Make-Up Review: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Hi peeps,
Here's another that took forever to make to our shores.
After years and years of hearing beauty influencers wax poetic about this Maybelline foundation, we finally get to try it out .... YAY!!!

Here's the blurb from the Maybelline website about the foundation

WHAT IT IS

Fit Me Matte & Poreless has been designed for normal to oily skin. Its blurring micro powders refines pores while shine is being absorbed for a natural matte finish.

BENEFITS

Fit Me Matte & Poreless foundation fits both skin and texture for natural finish and poreless looking skin.

HOW TO USE/APPLY

Apply smoothly and evenly to your face and blend with your fingertips.

Of I went to Dischem to swatch and hopefully find my shade. I initially chose 352 Truffle but when I applied it and looked at my face in natural light the foundation was too light. So I went back to Dischem and swatched the dark shades and mixed a couple and decided to pick up 365 Espresso as well.

Packaging
The foundation comes in a 30ml squeeze tube; similar to the dream velvet matte foundation which also comes in a plastic tube. I don't really have a problem with it; a lot of the drugstore foundations ar packaged in plastic, it's cheaper than glass. The advantage of plastic is that if you drop it, you're not going to loose all your product. The foundation number is printed on the front of the tube and the name is printed on the back with the  ingredient list.

Application
So I had to mix two different foundation shades to get my perfect shade; I mixed the two foundations in equal parts. A pea-sized amount  was more than enough for my entire face.
I started out applying the foundation with an oval brush, but I didn't like how it was applying, So I used my fingers, which is what they recommend anyway.
The finish is a soft matte and coverage is light to medium, which I like since I do like a more natural finish to my foundation. If you have dry skin, you might not like this foundation because it did feel dry. So you might want to use a hydrating primer underneath this foundation.

Wear Test
I tested the foundation for a week with three different primers currently in my stash:
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
Stila Cosmetics One Step Illuminate
NYX Cosmetics Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer

I don't normally set with powder, but I do use a setting spray and I used my setting sprays with the foundation:
Urban Decay All-Nighter
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
Maybelline Superstay 24hr Setting Spray

I didn't notice any difference in the look and longevity of my foundation throughout the day (> 8 hours) with the 3 primers.

In terms of performance of the foundation; my face was matte until midday and then I noticed a bit of shine around my T-zone (I have combination-oily skin) but it wasn't bad, I had a glow and I could get away without blotting all day. However, the foundation does tend to fade around the mouth and nose, so it's not long-wearing. It didn't minimise the appearance of my pores, it even seems to make them more visible, especially on my nose 🤔.

Wear test. You can't really see this in the pictures but the foundation does fade around my mouth and nose. But I'm impressed with how it held up during the day, because I didn't look like a grease ball the end of the day. Even without blotting. 

Final thoughts
Overall, I think this is a decent drugstore foundation; for me it's definitely better than the velvet dream matte foundation, which I tried out last year. I didn't like that one at all; the undertones of the foundation were wrong and it settled into my smile lines a few hours after application.
I think this foundation will be great for wearing out for a couple hours out to an event or something because it's not a long wearing foundation.
If you want a long wearing foundation from Maybelline, then go for the SuperStay; I've never tried it because it doesn't come in my shade 😒(Shade selection is really disappointing for this one).
In terms of shade selection, this probably the best we've seen from Maybelline in South Africa. I wish they'd brought in the Fit Me range for the USA as that has 40 different shades and is much more inclusive, especially at the dark end of the spectrum.

I don't need this in my life...nope!

You can buy the foundations at Foschini Beauty and Zando online. Although, this is only recommended if are sure of your shade. If you're trying the foundation out for the first time, I suggest you go into the store and swatch before making a selection. It's available at Foschini, Dischem and Clicks stores. Though some stores do not have the full shade selection.

Price wise, the foundation is at R 99.95, but it's on special at Dischem for R 92.95.

Have you tried out this foundation? Did you like it?
Let me know in the comments below.

See you in my next post, 

xoxo

Make-Up Review: High-end vs Drugstore Foundation: NARS & Maybelline

Three posts in one week...I've been procrastinating when it comes to writing up my reivews...so I'm playing catch-up. 
This is another makeup posts; here I'm reviewing two foundations, one high-end  the NARS Velvet Matte Skin tint, and one drugstore, the Dream Velvet hydrating matte foundation.
This isn't really a comparison post: I just want to give my thoughts on two similar products.

