MAC Studio Finish Concealer Review

MAC Studio Finish Concealer Review

From the Brand:  A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations. It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains silica to help absorb the skin's oils. Concealer has broad spectrum SPF 35 protection and is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied with a medium to firm fiber brush (try the 242 Shader Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.


Retails for:  $18.00


Where to Buy:  MAC counters at department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Macys as well as MAC boutique stores and MACCosmetics.com


My Thoughts:  Yet another product I was turned onto by the amazing Pixiwoo sisters, and I love this concealer!  If you've been reading my blog for the last year (yikes!  It's been that long already?!) you'll know it's taken me a long time to come around to the whole MAC bandwagon.  I admit freely that I had a very negative view of them at the beginning of my career, influenced by the consumer views that all makeup artists work for MAC or use only MAC products, but I've been slowly branching out into their line to get an educated experience instead of just letting my personal opinion color my professional one.

This is the third concealer that I'm reviewing (you can read my reviews of the MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer here), but it's the very first concealer I tried by them back in a haul I did last March. 

I actually use this concealer the least, even though I see them use it all the time with Pixiwoo.  It's a great drier finish concealer that's perfect for concealing breakouts, which I rarely have.   I guess that's a really good thing though when you think about it!  I've tried it under my eyes, and I prefer either the Benefit Fake Up! or MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer instead, as those are both very hydrating formulas that my dry under eyes need.  I like using a buffing style brush to apply this and buff it over areas that need extra coverage on my face, or it also works well to cover veins and redness on my eyelids or sculpt my brows.  Those I use a traditional concealer brush with for a nice thin layer and a crisp edge, but for general redness like around my nose or over a breakout the buffing method works best.




Final Verdict:  Fabulous versatile concealer perfect for redness or breakouts, but I'd avoid it for undereyes.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! Mascara Review

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! Mascara Review

From the Brand:

Take your lashes to the extreme with this ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly!

Product Performance: Take your sultry, flashy lashes to the extreme with this amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly! Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this longwear, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake or budge. The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly, then the longer, firmer side of the brush lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping.
Powered By: Provitamin B5: vitamin B derivative that helps treat and thicken lashes. Beeswax: a protective barrier between the skin and the environment that has been known to naturally stimulate collagen production. Mineral pigments: soothe and soften lashes.

Retails for:  $23.00


Where to Buy:  Tartecosmetics.com, Ulta stores and Ulta.com, Sephora stores and Sephora.com


My Thoughts:  This mascara sure has a lot to "say" about how amazing it is at volumizing.  But since this is my review, this is what I have to say about how it really works.  First, I can't believe it's taken me this long to even do a review on it since I've had it forever.  I got it back in October as part of my Tarte Kit from QVC.  I had to go back and look through my list of reviews to really convince myself that I hadn't done one yet.  So sorry about that!  Hopefully you haven't been patiently waiting all this time!

This mascara has a really unique dual sided brush that claims to volumize on one side and then comb through to separate on the other side.  I find that the volumizing side does a really great job of adding a lot of volume with one coat.  The separation side was ok, but it's kind of hard to tell the difference.  The wand itself has two colors, but once it's coated in mascara, it's impossible to see.  On the separation side the plastic bristles are only marginally longer and spaced too far apart in my opinion to really give great definition.




Final Verdict:  Gives great volume, and I really like it but not as much as their Gifted mascara or their Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream Review

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex Review

From the Brand:

What it is:
A daily age-defying moisturizer formulated with Fresh’s proprietary Super 7 Complex, proven to prevent the signs of aging, provide 24 hours of significant moisture, and boost radiance.

What it is formulated to do:
Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is a lightweight, daily age-defying moisturizer for all skin types proven to minimize and prevent signs of aging, deliver intense hydration, and improve elasticity. It is formulated with Fresh’s proprietary Super 7 Complex—an age-defying, hydrating, and radiance-boosting blend of seven super-charged ingredients to defend against wrinkles, preserve collagen, promote the production of hyaluronic acid, seal in moisture, and soften the skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
“The lotus has been cultivated in eastern Asia for over 3,000 years. The plant is considered sacred in many cultures, but I especially love the way the Buddhists regard it. They believe that it is the ultimate symbol of complete purification, as it journeys through muddy waters to rise above the surface and blossom into a stunning flower. Various parts of the lotus have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries to treat a number of skin diseases, most often inflammation. After doing clinical tests, we were stunned at this ingredient’s high levels of polyphenols, the most powerful antioxidants known to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals.”—Lev Glazman, Fresh Co-founder

