Foundation

Saturday, December 02, 2017

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Classic Beige and Amber Beige Review, Swatches, Shades and FOTD



Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation Review, Swatches,Shades and FOTD

I was looking for a photo-friendly foundation, and my search ended with Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in the shade Amber Beige. But when I received it, the shade was a tad darker than I anticipated. My skin tone if described would appropriately be Medium Tan Neutral. I have Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in the same colour, and it is a good match in summer and is completely undetectable on my skin. Though Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Classic Beige is described as Medium Tan Neutral on the website. I thought probably going a shade darker would be a good choice; I was wrong!


Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in India

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in classic beige is a decent match for me when I am not tanned (update: this did not oxidise on me for a few uses, but now after being exposed to light and air, it does oxidise on unprimed skin). Amber Beige has a bit of red undertone to it which brings out my redness and looks darker than my neck and chest. I prefer mixing classic beige and amber beige in 2:1 when I acquire a bit of tan. I am not sure of my shade in MAC studio fix, but MAC Master Match Foundation in 5.0 is almost a good match. I have looked up and have watched videos for all the medium/tan shades to make the guesswork for the shade that would be my closest match. I will be mentioning MAC equivalents of Wet n Wild Photo Focus shades for Indian skin tones.

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation is now available in India exclusively on Nykaa. I purchased classic beige and amber beige on Beautdor for 850 and 600 INR, respectively. And I am glad the price point on Nykaa is decent and retails for 599 INR.

Why I picked Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation?

A drugstore foundation which is vegan, gluten-free and fragrance free  Also sulphate, paraben and oil free. Wet N Wild is cruelty-free and is certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny.

Shades

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation Classic Beige, Amber Beige Shades and Demo

The fact that I would find my perfect match for $5.99 or 599 INR left me exhilarated. Although I am unsure of my match in MAC, I had got shade matched in Lancome. I am in shade 03 for Lancome Miracle Air De Teint (leans more warm on me).
I have neutral undertone which was evident only after brainstorming research. I used warm under-toned foundations and always wondered why my skin tone looked muddy.
The shade classic beige oxidises on me and looks better than amber beige which shows up a bit too red on my skin. The picture below is quite evident; it is stark in person.

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation MAC NC40

Wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation Swatches forNC 35 NC 37 NC 40 NC42  NC 44 NC 45 skin tone

For tan/olive/Indian skin tones the shade referencing as per my finding:

For neutral/warm undertones ~

Cream Beige/Golden Beige would be equivalent to MAC NC35NC37
Classic Beige/Bronze Beige would be equivalent to MAC NC37NC40
Amber Beige/Dessert Beige would be equivalent to MAC NC40NC42
Caramel/Toffee would be equivalent to NC44NC45

Wet n wild photo focus foundation for Neutral undertones
Left to Right: Classic Beige, Amber Beige

Wet n wild photo focus foundation swatches for Tan medium olive Indian skin tones
Left to Right: Classic Beige, Amber Beige

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation Review

First of all, I am in love with the light-weight texture. If blended well with a beauty blender or makeup sponge, it is does look and feel weightless. Though Wet N Wild claims that the foundation is fragrance-free, it does have a slight paint smell to it. 
The consistency is medium, and it blends effortlessly on primed skin. I did test this foundation with and without primer, and it works best with a primer underneath. Without primer, it does cling to dry patches and accentuates them. The coverage is light to medium and is buildable upto full coverage as per the claims but honestly I prefer just one layer for photography. I did apply three layers and it accentuated my non-existent pores and clung onto my peach fuzz. I am guessing it would accentuate texture? probably!
A single layer evens out the skin tone and conceals the fading blemishes and scars but fails to cover fresh acne scars.
I dislike setting this foundation with setting powders that I own. But finishing with the Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused adds such an ethereal glow. I am waiting to receive the Photo Focus Powder and Concealer I ordered from Nykaa.
The finish of the foundation is a cross between satin and matte. It makes the skin appear flawless in daylight and soft flash photography.
It does oxidise on me, and the only way I know to fix it is to use a brightening powder. It did not break me out. I prefer this foundation for quick makeup because it blends in effortlessly. Lately, my skin has been drier than usual. In the pictures below, I am wearing the foundation without primer and setting powder.

