Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF30+ Foundation review

The one thing I always look for in my skin products that I use during the day is sunscreen. I am very fair and have sensitive skin, so definitely need to protect it from the sun, as we all do. A lot of products have SPF 15+ but we need at least SPF 30+ to be protected well.

When I heard about Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield Foundation SPF 30+ a few months ago, I was very keen to try it out. Love that it has SPF 30+!

Invisible Zinc says: This natural finish foundation-meets-sunscreen is the new one-step, day-to-night make-up with award winning Invisible Zinc SPF30+ environmental protection built in. Preventing photo-aging has never looked so good. Glides on in seconds (no liquids, powders or concealers) for all day, gym-proof, swim-proof perfect looking skin. Apply buildable coverage for a flawless complete crème to powder finish- your beauty routine just got very simple. Available in Light/ Highlighter, Medium and Tan.

This is a stick foundation that comes in a sleek silver packaging, great size for travelling and a wind up to use the foundation. This is easy and quick to apply as you glide it on your face and then blend it out with your fingers or a brush. It is a two in one cream to powder foundation stick, so no need to apply powder.

It blends really well, smoothly and easily giving a medium to full coverage as it is buildable. The finish of the foundation is a flawless, even skin tone and a luminous finish that isn't too dewy or too matte. I have combination skin and it was non greasy during the day. It is a long lasting foundation which works well for all day coverage. It is also water - proof which is great for rainy days or if you are exercising.

The SPF 30+ is definitely a excellent feature of the foundation as well. The active ingredient zinc is a natural mineral protectant and reflector of UVA+UVB rays, an unseen protective shield over the surface of the skin.

The Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF30+ Foundation is definitely a product I would recommend to those who want a quick and easy application of foundation, long lasting and great sun protection.

The Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF30+ Foundation is available for $42 aud at Priceline, Chemists, Myer and David Jones.

Have you tried Invisible Zinc products?

Maybelline SuperStay 24HR foundation review

A few months ago, I saw that the Maybelline SuperStay 24HR foundation was on sale at the supermarket and thought I'd pick it up and give it a try. I really liked what this foundation claims to do.

Maybelline says: SuperStay 24HR Makeup stays comfortable and looks naturally flawless all day Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and No Transfer. Withstands heat, sweat and humidity. Oil-free, dermatologist tested, fragrance-free. Suitable for all skin types.

The Maybelline SuperStay 24HR foundation works really well for me. I have combination skin type and this foundation looks flawless, blends well and easily and really does last a long time.

The Maybelline SuperStay 24HR foundation comes in a glass bottle, that is sturdy with a screw on top. You need to shake the bottle well and then pour the foundation out. The texture of the foundation is a creamy liquid and once you dot it on the face and blend it, it goes on really smoothly and easily. It feels lightweight on the skin, and so easy to blend. It doesn't dry straight away, so you have time to really apply it well and blend it well.

This foundation is a medium to full coverage, you don't need much of it and it does a great job at covering imperfections particularly my redness. I usually apply one layer all over and then add a little more if needed on some areas and it gives a flawless coverage. It feels velvety smooth on the skin, evens out the skintone and gives a semi-matte finish on the skin. I lightly put powder on top to set it.

The Maybelline SuperStay 24HR foundation does last all day for me (I usually wear it for 10hrs), and does not transfer. It looks and feel like it has been just applied, fresh and flawless all day. It is great that it is oil free, suitable for all skin types and affordable.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone to give it a try. It retails for $21.95 from supermarkets, Priceline or department stores and usually can be bought on sale for around $15.

Have you tried this foundation? What foundation are you using at the moment?

Check out some other reviews I've done on Maybelline products.

Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact foundation

I have had the Revlon Compact foundation in my collection for over ten years now. It is a must have product for me!

I originally bought this years ago, because I was looking for a foundation that is quick and easy to apply, with great coverage and this definitely is all of that, so I keep on repurchasing it!

Revlon says:

• Innovative Revlon Dermabreathe formula
• Oil-free, irritant-free and won't clog pores
• Combines the coverage of a liquid with the finish of a powder in one quick and easy step.
• Glides on creamy smooth for a natural even finish
• Medium coverage
• Oil-Free - No animal, vegetable or mineral oil
• SPF 15

The compact itself is sturdy and easy to open with a mirror. The product is in the first part you open and then a separate area which you flip up is where the sponge stays. This is a one step compact foundation that is cream to powder application, which means you can wear this without adding powder. I do find that it can transfer a little, so you can add powder to help avoid transfer of product.

