REVIEW: YSL LE TEINT ENCRE DE PEAU FUSION INK FOUNDATION REVIEW - SHADE BR20

I am a massive sucker for a clever marketing campaign, and when I heard that YSL were releasing a lightweight, yet high coverage foundation, that had the lasting power of Estee Lauder Doublewear, yet the lightness of Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation, and that there was some mythical crazy waiting list for this stuff, I was obsessed. Like I always am. First up, let me say, whatever waiting list the marketing guys talked about, there was zero wait for this in my part of london. I actually got it early, and no one else had bought it, or was on any sort of list. As Public Enemy say, don't believe the hype. Not calling YSL liars of course, but there's some damn creative marketing talk at work here!

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation - BR20

So what else do they say about this foundation that makes it such a jizz-worthy marketing talk dreamboat....

What it is:

A revolutionary, fine-as-ink foundation with broad spectrum SPF 18 that perfects the skin while it wears weightlessly for 24 hours. 

What it does:

Get all-day comfort, broad spectrum sun protection, and a soft-matte finish with this featherweight foundation that suits every skin type. Its innovative hybrid stain technology provides a lightweight yet high-coverage formula, and its exclusive extendable polymers offer buildable coverage that lasts for a flawless finish. 

Special sweat and sebum-controlling agents allow for 24-hour of coverage—even through humidity or heat, and its sensorial and volatile dry oil complex allows it to set in seconds. Formulated with pure-micro-coated pigments, it delivers lasting, radiant color, and the face-zoning applicator allows you to perfectly apply it to the face for precise, easy-to-use application that’s never cakey or heavy.

So what do I say....

Well....here's the thing. When I was testing this, I had one other foundation in mind, in regards to the claims made by this foundation, and that was Estee Lauder Doublewear. The reason is, Doublewear is used by thousands of women as their holy grail. Personally I dislike it hugely, as the finish is somewhere close to corpse paint, totally flat, lacking in dimension, and just....unreal. Saying that, it's a fantastic formula, as this foundation has taken me through dj gigs and sweaty concerts and festivals from morning till night, and it sticks like glue and you can rely on it like no other foundation that claims to be lasting. Swings and roundabouts.....so to speak.

So does YSL Fusion Ink match up longevity wise. No, it doesn't, it will rub off, there will be elements of wear that become apparent as your day goes on, because ultimately, the two foundations are hugely different beasts.

Fusion Ink is a lovely foundation, but it's not a substitute for the major coverage and longevity of Doublewear, so don't expect the same. It is a very thin formula, and it dries in seconds, but provides a very decent level of coverage in one layer. If you need more coverage in places, just dab the wand over those areas and work the foundation in using a buffing brush in circular motions. I have tried with and without primer and I would say, if you are oily like me, you do need to use primer, because it keeps off the shine that does eventually break through, and will, if you rub your nose or blow it, transfer and wear off. However, if you get caught in a shower or sweat, and don't rub your face, this stuff stays put quite wonderfully, and unlike doublewear, you have a velvety matte finish that has an ethereal glow, blurs imperfections quite successfully and does last, even if you might need a little touch up with powder towards the end of the day.

So, it's good, it's great, but it's not perfect and it's not infallible, but what it does bring is a very decent coverage, a light as air feel, and a beautiful matte finish that lasts longer than your average matte foundation. I recommend you take advantage of their seven day free trial to see whether you like it or not, given that it's an expensive item at £30, you want to know you're not just doing what I do, which is get blinded by the flashing lights of 'NEW ITEM!!! BEST THING EVER!!! YOU WILL LOOK LIKE CARA IN MINUTES!!!' then go home and cry yourself to sleep because you can't pay your rent.

This does happen. Every month. I rule.

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation - BR 20 - Swatch and blended

So there it is on my arm. Yes the photos is blurry and crappy, but you don't come here for my obsessive efforts at being the worlds best blogger i'd wager. I like to think of myself as the John Bender of the blogging world, as in, I pretend I don't care, but I obviously do, but that still doesn't mean I give a toss enough to buy a camera. 

