Drugstore Liquid vs. Creme Foundation

Hey lovlies!

This week I'll be doing a side-by-side comparison of two drugstore foundations.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1  vs.  Revlon 24 hours Colorstay Whipped

Claims:

Covergirl -- "All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long."

Revlon --  "Finally, truly decadent makeup offers ultimate performance. The mousse-like texture feels like silk on your skin. And, the time release formula balances skin for a flawless look. All day flexible wear without flaking, caking or feeling heavy."






Shade:

Covergirl -- 14 available shades. In 825 Buff Beige (right)

Revlon -- 12 available shades. In 250 Medium Beige (left)

This would be the biggest downfall of drugstore makeup: you have to purchase the product to test the shades. As you can see, the Revlon is a bit too dark and grey against my skin. For me, the Covergirl is more suitable with its brightness and yellow undertones. I might've been happier with a shade lighter for the Revlon.

Size & Price (aka bang-for-your-buck):

Covergirl -- 1 fl oz for $9.49 (Target)

Revlon -- 0.8 fl oz for $11.99 (Target)

Texture, Scent, Application, and Finish:

Covergirl -- Liquid foundation with a loose, water-like texture. Scentless. Applies smoothly (like a primer would). One layer would provide medium coverage, but easily buildable to heavier coverage if desired. Pleasantly soft and dewy finish, not oily. Setting powder is optional.

Revlon -- "Whipped" creme foundation with an interesting bouncy feel. Strong chemical, vinyl scent. Airier than normal creme foundations, allowing for easier application. Single layer provides medium to heavy coverage, further buildable by layering. Finish is a bit sticky and requires a setting powder.

The Verdict

When comparing product availability, price-per-oz, shade, and overall quality, I would have to say the Covergirl 3-in-1 liquid foundation is the definite winner! Not only does it have a larger range of available shades, but the consistency and finish are a lot more pleasant than that of the Revlon Colorstay whipped creme foundation.

Now, don't get me wrong. These are wonderful drugstore foundations and I would highly recommend both! I just happen to prefer foundations that are more watery in texture as that seems to apply better on my skin. Also, the Revlon Colorstay foundation has this really unpleasant chemical scent which I can't stand (if you're sensitive to fragrance in makeup, this foundation is not for you).

Sometimes I like to mix the foundations, which I highly recommend as the liquid primer-like consistency of the Covergirl 3-in-1 loosens the Revlon Colorstay. The result is a thicker, but still easily applicable liquid foundation!

Stay beautiful,

xo Karries

March 2013 ipsy

Hello beautiful people!

My glam bag for the month of March came quite early (as it did last month) -- ipsy is sending out bags on a more timely manner now, and surely I'm impressed!

This month's theme is "The Great Escape" -- apropros this month's products are all travel-friendly. Both the product card and bag are super adorable nautical themed (the bag is designed with vertical white-and-blue stripes entangled with anchors and rope). HOW CUTE!

 March 2013 ipsy -- "The Great Escape"

 

The first product I pulled out from the bag was the Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist (deluxe sample/travel size). I've tried their CC cream from a previous birchbox and did not like it, largely due to the scent. Since Juice Beauty is certified organic and paraben-free, I was concerned the mist might have an off-putting scent as well. But lo and behold, it doesn't! Though it has a strong rose (floral, almost medicinal) scent, it dissipates quickly.

The next product is the Travel-Lite Makeup Remover Wipes packet from LA Fresh. I'm not entirely familiar with the brand, but I think I've seen it around in Target.. In any case, this packet includes a generous 8 wipes. Reminiscent of baby wipes, they have a mild but fresh scent.

I received two Yaby eyeshadows in the shade "So Vein" and "Sand Dune". I'm not quite bold enough to pull off such a powerful emerald green (it's the color of the year), but I'll most definitely use the dark tan shade as an everyday lid color!

The last item of the bag is the highly anticipated magnetic makeup pallet from GlamRX! I don't own anything of the like, but the basic idea is to store depotted eyeshadows, blushes, etc. and change them around according to your needs. The two Yaby shadows, for instance, can be placed in the pallet and magnetically held (as seen in the picture above, right).

I have a feeling the next few glam bags might include more "depotted" shadows that we could collect in the pallet... but who knows? :)


Technically, this month's bag includes 5 products. But.. it's debatable as I would consider the two eyeshadows as one sample (they were of the same brand). Certainly compared to glam bags of the previous months, this month's bag is less impressive considering both product quality and quantity. Nevertheless, I'm content with the originality of the products (believe it or not, beauty sample subscriptions can get very predictable and boring).

Without a doubt, I'll be using every single item in the bag so I think it's worth it!

What do you think about this month's glam bag? Are you also an ipsy subbie? If so, which color shadows did you get? Please share!


Hope you all have a blessed week!
xo Karries

Body Acne Remedy

Hey y'all!

Did everyone enjoy the mean green weekend (aka St. Patrick's Day)? If you're of age, hope you were having fun responsibly! haha :)

Goodness, it's already March! I tell you, soon enough we'll all be shedding our bleak winter layers to prance around in those colorful summer dresses and teeny tiny yellow polka dot bikinis! (Spring break, anyone?!)

So today, I'd very appropriately like to share how I deal with body acne, specifically those on the back and chest area. After all, you want to glow in beautiful smooth skin to lure those hunky men on hot Miami sand! ;)

For one, I'm thankful for the lack of facial acne (minus the occasional hormonal pimples). However in the recent months, I've been getting irritable body acne on my upper/mid back and chest areas. Not much has changed in my life, so I'd have to think the sudden outbreak of these annoying red pustules is due to the cold, dry winter here in NY. *sad face*

I did find some drugstore products that seem to assuage the problem areas. Here they are --

My remedy starts in the shower with Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Wash. This particular bottle is brand new -- the one I'm currently using is the Pink Grapefruit Wash and it smells absolutely divine! The original orange wash smells more medicinal, but I wanted to give both products a try :)

The wash didn't really work to lessen the body acne by itself, but used in conjunction with the Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Spray, it works wonderfully!

 

This spray is an absolute miracle worker as my back acne (or bacne) totally cleared with it! It has a 360 spraying range which is very convenient when spraying your own back. Now, take note that it takes a while for the spray to show its effects. Be patient and consistent with the spray, and I guarantee you'll see results within 2 weeks!

I'd say avoid spraying it on your face, though you may be tempted. It's only 0.5% salicylic acid, but it's a body spray after all..

I came to the unfortunate realization that my chest acne (which is more obvious than my back acne as I wear low cut tops time to time) is a lot more stubborn than my back acne. UGH! In search for a stronger dose of salicylic acid, I ended up finding this Spot Lotion from Clearasil.

A Word of Warning: The active ingredient is 2% salicylic acid, so it can be drying on the skin. During the first week of use, my skin was quite irritable and itchy due to the lotion. I soon realized, and started applying it less often (once every two days).

When used correctly (and in moderation), this lotion is great for those stubborn, raw cystic acne types!


Now, acne scarring is a whole other issue! I now realize cystic acne leaves behind stubborn hyper-pigmentation (more apparent on light skin-tones), and it's very annoying! :(
If you know a good way of getting rid of acne triggered hyper-pigmentation, please leave a comment and let us know!


Hope you found this information helpful!


Have a lovely, beautiful week :):):)
xo Karries