Research results:
Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is clinically proven to*:
- Moisturize skin for 24 hours after use
- Immediately improve skin radiance
- Enhance skin brightness and clarity
- Improve elasticity

After an independent consumer testing panel used Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream*:
- 97% felt their skin was immediately hydrated
- 91% felt their skin was revitalized
- 91% felt this cream gave them healthier-looking skin
- 81% felt their complexion was luminous
- 84% felt their skin’s elasticity was improved

*In vivo

Retails for:  $42.00


Where to Buy:  Sephora stores and Sephora.com, Fresh.com, Amazon.com, Nordstrom.com


My Thoughts:  I got this in a Glossybox, IPSY, or some other monthly subscription box a while ago but hadn't taken it out of the box to use. My skin had been exceptionally dry for most of December, with the dry heat from this craptacular winter doing a number on my hydration.  My skin just seems to shrivel up and die for a few months every winter anyway, due to the heaters being cranked up full blast.  In January I had to do something about it, but I was also in Florida where their is at least more humidity naturally.  This was the perfect amount of hydration without it being pore clogging or feeling heavy on my skin.  It sinks in quickly, and I just love the fresh cucumber smell!

I didn't notice much else with my skin other than hydration, and it was a sample size, so there wasn't enough for me to test it more than the month.  I'll agree with the claims about hydration, revitalized, and healthier looking.  My skin definitely looked much better after switching to this moisturizer for a month.  I just wish it wasn't a jar product, as I really hate dipping my fingers into anything.  No matter how clean your hands are, I just don't like using my fingers.  You can use a q-tip, but that's wasteful.


Final Verdict:  I like this product a lot and would never turn it down.  I think it's a great moisturizer for lightweight hydration and would definitely consider purchasing the full size jar.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer Review

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer Review

From the Brand:  A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours.


Retails for:  $19.00


Where to Buy:  MAC counters at department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Macys as well as MAC boutique stores and MACCosmetics.com


My Thoughts:  If you've seen any videos by a major makeup guru on Youtube who does highlighting and contouring, you've probably seen this concealer in action.  I see it used all the time in a few shades lighter than the skintone to highlight and conceal in a large inverted triangle below the eyes and onto the cheekbones.

It's one of the most creamy pigmented concealers that I've ever used, and it does last all day long.  You only need just the tiniest bit to really cover and spread over a large area.  I've even seen people use it like a foundation!  (Seriously, you've got to watch this video.  It looks like she's using huge amounts of the MAC Pro Longwear concealer, but this spreads so nicely she's actually just using small amounts blended over a large surface.)

I love that it has a very convenient pump to dispense a tiny amount without wasting any.  Tubes I always seem to squeeze too much out, like toothpaste.  And pots, I feel like aren't the most sanitary, even if I'm just using it on myself.  I hate to double dip.

Final Verdict:  I love me some MAC concealers, and this one doesn't disappoint. A little bit goes a long way, so there's a ton of value built into this product.

*** Have you read my review of the MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer?

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Brush Review- Becca One Perfecting Brush

From the Brand: 

 

What it is:
A true beauty multitasker, this patent-pending brush cuts makeup application time in half by replacing 10 other brushes and tools.

What it does:
From start to finish, primer to powder, The One Perfecting Brush can be used with liquids, creams, powders and anything in between. Non-porous, high-quality natural hair allows product to sit on top of bristles rather than absorbing, ensuring a seamless application with no wasted product. It can be used effectively as a foundation brush, powder brush, contour brush, bronzer brush, stipple brush, blush brush, fan brush, concealer brush, kabuki, or sponge.

The bristles are packed in a 3.5 inch horizontal design allowing you to effortlessly and evenly cover larger or smaller surface areas. The density of the brush creates a smooth, even, and airbrushed application every time, taking the guesswork out of brushwork. Flat edges fit the linear contours of your face, while curved corners allow for targeted, more precise application. Long, flexible bristles make a variety of application techniques possible including: targeted application, stippling, blending, contouring, and highlighting.

What else you need to know:
The bristles are free of dye, ensuring they will not lose shape or softness over time, and the unique shape of the handle and soft-touch finish provide complete control during application, allowing you to create your desired look. The bristles are reinforced with shed-resistant technology. However, the brush may lose strands during use. As with the hair on your head, this is completely natural and will lessen with use and proper care.

Sephora is the exclusive beauty retailer for this product.

Retails for:  $49.00


Where to Buy:  Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com


My Thoughts:  I saw this in action for the first time back in October when I attended the iFabbo conference in San Fransisco.  Becca Cosmetics was one of the sponsors of the event, and they demonstrated it up on stage for all of us beauty and fashion bloggers.  It was pretty amazing how quickly and easily the makeup artist was able to apply the foundation, powder, bronzer/contour, and blush to the model!  I remember thinking in my head "oh, please, oh, please, oh, please let there be one of those brushes in our swag bags at the end of the day!", and I just about squealed when I found it in there. 