The Breakfast Club - Bender = AMAZE

You will notice in the swatch, btw, that BR20, which is the palest of all the Beige Rose shades, is a bit dark. I tried B10, and looked alarmingly yellow, whereas Beige Rose, is less yellow, but leans A LOT more yellow than my YSL Teint Touch Eclat foundation, which is a perfect match, but crap on my skin. Honestly, total crap, I look like i've been rubbing sunflower oil on my face. Nil points! This though, it does a pretty great job, and although it won't fix a broken heart, it goes some way to making you look less you've been crying all night....

*sadface*

If you'd like to be part of the YSL Fusion Ink party, you can pick it up direct from YSL here , or House of Fraser, Boots or Debenhams for £30.50.

REVIEW (and first impressions) : Make Up Atelier HD Foundation

So, anyone that knows anything about me (that would be NONE of you, because no one actually knows who I am) would know that I love Goss make up artist. I LOVE HIM. I used to obsessively watch the Pixiwoo videos, but as they got more commercial and less exciting (although Sam never fails to excite me with her creative tutorials) I found myself running to the joys of Goss, and his wry humour, coupled with social anxiety, makes him the more adorably addictive of the you tube make up vloggers. When he said he'd found 'the best foundation ever made' I knew I had to eventually check it out.

So, first steps first, given that there are no Make Up Atelier Paris stockists in england, so therefore no way of checking colours, I found the fantastic and budget friendly option on their website of being sent sample jars in various colours, which subsequently is deducted from the price of the foundation you eventually decide on. Needlessly generous no? So I dived in and received this....

And for a sample that is just to check colour, it's pretty generous! I chose the shade Pale Beige, but there is a massive range of shades from pale yellow to deep brown, so there should be something for everyone. 

So what do Make Up Atelier Paris have to say about this foundation??

A new generation of invisible makeup developed for HD for a natural skin finish.  A fluid foundation with silicone resin film and micronized pigments.  The makeup is versatile from sheer to full coverage whilst appearing invisible on the skin.  Sweatproof and water resistant suitable for young or mature skin that is dry, normal and combination.  Apply with a brush, sponge or airbrush. 

So that sounds pretty much a catch all bit of promo doesn't it? Could it possibly be true?

Well. Yeah!

So last night I was dj'ing, with a streaming cold, in extremes of temperature surrounded by smoke. I needed a foundation that was going to last through sweat, cold and potential rain on the way there. The second I put this on my face, I WAS SOLD.

Sorry for blurry photos, I just.....couldn't be bothered. Ha. You get the idea though right??

So back to the review. What are the points and features of this foundation that makes me wee with joy!?

Coverage: This covers, somehow, despite being airy light, and it covers VERY WELL. If you need extra coverage, it's supremely buildable, and it doesn't change the texture or finish at all. This won't cake, or enhance pores, or dry spots. My redness was covered easily and totally. There wasn't one thing I could complain about.

Longevity: It lasts until you want it off. Okay, it couldn't stand up below my nose which was being constantly blown and wiped all night, but I wouldn't expect anything to, apart from double wear, and we all know that double wear, although bulletproof, gives a mask like deathly finish and looks bad in photos. I even splashed my face with water and this stuff didn't budge AN INCH. I cannot tell you how awesome it is. Well, I can, but still, AWESOME!!

Finish: Like great skin. Not dewy, but not matte, just naturally luminous and beautiful. It's really the most natural foundation i've ever used, it's amazing. 

Pale beige swatched and rubbed in. 

I can't recommend this enough. I own ALL FOUNDATIONS EVER, but this, this is a gem. The nearest I could liken it to would be MUFE Face and Body, but this actually covers ten times better, and lasts much longer. It's amazing.

You can purchase Make Up Atelier Paris HD Foundation for £21 at their webstore - HERE

REVIEW: Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Flawless Finish Foundation

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin in Light Beige

I may have mentioned it before but I am obsessed with foundation. I hate my skin, it's red and blotchy, oily and dry, pale and generally it just irritates me. Of course, in the grand scheme of things i'm lucky, I do not have acne or anything like that, but years of obsessing over media imagery has left me with this desire for the unobtainable flawless face. When I heard about the release of this new foundation, I became obsessed, as it claims that it can actually treat and even out your skintone whilst doing the normal gubbins of making you look luminous and flawless. 

So, what up Maybelline?

"Dull, blotchy, uneven skin? Visibly improves your skin every minute you're in it.

Our first hydrating foundation with Actyl C and SPF 20. Flawless all-day coverage.