I use the sponge to apply this to my face (I have combination skin type) this feels so smooth and soft on my skin. It feels really light weight, gives me even skin tone and blends well. It has medium coverage and is buildable, but if you apply too much it will become cakey, so be careful that you don't apply too much. This is best applied with a very light hand and thin layers that you build up. It definitely gives me good coverage and covers my redness and uneven skin tone well.

It leaves the skin feeling moist, yet has a flawless matte finish. The dermabreathe formula does feel like my skin can breathe and doesn't clog up my skin. It may seem to be a thicker formula (as it is a cream), if applied correctly it blends well to a great finish. I really love how great this feels on my skin and it has spf 15!

I have found that this doesn't dry completely to a powder finish, but definitely gives a nice finish to the skin. You can use a powder lightly if you like to set it or if you have oily skin.

I would definitely recommend the Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact foundation if your after a easy, quick and great coverage foundation, that is easy to travel with and can be applied anywhere. It can be purchased anywhere Revlon products are sold and retails $34.95aud.

Do you use a compact foundation? What is your must have item in your collection?

  

Alexami Perfect Puff Foundation Review

If your looking for the perfect mineral foundation that gives great coverage, excellent quality and easy application then this is definitely a review to read. I recently got to try the Alexami Perfect Puff foundation and it really is perfect with excellent results.

Do you ever feel that mineral powder is too hard to use? It gets messy? Can't travel with it? Not anymore.

Alexami Perfect Puff foundation is a 5 gram of product, convenient packaging, anti-bacterial puff packaging and mirror lid. I am so impressed with the quality and well designed packaging of the Alexami Perfect Puff  -  anyone can use it!

Alexami says: Keep your complexion looking flawless ON THE GO with Alexami Perfect Puff Minerals. Quick and easy to apply, perfect for busy women on the go. Alexami mineral foundation powder is a concealer, foundation, finishing powder, and offers high sun protection naturally - all in one quick and easy application. It gives your skin the appearance of a flawless glowing complexion while allowing your skin to truly breathe. It's light, yet still gives you full coverage without clogging pores or irritating your skin.


The packaging is so cute, it's the perfect size for anyone on the go and convenient to travel with as it has a screw on lid and mirror. Once you open the lid you have the puff applicator, just tip the compact upside and dab it around your face by applying pressure to the powder puff. Once you have enough product dispensed you can buff the foundation in circular motion on your skin.

Without makeup/With Alexami Perfect Puff Foundation

The coverage is buildable and blends out really well with the puff applicator. I really like that the applicator has quite about it, twenty holes, in it which means the product is coming out lightly and evenly.

It feels great on the skin, lightweight, great coverage and long wearing. This did not clog any pores and give a nice finish to the skin. Alexami Cosmetics are vegan,cruelty free, non toxic and safe.

I would definitely recommend this product - it's really great for those who have sensitive skin, want easy and non messy application and want a travel friendly product, great for touch ups too. This is definitely a great everyday foundation.

Alexami perfect puff foundation retails for $39.95aud and is available at AlexamiShop or beauty professionals.

Do you use mineral foundation? Would you try using a mineral foundation with a puff applicator?

Elf powder brush review - great for foundation application

I am always on the lookout to acheive a flawless look by applying my foundation with a great tool. Recently I bought the Elf powder brush or I call it a stippling brush and I love it!

It is the perfect brush to apply foundation. It is a flat top, soft brush but dense enough. It is easy to wash and there is no shedding or bleeding. Elf is not available in stores in Australia but they have got an Elf Australian website now which has some of their products online.

I actually got my Elf powder brush from Tanty cosmetics for $7.95AUD.

On their website the Elf powder brush is described as 'super soft and beautiful to use these Taklon brushes are a makeup must have and can be used wet or dry!
The sleek black handles and perfect contours of each brush make applying your makeup super easy and professional'.

They are so right! The Elf powder brush is soft and yet dense enough to be able to stipple your foundation all over your face and then blend it all in, using circular motions. The top of the brush is a perfect size for my face and the handle is nice and sturdy, perfect for application.

I prefer this brush to a normal foundation brush as you are able to really blend the foundation well as it is round and great in density. I use this brush with all foundations, liquid, mousse and compact.

I would highly recommend this brush if you like using brushes to apply your foundation and want that flawless, blended foundation application.

Have you tried this brush? What do you use to apply your foundation?

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation review

I have been trying a lot of different foundations over the last few months. I love using foundation and am always on the lookout for something new. I like full coverage foundations that can cover pretty much everything.

I have been using Estee Lauders skincare range on and off for years now, but haven't really tried much of their makeup products. So I just had to try the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

Estee Lauder says: 15-hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity. Won't change colour, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.

