Confessions of a Beauty Guru

Jessie, we will be contacting you today via email. Thanks again to all participants! You'll have other chances to win on this blog. In fact, another giveaway is in the works so keep an eye out for it in the next few weeks.

Sorry we left you hanging this weekend. The deal of the week comes from Eyeslipsface.com and runs through Monday, February 15th. Use code 50LIPS for half off of all lip products with a $15 minimum purchase. Or use FREEFIVE for $5.00 off any purchase.

May we suggest: e.l.f.'s Mineral lipsticks

These lipsticks are a big seller online so this is the perfect time to pick one up! Fashionista faves include "Natural Nymph" (nude pink), "Runway Pink" (rosy pink), and "Barely Bitten" (brick red with pearlescent gold). They're infused with jojoba oil, shea butter, and candelilla wax to moisturize and protect-- and at $5.00 each, you can pick one up in every shade!

To see more photos, exactly what products you can expect and their prices, see this article from Temptalia.com.

The Spring Colour Forecast collection is set to be released this Thursday, February 11th, at MAC counters nationwide and will be available through April.

*Photos extracted from Temptalia.com, description from Myfashionaddiction.blogspot.com*

All the polishes that I recently hauled for my cousin, Pearl and contemplated keeping for myself. I mean, gosh look at the shades for the Alice in Wonderland collection!:

Operation Foundation: a 2 part series that delves into the isles of drugstores and counters at department stores for the ideal foundation for the female on the go.

There are so many foundations out there that it's become quite a hassle for anyone to find their perfect match. I mean, first we have to find the right price, then the shade that matches, then the consistency we like, and of course, the coverage we need. New options surface up to the counters as Macy's and Walgreens every month but it can be pretty overwheming.

Last Fall, I didn't have any time in the morning to put on foundation. For the average guru, we can spend 5-10 minutes on our face alone. It takes time to apply, buff, blend and set foundation but it was time that I clearly didn't have. What started as a mere escapade soon evolved into a full out hunt. I walked up and down countless isles, wondering which ones were the most promising. All throughout December and January, I set out to find the one foundation that would give me a nice sheer-medium coverage while reducing the time I spend in the mirror so here are the results.

(Left to right: Maybelline IARE, Boots No.7 True Identity, Rimmel Stay Matte, Almay TLC)

Subject 1: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in "130 Buff Beige" ($10.99 at Walgreens)

This foundation is absolutely fabu-friggin'-lous. For roughly $11, you get .68 fluid oz. of product, which I believe will last you at least 6 months, if not longer. Although it comes in a twist-top package, a little really does go a long way. I've been using this foundation for 3-4 weeks now and I haven't made a scratch. The coverage for me is also reasonably sheer but you can definitely build it up and the results are flawless.

The rounded "micro corrector applicator" supposedly smooths imperfections and the Goji berry in the foundation tightens your skin. Though I haven't noticed any apparent tightening of the skin, I'm only 19 so what do I know, right? I am really impressed with the results though. The tip allows me to buff my foundation in like no other and even though I can't quite tell how much product is coming out, I've tried and tested and I realize that all I need are 3-5 clicks and I'm covered. Literally. One big setback for this product is that drugstores don't sell replacement tips for this. Not to be a germaphobe, but I find that it's a hassle to try to clean it off after every or every other use. The other problem I'm having is that my face starts to feel tacky after about 5 hours of wear and yet my skin looks just as matte as the first hour of application.

Subject 2: Boots No.7 True Identity foundation in "Light/Clair" ($12.49 at Target)

So there I was, browsing in an isle at Target when the artist who was manning the Boots isle offered to help me out. Having absolutely no knowledge of Boots cosmetics, I said "sure." I'd explained to her that I never have anytime in the morning to wear foundation so she suggested that I try True Identity and it was love at first app. I had to cringe inwardly when she applied it on me because #1-it looked 8 shades too dark, and #2-it was a mousse.

I had a bad experience with the Maybelline Dream Mousse foundation a few years back that left me with a horrible case of acne and I vowed to never go down that path again. Surprisingly, True Identity was everything I was looking for and yet it was a mousse! It comes out a shocking shade of brown but blends like a dream. The cream-to-powder formula gives me medium coverage and leaves a silky finish that doesn't look cakey. This one comes in a simple black tube with 1.3 fluid oz. of product.

However, the setbacks with this one are that my T-zone looks oily after a few hours and there's also noticeable shine. The price for this is a whopping $12+, which I find unreasonable but then again, applying this foundation when I've only got 2 minutes to spare is as easy as pie.

Subject 3: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in "100 Ivory" ($6.99 at CVS)

This foundation scores high marks in my book. Not only does it keep my face matte, but it doesn't darken as the day progresses, which hasn't happened to me so far-- knock on wood. The consistency is very creamy, easy to blend and buff, and pretty light when applied but it's perfect for the days when I need a little extra coverage (and of course, you can build it up when necessary). For $6.99, you get 1 fluid oz. of product, which will last for at least 4-6 months.