The formula helps skin look more radiant, fresher and even, with all-day wear."

Oh. Cool! Lets see some swatches...

Light Beige

Light Beige swatched

Light Beige blended out

When I bought this foundation, I was desperate to love it. DESPERATE. I'm pretty poor at the moment and I am always keen to find a staple product at a budget price that does the job adequately. After having given a good two weeks of testing, I am sad to say that I am a little disappointed.

So, the pros. It's a beautiful finish, it really is. You have a luminous glow, whilst letting your skin shine through, you look healthy and even, and I cannot fault the finish, I absolutely loved it. 

But that love wasn't to last.

You see, I am oily, but not ridiculously so, so when a foundation is called 'Superstay' I expect a level of longevity from the product. My first issue is that it never actually dries down, not totally, so I had to powder it, which is fine and dandy of course, but even with powder, the stuff starts to swim around my face with oil within two hours, and it kind of mixed with powder and sank into my pores leaving a bit of an unholy, patchy mess. I also primed with a primer that is generally brilliant for my skin, Mac Natural Radiance Primer but alas, the foundation was not a friend. 

As for improving my actual skin, it's week two, and the foundation is meant to take three weeks to have an impact, so i'll keep on with my test run for another week to see how things work out on that front. 

Oh, and a note to the pale girls. The palest shade is Light Beige, not ivory. I've seen much wailing and moaning about ivory being too dark. Well, yeah, it is, so don't order it. Order the paler shade. Easy!

So in summary. Great for dry skin. Not great for oily. Unless you're only planning on looking lovely for an hour. In that case, fill your boots.

You can purchase this foundation for £8.99 from Boots and Superdrug across the UK.

BYE.

REVIEW - Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Make Up

If there's one thing, in this dark, miserable murky thing we called life that is guaranteed to make things feel a bit better, it's make up. Right now i'm stuck in bed, nursing my broken soul, and hurting migrainey head, by looking at a pile of shiny make up treats. Someone I adore recently went to america, and the upside of this was that I got to ask her for something that I can't obtain over here, that was cheap in dollars, but priceless to me. I decided on this.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped in Shade Ivory

So what do Revlon have to say....

"-Buildable to full coverage for flawless skin
-Soft, matte finish all day long
-Withstands heat and humidity – great for summer
-Comes in 16 beautiful shades"

Top removed. Excuse the messy lid, it's been used obvously!

So what's this guy like in action? Well, the texture is something I enjoyed. It's a light airy gel-like texture, silicone-y in the extreme. I haven't had experience in this sort of texture before, as the only other foundation i've tried that is similar is Laura Mercier's Creme Smooth Foundation, which is a thick, heavily moisturising anti ageing formula which holds no long wear or whipped claims. Therefore I can't really compare it to anything other than the other super long wear foundations i've tried, like the traditional Colourstay or Estee Lauder Double Wear. These were my findings.

Pros

Coverage is light to medium, and certainly buildable

It DOES stay, definitely, not 24 hours, but it does stay and you can sweat happily in it, good for a night out at a sweaty gig etc

No SPF, so no flashback in photos

Applies easily, smoothly, and quickly, and blends really well

Allows skin to show through, whilst removing redness and smaller flaws, giving an even complexion

Great colour for pale skins. Ivory runs much more neutral than traditional Colourstay which I found to be ridiculously pink. 

Feather light, doesn't feel like you're wearing much on your face and controls oil reasonably well

Cons

More matte than I'd wish it to be, was hoping for more dimension

Settles in pores a little in places around mouth and nose

Tends to go a little cakey after a few hours wear

Does wear off a little in places

If you wear primer, it sinks into your pores

If you don't wear primer, after four hours, your face is covered in product gathering ABOVE your pores, which is something that happens to me when I don't wear primer. ANNOYING.

So, sadly, this isn't perfect. On the other hand, i'd say it's a winner as far as drugstore foundations go. I'm really happy i've been able to get my hands on it and test it out, and i'm glad I have it in my collection. I would use it as a day to day foundation, or if i'm going to be out in the hot sweaty weather all day and need something to cover redness and even me out properly that won't leave me an oily red mess by the end of the day. 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Make Up - Shade IVORY

Swatch blended out

If you do want to purchase this, i'm afraid you're going to have to pop over an ocean or get a kindly american friend to pop some in the post for you. I asked Revlon and they say they have no plans to bring this out in the UK in the near future. Perhaps join me in whining at Revlon USA about this in an e mail, and have a moan about the Colorstay Aqua Make Up too. Why should us brits miss out damn them!?

