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My Everyday Minerals order arrived!  I was running out of my mineral foundation so I placed an order a few weeks ago, but I was super disappointed when I visited the site and found that they got rid of their 5 items for $36 package.  I used to get quite a few things from this brand, but now I’m just going to be purchasing my foundation from them.

Also, La Senza, a lingerie store here in Canada which sells Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush products, was having a 5 for $10 sale on cosmetics this weekend, so how could I pass it up?

From left: Glossy Shinestick in mango tango, Lip Gloss in grapefruit blast, Lip Gloss in slice of heaven, Wet/Dry Shadow in hot ginger, Wet/Dry Shadow in violet femme.

From left: Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Wet/Dry Shadows in hot ginger and violet femme.

Everyday Minerals Haul: Sandy fair foundation (semi matte), intensive fair concealer, flat top brush(which is the softest brush ever by the way), 6 eyeshadows- late checkout, cliche, driftwood, ginger peach, bird house, good china.

Ok, so Almay is a drugstore brand I often overlook.  I don’t know why I just do.  And I shouldn’t, because it really is the Clinique of drugstore brands, and while it may be a little more expensive than Cover Girl or Maybelline, the healthy skin benefits and natural ingredients in most of Almay’s products really justify spending a little extra.

So, for some reason while I was browsing the cosmetics isle in my local drugstore, this foundation caught my attention and I had to pick it up.  I’ve since worn it like six times (and tried it on my sister) and here’s what I think:

LOVE!!  I really love this foundation.  I haven’t used a liquid foundation since switching to minerals about a year ago (before that I used L’oreal True Match).  But, let me just say before I talk about how much I love it, this isn’t for everyone… This is a light foundation, and while it feels amazing on the skin (just like a moisturizer), the light-medium coverage might not be enough for some people.  My skin is far from perfect but it has gotten better over the years, so this foundation with a little concealer and dusted with setting powder gives the perfect finish.  For those with really problem skin, this product might be enough.

What I love about this foundation:

It’s light and feels like I’m not wearing any makeup.

It hasn’t irritated my skin (like most liquid foundations tend to do).

It has natural ingredients like grape seed oil which has soothing properties.

There’s a shade that actually works for me. I’m so fair that it’s very hard for me to find a match, especially drugstore brands, but ivory works for me!

It lasts all day.  Just a quick mid-day powder touch up, and I’m good to go.

Things that could be improved:

The price.  I’ve seen this product priced as much as $16… which still isn’t bad for a good foundation.

The finish. Without a setting powder this product looks a little shiny… if not greasy. Be warned!

~ Overall, this is my favorite new product. If you’re looking for a light-weight liquid foundation with natural ingredients that lasts all day, try Almay Nearly Naked Liquid Foundation!~  4.75/5 stars!~

This is just a few things I’ve picked up at my local drugstore/supermarket lately.  The Rimmel products were on sale and I’m pretty sure they’ve been discontinued which makes me really sad because I actually love the blush and the bronzer.  I just bought the foundation today, so I’ll let you know how I feel about that soon.  I’m really picky about liquid foundation so we’ll see how that goes!

From top left: Rimmel Cheeky! Blush in Don’t Rush, Almay Nearly Naked Liquid Makeup in Ivory, Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzer in 003 Bronze.

The blush has a matte plum/pink color on one side, and a shimmery light pink on the other.  The baked bronzer is beautiful!! It’s got gold veining running through it and its very shimmery.  It looks very dark, but goes on more sheer than it appears.

When I think of bad foundation, Lindsay Lohan is the first person that comes to mind.  I don’t know why she does it, isn’t she surrounded by makeup artists who can help??  Foundation can start to look mask-like when you choose a shade too light or dark for your skin tone.  As a result there will be a visible line along your jaw separating your makeup and your natural skin color.

To avoid looking like you’re wearing the wrong head try the following tips:

~ Determine whether you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.  Cool undertones have a blue or pink cast, warm undertones usually have a yellow cast.  And people neutral undertones have neither; if you’re having trouble determining your undertone, you may be neutral.  Once you have determined your undertone, picking a foundation shade will be a little easier.  A lot of cosmetics companies now categorize their foundations according to undertone: try MAC, L’oreal True Match, or Everyday Minerals.

~ Admittedly, in the above photo Lindsay could be just suffering from a bronzer overload.  If you are going to wear bronzer, choose an appropriate shade and blend it really well, all the way down your neck.  To avoid changing the appearance of your skin tone completely, lightly apply product only where the sun would naturally hit: your forehead, the top of your nose and chin, and your cheek bones.

~ Some people’s skin can dramatically change with the seasons, from lighter in the winter months to a few shades darker in summer.  Be aware of this and match your foundation accordingly.  This could mean you need to use two, three, maybe even four different shades throughout the year.

~ Before purchasing a foundation, try it on!  I’m not saying to slather tester makeup on your face, but pick an area on your body that matches your face (for me, it’s the underside of my arm), and try a swatch of makeup there.  If, when you blend it in, the product disappears, you’ve found a good shade.

~One really convenient thing about some online companies is they offer sample sizes.  Everyday Minerals Cosmetics (www.everydayminerals.com) will sent you three foundation samples, a blush sample, and a concealer sample for free, you just have to pay shipping (just over $3).  It’s a great way to find the right foundation for you.

~ Ask for help!  If you’re at the cosmetics counter or drugstore and feeling lost, ask the cosmetologist for assistance.  These professionals are well trained and can help you, just ask!