I totally agree with Estee Lauder. The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation really does everything it says it will. It comes in a frosted glass bottle so you can see how much foundation you have left. The top screws off and you pour the foundation off. I prefer pump bottles so I hope that Estee Lauder can make it with a pump bottle in the future. It also has spf 10 in it which is great.

This foundation is easy to apply and blend. It applies smoothly and evenly on the skin giving the skin a flawless finish, whilst feeling lightweight and not cakey. My shade is Ecru and it is a perfect match for my skin. The coverage is excellent it covers really well particularly my redness and discolouration areas. It really does last all day, after 12 hours it still looks natural and flawless. It definitely stays put and doesn't transfer. I have combination skin with a oily T zone and it does really well at controlling my oils. Some people that have oily skin don't like it, but I would suggest using a primer underneath and a powder to set it. Also you don't need much of this a little is all you need, otherwise it will feel heavy if you use too much.

I would definitely recommend this foundation if you are looking for a full coverage foundation, long lasting and a natural finish. This retails for $68aud. I usually buy it if there is a gift with purchase at Estee Lauder or online where its cheaper.

Have you tried this foundation? What foundation are you using at the moment?

What makeup products I'm using?

One of the most asked questions I get is  'What products are you using at the moment?'
I always like to know what others are using as well as it is a great way to find out what products are working for others and to work out if you want to try it too.

The lovely Nav whose blog is called Navlandstyle tagged me to do the '10 most reached for products' post.

I am always changing the products I use as I like trying new things and reviewing them. So I picked the ten products I have been using these last few weeks, some of them I have done a full review on.

Loreal True Match Roll on Foundation - this foundation has a great smooth texture and covers redness and blemishes well and is buildable. I don't use the roll on device but rather a makeup sponge to apply it. I like the flawless look it gives my skin.

Maybelline Dream Mousse concealer - I love the soft and creamy texture to this concealer. It feels lightweight and gives good coverage. You only need a little bit otherwise it will look cakey. Its great to cover up blemishes and fine lines.

Revlon Growluscious Mascara by Fabulash - I like the way this lengthens and adds volume to my lashes. It also claims to condition and strengthen your lashes which I do feel like they are strengthened when I wear it all day.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal eye pencil - I have a few of these in different colours and love them. I prefer using liquid eyeliner for dramatic looks, but if I want eyeliner during the day for a soft look I use this one. It applies smoothly, soft and great colours.

Australis Stayput lipliner - This is a retractable lip liner which I use all the time. The colour is brown so suits most lip colours and it stays on for a long time.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer - This is a great primer that is easy to apply, smooth and absorbs well into the skin. A great base before applying your foundation. It helps to keep your foundation on longer well. It also has vitamin E and chamomile which are great for the skin.

Bourjois Gloss Effet 3D - This is a great gloss to put over a lipstick to give you a really glossy look and gives the lips a really nice volumised look.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - These are soft and creamy lipsticks that have great pigmentation. They are moisturising and have honey and vitamine E in them and have great staying power.

Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Blush - This is a great packaged product, the lid has a brush in it so it is easy for application. This is a silky soft blush that looks great on and the colour is really well pigmented.

Olay total effects daily serum - This serum is affordable and feels great on the skin. It is a silky soft texture and I use it under my night moisturiser to soften my skin and it fights the signs of skin aging. Gives my skin a radiant glow and hydrates well.

You can check out my You Tube channel for my monthly favourite products and reviews.

If there is anyone out there that would like to do this tag post, let me know I'd love to see what you are using!

Are there any products that you use all the time that you love?

Rimmel London Long Lasting 25 hour foundation review

My favourite makeup product is foundation. I am always on the search for a great foundation and like trying different ones. For the last few weeks, I have been using the Rimmel London Long Lasting 25 hours foundation and really like it.                                                                                              

It comes in a tube with a top that you screw off and then squeeze to get the product out. You get 30ml of product in the tube.

Rimmel says: Sweat, heat and humidity proof for up to 25 hours. Transfer resistant. Enriched with a revitalizing Mineral Complex and moisturizing Aqua Primer. Skin feels energized and hydrated all day.

The foundation texture is smooth and easy to apply. The coverage is medium, buildable to full. It evens out the skin tone really well and the finish it gives is a nice luminous natural look.

It feels great on the skin and hydrating enough to make your skin feel good as well. Its great that it has a primer in it which is what I would say is what makes the skin feel hydrated.

It takes a few seconds to dry. It claims to last 25 hours, although I haven't tried it for that long, it definitely lasted 12 hours for me. It doesn't transfer either which is great for a affordable foundation.

The shade range is the only setback with this foundation as there are only six shades to choose from which may make it hard trying to match to all skin tones.

Overall a great foundation for anyone looking for an affordable, long lasting and natural finish. It retails for $17.95 aud and you can buy it from department stores or supermarkets.