NEW FROM THE USA! Revlon Colourstay Whipped Mousse Foundation

Just a quickie, I can barely contain my excitement. Revlon have released a new version of colourstay exclusively to the USA and my dearest homie has brought me back some and on first impressions. IT IS AMAZING.

Reviews, swatches etc coming soon!!!

Review - Liz Earle Signature Foundation

Liz Earle Signature Foundation 

Hi girls (and guys, lets not make assumptions here), hope you're having a fantastic weekend with the (sort of) sunshine. I've been having a rather lovely time, with lots of exciting things on my horizon, I thought i'd celebrate by sharing a review of one of my most favourite foundations I own.

I may have mentioned before, I own A LOT of foundations, I am talking draws and draws of the stuff, high end, low end, rubbish, fantastic, pro quality and drugstore. THE LOT. I wouldn't say i'm an expert across the board, because I only know how to deal with my oily combo skin, but if you suffer like me with the shiny nose and need for long wear, I think we're going to be chums.

So, back to the review. Liz Earle (which is actually run by TWO people, but for some reason Liz takes the spotlight in name and press coverage) produces some absolutely fantastic products. Originally I thought her Cleanse and Polish was a poor mans Eve Lom cleanser. As it turned out, it WAS a poorer persons option, but without being any less awesome in quality. I shall review another time though, as it's foundation time right now. Anyway, last year, in 2012, Liz decided to unleash her AWESOME cosmetics line. I wasn't convinced initially, as i'd heard that the Sheer Skin Tint had zero coverage and lasted about two hours on an oily skin. However, later that year she also launched the Signature Foundation, and just reading the blurb below had me gagging to try it. Lets see what it says...

"Call off the search – our luxurious, silky foundation is your go-to for the skin you’ve always wanted. Offering easy-to-build coverage, the beautifully blendable formula glides on effortlessly to deliver a smooth, even and natural-looking finish in mere moments, with an ingenious combination of spherical particles and coated pigments that offer long-lasting wear and a radiant finish. Enriched with our own natural source vitamin E."

And you know what? It does EXACTLY what it says. 

So how does it work for me? Well, I always wear a primer, because I have oily skin, most foundations are obliterated within three hours, so I don't bother even trying to battle on without. To make it simple for you, i'm going to list exactly what is so awesome about this foundation.

- Amazing colour range, for once, it's EXACTLY my skin tone. PALE AS PAPER.

- It fills in pores better than nearly any foundation I have tried

- Coverage is impeccable, I barely need to build coverage, but in the areas I do, it looks smooth

- It lasts. It really does, unless you sweat buckets, this stuff doesn't crack!

- It doesn't settle in fine lines, or wear unevenly.

- It is matte but has radiance. Not dewy but not flat at all! 

- I LOVE IT!

So lets see a swatch of the shade I own, Porcelain

Liz Earle Porcelain Swatched

Blended out

So as you can see, it's undetectable on my pallid arm there when blended out. It's my exactly shade though, which runs at NW10 in Mac terminology. I find the best way to apply this is with a dampened Beauty Blender and the usual method of bouncing it on the skin until the desired level of coverage is achieved. 

I can't say enough good about this foundation, especially if you're oily and in need of good but natural looking coverage. If you want to invest, this retails direct from Liz Earle online in 9 shades for the pretty reasonable price of £21, and in selected John Lewis, Boots, Fenwicks stores, as well as their stand alone boutiques. 

Have you tried it? If so, let me know your thoughts!?

Being Pale - Objects that save our souls pt 3 - More pale foundation swatches

Another instalment in the series of posts regarding the highs and lows of finding a foundation to suit our pallid tones. You can find the first two parts here, and here. So lets not bugger about, you want swatches, I want to GIVE you swatches, so lets carry on with our swatchorama!