*

I came across this foundation on YouTube a few weeks after its launch. I had been looking for a light foundation to add to my routine. Now there are people who will kill me for saying this but I'm not a fan of the MAC foundations: I've tried Studio Fix in NW50 and Matchmaster in 8.0 but my shade always runs a bit red and they just feel heavy on my skin. They also transfer like you won't believe.
I wanted to try something as good as the Lancome teinte Idole which blew my mind as to how good it was, in terms of shades available and overall performance of the foundation especially during our hot african summers.
So my friends were in the states during the summer this year and I requested some goodies from afar since NARS isn't available is South Africa.

1. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30 in the shade Polynesia Dark 1
I've been using it for over two months and I'm loving it. It's light and the shade fits me perfectly, even with the change in season (I've gotten darker). I've mainly used it in conjunction with the One Step Bronze primer from Stila. half a pea-sized amount is enough for my face, since I prefer light to medium coverage. I apply the foundation with my fingers or a beauty blender (I've not tried applying it with a brush). I apply the rest of my makeup and set my face with a finishing spray.
Here are some selfies:

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint

Packaging: Squeeze tube, 1.7 fl oz (50ml)
Appearance: Liquid foundation, slightly runny
Features: Broad spectrum SPF 30, Available in 12 shades
Price: U$ 44

2.  Dream Velvet Hydrating Soft-Matte foundation in the shade Coconut 95

This foundation has been out on the South African market for less than 6 months, and to be honest I was very skeptical about trying it out. Here are my reasons why:
1. There are only 7 shades available with coconut as the darkest. I wasn't sure it would fit my complexion. (There are never any testers for this in Clicks).
2. This foundation has no SPF, and that's not on!

But I pivoted and decided to give it a go since I remember my first ever foundation, many many moons ago was the Dream Matte mousse which I loved (Maybeline was the first to introduce dark shades in South Africa...I'm talking espresso and dark cocoa).

The Body Shop recently, introduced their Skin Defence Multi-protection essence SPF50 PA++++, first high SPF cream that doesn't give me a white cast...halellujah! life has been given!
So I apply this mosituriser after cleansing (it doubles as a primer) and then apply the foundation with a beauty blender. The finish is a soft matte natural finish, that's doesn't leave me looking monotone super powdery and washed out. I was worried that about the fit because coconut has some yellow undertones but it oxidises just enough to look natural.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation

Packaging: Squeeze tube, 1.0 fl oz (30ml)
Appearance: Gel-whipped foundation
Features: 7 shades available in South Africa (12 shades on the USA site)
Price: ZAR 110 (U$ 10.99)

Both foundations wore really well throughout the day; I experienced just a tad bit of shine along my T-zone by lunch time which gave me a bit of a glow and not grease :-)
By the end of the day my face was still holding and one could definitely get away with going out for dinner with a bit of blotting - you wouldn't have to re-do your face.

Swatches: Left: NARS  and on the Right: Maybelline

Verdict: Which one do I prefer? Honestly, I prefer the NARS for 2 reasons: SPF and shade (It just fits me better), also it's cruelty-free (its dififcult to find foundations for women of colour that are cruelty-free). But, $44 is a lot of money. If you have a good day cream with SPF you can get away with using the Maybelline foundation. It's a great foundation, if you're a beginner and good drugstore alternative for the NARS if you're not willing to spend $44 on a foundation.
The downside to both these foundations, is the shade range. both shades reviewed here are the darkest on offer. If you're darker neither of these will fit you. Both NARS and Maybelline, do have darker shades for some of the other foundations...so all is not lost.

Happy  Friday everyone,

xoxo

N

*images from www.narscosmetics.com and www.maybelline.co.za

Make-Up Wishlist #1

Hi all, 
I've thinking of doing a wishlist post for a while now. There are so many products out there I want to try, but they're either really pricey or not available in South Africa. 
So here I go:

 

1. M.A.C powder blush in "Film noir": MAC describes this as a rich warm chocolate  colour. It's a matte finish. It will really work well as a contouring colour for the all "chocolate girls" out there. Costs ZAR 275

2. Urban Decay  Eyeshadow primer potion: They come in 3 shades and I've heard nothing but good things. Can't wait for UD to open in Cape Town. Costs ZAR 350 at the UD store in Sandton.

