Review: Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Dual Foundation & Brush

Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Dual Foundation & Brush

Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Foundation ($40, .6oz) is a dual-ended cream foundation stick that offers two different shades providing a customizable, lifted and sculpted flawless finish all in one product for all complexions.

Available in (6) shades: fair, light, medium, tan, deep and dark.

Ashunta Sheriff is a celebrity makeup artist known for her work on some of Hollywood's appraised stars such as Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Janelle Monae - to name a few.

Left to right: Medium / Tan (lighter shades)

Left to right: Medium / Tan (darker shades)

The convenient, easy-to-travel-with Perfect Blend Dual Foundation comes with 2 shades, a highlight and contour shade. It is a cream foundation but has a semi-matte finish and offers buildable coverage (medium to full coverage) that can also be sheered out with a bit of moisturizer. It may not seem like a lot of product when you twist up the ends but trust me when I tell you that a little goes a long way with this foundation. Although not the most sanitary, my favorite way to use these foundations is drawing it directly on the face. Just make sure to sanitize them after every client. They go on buttery smooth and when blended out truly look and feel like skin without settling into fine lines. Because it is a cream product, it will make you look dewy throughout the day so you may want to set it with powder to prevent that if you're not into the dewy look. It lasted me all day when set with powders (10 hours) with very minimal fading.

I have the Perfect Blend Dual Foundation in Medium & Tan for review. Tan suits me better as the lighter shade is more of my foundation color and the darker is closer to my contour color. I do like the light shade in Medium to highlight though. In this case, I use Tan and highlight certain areas with a light concealer.

Wearing Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Foundation (Medium) as highlight & contour

Wearing Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Foundation (Medium) as highlight & contour

Wearing Ashunta Sheriff Perfect Blend Foundation (Medium) as highlight & contour

 SWATCHES

Swatches left to right: Medium / Tan (applied directly from tube)

Blended Swatches left to right: Medium / Tan (blended out w/ dual ended brush)

As a makeup artist I find myself having to mix 2 foundation colors to get a customized color for my clients. Every makeup artist's dream is to be able to carry around a lighter makeup kit but still have every product with them. The Perfect Blend Foundation sticks are every MUA's dream come true.

The Dual Ended Perfect Face Brush is a true game changer, again offering two products in one. Its soft vegan bristles allow for a smooth, uniform, effortless application. Use the larger domed side to buff and blend product on the face and the smaller end to blend out harder to reach areas like contouring the nose and concealing small dark spots. I've been loving this dual purpose brush to blend out any cream products.

Perfect Face Dual Ended Brush

Perfect Face Dual Ended Brush (larger side)

Perfect Face Dual Ended Brush (detailed side)

** The foundation & brush set are sold at a discounted price - $50**

PACKAGING
The Perfect Blend Dual Foundation comes housed in a sleek gunmetal tube with pull off caps on each end and safety plastic caps on the product itself. Each side twists up and down to reveal the foundations. The product itself smells amazing, it has an ever so light sweet, fresh, clean scent without smelling like that usual overpowering soap/floral fragrance. This is a positive in my book since it won't break my skin out from containing strong fragrances. I would say the one thing missing to complete high grade packaging is that the color shade is not found on the actual packaging, only on the box. This creates a bit of a problem for anyone owning more than one shade. It would also be nice to know which side is the lighter/darker shade before taking off the caps. I've put stickers on mine to differentiate the color shades.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
Ashunta Sheriff did us beauty addicts right when creating the Perfect Blend Dual Foundation. This beauty innovation actually deserves more attention than it has gotten. The smooth application and flawless finish of this cream product is sure to shine. A must have for your makeup artist kit or anyone's makeup bag, it is the perfect product for creating a beautiful natural face all while providing the right amount of coverage even for those with discoloration and dark spots. I would recommend this beauty find to everyone interested in using a convenient foundation that provides 2 shades in one product. And don't forget to get your hands on the Perfect Face Dual Ended Brush - it's magic!