L-R Chantecaille Just Skin Anti Smog Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 - Alabaster

Kiehls Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream SPF50 - Fair

Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Make Up - 38

The above is a collection of low to medium coverage products, Chantecaille is pretty matte finish for a tinted moisturiser, whilst Kiehls gives a nice amount of correction to skin whilst being able to see your actual skin, with a mega high SPF, and is water resistant, which is also the case for the MUFE foundation, which is also, although pretty sheer,  MEGA buildable and with no SPF, just in case you want to look glowy in photos without looking ghostly. 

L-R Kevyn Aucoin The Liquid Airbrush Foundation LQ 02

Kevin Aucoin The Liquid Airbrush Foundation LQ 05

Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer SX 02

These are all Kevyn Aucoin foundations, and the liquid airbrush gives a medium coverage, which is buildable, and has no SPF. It's suited to an oily/combo skin. The Sensual Skin Enhancer is mega insanely high coverage and gives a beautiful finish, with no SPF, and gives you a nice sheen, but you have to prep and powder or you'll be left swimming in oil if you're that way inclined. 

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 Shade 4

Lancome Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Make Up SPF20 005

By Terry Light Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush - Rosy Light - 1

The GA foundation gives fantastic coverage, but it doesn't last hours sadly. You look poreless and perfected for three or so hours though. Lancome Teint Visionnaire, be WARNED LANCOME FANS, this runs much darker than their other 005 foundations, but it's a great finish, really luminous. Finally this pinky white foundation is the By Terry luminising foundation brush and it's pretty great. I would say it's for someone with good skin, BUT if you have a good concealer, it can work wonders even if, like me, you're a blotchy nightmare, and it does last quite a while, although you have to be careful around the nose area, as it can get a little cakey. 

REVIEW - Fixing Spray - The Good, The Irritating, and The Waste of Effing Money....pt 2 Make Up Sealers

So....following on from PART ONE, here is my follow up, this time dealing with the more 'aggressive' form of sticking your make up to your oily, sweaty, desperate to stay pretty chops. Bear in mind I am indeed, referring to my own shortcomings. I'm sure you're all much more blessed than I am in the facial behaviour department. However, if you suffer like I do, wanting to get to the end of a day, or night, without looking like a patchy hellpig, read on!

In part one, I dealt with the widely available water based fixing sprays, which are a combination of water and acrylics generally, will provide you with entire fixing power to be able to have a sweat throughout the night, and will repel moisture, depending on the formulation. However, they won't make your face bulletproof. In this post I will be dealing with the alcohol and acrylic based sealers, which create a durable film over your make up, keeping products colour true and mostly smudge proof.  In the old days, girls would use hair spray over their faces to keep their eye make up from sweating off. These sprays are basically a more refined version of this hairspray trick, and far less drying. For the record, I do NOT recommend spraying a can of Elnett on your face. It will not feel nice or do your skin any favours.

Model in a Bottle - Original Formula

Model in a Bottle is something I discovered when watching some QVC style infomercials and this lovely lady called Jill Stephens was talking about this product that she had invented in honour of her mother, to seal make up all day with zero need for touch ups for an entire day. Being an addict of all things long wearing, I decided to purchase some. So, what does the write up say?......

"Its a one-of-a-kind matte finish setting spray. Model in a Bottle® will hold foundation and eye make-up in place throughout the day and into the night. This product is resistance to smudging, tears, humidity and water.

Dries with a translucent matte finish
Absorbs excess oil
Doesn't clogs pores
Never interferes with or reduces effectiveness of SPF
Is fast drying, never sticky
Adds moisture with aloe vera extract
Is not tested on animals
Contains over 300 sprays per bottle"

So, those are some pretty good claims, and technically, it should last you nearly a year with 300 sprays. So what did I make of it?

Well, it does work, but it's not quite as bulletproof as it claims. Yes it sticks eye make up down like GLUE, and that stuff isn't coming off until you get some proper cleanser and water on them. It is water resistant, so you can splash your face with H20 and your make up also doesn't budge, even if you rub, but it doesn't control oil as well as it claims, and once the oil breaks through, the products protective film starts to break down in those areas.

The other problem is dryness. It's got a rather high alcohol content and anyone with dry skin knows that applying alcohol in products to their parched skin renders it painfully itchy and dry as a bone. This claims to contain moisturising properties but seeing as my skin is oily and this made me dry, AND oily, it's probably not a product is a friend to many. It also does make me very very MATTE. If you're doing a mod look, fine, but most modern techniques involve a desire for a lustrous dewy sheen, at least in the cheekbone area. Also if, like me, you suffer from crepey skin around your eye area, this can suffer and become intense dry and sore from this spray.

