HD Foundation Test: Make Up For Ever vs Revlon Photoready HD

(Quite) A while ago I got curious while at Walgreens and decided to see what new advancements Drugstore brands have come out with. That day I found a lot of things I still love, my favorite being Maybelline Color Whisper Balms (compare to Giorgio Armani Sheers lipstick or YSL Volupte Sheer Candy). I was the most curious about Revlon HD foundation because luxury foundation, eye shadow and liquid liner is something I just can't stray away from. I bought a bottle and brought it home, turned my studio lights and my DSLR on and got to the test.

The application of both foundations feel similar and I used the same application technique on both sides of my face.

At first I was extremely impressed with this foundation for being Drugstore. I liked it more than many brands I work with on the regular. It was nearly undetectable from the MUFE. But I needed to know how it photographed. I pride myself as an artist that not only can make things look outstanding on film, but natural looking in person as well, which isn't the easiest thing to do.

Behold, the results, keeping in mind that these looked almost identical to the naked eye. Lighting is the same on both sides.

These photos are uploaded directly from my camera, zero altering has been done.

With flash...

And in lower lighting... I was also having an allergy attack so sorry for the runnyish nose, hey at least I keep it real.

Both foundations had equal coverage to the eye, so if you're looking for a nice looking foundation, I approve. However, it in no way compares to the Make Up For Ever HD which it is clearly a "knock-off" of. If you can't tell which is which, the right side of my face (left side of the photo) is Revlon, and the left side of my face (right side of the photo) is MUFE.

If you're a makeup artist trying to build a less expensive kit in the HD foundation department, I do not approve. Womp Womp!!

Clarisonic Opal and Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Review!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhE-ME1PvPU] Here's my honest opinion of the Clarisonic Opal (for the eyes) and Kate Somerville's Dermal Quench Liquid Lift.

Clarisonic Opal: Firms and tightens around the eye using same sonic technology as in the Clarisonic face brush. The sonic vibrations on the rubber tip pushes serums into your skin 6x deeper than manually applying them for faster even instant results. The Opal also breaks up fluid sitting under the eyes (aka bags) and promotes blood (dark circles) drainage. The Opal sells for $185 and comes with eye serum.

Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Liquid Lift: I call this "Spanx for your face". This product has truly changed my skin by giving it a much more supple texture, and has made it appear more lifted. I have seen results of the actual spa facial this product is modeled after and the results look exactly the same with the at-home version. The spa service is around $300 for one facial whereas this product is $95 and you get dozens of uses.

Product Review: NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner

http://youtu.be/irk5Yblx3x8

I have been obsessed over this eyeliner since this past February so I figured I would spread the love by letting my subscribers know what the deal is. The liner is perfect for waterlines and stays put ALL day. ALL night. Basically it comes off when you want it off. I have heard some people have trouble getting it off but those are the 'take my makeup off with soap and water' people. With any basic eye makeup remover or makeup removing wipes you will be just fine.

Tips to get GREAT Self Tanning Results!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpy0didgBj4] A few things I fail to mention in my video (ahem.. it was 7:30am) are the following tips:

-Always exfoliate before self tanning. I exfoliate every day with my Clarisonic but sometimes you need more than that. I would recommend something (for the face) like a St. Ives Apricot Scrub (low end) or Kate Somerville Exfolikate (high end) once or twice a week, or specifically before self tanning.

If you are in the market for a Clarisonic and also are a fan of fake baking you need to get the Clarisonic Plus. It comes with a body attachment which works great with the Clarisonic Body Exfoliator (low end since it comes with it) or my absolute favorite Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Scrub (high end).

-Another great tip that I am being a total hypocrite about is that it is best to self tan in the evenings after a shower. Since you dont want streaking it’s best to avoid self tanning then putting something wet on your face (such as skincare & makeup). The other perk of self tanning in the evening is that you can sleep with it on the skin allowing it to soak in more and that way you can shower it off in the morning and not smell like self tanner all day.

Tip: Some self tanners can come off on your sheets if you sleep in it. The products I used in the video will not (at least they haven’t for me!).

Top Ten MUST HAVES For Summer!

1. Tinted Moisturizer (Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30 PA+++) [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xggIm9mIeZ4]

2. Bright Lipstick (Schiap by Nars, Morange by MAC)

3. Shimmer Highlighter (Nars Copacabana 'Multiple')

4. Huge lashes! (YSL Faux Cils, Lancôme Hypnose, Diorshow Ecstase Mascara)

5. Fresh Scent (Jo Malone - Explore and find your own scent! Mine is 'Nectarine Blossom and Honey' layered with 'French Lime Blossom')

6. Clear Skin (Clarisonic Plus System)

7. False Lashes (Ardell, MAC)

8. Kissable lips (Maybelline baby lips in Pink Punch)

9. Bright Undereyes (YSL Touché Éclat, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder)

10. Bronze skin (MAC Golden Bronze Loose Powder)

Product Review: John Frieda Precision Foam Haircolor

http://youtu.be/Vt5l5kgDoaA

The color I used was 10B UltraLight Beige Blonde.

I was extremely happy with the result because of the color, condition it left my hair and the dimension. I would like to add that getting hair re-colored after using this product was a nightmare. I tried tinting my hair a light pale pink and spent over 5 hours in a hair salon because it simply wouldn’t grab onto the color. Finally the only product that had any effect on my hair was cheap manic panic from Sally’s (although the color did turn out quite fabulous). Because of the nightmare of trying to recolor I give this product only 3 stars.

If you’re going to continue using it on your roots I’m sure you’ll have better luck than I did.