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #14: So many Youtubers have sang its praises (This is the best one I've seen to date). It's one of the view luxury foundations that has a wide range of shades. It's not available in South Africa, but you can get it from nordstrom for ZAR 950...Yikes!

4. NARS blush in "Taj Mahal" (another audacious shade from NARS is exhibit A) I cam across this blush while searching google for blushes that complement dark skin. Anything that isn't a bright fuschia or red doesn't really show on my skin, unless it has got gold undertones. also not available in South Africa. It goes for ZAR 461 on nordstrom.

5. Morphe Brushes 35B Color Glam Palette: I love eye shadow! That's all. I'm kidding...finding affordable highly pigmented bright shadows is surprisingly difficult in South Africa. So putting this one on the list because this palette gives me life. It's available at varrious online stores in South Africa. Muse Beauty is the cheapest at ZAR 550. 

6. Christian Dior Rouge Dior in 786 Mystique Mauve This is such a beautiful colour. I tried it once at the Dior counter in Edgars (Why do I do these things to myself?)  So gorgeous...but so is the price ZAR (not sure ...last I checked it was ZAR 460).

7. Givenchy Noir Couture in "Black satin": I bought my first high end mascara on my first trip to Paris for about ZAR 300. Way back in the days when the ZAR was stronger. This is hands down my favourite mascara...dramatic lashes anyone? It's available at Edgars in South Africa now for ZAR 580.

8. BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector: being a combination/oily girl has its dowside...oily T-zone by midday if you don't take things in hand. I'm not really into powder, so for me the solution is a good primer that can keep the shine at bay and keep my makeup from melting off my face (especially in the summer). This primer goes for ZAR 580 at becca cosmetics online.

9. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in "Topaz": comes as a liquid and poured compact. I'm not sure on how to apply liquid highlighter, so I'll stick with the compact. This shade is a bronzy gold that looks amazing on dark skin (See this review by the Style & Beauty Doctor). Also available at becca cosmetics for ZAR 470.

What make-up products are you dying to try out?

Love xoxo, 

N

Make-Up Review: Drugstore Foundation: Essence All about Matt!

Hey there, 
I'm doing another foundation review; this time I'm sharing my thoughts on a drugstore foundation. I must say that when it comes to foundations I prefer high end but it's nice to find something that's affrodable and able to deliver on promises. 

So essence has been on the South African market for a couple of years and up until a couple of months ago they didn't have foundations that cater to darker skin complexions. 

 

So, three weeks ago I was browsing the make-up ailse at Clicks and came upon the new essence foundation "all about matt!" It's only available in four shades: vanilla, beige, caramel and mahogany. I picked up the shade caramel (which looks more like a medium cocoa). It's a long-wearing foundation, meant to last for 12 hours but not transfer-free. It's oil-free and gives a mattifying finish. It comes in the standard 1 fl.oz/30ml flor foundations.



I decided to try it out for a couple of weeks before forming any conclusions. 

On to application: as I said earlier the foundation looks like a medium cocoa shade and the consistency is creamy and a little runny. I applied the foundation on my face following primer application using my beauty blender (a pea-sized amount was enough to cover my face for medium coverage). It isn't quick drying, so have time to blend and buff. I then applied the rest of my makeup and set my face with the M.A.C Fix+ spray. 

After 4 hours Ichecked my face to see how it was holding up: I had a bit of shininess on my nose but it wasn't oily and I didn't need to blot. It just looked like a natural glow. Towards the end of the day approaching the 8hr mark, there was definitely a bit a more shine on my T-zone and a little blotting was definitely required. But it still looked really good and my friends could not belive that I acieved my look with an inexpensive foundation. 

All in all, I think its a great foundation for oily and combination/oily skin. It feels like MAC Studio Fix on the skin (quite heavy, I don't like the feeling). My only gripe with this foundation is that it doesn't have any SPF (this is a dealbreaker for me). That being said, if you don't wear make-up everyday like I do, this might be one to consider for a night out or attending a function and want to make-up occasionally. 

Pros:
Inexpensive, it only costs ZAR 68.00 at Clicks (listed as 79.95 on essence website)
Mattifying and oil-free
Long-lasting 

Cons:
No SPF
There are only 4 shades available.  

Final Marks: 6.5/10

That's it for now, 

xoxo, 

N

Make-Up Review: Battle of the Foundations #1 MAC Matchmaster vs. Smashbox Studio Skin

So, after years of being told to "start a blog", "...YouTube Channel" etc. I've decided to take the plunge...I'm blogging :-) I'm hoping to write about a variety of topics; hair, makeup, skincare, travel... we'll see how it goes. 

