5 Reasons Why This Is the Holy Grail Of Foundaions!

I finally found the holy grail of foundation....MAKE UP FOR EVER recently came out with a new foundation  just as I was looking for something better than what I was using. It's called HD High Definition Foundation.  I was previously using a foundation that didn't break me out, but the colors were never right, and I was spending way too much time bronzing it up to make it match my ever-changing skin color. Finally, I decided, with literally thousands of options, I should be able to find something better...anything. I began test driving foundations for about a month, and much to my surprise, I actually didn't feel like I was settling when I tried this one. Here are the reasons why. 

1. I didn't break out.

This was HUGE for me. I literally held my breath each morning after I started wearing it before I looked in the mirror. I was expecting a new blemish to pop up, and to my surprise, I didn't have any unwelcome visitors! Hooray!

2.  The color match was perfect.

I have A LOT of yellow in my skin and it was absolutely identical to the color on my neck, which had some self-tanner on it.

3. It felt light.

It's not the lightest weight foundation as it's medium to full coverage, but it didn't feel overly heavy like other foundations I've recently tried.

4.  It looked great in pictures.

Haven't you ever noticed how your foundation can have a very different camera look? I struggle with this all the time. In the past my foundation has always looked too pink or just plain off. This is the first time I've actually liked the way my skin looks on camera.

5. It goes on easily and blends well.

I use either a blending sponge or brush, but either way it goes on easily and quickly because it isn't too thick.






                                      

In sunlight.

 

Without flash.

 

With flash.

 

FABULOUS lash extensions...My way!

I'm sure you are familiar with all of the hype surrounding lash extensions. I myself am a huge fan but since I do not possess the virtue of patience and I sort of have the mentality of "I want it now" I decided to give it a go myself... but before I get into all of that let me tell you how and why I got here.

 

When I had my first daughter lash extensions were just making their debut. I decided to get them done in an effort to distract myself the fact that I still baby weight to loose (I was on bed rest it was AWFUL)...anyhow. I went in for my appointment and it took about two hours. At first I didn't mind having a little time to myself but as they fell out I missed the full effect and my eyes looked off between appointments. Quickly I began dreading the long appointments and I loathed lying their still and unable to move (my form of torture, for sure), so I decided to let them fall off and use the strips. Finally after a few months of their absence I missed them. I missed waking up looking more wide eyed and bushy tailed and I missed the fact that I could get away with a little concealer and gloss and head out the door.   

 

Now not to dismiss all of the AMAZING lash experts out there but I just could not keep up the routine so I went down to my local beauty supply store bought the individual lashes and temporary glue (not the permanent). I put them on with tweezers at night then in the morning I'd wash my face with a mild soap then apply my makeup as usual. Inevitably they'd fall out but they didn't take my real lashes with them and they fell out at a rate that was easy to keep up with. It was like my eyes had a revolving door of lashes, one out-one in.  After a few years I got brave and decided to use the permanent glue....here is when the game changed, there were more products to buy online...better products.

 

Now my routine is similar but different. I use individual and the fanned ones (knot free) with permanent glue (black). These details above are very important for me. If the flares are knotted it means they are one long strand and can't fall out one at a time. I use black glue because I have naturally black lashes and VERY dark brown eyes. The lases come in array of colors and there is clear glue if you decide to give it a try and you're lashes and eyes are fair in color. I've used several different produces and each has had it's own benefit. I think that the look you want is very individual and specific. I switch my look up, sometimes I go for ultra glam and sometimes I go for natural (but who am I kidding they never look that great naturally).

 

Tools: A glass of wine (not too much), good music (not too loud), tweezers,  a magnifying mirror and excellent lighting.

 

The glue: I put a drop on the side of the tray and dip the tip of the lash in allowing a tiny bit to stick to the end (I mean so tiny you can hardly see it) then I start in the middle and work my way out on either side.

 

Lastly, I am not trained or an expert but I've been doing my own lashes for about ten years and I've been happy with them. I think the key to it working was using the semi permanent glue for a long time and getting really comfortable with the process. 

 

I hope this helps since some of you have asked me about my lashes....If this seems too extreme and you have patience and need a little nap I recommend going to your local beauty bar for a set. If you are feeling brave just remember no coffee before you attempt to try this beauty challenge steady hands are a must! Good luck! 

 

 

   

 

 

Photo credit: Lash L'Amour