Let me start off by mentioning that MAC's creme to powder foundation is not a new concept. As a matter of fact Max Factor use to have a similar creme to powder compact. I used to love my Max Factor one but since this brand is no longer available in the U.S. I had to switch over to liquid.
Anyways, back on topic...
I went to my nearest MAC Pro Store and saw that they came out with their own creme compact. I flagged a sales girl down immediately to match me. The result was NC40. With my liquid Studio Fix I'm NC35, which seemed odd to me until she explained that their colors change varying from foundation type. I thought to myself great, hope I don't have to return to exchange it later.
Bought it, took it home. (Also got Blunt Powder, separate review)
A week later I was excited to try it out by myself. Having had prior experience with creme foundation I knew I wasn't going to be using the round sponge that came with it in the bottom compartment. Too much crude gets on it from your purse if you carry it around with you. Thanks in part to the bottom of the compact having a sorta see through mesh.
I got some regular triangle sponges and gently swiped the foundation compact. Very smooth and creamy, velvet like texture and super easy to blend on your skin. Doesn't dry harshly and you can continue to keep building the coverage without it looking cakey.
After applying it on my entire face it felt and looked natural without it looking fake on my skin. And yes, I know it's makeup, but it doesn't look like your wearing a mask. I want to compare the finish to a bb creme like finish. And it does dry matte, at least for the first couple hours on me, I have really oily skin.
I chose not to set it with a powder which is probably why I got oily half way through the day.
The color match does feel off to me still but not by a whole bunch. Surprisingly NC40 looked lighter by a shade off. And I mentioned I wear Studio Fix Liquid in NC35.
I like that it comes in compact form making so much easier for touch ups through the day. Reminds me of the studio fix powder foundation compacts.
If you decide to get this or try it make you go in person and get matched.
Lately I've been on a hunt to find a new foundation.
I bought Tarte's 12 Hour Amazonian clay foundation with very high hopes.
I did test drive inside the department store before purchasing it. Medium Tan Honey is an amazing color match for my skin tone. If I had to pick a color match over my MAC NC35 Studio Fix, this foundation would be it.
I wanted to use this foundation for a couple of weeks before reviewing it and make sure it's something I really wanted to replace my SF.
I paid $38 for this and some taxes. That's a lot of money, even for me, to splurge on foundation. I usually only use high end foundation 2 times out of the week so I don't normally use up my foundations too quickly.
Lucky for me I have a very understanding husband, who doesn't mind when I do want something bad enough, to allow me without judgement.
The foundation is very thick and but does offer full coverage, however, finding the right technique to apply this is an adventure on it's own. I tried a couple of brushes using this foundation but I didn't like the results. I just ended up using my clean hands and applying it with my finger tips. By the second and third time I didn't mind but it's not very practical applying it this way.
With primer underneath it looked matte and flawless, that is until it started mixing with my natural skin oils.
My forehead started to look shiny. Not greasy but dewy. I do not like this look at all. Warning for oily skinned gals!!!
As the hours progressed my flawlessly matte face became more and more dewy. Instead of matting my face with cakey powder I decided to just blot to keep it it's true foundation form.
Well let me tell you, for it being a thick FULL coverage foundation it has NO staying power. At the end of the day after blotting my face a couple times it looked a little blotchy and the foundation looked pretty thinned out at certain places on my face. Like I could see some of my freckles and redness.
For all the money I spent on this I expected my FULL 12 Hours Coverage!
I think I only saw about a third of that time on a hot Cali summer day. Oh well. Onto the next. Really do love the color match though. (will post pics soon)