First, let me tell you about these bristles.  They are soft.  Like S.O.F.T.  They buff even thick cream foundation over my face in seconds with barely any left on the bristles themselves.  The surface feels dry immediately afterwards.  I don't know what kind of makeup voodoo that is, but it's pretty awesome.  What that means is that you can apply your foundation with it and then immediately apply powder products with the same brush without having to clean it off first.  And you can go back and forth between colors without them blending and getting muddied up.  The color comes off on your face and doesn't hang around on the brush.

That's not to say that it doesn't get dirty.  You can see in the above images that this is after some use, and the color has worked its way down just a bit into the bristles.  After a few uses, with the bristles being so light, you can definitely see when it's been used and needs a wash.  But it's not getting all over face going back and forth from day to day to use it for the whole gambit of application.  It makes travel super easy.  You can see me using this brush to try the Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation for the first time in my Youtube review.




Final Verdict:  If you want to cut down on how many brushes you have on hand and want something that multitasks like no other, than this is your brush!

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. I was given this item for my consideration through the iFabbo conference from Becca Cosmetics.  This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Color Balm Review

From the Brand:  Tempt lips with a soft cushion of colour that's not quite sheer, not quite opaque-just the perfect happy medium. Loaded with mango and shea butters so lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight vibrant shades in all.


Retails for:  $17.00


Where to Buy:  Clinique counters at major department stores like Macys, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, and more as well as Clinique.com, Sephora stores and Sephora.com


My Thoughts:  I got a sample size one as a free gift from Sephora a while back, and it's a gorgeous red color so of course I loved it.  I went back a few days later to see if I could get another one, because I rack up THAT many points with them of course, but it was all out. The girl at the counter said that everyone was in love with them and they were all gone quickly.  I can see why.  The color is a really intense red, with beautiful cherry undertones, that doesn't turn hot pink as it wears away like a lot of other blue based reds can.

The formula is very creamy and doesn't tug when applied.  It's not intensely hydrating, so I found myself still applying chapstick in between coats of color.  The color stained my lips well, and I only had to reapply the stick itself a few times to really brighten things back up.  It faded evenly as well.  It has just a slight sheen to it, so if you like a really glossy look, I'd top it with a sheer gloss over the top.  I also love that it's a twist up pencil, which makes it easy to apply and portable. 


Final Verdict:  I love this and would love more of them as a free perk.  However, I think that paying $17 for one of them when I can get a comparable product at the drugstore for half the price is what's going to force me to say "no" to adding them to my makeup bag any time soon.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation Review

From the Brand: 

• Formula Liquid
• Coverage Moderate

Soothing oil-free makeup instantly colour-corrects flushing, blushing. Calming ingredients help minimize flare-ups. Beneficial probiotic technology helps strengthen skin's barrier. Keeps environmental triggers at bay with SPF plus antioxidants.

Skin Types: 1 - Very Dry to Dry, 2 - Dry Combination, 3 - Combination Oily

Retails for:  $27.00


Where to Buy:  Clinique counters at major department stores like Macys, Bloomindales, and Nordstrom as well as their online counterparts, Clinique.com, Sephora stores and Sephora.com, may be available in The Cosmetic Company stores which stock limited edition products or gift with purchases and backstock from brands that didn't originally sell in store (which is where I bought mine)


My Thoughts:  As you can see in my first reaction video, I wasn't a huge fan of this foundation for myself.  The color was way too dark, and I actually looked more red and tired at the end of the day than how I started.  In the video, I look more brown/orange than red, because I screwed up the color settings on my camera and can't figure out how to fix them.  But where you see blotchy brown/orange patches on my skin (pre foundation), that's actually redness. You can see how dark it was on me by comparison, but the color oxidation was camouflaged in person a bit by my bronzer and other makeup.

The coverage was ok, but had to be built up.  By the end of the day, it had worn away and any imperfections in my skin were showing again clearly.  The rest of my makeup on top also didn't last all day and faded off.  I looked washed out.  I took a photo with my phone to see if it reacts to flash, and it looked so heinous I won't bother to show you. Last thing I need is for that to end up in some internet meme on bad makeup.

The video does really make it look a lot worse than it looked in person, but the end result I still wouldn't voluntarily walk around in public like that again.




