially because this mascara does not have added lash fibers.   I think the formula is good as it didn't clump much and I was able to use the brush to separate out the clumps.  I'm especially impressed the length it gave my bottom lashes. *To the left of my lashes what looks like a clump is actually where my lashes cross over--not sure why they do that but it doesn't seem to help even if I pull them apart. *



     Without                           With 

After picture above isn't as clear as I would like so I decided to use this mascara while playing around with my mascara (I usually don't wear bolder colors out but I am learning to branch out more).  Small amount of clumping but considering the amount I used to discover my fine lashes I don't think its bad.  I usually have huge clumps when I do this.

     One  Coat                      Two Coats 
As mentioned above there is normally a small amount of clumping due to how heavy I apply it, I can usually even it out on the second coat.  I'm really impressed how well the brush works to even out the mascara and remove clumps.



Final Thoughts

My eyes are really sensitive and I did not have any issues with this mascara.  I have to be careful what mascara I use because if they flake and get near my inner eye its likely to cause swelling, and some mascara actually makes my lashes/eyes itch.  I did not have any of those problems with this mascara, I also did not have any flaking and I do mess with my eyes a fair amount (contact wearer/suffer from allergies ).   This is in this is not a water proof formula, I usually do opt for water proof since I do wear contacts, but I didn't have any problems with this staying put.  I would definitely recommend this mascara and I will be repurchasing when it runs out.

Thanks for reading,


Em :)

BareMinerals A Vision in Velvet Eye Shadow Kit

BareMinerals released an awesome 20 piece set around the Holidays this year with 10 velvet shadows and 10 satin shadows. I waned it when it first came out but didn't want to pay $79 for it.  Its down to $49 at Ulta now. I'm not sure if this is exclusive to Ulta only or not but worth looking for IMO.  I"m a huge BareMinerals fan and this kit does not disappoint.  These shadows are as high quality as the regular single shadows. I snapped some quick pictures of them.

Cute little gold containers 

                                            All of them together, as a make up junkie this is a beautiful site :)



Bottom Line


These shadows rock.  I love them all!!  What do you think?  See one you think would be your favorite?