Tested Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Natural Light and Iphone 7 Flash

Wet n wild Photo focus foundation natural light flash test
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Classic Beige: Left~ Natural Light <-> Right~ Flash

wet n wild photo focus foundation in Amber Beige natural light flash test iphone7
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Amber Beige: Left~ Natural Light <-> Right~ Flash

I love how it looks in natural light, but it looks more flawless in person than in pictures. Silica is the reason why it blurs out all the imperfections. I have both warm white and cool white lights installed in my room, and I find that it does flash back under cool daylight. 
Amber beige flashes back slightly pink due to its red undertone.

Tested Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation with Canon 70D Flash

Tested Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation with Canon 70D Flash
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Amber Beige tested with Canon 70D flash

The camera flash is quite harsh and it did accentuated the dry patches on my nose. Also all my flaws  including facial hair/peach fuzz. But then I had been sitting quite close to the camera.

Overall, I am quite impressed with the texture, finish and how flawless it does make my skin look!
It did not oxidise (one at first, but now when the bottle has been exposed to light and air, it does oxidise on me). Although, the finger marks on those black shiny caps trigger my O.C.D, I am in love with everything else it has to offer. 

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Charlotte Tilbury Haul from Beautylish.com | Shipping and Import Customs Duties to India


I have been fancying Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks (esp Miranda Red Carpet Red) and when I decided to treat myself, lipstick was the last thing on my mind. But Deciem's The Ordinary was launched and I added the High-Spreadability Primer, Rosehip seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Moisturizer and when I checked out, all of them were sold out, in a matter of mere 4-5 minutes.
I want to try her Treat & Transform Magic Cream which I added to my cart but since it is heavy, the import duties for it (alone) turned out to be higher than I anticipated.
So I settled for base makeup instead. I am hankering towards Golden Goddess & Filmstar Bronze & Glow kit! In a few, I want all!


My Charlotte Tilbury Haul includes

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish in 2 Medium
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic First Love
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder in 7 Medium
Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher in 3 Medium
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in 7 Medium

Charlotte Tilbury Reviews India

Where to buy Charlotte Tilbury Makeup in India?



Even though, I decided to christen these on my birthday; I tested both the foundations few days before. I wanted to be sure of what finish I preferred with the makeup with my skin condition.
Boy! When I tested the shade of Magic foundation on my jawline and nose, I was doubtlessly under a spell. The shade blended in perfectly. I have had great first impressions of all these products so far.

So what I chose to wear on my Birthday? Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder! (without a doubt)
The shade matching is close enough but a bit too warm for my neutral tone which makes it a bit shadowy on my complexion. Shade 6 has pink undertone while Shade 5 would've been too light for me. But the Magic Foundation is my skin but better kind of shade match for me and I couldn't be more stoked!
I do not regret purchasing any of these but are these worth the price? which I will be decoding in individual reviews.


Beautylish.com haul and shiping to India

Beautylish.com now sells Charlotte Tilbury. Free worldwide shipping. Shipping to India

Shopping with Beautylish

I placed my order on 6th of April 2017 and I was notified that my order was shipped within 24 hours. And additionally, I received an email from FedEx about the tracking and documents for customs verification. The Service type used by Beautylish was  FedEx International Priority. And I received my package on 10th April, 2 days before the estimated date. I selected the gift wrap option with a written note. I am definitely impressed with the quick delivery. The customs duties were already included in the order. You can check the snapshot of my order below. I prefer paying import customs duties with the order than on arrival.
For such quick International delivery and prepaid custom duties, I am impressed and looking forward to placing more orders with them( motivates me enough!)

Charlotte Tilbury Beautylish Haul, Shipping to India. Custom Duties details
Click on the image for a larger view

Is Charlotte Tilbury Cruelty-free? YES! and many of her products are vegan as well.
You can check Charlotte Tilbury Base Makeup in action here.


Sunday, April 23, 2017

Birthday Acquisition, Makeup, and Face of the Day

I had to choose between diamonds and makeup.

I chose Makeup.

And for accomplishing 3 major goals in 2016 (one in 2017), after working hard for months and numerous sleepless nights (Thank you Redbull!) I decided to treat myself to some luxury makeup in spite of my project pan challenge. I seem to go on purchasing makeup and keep forgetting about it. I lack sincerity with project panning!


