MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

$26.00/ 1.00 oz

The packaging is simple. It comes in a clear glass bottle with a screw on black lid. The only thing I dislike about this is the fact that I had to purchase a pump in order to get the foundation out the bottle.

It has silicone products in it which makes it glide across the skin but it might clog pores because silicone has a tendency to do that, and it photographs amazingly. So the best part of this product is that it makes your skin look flawless. It also has SPF which is always a plus when it comes to foundations.

The foundation gives good coverage, it gives a beautiful glow to my skin and it isn’t  cakey. It gives a medium build able coverage and it evens out my skin tone. I also have to say that this foundation hasn’t caused any breakouts.

I always set it with powder, especially since I have oily skin, so it does last practically all day, which is really good.

Rating:

o       Product: 9/10

o       Price: 7/10

o       Ease of Use: 6/10

o       Packaging: 8/10                 

 Total B+

Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash: The Body Shop

100ml £5.00/ 8 euros

The Body Shop description: An everyday creamy facial wash specially formulated to help unclog pores and blackheads by gently exfoliating to remove trapped dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Regular use helps prevent future breakouts and keeps skin looking clear. Invigorates the skin and leaves it feeling clear, clean and beautifully soft.

I bought this because my skin has started to break out again, and my skig is often red and blotchy, which only leads to a lot of heavy foundation. My skin is also greasy (t-zone). 

I am not as impressed with this product as I am the facial wash. It’s effect on my skin has not been very impressive, although perhaps I should give it more time. It does exfoliates perfectly well, and it leaves my skin feeling tingly and fresh. I do admit that it is perfect for oily and acne-prone or dry skin, I can notice that much. I’ll give it more time and post an update in a few weeks. 

They have an entire line of blemish busting tea tree oil products, so you may want to try those, too!

o       Product: 6/10

o       Price: 6/10

o       Ease of Use: 7/10

o       Packaging: 7/10                 

 Total C-

Tea Tree Facial Wash: The Body Shop

£4.50/ 7.00 euros /$13.00

The Body Shop Description: Cleansing gel-based facial wash, suitable for everyday use to help prevent blemishes, removing excess oil without over drying the skin.

I bought this because my skin has started to break out again, and my skig is often red and blotchy, which only leads to a lot of heavy foundation. My skin is also greasy (t-zone). 

Price wise I can’t complain, it is £4.50 for 250ml. There are a lot more expensive products on the market.

I absolutely love this product. It’s effect on my skin was most impressive. The wash is very soothing and gentle as well as being refreshing and, despite the warning, probably suitable for the most delicate of skins. I have been using it for about two weeks now (day and night) and already I can see that there are less spots on my face and the blotches have definitely been reduced. 

They recommend that you use the tea tree oil refresher spray in conjunction with the wash, but I wouldn’t say this is completely necessary. 

o       Product: 9/10

o       Price: 9/10

o       Ease of Use: 9/10 

o       Packaging: 8/10                  Total A

NYX Powder Blush

The blushes are highly pigmented they are usually matte, which is nice because most other brands seem to have satin or shimmer. One point to note is that because these blushes are so pigmented, so you can go overboard quite easily. Also, it never accentuates my pores or looks chalky, so that is a plus.

The blush stays on well. It lasts about 6-7 hours and during the summer about 5-6 hours.

It costs $6 for 0.2oz of product, which is a good especially when compared to MAC’s blush prices. You do get a lot of product for what you’re paying. Also, on sides like cherryculture.com, there are often sales. There are 19 shades to choose from, so you do have plenty of choice.

The packaging is like the eyeshadow packaging, which although is not very glamorous, it is very solid. It comes in a square pan with a quilted surface. It has a clear window which allows you to see the colour of the blush, which is great when you have too many! Plastic is used for the packaging. Also, it is rather compact so easy to carry in your purse.

The only thing I would say that not too great is that these blushes are a bit on the powdery side, so the powder gets scattered around the ages.

o       Product: 7/10

o       Price: 8/10

o       Ease of Use: 7/10

o       Packaging: 8/10                  Total B-

Swatches:

Left to right: silky rose, natural, peach, taupe  and  dusty rose 

As you can see, natural and peach are too light for my skin tone (NW25). Also, I use taupe for contouring.