Old Reliables: Foundations and Concealers

In the second instalment of 'Old Reliables', we take a look at a couple of my favourite foundations and concealers that I've continued to use on a regular basis over the years.

First up is MAC Face and Body Foundation

This is actually my everyday foundation and has been ever since I discovered it back in early 2009. Face and Body is a sheer, water-based foundation that is suitable for any skin type. Even though it's sheer, it's very buildable and you're easily able to get any coverage you want.
I've actually got the other women in my family hooked on this foundation after using it on them, it's especially beautiful on mature skin - really gives a gorgeous dewy look. Even on my own oily skin, I find this to be a really decent foundation. Recommend to all, this is always in my makeup kit.

Graftobian HD Warm Foundation Super Palette

If I want flawless skin, this is what I reach for. Originally bought for my professional makeup kit, I couldn't resist using it on myself too. Creams are soo versatile, I can't help but love them.
My favourite way to apply this is to mix it with Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion - and apply with a beauty blender sponge or a duo-fibre brush. When applied this way, I find that it gives you the 'my own skin - but better!' look, which is what I always go for. I absolutely despise the whole 'cake face' look, natural is always the way to go if you ask me.
This palette can also be used to contour and highlight, and it also makes an amazing concealer - this will cover anything! Highly recommend this for your professional kit, and the individual pots or smaller palettes for personal use.

Ben Nye Concealer Palette

Ben Nye is such a good quality, well priced brand. I've never been disappointed with any of their products yet, and wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. This especially, is one of my favourites. The colours in here blend well and are just the right consistency - not too creamy and not too dry. When followed with the Ben Nye Neutral Set - this concealer does NOT move.
I love it!

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

For like a year, this was the only concealer I used. Like the Ben Nye concealer it blends very easily, but it's much creamier. So setting is a MUST. A little goes a long way and it's quite easy to use too much - so start with a teeeny amount and apply more as needed. The thing I've noticed with this concealer is that the NW shades are much more pink-based than the other NW concealers that MAC make - so if you have a yellow undertone like me, the NW shades really can only be used on dark undereye circles. For blemishes and redness, you will need an NC shade.
My only real complaint is that I hate the packaging, glass jars are too heavy to carry around everywhere and I find that they do dry out quicker. Still the product itself, hasn't really failed me yet!

Thanks for viewing, stay tuned for the next instalment!
oxo

Review: Graftobian HD Pro Powder Foundation

“Graftobian’s silky smooth pressed powder formulation is highly pigmented for exceptional coverage and blends easily for a natural finish. Ideal for creating a matte HD finish following the use of Graftobian’s High Definition Glamour Creme Foundation.”

 
Also known as Dual-finish foundation, this awesome little powder foundation can be used both wet or dry.
To achieve a more translucent coverage, you apply this dry with a brush. For more opacity, apply it dry with the included sponge. For the best coverage, apply it with a wet sponge.

Now I’m sure you know by now that I really LOVE HD makeup products. You really do get more bang for your buck. Intensely pigmented products where a little literally goes a long way! I’m also quite a fan of Graftobian ever since I purchased this palette.

I had originally wanted to purchase these powders after reading the Model Mayhem forums (that place is bad for my wallet!) and seeing that everyone actually uses the Graftobian 12 Dual Finish Foundation Palette from Camerareadycosmetics on makeup jobs. It looked really good so I was in the process of saving for it!
I then actually got an email from Makeupandglow advertising a sale on their Graftobian HD Powder compacts (as they’ve decided to no longer stock them) and at a reduced price of $5AUD, we all know I couldn’t resist them!! I ended up with 5 compacts that altogether cost less than purchasing just one at full price!! Bargain! :D

The colours I got are: Honey Glow, Milk ‘N Honey, Porcelain Doll, Alabaster Baby and Healthy Tan.

So far, I have only tried them out by applying them dry, with a brush and oh my goodness, these things are AMAZING! The coverage is just beautiful, it evens out the skin without looking like you’re wearing anything at all! If you’re one of those mineral foundation junkies, that likes them because of how good they feel, then trust me, you would love this!!
I have been wearing Alabaster Baby a lot lately, because my normal liquid foundation just seems to melt off in this heat, and I can honestly tell you that I am loving it. I also use Healthy Tan to contour my face – it’s great for that! :D

I honestly just love these powders. Not only will they be great on my female clients but they will be perfect for when my job requires ‘male grooming’ as most guys can’t stand the feel of any makeup on them! :P Definitely a great product that I would recommend to anyone.
Although I probably will get a palette to depot these babies into, who wants that many compacts taking up space in their kit?!

Thanks for viewing lovelies!
Don’t forget to enter my first ever giveaway!
oxo