Final Verdict:  Unless you're significantly darker than I am, I wouldn't bother with this foundation.  And even then, don't expect it to look great for more than a handful of hours.  I just saved you $27.  You're welcome.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- LORAC Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner

From the Brand:
This high-performing no-smudge, no-budge, water-resistant liquid eye liner boasts a unique automatic delivery system that provides a clean, precise application. The flexible tip provides ultimate control, accuracy and smooth strokes, so you’ll never miss your lines. From very fine to dramatically bold, this versatile pro will take you to the front of the line every time!

Retails for:  $23.00


Where to Buy:  Loraccosmetics.com, Ulta.com and Ulta stores, Sephora.com and Sephora stores


My Thoughts:  I have this in dark brown, and I picked it up last fall I believe from Ulta during a 21 Days of Beauty event they do occasionally.  I was able to snag this eyeliner for only $10!  It was my first experience with a liquid eyeliner from Lorac.  I've used their eyeshadows, the Pro mascara, and blushes before with varied results.  Their palette products can be a bit hit or miss on quality.  Some are better than others.  Individually packaged items seem to be much higher quality consistently.  Their Pro mascara I can't stand the wand on but love with a disposable wand for clients in the studio. 

The packaging on this is a gorgeous gunmetal that reminds me a bit of Urban Decay's packaging but darker.  It looks and feels very high end, and I love pulling it out of my makeup bag to use.  Just something about luxurious metallic packaging that makes me feel fancy.  Am I the only one with a "thing" for metallic packaging?  If it's a gunmetal, sleek silver, bright gold, or my favorite rose gold, I just feel like I'm so glamorous.

The tip is felt and super silky!  It's not stiff at all and flexes just enough to swipe on the color cleanly without being difficult to control.  It deposits a line of liquid liner that dries quickly and is a tiny bit sheer.  I run it over itself twice to get a truly inky dark color.  It sets fast and doesn't flake or transfer, and I can get all day wear from this easily.  I love that it's a dark brown instead of a black, since I have a ton of black liquid liners already.  When I want a softer look without sacrificing the cat eye look, this is what I reach for. 

Once this sets, it's pretty waterproof.  I can wet my finger (ok, let's be honest I lick it) and run it over the top a few times, and the color doesn't budge.  But if I wet (lick) my finger and sit there and rub it back and forth over the line on the back of my hand, it will eventually wear down cleanly.  But it also doesn't make a big smudgy mess.  It's kind of like the color just disappears.


Final Verdict:  A fantastic long wearing liquid liner that's easy to apply and looks fancy in the tube.  Hits all my major criteria for a winner.


 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Illmasqua Skin Base Foundation Review

From the Brand:   

What it is:
A foundation for creating a natural, skin-match finish.

What it does:
Skin Base Foundation lets you effortlessly create a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, its hydrating formula primes, controls shine, hydrates, and smooths your skin while providing natural, buildable coverage.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- GMOs
- Triclosan


Retails for:  $42.00


Where to Buy:  Sephora stores and Sephora.com, Illamasqua.com, ASOS.com, Bloomingdales.com


My Thoughts:  This is probably one of the best full coverage foundations I've ever had the pleasure of using.  It covers just about everything in one quick layer, but it can still be built up if you still need more.  Even with my natural bit of redness, one layer was enough to get flawless looking skin that didn't look like I'd caked a ton of foundation on.

If you've ever watched a Pixiwoo video, you'll know they use this foundation all the time.  Pixiwoo is out of the UK, so they've got easy access to all the goodies this brand has to offer.  I was psyched to find that it's available at Sephora, where I like to shop.  If you go to their brand website, you get free shipping internationally with orders over 50 British Pounds, which translates to about $83.22 in American Dollars. 

For those of you new to the brand, and since this is the first time I've ever blogged about them, here's a bit of info on them from their About Us page:

Hailed as the most significant make-up launch in over twenty years, independent, British make-up brand Illamasqua brings truly professional make-up to the High street for the first time.

This make-up brand, that empowers people to express their individuality, has been making a scene in London since its launch in November 2008. The product of a heady mix of influences; from its roots in the dark and illicit 1920s Berlin club scene, to a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre, Illamasqua takes it’s inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. Champions of creativity and fighting against injustice wherever we go, our highly-pigmented, long lasting products provide consumers and make-up artists alike with the products and inspiration to ensure they can express themselves, whoever they are and whatever look they want to achieve.

After debuting in Selfridges Oxford Street, in the biggest retail space ever awarded to an unknown brand, Illamasqua can now be found in the best retailers in seven territories across the world including the USA, UAE and Australia and South East Asia.


Final Verdict:  This product is definitely the first step in a long road of addiction to this brand.  I see their blushes and eyeshadows raved about in videos by my UK Youtube Gurus all the time, and the next round of Sephora Makeup Haul shopping I know what I'll be picking up!

