Foundation Routine - Creating a Matte Canvas

Today I thought I'd share my foundation routine- the products I use and how I apply them.  When it comes to makeup application, I probably spend the most time on my foundation, because I want to create a perfect 'canvas' before any colour is applied. Essentially, I want to erase any unevenness in skintone and hide any blemishes and discolouration. 

Opting for a matte complexion, here are the products I use:

- NARS Pore Refining Primer (http://tinyurl.com/nsrlmp2)
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 (http://tinyurl.com/c45scjy)
- MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (http://tinyurl.com/9djxrxy)
- MAC Blow Powder Pressed (http://tinyurl.com/mep5rap)



NARS Pore Refining Primer

NARS Pore Refining Primer retails $38 for 1 oz.  NARS claims it "instantly refines the look of pores, regulates shine and mattifies the skin" It has vitamins A, C, and E, and is supposed to "diminish the appearance of dilated pores over time".  Out of the tube, the primer looks and applies like a light lotion.  With this primer, less is definitely more. Only a thin veil is needed, and if any more if used, it won't create a matte finish like it is supposed to.  Therefore, one tube will last a fairly long time.  I apply this with my fingertips, and immediately after application, it looks almost dewy.  However, once it settles into the skin, it does mattify and smooth our minor imperfections.  

My only complaint is the waiting time needed after putting it on.  If not settled in properly, it could skew the finish of a matte foundation.  Personally, if I am looking to achieve a completely matte finish, I would opt for something else like bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer, as the thicker consistency does a better job of mattifying.  However, I do love the feeling of this primer as it is lightweight and has an almost cooling effect when applied.



MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15

Described as "a modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and a medium, buildable buildable coverage", MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 retails $32 for 1 oz.  It originally came with a screw-on lid, but MAC does sell the pump individually.  It wasn't until I was onto my second bottle of this did I get the pump, and I am glad I did.  Not only does it save me time from opening the lid each time, it extended the life of the foundation as it gave me better control of the amount I used.  I am a NC25 in this foundation, and I reach for my MAC #190 Foundation Brush for application.  Using short, quick strokes, I am able to achieve a smooth application with one to 1.5 pumps.

The foundation lives up its description in terms of coverage.  It does not feel heavy, and once dried, feels velvet to the touch.  Even with the sun protection, it does not feel oily or slippery.  This foundation truly provides a matte coverage, and lasts a good 8-10 hours on me if I am careful not to touch my face throughout the day.

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer retails $22 for 0.24 oz. and "provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage".  It also claims to be water-resistant and contains silica to absorb the skin's oils.  I pair this concealer in NC30 with the Studio Fix foundation.  Unfortunately, the two closest shades to the foundation for this concealer is NC20 and NC30, and I went with the darker shade because I feel like a lighter concealer would highlight, not conceal my blemishes.  I usually pat this to blemishes and under the eyes with my fingers, and sometimes with the MAC #195 Concealer Brush for smaller places.  

The texture of this concealer is creamy, and applies very matte.  It has a full coverage, and does not smudge off easily.  Blemishes tends to produce more oil than normal skin, and this concealer truly does absorb oils from it.  I don't find myself having to touch up on this throughout the day.

MAC Blot Powder Pressed

MAC Blot Powder Pressed retails $30 for 0.42 oz. and is "designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable colour or texture."  The compact includes a mirror and puff.  I don't use this every time, but this would be the final step of my foundation routine if I do.  It is only on longer days or if I have an important event to attend that I use this, as the foundation and concealer usually provides enough coverage for daily use.  I use the MAC #150 Large Powder Brush to apply this in the Medium shade, focusing on my T-zone, especially the tip of my nose, on the forehead between my brows and the cheek area just around the bridge of my nose.  The result is a smoothed out, airbrushed finish.  If I look up close after application, the results reminds me of having applied a smoothing filter to pictures.  

I use a very light hand and only apply this with the brush, as overuse of this would look too powdery.  I wouldn't recommend using this if you have patches, as this will cling to any dry skin and emphasize it.  MAC's claim of this powder not adding any noticeable colour would only be true if this powder completely matched your skintone, and I find that it is not the case for me.  The foundations have a much wider range of shades than these powders.  Therefore, I find that if I applied too much of this, it slightly lightens the shade of my foundation.  Overall, I do like having the Blot Powder for days when I need it, but it is not something I feel is essential for normal skin.

Bare skin

With primer, foundation, concealer, and powder

As you can see, the foundation and powder evened out my skintone, and the concealer hid imperfections and lightened the bags under my eyes.  Once I'm at this point, I usually go on to my eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Et voilà, there you have it!

With love,

Dorothy

alwaystheromanticxx

NARS Sin Blush

NARS Sin Blush is described as a "berry tone with gold shimmer" and retails $32 for 0.16 oz.  It looks quite muddy in the pan, but translate into a red-toned plum once applied onto the skin.  The golden shimmer adds a warm sheen and softens out the colour, making it more natural and wearable.  

Surprisingly, this blush is extremely versatile.  Not only is it great as an all-over cheek colour, it could double as a contouring shade.  I would definitely recommend this shade as a substitution for bronzer in the fall and winter.  Pigmentation and colour payoff is amazing, so a light hand is recommended.  Like most NARS blushes, Sin lasted me the whole day without noticeable separation or fading.

On a side note, this was first recommended to me by my makeup artist at a NARS promotion event.  I was unsure about it at first, but it's really grown on me, especially now that I'm starting to switch to darker colours for winter.  So if you're looking for your first plum blush, give this a shot!

Picture from narscosmetics.com

With flash


On eyes: NARS Violetta Duo eyeshadow
On lips: Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Color in Air Kiss


With love,

Dorothy


alwaystheromanticxx

NARS Alhambra Eyeshadow Duo

NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow features a "metallic rose mist" and "golden champagne" and retails $39 for 0.14 oz.  Both shades read warm, and translates into a warm glow once applied.  This, in my opinion is the perfect duo to start out with if you're just starting to venture out in high end eyeshadows, as it is extremely versatile.  I often use the rose on my browbones and the champagne all over the lid alone or as a base.

Colour payoff is sheer, but can be built up with layering.  There is shimmer present in both shades.  I didn't notice any fallout with this duo, and with the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, it lasts me around 8 hours.  After that, I noticed creasing on the inner corner of the lids and fading along the edges. 

NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow definitely makes my list of must haves, and I highly recommend it!  

Alhambra was actually my very first high end eyeshadow.  It was really the quality of this product that made me venture out into the world of high end makeup.  Thank you NARS!

Onto my second one now since I shattered my first one!

Picture from narscosmetics.com

Wearing NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow

On cheeks: NARS Luster blush
On lips: Dior Addict lipstick in Model

With love,

Dorothy

alwaystheromanticxx

About Me & Beginnings with Makeup

Bonjour

Here's to my very first blog post!

What motivated me to start this blog is because I want to share my love of makeup.  Personally, I will always read reviews before I buy a product, and I have to thank them for saving me a ton of time and effort in trying to find something that will work for me.  Reading what others have to say about it gives me a certain confidence that I will be investing in the right product, and here I hope to provide the same insight that I have gotten from other beauty blogs.  

I have to give a very big THANK YOU to Christine from Temptalia and Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog for being my main source of inspiration when it comes to starting a beauty blog.  I have long since lost the number of times I have searched a review of products on their blogs before making the purchase, and they have been nothing but objective and extremely helpful.  

Please feel free to comment or ask any questions, and I will be glad to answer to the best of my ability!  

With love,

Dorothy

alwaystheromanticxx