Sigma Dry'n Shape Tower® Face & Eyes

I've had my eye on the Sigma Dry'n Shape Tower for a while now.  If you read my last post about how I wash and dry my makeup brushes [if not, click here for the post] you know what my routine was, but since then I've changed it a teeny bit.  

{This post includes affiliate links.  Affiliate links are where I make a portion of sales from links used, which helps keep Beauty Freckled going.  Thanks for your support!}

I want my brushes to last as long as possible, so drying them facing down so the water doesn't get into the base of the brush is the best way to do that - enter the Dry'n Shape!

Sigma Dry'n Shape Tower® Face & Eyes
Claims from the Sigma website:
The PATENTED Dry'n Shape Tower® - Face and Eyes was specifically designed to completely dry and shape your most dense face and eye brushes faster than ever before while holding up to 44 brushes at once.

• Holds up to 24 eye brushes and 20 face brushes
• Includes 3 bases and 2 connectors
• Disassembles easily for compact storage
• When combined with Dry'n Shape Tower - Eyes can hold up to 92 brushes

Sigma has four versions of the Dry'n Shape: the eye tower (48 eye brushes), the face and eye tower (24 eye and 20 face brushes), the full set (two towers for up to 92 brushes), and the spa (built in cleaning pad, plus brush holders).  So there is a brush tower for every budget and makeup brush collection!

Sigma Dry'n Shape - Face and Eyes

The Dry'n Shape Face & Eyes was perfect for me.  As you can see, I have a variety of brushes on the tower from Elf to Real Techniques, to EcoTools to Sephora Professional.  I keep my Sigma Brushes in a brush roll for nicer occasions so those weren't dirty after this marathon cleaning session.  Minus two brushes from EcoTools with thick brush handles and my Tarte Kabuki brush, everything fit in the slots perfectly!

Sigma Dry'n Shape - Face and Eyes

I will eventually get the brush cleaning mat or glove to go along with this drying tower, but for now, I put a small squirt of Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Lavender Soap in my hand, swirl the brush around in it, and rinse clean.  Then into the drying tower it goes!  If the brush is really hanging onto makeup (like a foundation brush), I swirl it around directly on a bar of Dr. Bronner's Bar Soap I keep in a travel soap dish just for this occasion.

All in all, I highly recommend the Sigma Dry'n Shape Tower for any makeup brushes you have.  It makes cleaning a breeze since you can just pop them onto the rack right after you finish washing.  The three tiers come apart as well for easy storage either in a bathroom or set of Alex drawers.

L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation | Review & Wear Test

Everyone and their mom has been talking about the L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Foundation.  Any surprised I had to try it?

L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation
Facts from the L.A. Girl site:
PRO.coverage high-definition long wear illuminating liquid foundation is ideal for a flawless looking, full coverage finish. Lightweight formula is comfortable for all day wear. Paraben free formula with added anti-oxidants helps hydrate and improve the skin's appearance. Now available to extend the color range even further, an innovative white foundation mixer to adjust and customize color.

Price: $7.17 [Amazon]
Amount: 0.95 Fluid Ounce
Shades: 16 Shades [too many to not have many darker shades though, boo]

So lets state the obvious and get that out of the way - the L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Foundation packaging is a dupe for the Makeup Forever HD and Ultra HD bottle.  I have the regular Makeup Forever HD but never tried the Ultra HD since I heard it wasn't great for oily skin types.  Both are supposed to give a pro flawless look, and the packaging is dead on for a dupe.  I'm not sure if the L.A. Girl is really supposed to be a 100% formula dupe, but both give a satin finish (neither matte nor dewy).  L.A. Girl also has skincare benefits built in to hydrate and improve skin's appearance.  It is also paraben free (amazing).

The line also has a White toned color which I think is pretty cool.  You can use it like the Cover FX drops to lighten a foundation you have which might be too dark.  Great for those foundations you buy online or in bad store lighting.  I actually might pick this up too since I have a lot of foundations in a summer and winter shade and see how it works!

The shade in Light is dead-on for me, so if you know you're in my shade range (NC 20 - as per usual, see all my other comparisons below) try this one out.  I used the Real Techniques Stippling Brush to apply this and it went on beautifully.  It's not fully dewy, but I would call it more of a satin finish and is medium coverage that's buildable.  I prefer a medium coverage with a satin finish so this foundation is perfect for me!

L.A. Girl Pro Foundation - Light

Wear Test:  I wore this for at least six to eight hours each time I tested it and it really held its weight.  It wasn't breaking down a lot and I didn't look greasy even without primer or setting spray.  This is definitely one of my top drugstore foundations now and has found its way into my eDiva foundation Drawer (which holds my faves and go-to's).  Powders I tried with it so far are the Maybelline Better Skin and Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder.