Check out my video review and first reaction!

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation Review

From the Brand: 

Achieve a flawless complexion with the silky smooth e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation. The lightweight and oil-free formula blends in naturally for a beautiful semi-matte finish. This liquid foundation applies easily and lasts all day for visibly brighter and radiant looking skin. Using our Flawless Finish Foundation not only restores uneven skin textures and tones, but most importantly, the SPF 15 protects your skin against harmful sun damage!

Retails for:  $6.00


Where to Buy: Target stores, EyesLipsFace.com, Drugstore.com, and Google is saying Walmart, too but I've never seen it at my local one.

My Thoughts:  I think today is a good day to write up this review since I've been wearing it for most of the day already.  At first when I applied it (with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush) it wasn't too bad.  I originally purchased a color that was too dark, but I got the lightest shade and it matched pretty perfectly.  It hasn't oxidized at all, so that's a definite bonus.  However, that's about where the praise ends.

The coverage is what I'd consider medium.  It evened out my tone well without looking heavy, but I did need to build up to cover the redness around my nose, and it didn't do much at all under my eyes.  It set quickly and hasn't moved on my skin, but it's sucked the life out of my complexion.  I now look very dried out and aged.  It's settled into any fine lines on my face and is clinging to flakes I didn't even realize I had.  I wouldn't call this a semi-matte foundation.  I'd call this a matte foundation once set.

I didn't use a primer first, but I rarely use primers on a daily basis.  Today I'm just at work, trying to get some work done on the blog in between clients.  (It really seems my only time lately to get reviews written.)  I almost want to wash my face before the next person arrives, as I don't want them to look at the status of my skin and think that's my skill as an artist!

My cheek color has also started to look a bit blotchy, and seeing as it's my Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush that I love and have used for years with no issues, I'm going to have to assume that the foundation is fading unevenly underneath causing the patchy appearance to the color.



Final Verdict:   I really love most of the products from e.l.f. cosmetics, and I was looking forward to trying this one out.  It's about what I'd expect from a $6 foundation, but for my skin it's not a good fit.  I'll try it again this summer when my face isn't so dried out, and I'll experiment with different primers underneath, too, to add more of a hydration factor.  If you have oily skin, I'd say try it out.  It is only $6, so even if it's not great for you, you haven't wasted too much, and I think that there's a good chance it'll do much better with oilier skins.

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Ponds Luminous Finish BB Cream

From the Brand:
Flawless in Seconds, + More Even Tone in 2 Weeks!
Even skin tone for a natural, luminous look!

• Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen
• Natural Looking Coverage
• Visible Dark Spot Reduction
• Non-greasy Moisturization
• Non-comedogenic - Won't Clog Pores
• Dermatologist Tested
• Hypoallergenic

Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ cream is formulated with breakthrough Tone Perfecting Complex and gives you luminous coverage instantly plus visible dark spot reduction.  Effortlessly reveal your natural, luminous look!

Retails for:  $10.99


Where to Buy:  Target stores and online, Walgreens stores and Walgreens.com, Ulta stores and Ulta.com, basically wherever you buy drugstore makeup but these are my top three


My Thoughts:  I'm not sure if it's really the result of using this BB cream on a regular basis during January and February or if it's the switch to a new skincare line, but my skin is looking pretty darn good lately.  A lot of my redness has faded- which I honestly attribute to the skincare rather than this- and overall I'm looking more glowing.  This has pretty good coverage for a BB cream, a little more than a regular tinted moisturizer.  It doesn't have a strong SPF smell to it either.  I still need to make sure I'm using a moisturizer under it, but it leaves my skin with a very naturally evened complexion and a no makeup look.  I top it off with just a dusting of the Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder, and I'm good to go.  Being a mom, most days I do still need some concealer under my eyes, too, but really who doesn't?  I took a regular foundation with me to Florida in January and only used it twice- New Years Eve and then for the formal night on our cruise.  The rest of the time, this got me through, which I loved. 

Since they're in the photo, I'll remark on the cleansing wipes, too.  I bough these at the same time and used the travel size of wipes to see if I liked them.  They were great, with a thick ribbed texture that gets my skin completely clean.  My only complaint is that they are very wet, and when I used them on my eye makeup some of the liquid got in my eyes if I wasn't careful.  I actually used a cotton round wrapped with the wipe and squeezed it to pull the extra fluid out, then used the cotton for my mascara and liner.

Final Verdict:  By far, this is my favorite BB cream I've tried, and being a drugstore brand I love the price!  I give it a wholehearted two thumbs up!  Great job Ponds!

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.