So in conclusion, it's a good product to use for the odd occasion, for example, a wedding, or a shopping trip when you don't want any transfer when you're trying on all the clothes in the world and pulling them over your head constantly. However, daily use doesn't translate into happy facial skin, as I found out. It also has a habit of squirting aggressively at your face in a single stream after using it a few times, as the nozzles gets clogged, which can be quite the nasty surprise.

If you do want to investigate this product and/or purchase it, please visit their official website HERE or purchase it at the wonderful Love Make Up for the vaguely reasonable price of £16.99.

Diego Dalla Palma Make Up Fixer

I first heard about this iconic brand a few years ago when make up blogs around the country were picking their jaws up off the floor regarding their short lived collaboration with Tesco in 2011, given the fact that no other uk store had ever stocked the brand previously. I decided to research them, and it turned out that the make up artist, Diego himself, was a bit of a cult figure amongst make up artists, and had been tagged  " The prophet of make-up made ​​in Italy " in the New York Times. 

Anyway, during my research I saw this make up sealing spray mentioned again and again by make up artists as an essential part of their kit. I recently happened upon it whilst visiting my mother in the North, so snapped it up and excitedly spritzed it over my face as soon as I could. First though, lets see what it claims to do....

"Fixing spray for make-up. The formula guarantees perfect make-up for hours on end. 

Sprayed on the face, in a second it fixes make-up for the whole day. 

It creates a fine film without drying the skin."


Well, they certainly couldn't be accused of going overboard on the write up claims. Succinct!

So, my findings on this were as follows. It doesn't mattify, but it does seal, so a big thumbs up on that. It is in a spray can that easily spritzes your face, and it does sting a little, but it's going to, it's full of alcohol, just make sure you keep your eyes closed! There are two ways for this to be used during your application. Before make up to control sweat and oil production, and as a barrier to the products you'll lay over it. Then after the make up to seal it in. If you do this, your make up is basically bulletproof, and not flat as with the other spray, which is a relief. However, after using it a few days in a row I did break out in a bumpy red spray of spots, so again, I don't think this is great for skin.

If you would like to snap this up, you can do so in selected Tesco's, Debenhams and Marks and Spencers, and online, as well as direct from the manufacturers website HERE or Look Fantastic for £15.00.


I hope this has been of some informative use to you. I am in the process of trying to get my hands on Mehron and a couple of other setting sprays used in theatrical settings to review for you. As always, i'm out there, oily and sweaty, just for the greater good of you lot....

REVIEW - Fixing Spray - The Good, The Irritating, The Pointless and The Waste of Effing Money.....Pt 1

Hello there,

So as I have mentioned before in this post that I own a MYRIAD of make up fixing sprays. I probably don't need to go over the reasons I need my make up to last, as I do reiterate it constantly, but the fact is, I don't like my skin, I go bright red the second I get hot, I have photos taken all the time, I get VERY oily very easily and I am very pale. Therefore my choices in foundations are few and far between, as I need so many variable options constantly in different conditions, AND for it to actually, y'know, be the colour of my skin, that generally I have to make a non appropriate formula stick via other means. These means tend to be fixing sprays. So here's my first instalment of the run down. I'm hoping you find this helpful and comprehensive.

MUA PRO - Make Up Base Fixing Mist

I have already given this fixing spray a full review here, but to reiterate a few points. I actually use this spray every single day. Not as a fixing spray as such, but to give luminosity to my base after I have done foundation, concealer, and then powdered with a powder puff rolling application, which will leave my base looking rather flat and matte. I spritz this over my face, allow it to dry, and it give me back that glow I need. I then apply my colour, and spray with another fixing spray to finish. I high recommend this easily available spray, and if would probably suffice to fix your make up if you had dry skin. 

Available from Superdrug and direct from MUA for £5.00  

Urban Decay All Nighter Make Up Setting Spray

Out of all the setting sprays I have used, I would say this guy is the one I go back to again and again. He's not the ultimate best ever, but he's darn close. Produced for Urban Decay by the kings of effective setting sprays, Skindinavia, and now is much nicer packaging (seriously Urban Decay, what were you THINKING), this is an easily accessible to purchase, and certainly more affordable than Skindinavia, setting spray.