L.A. Girl Pro Foundation - Light

I also have the L.A. Girl Pro Concealer which is super amazing but I need to get it in a lighter shade.

What's On My Face

Maybelline Better Skin Powder - Nude Beige 25

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - Light 20

Milani Baked Blush - Corallina

L’Oréal Telescopic - Black
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My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
MAC Studio Fix Powder -- NC30
Makeup Forever HD -- 130 Warm Ivory
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige N20
Tarte Amazonian Clay  Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation -- Light-Medium Neutral
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation -- Light
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Sand Beige 180 [winter] / Medium Beige 240 [summer]
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation -- Nude 40
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation - Light
Rimmel Long Lasting 25H Foundation -- Ivory 100 [winter] / Nude Beige 200 [summer]
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte - Nude Beige 125
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
Maybelline Dream Wonder -- Nude 40
L'Oréal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oréal True Match -- N3 Natural Buff
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion -- N2 Classic Ivory
e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 -- Sand [winter] / Buff [summer]
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous -- Buff Beige 825
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 -- Nude Beige 832

e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 | Foundation Review

Every beauty guru raves about the e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation and how it really does give a super flawless finish.  Well of course I had to check it out!  The first color I got, Buff, was too dark for me and looked a bit muddy, so I ordered the lighter shade, Sand, at Target and it's much more my winter shade {see my shade comparisons below}.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15
From the e.l.f. site:
This full-coverage and oil-free formula blends in naturally for a beautiful semi-matte finish.
The foundation includes UVA/UVB SPF 15 sun protection to protect your skin.
Price: $6 [Target]
Amount: 0.68 ounces
Shades: 10 on e.l.f. website [6 at Target]
SPF: 15

This foundation reminded me a lot of the Rimmel 25H Foundation [see my full review here] in that it felt super heavy and weird at first before I learned you need to use a super light hand with it.  It's pretty full coverage right from the get go and easily gets overdone.

I found this is best applied with a damp beautyblender or Real Techniques sponge or even your fingers.  Both ways are much preferable over a brush (I used a Real Techniques foundation brush and didn't like it every time I applied it with that).

e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation

Average drugstore foundations usually come with 1 fluid once.  For $6 you're getting a little bit less foundation than you normally would get, however, that's a huge deal because many drugstore foundations can run $8 upwards of $13.  Considering that, the price point isn't terrible.

e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation

Wear Test:
I wore this for five to eight hours each time and I enjoyed the way it looked a lot.  I think it wore down nicely but wasn't breaking up or making me super oily.  The only dislike was that its a heavier feeling foundation - in that I can feel it on my skin more than other foundations.  The look of it makes up for that though and I will be keeping these around!

What Else is on My Face:
Elf Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder - Fair/Light
NYX Blush - Dusty Rose
L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara - Blackest Black
I Envy by Kiss Wing it Gel Eyeliner with Stencil - Black (review coming soon)
Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss - Blushing Belgraves

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My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
MAC Studio Fix Powder -- NC30
Makeup Forever HD -- 130 Warm Ivory
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige N20
Tarte Amazonian Clay  Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation -- Light-Medium Neutral
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation -- Light
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Sand Beige 180 [winter] / Medium Beige 240 [summer]
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation -- Nude 40
Rimmel Long Lasting 25H Foundation -- Ivory 100 [winter] / Nude Beige 200 [summer]
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte - Nude Beige 125
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
Maybelline Dream Wonder -- Nude 40
L'Oréal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oréal True Match -- N3 Natural Buff
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion -- N2 Classic Ivory
e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 -- Sand [winter] / Buff [summer]
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous -- Buff Beige 825
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 -- Nude Beige 832

Rimmel Long Lasting Finish 25H Foundation with Comfort Serum

Rimmel is one of those brands that has a few cult classics you constantly hear about but otherwise sometimes gets forgotten.  After hearing about this drugstore foundation forever now, I knew I had to try it out!

Rimmel Long Lasting Finish 25H Foundation
Claims from the Rimmel site:

Instant perfect coverage that feels extra comfortable and lasts all day

- Blends flawlessly, seamlessly, instantly and easily into the skin
- Sweat, heat, humidity and transfer proof for up to 25 hours

Price: $4.79 @ Target

Amount: 1 fluid ounce / 30 ml

Shades: 7 Shades

I bought this foundation in 100 Ivory and 200 Nude Beige.  I bought Nude Beige first, but it's definitely more my summer color so I bought Ivory too since I thought this was going to be a keeper.  Ivory is perfect for my winter shade {see shade comparisons below}.

