The Only Drugstore Foundation You Need

As I previously said in another post I absolutely ADORE my Magic Foundation from Charlotte Tilbury, however, as I am a student, I'm on a budget and sadly as a result can't afford to wear it every day (sob!). As a result I went on the hunt for a cheaper alternative.

I tried out quite a few, but the one I really fell in love with was the much hyped about L'Oreal Infallible 24H-Matte. This foundation promises long lasting, full coverage with a demi matte finish. Which I have to say I completely agree with. I have worn this foundation pretty much everyday for the last fortnight and it ticks all the boxes for me and my skin type.

I just want to briefly look at the packaging, which I'm a big fan of. L'Oreal has clearly outlined exactly what we can expect from this product making it super easy to identify if this will suit you and your skin type. It is also in a plastic tube making it perfectly portable for handbags.

This foundation is oil free and unscented too, how brilliant? Making it suitable for all skin types and less likely to cause sebum induced breakouts, especially useful for oily teenage skin. 

Even after the first use I was really impressed with the finish of this product, it is matte but definitely not "flat" and the fact it is not fully matte means its isn't at all drying on the skin. It is very buildable, but as is with most foundations, too much of this can lead to that inevitable cakey, mask like finish which isn't a good look on anyone. This product has an impressively high coverage but at the same time feels strangely lightweight on the skin, meaning I only have to conceal very prominent blemishes. Formulation wise it is very creamy, with a gel like consistency making it very easy to work with, blending easily into the skin. 

After a full days wear my skin is still matte however I usually tend wear primer underneath and a small amount of powder around my T zone, so this may have helped with the staying power of the matte effect. Though I can't vouch for it lasting 24 hours because come on, lets be honest, who really wears foundation that long? Not me.

Unblended in shade 12 'Natural Rose'

I have applied this with my fingers, both my Real Techniques stippling and foundation brushes and a beauty blender, each giving me a seamless application. 

Annoyingly as with all products this does have a few slightly less favourable features. I find it has a tendency to sink into some of my larger pores making them more noticeable. Which we all know is not cute. At all. It also clings to drier patches of skin. Yuck. But FEAR NOT these can be easily avoided if you make sure you moisturise and use a decent primer underneath, if done correctly it gives a smooth, flawless, almost airbrushed finish. 

My favourite primers to use with this being Mac Prep and Prime Skin Smoother for nights out. Or alternatively NARS Pore Refining Primer for the day time, an added bonus to the latter is that this too is oil free, perfect for the breakout prone!  

Shade 12 'Natural Rose' Blended with my Real Techniques stippling brush

For £7.99 (for 35ml) I don't think you can really go wrong with this foundation so long as you colour match correctly. You can find it online here. All I can say is believe the hype everyone. Its real.

Have you tried this foundation, if so what did you think?

Love, Katie x

L'oreal Colour Riche | 'The Perfect Nudes' Review

I'm such a sucker for a nude lipstick, they're like a Little black dress- every girl should own one and I'm always trying to find the perfect your lips but better shade, as a result my collection is larger than I'd like to admit... 

Last week, popping into Superdrug for some toothpaste I got sidetracked (as usual) and ended up looking at the makeup stands. The L'Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Nude's caught my eye. They are a range of six sumptuous nude lippies inspired by L'Oreal's multi ethnic spokeswomen, aiming to give you the perfect nude, natural lip colour to complement any complexion.

They are also incredibly affordable, priced at £6.99 each and were on a 3 for 2 offer, I could hardly say no, could I? 

 My naughty purchase consisted of the shades: Eva, Julianne and J'Lo

The shade Eva 'barely golden' inspired by Actress Eva Longoria is a stunning peach toned nude. This was personally my favourite of the three that I'd chosen.

The shade Julianne 'barely peach' is a delicate rose petal pink colour.

The shade JLo 'barely greige' is a sheer light beige toned nude.

Each of them has the classic Colour Riche vanilla-esque scent which I adore so this is a plus for me, however this may not be a favourite for someone who prefers scentless products.

Before I get onto the lipstick itself let us lust at the luxurious casing. The matte black packaging is sleek, looking almost high end, (I find these are incredibly similar to the Nars Satin lipstick casing, but for only a fraction of the price?) I feel like L'Oreal have really outdone themselves with this. In comparison to other more garish drugstore lipsticks they are both understated and classy. (have no fear the lids are well fitted, no more annoying spillages in your makeup bag!)

Swatches (Top-Bottom) JLo, Eva, Julianne

In the bullet themselves the colours look far bolder and more vibrant than they do on the lip, this can be seen in the above swatches. Formulation wise, they are both fairly sheer, incredibly hydrating, and natural looking. Sadly, the wear time of these lipsticks aren't incredibly long, only maybe 2-3 hours, but as they are so lightweight they can be easily reapplied on the go without a mirror unlike some bolder colours which require mirror usage, so this isn't too much of an issue just a bit annoying if you plan on wearing them all day. My favourite thing about these lipsticks are how incredibly versatile and wearable they are. I feel these shades would work with most skin types and could easily be worn as part of a very natural looking, daytime look, or alternatively these lip colours would look gorgeous paired with a deep smokey eye.

To sum these products up, together they provide a lovely nude tone for every complexion and need, being fairly sheer they are not overly pigmented. So despite not making a bold statement, they are perfect for simply enhancing and adding a subtle flush of colour of your lips making them extremely wearable all year round. If you are someone who prefers a heavier, fuller lip colour, this might not be for you. I can't say these are the favourite lipstick I've ever tried before, however, in my opinion, as they only cost £6.99, for a good quality product, you cannot really go wrong, they are available online here.

Love Katie x