Here's the makeup flatlay

Soft Rose Gold Aesthetic and Makeup Tutorial

My theme for makeup as well as aesthetic was Rose gold. I paired a soft rose gold smokey with soft mauve lips. That lip colour was not on my mind, but I have been wearing Cannes lot, to skip it for once; I mixed Zurich and Marc Jacob's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I wore Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation and dusted the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder over my T-zone lightly.
My base, illuminated and extremely light with bronzed glow, I did skip contouring today. And after taking pictures, I realized I need to fix my eyebrows, I fixed them, wiped off my lipstick and stepped out.

I have zillion Lace blouses, tops and tanks and every time I see lace, mesh or anything similar I have to purchase it (and regret later.) But this is something I had to include in my collection. I didn't have anything forest green!

Zara Embroidered Eyelash Lace Top

And here's my humble Face of the Day!

Soft Rose Gold Makeup for Indian skin

Closeup shot of my illuminated base makeup

Dewy Skin Soft Rose Gold Makeup Tutorial

 And here's the birthday acquisition (for succeeding goals and ignoring my skin all the while!)
My laugh lines are running deeper due to lack of skincare and I am determined to switch to a skincare routine preventing dry patches and developing lines/wrinkles. You can check my acquisition here

Beautylish Haul India, Charlotte Tilbury
From Me to Me :)
Brown paper packages tied up with strings. ;)

Monday, June 20, 2016

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Natural Beige: Review and Swatches

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation in Natural Beige Review and Swatches

I am a Mineral Metamorphose and I collecting all I can. This summery compact right here was my second addition. [Wait, until I reveal my Mineral (Foundation) Makeup Collection here]
The factual reason I prefer Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation over any other  Powder foundation is SPF 50, alone.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation in Natural Beige Review and Swatches


Physicians Formula claims the product to be Fragrance-free, Non-irritating, Paraben free, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Oil-free and Dermatologist approved




SPF Powder, Powder Foundation

This Powder Foundation is a windfall for me this summer. The texture is powdery and I detest fallout, I use Real Techniques Powder brush and buff onto my skin and layer the fallout over the buffed powder. The coverage is translucent, even though it covers redness around my nose and evens out my skin tone. The powder is hydrating and does not look cakey upon layering or accentuate dry skin.
Though it states that the Foundation is mineral based, I don't notice the illumination mineral foundation results. At times, this does look flat matte.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation in Natural Beige Review and Swatches

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation has been discontinued. I think I could use this all seasons round. This is my absolute favourite and summer essential.
For most of the days when I am out between 11-5, I top this on Vichy and I am ready to step out.
This alone does not provide enough sun protection, I use it to mattify the shiny sunblock residue.
Talc is the first ingredient listed with Dimethicone (a silicone), a pore clogging ingredient.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation in Natural Beige Review and Swatches
I am a touch-up shy, I dislike touching up my makeup or sunblock. I would like a powder/dry sunscreen in a brush, say Brush on Sunscreen. So I could just brush on some dry sunscreen to protect and mattify in one go. =D

Is Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation Cruelty-Free? Yes

Repurchase: It is discontinued. Maybe a different variant.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation Review: Swatch and FOTD


Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation Review: Swatch and FOTD in India


Foundations have been riveting me ever since I have forsaken BB creams. I was in love with Bourjois Healthy Mix; no I did not re-purchase it with the lone reason of shade mismatch. Though it looked natural, it would oxidize on my Normal/Combination skin. I am looking for my ‘Perfect Match’ Foundation from MAC these days. I like the formula, staying power but the shade either runs yellow or oxidizes. I have loved Match master & Prolong wear so far, but the latter has a dominant yellow tone.
Focussing on this one, I bought Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation from Asos along with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation.

What does Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation claim:

Tested and approved by 97% of women,* the “new generation” foundation for a rested yet radiant complexion and a flawless, even result for up to 16hrs**
Its formula:
3 colour correcting pigments:
1. Yellow pigments – conceals dark circles for a rested look
2. Mauve pigments – corrects dullness for radiance
3. Green pigments – neutralises redness for an even out the complexion
Soft and smooth formula for an undetectable second skin finish. Available in 9 natural shades to suit all skin types.
And it’s good for my skin!
- 24hr hydration**
- SPF 10
- Cotton Flower – hydration & anti-shine
- non comedogenic, lets skin breathe

Price: £10.99 (approx. 1109)
1450 INR in India

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India, Best Foundations for Oily Skin, Velvet Matte finish Foundations