Availability: Ashunta Sheriff Beauty
Price: $50 (bundle)/$40 (foundation)/$15 (vegan brush)


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.  

Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes Review

REAL TECHNIQUES CORE COLLECTION BRUSHES

If you haven't heard of the Real Techniques brushes you've been living under a rock. Created by the very talented Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on youtube, her collection of makeup brushes have become a hot commodity within the beauty community. At an affordable price accompanied with great quality, why wouldn't these brushes be so popular?!

Contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, buffing brush

The Core Collection was my very first Real Techniques purchase. It comes with (4) essential brushes and (1) carrying case:

• Detailer Brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition. I use the detailer brush when I need to apply concealer on smaller sections of my face; to clean up my eyebrow makeup and to keep my bold lip colors from bleeding out.

Detailer Brush



• Pointed Foundation Brush: use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage. I don't reach for this brush as much as the other but when I tend to mix my foundations with it or use it to apply cream highlights on the top apple of my cheeks. It can also be used to apply a highlight to the bridge of your nose and your cupids bow.

Pointed Foundation Brush



• Buffing Brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder or mineral foundation. This is an amazing brush for buffing in your foundation. I only use liquid foundations so this is what I apply them with when I'm not using my beauty blender or Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush.

Buffing Brush



• Contour Brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish. This brush is my go-to brush for contouring the hallows of my cheeks. I then go over it with a slanted contour brush and bronzer and continue with bronzing the rest of my face like the temples of my forehead, jawline and neck. 

Contour Brush



• Panaromic Brush Case: 2-in-2 case + stand This stand/case was pretty much useless to me. It got tossed away in a makeup draw the second I removed the brushes from it. It's only worth using as a carrying case when traveling but even then I don't use it. It is way too small for all the brushes I carry. And yes, the brushes do look pretty in it when being used as a stand but it is impractical and inconvenient to me. The brushes get stuck within the bands and when applying makeup, I like to be able to switch back and forth with my brushes without the hassle.

Compared to other makeup brushes these are super lightweight and easy to deep wash since they have these sleek aluminum handles, meaning no worrying about getting water in the ferrule of your brushes here. Best yet, they are very easy to wash as far as getting product out of the hairs. If there is one thing I can't stand is trying to get my Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush 100% clean. It takes me many so long to get that brush clean and getting the foundation out of the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is a breeze compared to the Sigma brush. Each brush has its name imprinted on the side of the handle. To ensure that it doesn't get rubbed off through wear-and-tear I applied a bit of clear nail polish over the names of them.

Soft dense synthetic bristles

All of the brushes made by Real Techniques have very soft, dense synthetic taklon bristles that have been hand-cut and are 100% cruelty-free. If you are vegan or just choose to not use animal hair products then these brushes are perfect for you. When choosing makeup brushes regardless of the brand I opt for synthetic bristles above all else. Choosing synthetic bristles over other options, like animal hair, comes with its benefits. But, if you prefer to choose otherwise that is fine, it all depends on what the person is looking for in a makeup brush. For me the following benefits aid in my choice..

• synthetic brushes are easier to maintain clean since they don't absorb pigments as much as other brushes-meaning less cleaning time.
• synthetic brushes create a more airbrushed look on the skin-offering a more natural makeup look.
• synthetic brushes are less prone to being damaged by makeup products you use or brush cleansers.
• if you have allergies to certain animal hairs, synthetic brushes are your best friend. I have sensitive skin and am known to having allergies to certain animal hair so al around I just try to stay away from brushes made of animal hairs.

Description of brushes located on back of the box

Beauty lovers will be happy to know that Real Techniques brushes are very affordable. Makeup brushes can get very expensive especially when looking for good quality brushes. At $18 for the set, that's $4.50 a brush. I got my set about a year ago from Ulta and used their usual $3.50/$10 coupon making the set under $15. I've been very happy wit my Real Techniques brushes and have yet to experience any shedding from any of them. Go get yours today!

Price: $18

Availability: RealTechniques / Ulta / Walmart

HAVE YOU TRIED REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES? WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?