MAC Studio Fix Nc25

Now I know this product has been in existence since forever and in it's time has been a cult product however I do feel like it's been long forgotten and needs another mention in the blog world.

MAC studio fix + is a powder and foundation in one and that combination gives excellent coverage either used on its own or as a setting powder. It's finely milled and nicely buttery because so; it also has talk and silica in to create a smooth finish and to absorb excess oil.

I do love this product and I'm so ashamed that I didn't purchase this product sooner. The coverage is so good that I feel comfortable just using this as foundation along with some concealer. Also I love the fact, I finally have a worthy top up product in my handbag. The things I don't like about it, is that as a 2 in 1 product, I wouldn't consider using it as a setting powder again, as it made my skin look very heavy and it also felt so too. However when used on it's own it is very light and has the nearly naked skin feeling. 

Swatch on the right side of the vein on my zombie arm :-/ Can you see??

I would describe the coverage as light to medium, it is buildable but I wouldn't recommend it, as it makes the skin look very heavy. I apply this with a big fluffy brush and even when I sweep it vigorously, the fallout is minimal. Colour wise as can be seen in the swatch, it's quite adaptable, so I think even if I went one shade lighter or darker it still would look quite well on my skin. So thumbs up, very little risk in choosing a colour!  

Asian BB creams

The reason why I tend to stay away from non Asian BB creams is because the shade aren't quite a match for me. I also believe that BB creams made by non Asian brands tend to have high claims, when in fact it's only a tinted moisturiser with a slight SPF. I have three in my current collection, all with their pros and cons, so lets go!

Missha Perfect Cover (21),  Dr Jart Water Fuse, Ginerva Green Tea Nude Cover.

Missha, What they say...

Natural coverage, Moisturising, Whitening, Anti wrinkle, SPF42 and Suitable for all skin types.

What I say...

This is a thick BB cream but it doesn't take too much effort to blend. Due to the consistency, I do sue more than I would with other face products. Despite coming out the tube, a bit pinky grey, it adapts but does not oxidise! to blend into my skin colour. Excellent coverage and does not cake and lasts throughout the day. This product is also scented nicely!

Dr Jart, What they say...

Instant flawless skin and minimises the appearance of imperfections.Water technology helps hydrate and gives a dewy finish. Is oil free and apparently minimizes the need for foundation and extra concealer. SPF 25.

What I say...

I bought this product because of the water technology, yes you can really see the water bubbles when you rub it into the skin. It's a bit of novelty but does what it says, hydrates. However, the finish for me is more greasy than dewy and coverage does need for extra concealer. I'm not a big fan of this BB, when I matte the face with a bit of my usual powder, it does start to cake and it's not very long lasting. The line only has one shade and I feel it doesn't quite adapt to my skin tone. 

Ginvera, What they say...

Natural and flawless full coverage. One shade suits all and is non greasy and gives a matte finish. Provides all day hydration for soft and supple skin. SPF 30.

What I say...

This product is so light and so fluid, I would liken applying this product to a really good serum. It provides a matte finish but doesn't make the skin feel dry. Despite being light, a little goes a long way and it really does provide full-ish coverage. My skin tone is MAC Nc20-25 and it adapts really well. 

Left to right, Missha, Dr Jart and Ginvera (with flash).

Without Flash.

Foundations for yellow based skintones

There is nothing worst than buying foundation. Every month there is a new 'miracle' foundation out and there is nothing more I want than for it to be my holy grail face saver. The only trouble is finding the right texture for the skin type, the right coverage, the right lasting power and ultimately the right shade.

Growing up on drug store products as a little Chinese girl, it was hell finding a foundation! All we had back then was pink based tones more suitable for the majority of western faces. How on earth could they ignore, that the colour spectrum of all women, including white! Many of my girlfriends have yellow undertones and even if they didn't, they preferred it because yellow neutralises pinkiness! Luckily for me, the foundation market has improved, now I want it to improve for those with darker skin tones. Are you listening, beauty industry?

I have Four foundations on my beauty table. The others are hidden away in my beauty drawers therefore they are eliminated for review (for now) as I probably hid them for a reason. 

I have dehydrated skin with a slight oiliness in my tzone. For reference wise, my skin varies between MAC Nc20-25.

MAC Studio Sculpt (NC25) Loreal Lumi Maagique (DW3) Bourjois Healthy Mix (52) Estee Lauder Double Wear (Sandy)

Without flash. Foundations in the order of above picture

With flash.

Mac Studio Sculpt. What they say...

Gel based, Water resistant, Satin finish, Hydrating and Medium to high coverage.

What I say...

Good coverage but does however cake if skin is not in prime condition. Although it is gel based and it should be light, it feels slightly heavy. I also find this more matte than satin finish, it's not completely matte but can be trouble for dehydrated to dry skin. This is the reason why I wouldn't consider it a buildable foundation, the more you use, the more you cake.

Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation. What they say...

Infuses skin with a ray of light, illuminating your complexion. Perfect coverage without masking.

What I say...

This foundation is a no for me. It feels greasy and it has very little lasting power. This is not a foundation for this summers heat wave!It gives a medium coverage, I don't think this a buildable product, as it would make the face way too greasy. I feel it is also quite a heavy formula despite the coverage. This foundation is also too dark for me. I would say on the MAC spectrum it's Nc30+.

Bourjois Healthy Mix. What they say...

Vitamin enriched, Gel texture, Flawless coverage, Undetectable coverage, Lasts 16 hours.

What I say...

I bought it this morning, so I have no idea how long it lasts but it has held up pretty well so far. Coverage is perfect is light medium and I believe it can be buildable because it blends so well and doesn't cake. Doesn't oxidise and makes my skin look natural. Recommend. (Nc20)

Estee Lauder Double Wear. What they say...

Make up stays in place despite heat and humidity. It doesn't change colour and feels light weight and comfortable.

What I say...

It is so light and watery but provides good coverage. It does cake but only slightly for dry skin. I use this, when I know I'm going to be out all day. I really like it put application is difficult without a pump. (Between Nc20 &25)

No7 match made service

Remember to ask for a sample to take away :)

I am no way a fan of No7 make up, even with the whole redesign from make up artist Lisa Eldridge, I still find the brand dreary. Of course, there are perks, such as the £5 vouchers Boots frequently gives out and lately the new promise of finding your perfect match shade of foundation

My experience.

A small amount of makeup removed from each side of my jaw line and then a snap on each by the sales assistant. Simple. The shade that I was matched to was 'warm ivory'. 

I asked the No7 girl, where that shade is on the colour spectrum, pink or yellow? She hadn't a clue what I was talking about. Sigh.

I was not given a tour about all the types of foundations they had on offer, or what type of coverage and finish I wanted. She simply grabbed 'stay perfect' which is fine as it's like Mac studio finish.

Below is how the colour compares to my usual choices of foundations right now, L'oreal lumi magique and Mac studio sculpt. 

Even though the No7 shade looks lighter than L'oreal, I did find No7 looked much darker on my skin, as it oxidised... but only slightly. I've got incredibly dry skin at the moment, so stay perfects gluey formula made the skin very uncomfortable and highlighted the dry patches, making everything appear even more pinky and inflamed.

I'm not 100% happy with the shade compared to my lovely yellow based mac, which neutralises everything on my face, so no purchase here.