But what is the blurb about this chap I hear you cry! See below

"All Nighter keeps your makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours - without melting, cracking, fading or settling into fine lines. Developed in an exclusive partnership with SKINDINAVIA, our groundbreaking, clinically tested formula is suitable for all skin types and features patented Temperature Control Technology. Yep, this baby actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result? Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or all night)."

And does it deliver? Well, pretty much yes.

I think you have to be realistic. If I applied a bog standard foundation, without oil control, and no powder, I wouldn't expect this to work miracles and keep my skin from expunging sweat and oil combined to dislodge my meticulously applied face. If you have normal skin, I think this COULD keep it all in place without an amazing amount of prep though. It DOES work. 

However, for skin such as mine, I will prime, then use a long lasting foundation such as Smashbox Studio Skin 15hr, set with powder, and then spray liberally, and it'll stick through a pretty hardcore night. I went to see John Maus play about six months ago at a sold out gig and it was insanely hot, and I danced until sweat was running in my eyes. I went to the toilet expecting a mess and amazingly, I looked exactly the same. The only time I'd expect that was if I was wearing the dreaded Estee Lauder Double Wear, thus looking not only the same, but like I had corpse paint on too, which isn't my favourite look. 

So I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone. If you would like to buy it, it's either £9 for a travel size, or £19.50 in Debenhams for a full size.

And carrying on in the theme of Urban Decay....

Urban Decay Deslick Oil Control Make Up Setting Spray

This is another offering from Urban Decay, but this time focusing of daytime make up staying power for those of the oily persuasion. Lets see what the manufacturers say....

"This highly effective setting spray mists weightlessly onto the face to control oil, deflect surface shine and keep the skin looking beautifully matte throughout the day. De Slick Oil Control Make Up Setting Spray is formulated with high-tech ingredients that help keep foundation, eye shadow and blush from smudging, sliding or fading, minimising the need for touch ups. With no unpleasant stickiness or tightness on the skin, this unique makeup must-have leaves makeup looking vibrant all day with a chic, matte complexion."

And again, it does what it says on the bottle. Or box, or website, whatever. I personally use this in combination with other sprays depending on how dehydrated, so therefore oily, my skin is. I will spray it on a moisturised face, prime, give a tiny spritz around the t zone and then apply my make up. Finishing with All Nighter or another similar spray. 

I would recommend this of oily or combination girls. It won't help too much with a sweaty day, but it does keep you matte and stop oil breaking through, which is pretty invaluable if you favour a matte finish. 

You can purchase this, from Debenhams from the same link above, or from BeautyBay.com for £19.50

Collection (2000) Fix Me Up Long Lasting Make Up Fixer

Jumping on the make up fixing spray bandwagon are the budget line Collection, or Collection 2000 as they'll always be known to me, for I am older than the sun, and as a kid was living on the kind of money that meant that Rimmel was considered an affluent purchase. 

Anyways, this is what they say about it - 

"From the minute you’re made-up to the moment you dress down, you can remain the marvel of freshly applied foundation.

Duration is guaranteed from dusk ‘til dawn, without a worry of washing off, fading down or patching up.Any glam-girl-on-the-go knows how tedious touching-up and re-applying make-up can be, but now this non-stick, weightless make-up setter offers any budding beauty a ‘barely there’ sheen for the ultimate in luminous finishes.

No matter how stressful your day, this beauty BFF will be on-side to stay-away any un-wanted imperfections, giving a long-lasting flawless finish."

Well, it's promises a lot. Does it deliver?

Erm....well, it depends on what you're expecting for £5.99. If i'm honest, probably more than this delivers. The aforementioned MUA Pro Make Up Base Fixing Mist is cheaper, and it does a much better job. Also it's not scented by cheap bubble bath, which is fine for bubble bath but for for something you're going to spray directly on your face, which will retain its stink for a good long while. 