When this was new, the texture was semi-runny but now it has thickened a bit. It has delectable mild floral fragrance I like. Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose turned out a bit lighter during the warmer months but it is a close match during colder months. The wear time is around 6-7 hours, though my nose would turn shiny after 2-3 hours. It does starts to fade after 6-7th hour depending on the clime. (I use blotting papers/tissues.)
I use Rimmel Stay Matte to set this foundation on my T-zone which additionally elongates the shine free hours.
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation takes a little effort in blending; it does not go easy and sets quicker. I use sponge and flat top brush to blend this seamlessly. Blending foundation with fingers is not much of a good idea with this one; it tends to settle on fingers more than the desired area.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose Swatch Review

My skintone is Neutral and Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation is a cool toned pinkish beige, beige being the dominant. Medium Coverage gives ashed results around my eyes or mouth hence I avoid building coverage with a corrector underneath. And to add, it does look patchy on the dry areas. I add a drop of Jojoba oil to the Foundation and work it out. The 3 Colour correcting pigments failed to hide my dark circles though my redness and dullness was corrected.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India FOTD
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation warmed up with Bronzer during Summer


Making Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation work for Warm Skin tone:

I use a Matte Bronzer to add warmth to my face which makes it look much better on me. Or use an Earthy/Warm Blush. I stick to Neutral Colours for Lips as well. I have even used a Brown Eyeliner to balance out the Warm-Cool tones.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India Review, Swatches, FOTD, Makeup
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation applied alone and sheerly blended during Winter

Why Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:

An excellent Matte Finish Foundation
Sturdy Glass bottle (dropped it once)
Neutralizes Redness
3 Hours of Matte shine free skin
A Pump and a half covers the entire face (little goes a long way)
Adequately conceals if build up
SPF 10
Non Comedogenic
Medium Build able Coverage

Why not Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:

Accentuates dry patches, dryness and fine lines under the eyes
Inordinate Price for a Drugstore Foundation

Rating: 4 of 5

Recommendation: Yes, for oily skin and matte finish lovers. I love it as sheer coverage and natural matte finish.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Review in Medium 2: Pure Beige

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Pure Beige: Medium 2

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Review in Medium 2: Pure Beige

About Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse:
Air-whipped liquid provides perfecting coverage for 100% poreless skin. Ideal for normal skin.
Oil-free, fragrance-free,  Dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores, safe for sensitive skin.

I bought Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse on impulse and still no regrets.

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse, a sturdy see through glass bottle with pump. The texture of Mousse is creamy and gives light to medium coverage. The coverage is slightly buildable but won't conceal blemishes and marks. The Finish on skin is Satiny-dewy and for time being skin indeed looks flawless.
The staying power is average, stays on for 4-5 hours and a li'l blotting or powder will be needed to control shiny T-zone or Cheeks.
I have Combination skin with T-zone and Cheeks Oily. And I need to blot and powder my face after 3 hours if I reach for this.

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Review in Medium 2: Pure Beige India



The Oh-so-Good about Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse:

  1. Dewy and Satiny Finish.
  2. Light to Medium Buildable Coverage.
  3. Photographs well with Flash.
  4. Ideal for Dry skin or Normal.
  5. Blends like a dream.
  6. Fragrance Free, All that good for Sensitive noses.
  7. Non-Comedogenic. So no clogged pores.
  8. Flawless Air Brush Finish, if applied suitable way.
  9. A tiny amount, just a blob is needed for the face.

The Oh-so-unworthy about Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse:

  1. Glass Bottle: Not Travel Friendly.
  2. Not ideal for Oily skin.
  3. Settles in Fine lines, if not blended properly.
  4. Shade Selection. One might have to customize to find ideal shade.
  5. Not for Humid Climatic Conditions unless you stay indoors in Conditioned Atmosphere.
  6. It transfers on the Phone. ( atleast for me )


My Verdict:

I love Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse for its Finish: Flawless and Dewy. So I tend to reach for it when my skin is dry and lifeless. This Perks up the glow and looks natural than made up.
I blend it with Fingers in hurry or Use a Foundation brush from wonder finish. I find stippling it quite tricky, since I have sensitive skin and I turn red in no time. Using a sponge is a way to go, if you need a little more coverage.
Dewy Finish Foundations in India. Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Review
Swatch in Natural Light
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Review in Medium 2: Pure Beige, Foundation for Normal to Dry Skin
Blended in Natural light


So If you like Dewy Finish and Soft coverage, This would be a good budget buy. And of course, You can try at the counters yourself.

Rating: 3.5/5