I'm not much of a fan for Rimmel scents, however. The scent of this foundation is moderately strong and musky, but does fade away after a moment. I can see how this could annoy people or cause irritation for people with sensitive skin but I haven't had any noticeable problems with it yet. This has become my favorite foundation out of all because of the coverage it provides and the fact that I really do saty matte, no matter what the circumstances are. Even when my sebum production spikes after 11am, I can swipe a finger across my nose and not see any oil on it. It's a great product at such an affordable price.

Subject 4: Almay Truly Lasting Color foundation in "Naked 03 160" ($8.99+ at various stores)

This is actually a foundation (and it's the only one) I've had for a while but I thought I should throw it in here for comparison. I'm not a fan of Almay foundations. At all. I don't want to discriminate but I just so happen to have had tried 3 different foundations that had either disturbing fragrances, broken out from, or had generally negative experiences with.

This one in particular is really thick and heavy. I can get decent, full coverage with this one but it makes my skin feel weighed down and tacky throughout the day and I've noticed a formation of bumps on my T-zone every single time I've used it. I do not recommend people with oily or combination skin to buy this because it just isn't worth the price. This one comes in a glass push-pump bottle which doesn't shatter when you drop it (I know, I've tried) and 1 fluid oz. of product.

Here's a swatch test of all 4 foundations, starting with the Maybelline IARE on the left, then Rimmel Stay Matte, Boots No. 7 True Identity, and Almay TLC on the right.

And now without flash:

My final verdict: if I were to purchase any of these again, I'd pick my trusty Rimmel Stay Matte foundation. I actually did buy another one but I ended up giving it to my bestie when she came by. It doesn't clog my pores and at $6.99 per tube, my wallet's a happy camper.

Operation Foundation continues.... look out for episode II.

Disclaimer: COBG is not endorsed by any company. The products featured in this review were purchased by Shela for personal and review purposes only. This and all entries in this blog reflect the bloggers' personal, unbias opinions.

The generous people of Skin MD Natural are hosting a V-Day giveaway on their site which will end on Sunday, February 7th. One lucky winner will be chosen on the 8th and will have 24 hours to respond. He or she walk away with a package of goodies worth $100 for their significant other just in time for Valentine's Day-- Woo! Count me in!

What's in the package, you say?

• A Bottle Skin MD Natural shielding lotion
• A Bottle Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 shielding lotion
• One pound of See's dark assorted chocolates
• 12 Starbucks VIA Ready brew coffee pouches
• A "Kiss Me" mug
• A Cuddly teddy bear
• Lollipop Bouquet
• All in a lined wicker basket

Get your pretty little puckers over there now!

Don't forget you still have a chance to snag a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion on our blog as well. Leave a comment on this post by Monday, 2/8/10 before 11:59 pm PT to win!

Products used:

• L'Oreal HiP cream shadow paint in "Secretive 807"
• Estee Lauder Pure Color eyeshadow palette: "Ivory Box 10" and "Mocha Chip 63"
• Vered eyeshadow single in "Cranberry"
• Styli-Style liquid liner in "Blackest Black 501"
• NYX Doll Eyes mascara for volume.
• Rimmel Stay Matte foundation in "Ivory 100"
• MAC Mineralize blush in "Dainty"
• MAC Warm & Cozy Mineralized Skin Finish in "By Candlelight"
• Lancome Efacerness waterproof undereye concealer in "Clair II"
• Estee Lauder lip defining pencil in "Spice"
• Clinique lipstick in "A Different Grape"

• UD Brow Beater brow pencil in "Brunette Bombshell"
• UD eyeshadow single in "Acid Rain"
• UD eyeshadow single in "Gash"
• UD powder eye pencil in "Maui Wowie"
• UD powder eye pencil in "Smoke Out"
• UD liquid liner in "Lucky"
• UD Lingerie and Galoshes lash primer and waterproofer

• MAC Heatherette lipstick in "Hollywood Nights": $16.99 (originally $24.99 when first sold on this site). The MAC Heatherette collection was released last Spring and is now discontinued.
• Smashbox Wicked Lovely cream liner and loose shimmer set: $5.99 (originally $9.99).
• L'Oreal Visible Lift undereye concealer in "Light/Medium": $2.99 (originally $3.99).
• Laura Mercier lipgloss in "Crystal" for $4.99 (originally $7.99).
• Smashbox tinted treatment lipstick in "Shine": $4.49 (originally $5.99).
• Urban Decay Ink for Eyes gel liner in "Loaded": $6.99 (originally $11.99).

This week, make your wallet a happy one by steering yourself away from Sephora and onto AllCosmeticsWholesale.com instead!