For my first post I thought I'd start with my never ending quest for the ultimate foundation.
What is the ultimate foundation? For me, it needs to match my skin perfectly, be mattifying (I have combination oily skin and I live in South Africa where summers are longer than winters), be non-transferable, last all day (with minimal/no touch up) and SPF >15. That's not too much to ask now, is it?

Our contestants in this first battle; MAC Matchmaster SPF15 Foundation in shade #8.5 (http://www.maccosmetics.co.za/product/shaded/158/17339/Products/Face/Foundation/Matchmaster-SPF-15-Foundation/index.tmpl ) 
and 

Machmaster in #8.5 on the left and Studio Skin in #4.2 on the right. 

 

  Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation  in shade #4.2 (http://www.smashbox.com/product/6035/22769/Face/Foundation/STUDIO-SKIN-15-HOUR-WEAR-HYDRATING-FOUNDATION/index.tmpl) both foundations are available in 12 shades. For the matchmaster foundation, the shade I use #8.5 is second to the darkest which is 9.0, and for the Studio Skin 4.2 is the darkest shade available. 

Matchmaster is available at all MAC makeup counters at Foschini and/or Edgars, the MAC store in the V&A Waterfront and online at www.maccosmetics.co.za. 

Smashbox is also widely available; in Edgars/Redsquare, Foschini and Woolworths stores (as well as their online stores www.redsquare.co.za and www.woolworths.co.za). In terms of price the Matchmaster foundation goes for R420.00 and the Studio Skin is going for R445.00.

Studio Skin Foundation, SPF15

Matchmaster Foundation, SPF15

I decided to compare foundations for a two week period; using the same primers (I'll talk about primers that I'm trying out soon). As you can see in the pictures above, although the foundations look diffrent out of the bottle the're pretty true to my natural colour once applied. 

In terms of application, I've tried brushes (kibuki and stippling)  and the beuaty blender; the Matchmaster applies well with both but the Studio Skin applies better with the beauty blender because it tends to streak when applied with a brush. They don't dry instantly, so you've got time to blend and buff, although this also means you can't touch your face too soon after applying the foundation either. 

Both foundations have medium coverage which is buildable to full; I prefer to wear medium coverage since I have minimal blemishing and my skin is even-toned. The finish is semi-matte for both which is great because I'm not a fan of the powdery finish and I don't contour to add dimension to my face. I finished of my face with M.A.C devil blush and highlighted with M.A.C springsheen blush. In both images, I'm wearing the OFRA liquid lipstick in the shades Atlantic city (2nd picture) and Queens (1st picture) (available from SAMIKA store: www.samika.co.za).  
Both foundations are advertised as long wearing and they do last all day, although I do notice a bit of shine on my T-zone at the midday mark. It's not oily but more luminous so I don't mind it. By the end of the day my makeup was still holding up really well, even after gym class in some cases :-) ...Studio Skin claims to be sweat and humidity resistant, it's definitely passed the gym test. 

Smashbox claims that Studio Skin is transfer-proof, this is true to a certain extent since I haven't had any transfer on to my clothing but there's a bit of transfer onto tissues whenever I blew my nose...hmmm  I don't know... I haven't done a white shirt test though :-)  
M.A.C Matchmaster is not transfer-proof, there are foundation finger prints in some of my notebooks :-)

Final Verdict: I feel like the Matchmaster foundation has red undertones and the Studio Skin is more yellow. I have neutral skin tone so both foundations fit me pretty well. I like how they both apply, they are light weight and I don't get that caked on feeling. The Matchmaster foundation does feel a bit heavier than Smashbox and I defintely feel like I've got something on my face.
I do feel however, that the Matchmaster foundation would suit me better in the spring/summer when my skin gets a bit darker (I may have to re-evaluate come summer).
For me, they're equaly good, although the range of shades is really limited. If you have a darker skin tone than me, Studio Skin does not come in deep cocoa shades and Matchmaster has one more shade, although the Studio Fix fluid foundation has a way better range (with 39 shades to match skin undertones).

Final Marks:
Matchmaster 7.5/10
Studio Skin 8.0/10 (extra points for transfer-proof)  

Okay, that's it for now. See you in my next post.

Much love, xoxo
N