Girlactik 'Florence' Star Blush Review

Girlactik Star Blush 'Florence'

Girlactik 'Florence' Blush ($18/.12oz) is described as a matte coral blush that blends well and provides a nice natural color. Girlactik's blushes come in (6) different colors.

Available in (3) shimmers: Naples, Bora Bora, Havana and (3) mattes: Florence, Madrid, Milan.

Florence is more of a pink coral rather than an orange tone coral. It has a true matte finish and has a silky smooth texture. Florence is not patchy at all (unlike some other matte blushes) and blends easily into the skin.

Girlactik doesn't play when it comes to the pigmentation in its products. One swipe to your brush is enough for a natural flush of color on the cheeks. If you've seen my previous post on Girlactik's Matte Lip Paint you know how great the quality of their products is. If you missed it, CLICK HERE.

With the use of a face primer and setting spray the blush stayed on for about 9 hours. 

Swatch - left swatched w/ finger - right swatch blended out

Wearing Girlactik Blush in Florence / Girlactik Matte Lip Paint 'Iconic' on lips

Wearing Girlactik Blush in Florence / Girlactik Matte Lip Paint 'Iconic' on lips

PACKAGING
I am absolutely in love with Girlactik's packaging! The .12oz blush is housed in a slim grey mirrored compact and the click-to-close cap has a full mirror. Both the box and product packaging give a higher end elegant feel to the makeup line. The small compact is great for traveling and is about the same size as the Make-up Designory blushes. That being said the amount of actual product in the compact is about half the size of blushes by MAC. For just a few bucks more you can get double the amount of product for a MAC blush.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
If you are looking for a high quality pink tone coral blush this is for you! The pigmentation and smooth texture of Girlactik's Star blush is definitely a must-try. Although the blush itself is not a ton of product I don't mind it because I really do like the packaging more than most other brands I've tested and I do believe that factor comes into play with the value of makeup products.

Availability: Girlactik.com / High-end Rite-Aid pharmacies
Price: $18 


Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.    

BeautyMP Foundation Pumps Review + Photos

BeautyMP Foundation Pumps

Ever felt the excitement of buying a new foundation but feel annoyed because it doesn't come with a pump? Yeah, I know the feeling! You can buy a pump for your MAC foundations separately at the store but what about those other high end bottles that don't offer pumps? Even yet, what about all the drugstore foundations that rarely have pumps as part of the packaging?! Well, BeautyMP has answered your prayers (cue the angels singing)!

BeautyMP is an online store that offers foundation pumps tailored to fit possibly every foundation bottle without one in the beauty market.

Currently available in (16) pumps: Clinique Super Balanced Makeup Pump, Covergirl Clean Pump, Estee Lauder Double Wear Pump, Loreal True Match Pump, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Pump, Maybelline FitMe Pump, Maybelline Superstay Pump, NARS Sheer Glow Pump, Nars Sheer Matte Pump, Neutrogena Nourishing LongWear Liquid Makeup Pump, Neutrogena Shine Control Liquid Makeup Pump, Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup Pump, Revlon Colorstay Pump, Rimmel Match Perfection Pump, Stila Stay All Day Pump, and Too Faced Amazing Face Pump.

For starters, let's talk about why it's important to have a pump on your foundation bottles. A pump provides simplicity to foundation bottles. I'm sure we all know the frustrations of having messy foundation bottles that crust over at the top because of the lacking pump. Another frustration is the amount of wasted product that gets poured out when trying to get just the right amount needed. And the most important reason why pumps are necessary, is they keep the foundation sanitary. Bacteria will most definitely grow on those messy bottles and the use of a pump prevents air from getting in or out. I can't stress enough about how we need to try to keep our products as sanitary as possible and these pumps are a good start!

Beauty MP suggests replacing the pumps at least every 2 bottles of foundation in order to prevent bacteria from staying inside the pump and then being passed onto a new bottle. (beautymp.com)

I have (3) pumps for review; MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Loreal True Match, and Revlon Colorstay pumps:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Pump

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Pump

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Pump

The pump for MAC Studio Fix Fluid is a traditional black pump and includes a clear cap. It fits the bottle perfectly. Retails for $8.99 & is currently on sale for $7.99. Compare to MAC store at $10.

Loreal True Match Foundation Pump

Loreal True Match Foundation Pump

Loreal True Match Foundation Pump

The pump for Loreal True Match Foundation is also a traditional black pump that includes a clear cap. It fits the foundation bottle perfectly. Retails for $6.99.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation Pump

Revlon Colorstay Foundation Pump

Revlon Colorstay Foundation Pump

The pump for Revlon Colorstay Foundation is a wide red plastic pump that does not include a clear cap but does lock when turned the opposite way to avoid accidents. The pump does not screw all the way down to the shaft of the bottle opening. It is not a big issue for me though. Retails for $6.99.

Left to Right: MAC Studio Fix Fluid - Loreal True Match Foundation - Revlon Colorstay Foundation

Each pumps out just the right amount of foundation for one layer of application, whether the foundation is a thick or thin consistency. If needed, just pump out more for desired amount. Pumps are also sold in bundles of 2 for a discounted price. The plastic pumps are durable and come in cute see through packs with the company logo sticker. Each pump is labeled on top of the packaging with its corresponding foundation bottle.