What foundation are you using at the moment?

NARS sheer glow packaging

What's up with this weird packaging? Honestly, NARS could do so much better than this. Like with any liquid foundation you are supposed to put the lid back on tightly. But not too tight? Because if you do, it looks like this.

And they don't sell the pump, either (only online).

Otherwise, yes, it's a nice foundation but I find this rather annoying! How important is packaging to you?

Foundations I'm trying to use up and the would-I-repurchase test

Even when I've find a foundation that I like, I'll keep on trying out others. And as I'm incapable of waiting to buy until I've finished what I'm currently using, I end up with - dare I say it - too many. The good thing about this is that I can compare products side by side.

My favourite foundations are MAC's Studio Sculpt in NC25-30, mineralize compact in NC30 and Face and Body in C4. But they are the darker end of the spectrum for me. So in the winter months I have been using (and trying to get rid of!) the 'older' products that also happen to be lighter in colour. These are:

1. Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturizer in Nude

When I first got this, I was really impressed that my t-zone didn't shine as much or as quickly. I was using her powder to set it, which I don't anymore, and I'm using a different moisturizer under the foundation so the effect isn't quite as wow now. I don't find the coverage to be too low or sheer; I think the name 'tinted moisturizer' is misleading.

Would I repurchase? Yes, in another colour, perhaps. But I still have a back-up that I got when I was really into Laura Mercier...

2. Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich foundation in Beige 

I like that it comes with a pump but I don't like the way the cap gets dirty. That's a minor complaint that has nothing to do with the product itself, which is fine. I use so little - half a squirt - that I get quite sheer coverage (similar to Laura M's tinted moisturiser). The glass bottle is fine for using at home but obviously not for travelling.

Would I repurchase? No.

3. Bobbi Brown's Luminous foundation in Warm Sand 

I was given this (tester) and this is too light for me so I'm not using it at all (I thought I'd mention it, though). There's also the risk of pouring out too much product. But the coverage is better, if that's what you're looking for, and more moisturising, with anti-ageing properties. I do like the creamy formulation and overall finish.

Would I (re)purchase? In theory, yes, but probably never will.

4. Shu Uemura's Face Architect in 764 

Another glass bottle. It comes with a pump (good) and the cap is much bigger and doesn't fit so snugly onto the pump so it stays clean - not a smudge of old, crusty foundation anywhere. Nice creamy formulation with good coverage.

Would I repurchase? Yes. And I would prefer to get this than Bobbi's Luminous but in a different shade (sometimes I think it looks too rosy).

Swatches of the above four foundations.

Laura Mercier, BB Moisture Rich, BB Luminous, Shu Uemura

5. Foundation sticks from Bobbi Brown (beige, warm beige) and Chantecaille (Camomile) 

I just don't like foundation sticks. I never re-apply foundation during the day (especially when I'm out) so I don't need it in solid form. Some people might find them useful for applying around the nose when you have a cold and need to blow your nose all the time. Anyway, looking at the swatch of Warm Beige, I think it's too pink. Camomile is too light for me. I should put this together with my concealers so I'll remember to use it.

In the swatch photo - look how they emphasise my pores! Ugh.

Would I repurchase? Never.

Foundation sticks in Beige, Warm Beige, Camomile

6. Bobbi Brown's Smooth Skin fondation in Beige 
Another tester that I was given. I've never used it. I used to hear such negative reviews about this product that I'm quite honestly scared to use it. I know that it doesn't sell well, either, so I'm not surprised it's being discontinued - isn't it? It says 'last chance' on their website.

Would I (re)purchase? Never.

I completely forgot to swatch this foundation when I was doing the others - it goes to show how unloved this is by me - so on its own:

When I look at all of these swatches, they colours look so different that I'm rather horrified - how could I never have gotten strange remarks?!

Do you try and finish products, even if they are no longer right? 

MAC's new mineralize compact foundation

This is MAC's newest foundation and I love it. It is creamy and my skin feels hydrated when I use this. It's ideal for travelling and I'm sure some people will find it less messy to apply than a liquid foundation.

It gives medium coverage: lighter than the Studio Sculpt (left) and more than the Face and Body (right). It also has SPF 15, which the Face and Body doesn't.

L to R: Studio Sculpt NC30, Mineralize NC30, Face and Body C4

It comes with a sponge but I would recommend using a brush. I think the 130 short duo fibre brush is fantastic and easy to use because the bristles are short and compact.

If you like the dewy look, you won't need to powder your face after applying this foundation. I personally prefer to powder my t-zone. I like to use the select sheer powder (and blot powder for touch ups) but you could use the Studio Fix powder, as well, to give you that extra bit of coverage.