Aside from the smell, which isn't a concern of every girl, given the stinking lip balm so much slather on with their dirty paws constantly, does it actually prolong your slap? Well, perhaps a bit, i'd say maybe two hours at the very most, under very asinine conditions. I wouldn't go partying or out on a hot day and expect this to stop make up meltdown. It simply isn't built to do so. Saying that it's a lot more effective than a make up 'refresher' which you'll find tend to be sold as fixers a lot of the time (i'll cover this in my next post). If you're stropped and have a penchant for products that deem it okay to use the font Comic Sans with a pink and black colourway, thats your prerogative. Personally I think you'd be better off spending your money on the cheaper MUA offering....

However, if you are tempted, the product is £5.99 from Boots and Superdrug

Lastly, for todays post, but certainly not least, the opposite in fact - 

Skindinavia Make Up Finishing Spray - The Original 16hr

And now the daddy of all the make up finishing sprays. The don in fact. This product is something I cannot recommend enough. This is the company that has given Urban Decay a less refined, so a generic, if you like, version of this spray.

This is what they have to say about it - 

"Skindinävia's patented technology forms a lightweight, breathable web on top of your makeup that slowly releases over 16 hours. The timed-release evaporation retains moisture longer while also drawing heat away from the skin as it slowly evaporates throughout the day. The results are fresh, cool makeup for up to 16 hours."

And it works. My goodness it works! This is one of three variations, dealing with oil, and ultra bulletproof bridal finishing respectively. Any make up artist worth their salt that do bridal make up will have this nestling in their kit, ready to get you through the sweat, tears and joy of a wedding day. 

I have only bought this product once, and I absolutely LOVED it, but it's pricey for the amount you get, and not readily available in the uk. If you do what to invest in it, and it IS worth it, you can get it for £13.95 from the wonderful Cocktail Cosmetics

And that concludes todays fixing spray sermon. I shall be back with another instalment soon regarding the more chemically industrial type alcohol sprays. Until then! 

Review: Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation (swatches etc)

Hello! So some might have guessed if you've read any of my posts, that I am a foundation junkie. I buy foundation constantly. I can't afford it, but I do it, it's an illness. I am sucked into the whole media myth of glowing, even, beautiful perfection that will last all day and then some. I purchase every foundation with manic, excitable eyes, staring wildly and exclaiming 'THIS IS THE ONE!!! LOOK HOW IT SHINES!'. Picture that if you will....or don't.

Anyway, as i've said before, I desire coverage to even out my dirty looking pale skin, dimension, not full on shine but a glow, and colour match. I also want it to last on my oily skin. It IS too much to ask, I have four draws full of foundation to prove that.

So when I saw the fact that Becca, a brand that DOES cater for my paleness was bringing out a foundation of a more traditional formula, that was also water/sweatproof, I was sold. GODSPEED IT TO MY POSTBOX BECCA!!! And they did, for the not too generous price of £35 for 40ml, plus postage, because there's no local stockist now. So far, so expensive, but also hopeful.

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation. Sitting there, costing lots. 

I purchased it in shade Porcelain, which is described as a fair ivory,beige pink, which also happens to be the palest shade. This is it's claims....

"With a sophisticated formula containing sebum-absorbing properties and a soft-focus complex, the latest foundation by BECCA creates beautifully natural skin with subtle radiance.

Infused with Ejitsu Rose to promote radiance and reduce inflammation, and anti-oxidant ingredients to protect, the ultra-smooth Radiant Skin Foundation glides over skin to disguise imperfections whilst providing a medium, buildable coverage."

So it was basically all I was looking for. Satin, soft focus, buildable and smooth. Sadly I think this wasn't 'the one' for various reasons. It wasn't it's problem though, it was mine. It was pretty translucent, which, if you have good skin already it would just give you an airbrushed vaguely sheeny in a healthy way finish. It'd be awesome. However, for me this foundation did start to disintegrate off my nose within two hours, and i'd primed and used a setting spray. The amount of building I had to do to get the finish I desired, which was nice at first, meant that the product began to separate and look heavy, sadly. In comparison to the luminous skin colour, it's a hell of a lot of coverage, but not enough for an uneven lady such as I. As much as I'd like it to be! 

Here's le swatches......

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation in Porcelain

Blended out. Note the lovely healthy sheen! 

So in conclusion, lovely as this guy is, he's not going to be the answer to my foundation prayers. As I say though, if you have skin that doesn't suffer from too much uneveness, this could be your holy grail, as it is a beautiful product, just not for my poor face.....

I purchased Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation from Becca's website here for £35