Packaging - Labels

I highly recommend these pumps to all my fellow makeup enthusiasts. If you are a makeup artist you most definitely need to get your hands on these to keep your kit organized, clean and most importantly sanitized. I love that they make the process of applying makeup mess-free and allow me to save product. Order from their online site at BeautyMP.com They currently ship to the US and Canada. Use coupon code (SHUGAANDSPICE) to receive 15% off your order!

Get your foundation pumps now - whether it be your Estee Lauder Double Wear or Loreal True Match bottle, BeautyMP has the right pump for you!

Availability: BeautyMP.com     
Price: $7 - $9 each
 
Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.   

Gorgeous Cosmetics Perfect Base Liquid Foundation Review + Demo

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Foundation

Gorgeous Cosmetics Perfect Base Foundation ($45/1 oz.) is described as oil free and long lasting, this silky foundation delivers flawless results for a perfect complexion. The smooth, oil free emulsion blends effortlessly onto the skin. Special light diffusing pigments amplify the light, giving skin the appearance of a healthy luminosity. Contains Vitamins A and E to soothe and condition the skin. Medium to full coverage, suitable for all skin types.

Available in (18) shades ranging from 4 skintones (#) and 5 different undertones (letter): 1N, 2N, 3N, 1NB, 2NB, 3NB, 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 1Y, 2Y, 3Y, 4Y, 5Y, 1D, 2D, 3D. 

Here's a Foundation Chart sent to me by Gorgeous Cosmetics:

FIRST, FIND YOUR NUMBER (this is the intensity)

- #1 is our light tone

-#2 is our medium range

-#3 is for tanned skin 

- #4 and 5 are for deeper skin tones.

SECOND, FIND YOUR LETTER (this is the undertone)

-The letter should match the undertone of your skin:

N= Neutral (if your undertone is between yellow & pink— a balanced undertone)

NB= Neutral Beige (closer to pinkish undertones)

B= Beige/Pink (beige/pinkish undertones)

Y= Yellow

D= Dark

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Foundation in 2N (swatched w/ finger)

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Foundation in 2N (blended out w/ finger)

In my case, I chose the Perfect Base Foundation in 2N. When swatched on my arm it looks too dark for my face but once I worked it into my skin it seemed to work just fine with my summer tan (which I'm trying to hold onto as long as I can!) And since I typically highlight my face it worked perfectly alongside the foundation to make the brightened areas stand out more. I was advised that the lighter shades are a bit darker but looking at the 1N sample I was sent it would have been too light and pink for me. Choosing your appropriate shade is a bit difficult, you may want to try getting a sample or get color matched at Nordstrom before committing to a color.

PERFORMANCE
The foundation gives a medium to full coverage in a lightweight formula. I applied it with my beauty blender and was surprised out how lightweight it actually felt. It literally felt like I had no foundation on whatsoever! (I even checked myself in the mirror a few times to make sure it was still there lol) It blended into my skin so effortlessly and actually felt as though I was applying a moisturizer rather than a foundation, which is a big plus in my makeup book. The foundation gave my skin a flawless and nice healthy glow all while keeping it moisturized throughout the day with it's soothing vitamin A & E. It lasted me about 12 hours maybe more (this was towards the end of the night so I removed my makeup). Towards the end of the day I did notice a bit of shine on my forehead but nothing major (I don't have oily skin at all and instead do get dry patches on certain areas of my face). This foundation might not be suitable for those with oily skin.

Before & After using the Base Perfect Liquid Foundation

The foundation has a fresh perfume scent that I don't mind at all but those who are sensitive to smells may not like it. To put the smell into words, it reminds me of a fresh soap scent, like when someone comes straight out of the shower.

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Liquid Foundation on face

There was one major downfall for me with this foundation and that was that one of the ingredients in it is fragrance (parfum). The first time I tested it on my face I noticed a few break outs the next morning. I wasn't sure if it was the foundation itself or something else that may have caused the breakout so I decided to stop using it for the meantime. I went back to using my everyday foundation and my face cleared up. After a week or so, I tested the Perfect Base Liquid Foundation again this time for a week. After 3 days I had to stop using it from the bad breakout it caused on my entire face. Reminiscent of MAC's Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in consistency, smell and finish, I hardly ever reach for it because of the reaction my skin has to it. I've come to realize that any foundation with a perfume smell to it does not do well on my skin. This is why I tend to stick to drugstore foundations that practically have no distinctive scent to them.

Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Liquid Foundation on face

PACKAGING
Gorgeous Cosmetics is truly up there when it comes to beautiful and sleek packaging. The Base Perfect Foundation comes in a cylinder matte black lightweight yet durable bottle. It has a pull off cap that houses a pump which dispenses just the right amount of foundation. I love the unique packaging of the bottle but I'm a bit hesitant about not being able to see or feel (as mentioned before the bottle is lightweight) how much product is left.

Pump Dispenser

Controlled Pump Dispenser

OVERALL THOUGHTS
I can't tell you how bummed out I am that my skin had a bad reaction to the Base Perfect Foundation. It is such a pity because I am absolutely in LOVE with the texture, smell and finish of this foundation. It is a super lightweight foundation that has medium to full coverage (essential when I look for foundations). It's long-lasting formula kept nicely throughout the day without any touch-ups (about 12 hours). If you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients found in the Base Perfect I absolutely recommend it. I have been loving the Gorgeous Cosmetics  thus far! Click on the link to see my review on the Shimmer Dusts.

Availability: Nordstrom.com / Gorgeouscosmetics.com
Price: $45

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.