Rimmel 25H Foundation in 100 Ivory, nothing else

After wearing this quite a few times in both shades, I can say I really like it!  I've learned that you need to use a light hand with it, because it's full coverage right from the get-go.  Two coats is really not necessary with this foundation and leads to looking over the top and way too much, in my opinion.

The claims of the foundation being sweat, heat, and humidity proof are pretty dead on.  I wore this on day we were on vacation in Virginia and wasn't expecting the day to be as hot as it turned out to be, and this stuff stayed put!  No running or dripping off.

I've tried this with a few different powders, including the Rimmel Stay Matte and they all look great. 

The only downside is that you definitely will feel this on your face.  It's not heavy or pore-clogging, but not one of those ones where it feels super natural and like nothing either.  So if that bothers you, then this might not be a foundation for you.  It's not noticeably to bother me though.  There are also only seven shades, and not many for my darker skinned beauties, so that's a big bummer.

Overall, great foundation, makes everything look super flawless!  If you love Revlon ColorStay, check out Rimmel Long Lasting Finish 25H foundation!

On my face:

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Light

Maybelline Better Skin Powder in 25 Nude Beige

NYX Blush in Dusty Rose

L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black (910)

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My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
MAC Studio Fix Powder -- NC30
Makeup Forever HD -- 130 Warm Ivory
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige N20
Tarte Amazonian Clay  Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation -- Light-Medium Neutral
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation -- Light
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Sand Beige 180 [winter] | Medium Beige 240 [summer]
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation -- Nude 40
Rimmel Long Lasting 25H Foundation -- Ivory 100 [winter] / Nude Beige 200 [summer]
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte - Nude Beige 125
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
Maybelline Dream Wonder -- Nude 40
L'Oréal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oréal True Match -- N3 Natural Buff
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion -- N2 Classic Ivory
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous -- Buff Beige 825
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 -- Nude Beige 832

EcoTools Brushes

My collection of EcoTools brushes is growing so I wanted to do a post on them.  EcoTools makes super affordable brushes that are such good quality that I keep coming back to them.

EcoTools are 100% cruelty free, vegan, made with recycled materials, have all bamboo handles, and use eco friendly, tree free packaging.

The bamboo handles are smooth and easy to hold and the bristles are super soft and blend makeup like a dream.  They make all their products in eco conscious practices which is fantastic.  More reason to love them!

{This post includes affiliate links.  Affiliate links are where I make a portion of sales from links used, which helps keep Beauty Freckled going.  Thanks for your support!}

EcoTools Eye, Bronzer, and Fan Brushes

Here are the brushes I own from EcoTools:

Eye Enhancing Duo Set - $5.79 @ Target
I use these double ended brushes almost every time I do my eye makeup.  They are dense enough to pack on color but the bristles are super super soft.  This kit is so affordable and you basically get four brushes for about five bucks!

Domed Bronzer Brush - $7.99 @ Target
Don't let the name fool you here - this brush is great for bronzer, but it's also great for powder and powder foundation.  Great handle, and so soft!

Fan Brush - $4.00 @ Amazon
This is my newest EcoTools brush and I love it!  I thought it might pick up too much color at first but it doesn't - it's the perfect brush for highlighter.  I've been using it with The Manizer Sisters Highlighter Palette and it does great even with the small pans in it.

I will definitely be adding to my EcoTools collection and am super excited about their new line.  They are constantly adding to their collections so check out EcoTools at Target or on their website.

New England Patriots Makeup Look | Tutorial using Kat von DInnerstellar Palette, NYX, elf Cosmetics

Living in Massachusetts, of course I am a Patriots fan.  With today's game, I decided to do a little makeup look to celebrate their hopeful road to the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots Eye Makeup Look

Prime eyes with NYX Stick in Milk

Pat Dios (shimmery silver) from Kat von D Innerstellar Palette all over lid

Blend dark navy blue from elf Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Smokey Sea over outer 2/3 of lid

Using pencil brush, tap Killing Moon (black) from Kat von D Innerstellar Palette in outer corner

Blend Killing Moon (black) from outer v into crease

Gravitron (vanilla) from Innerstellar Palette as eyebrow highlight

Orion (matte taupe) from Innerstellar Pallete in crease to blend

Tap the navy blue in the middle of the lid to brighten up and bring out the blue

Line upper eyes with NYC Liquid Eye Liner in black, baby wing
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Liner in Dime on lower lash line
Use a smudger brush to pat navy blue over the silver liner on lower lash line

I like to pair this with a red or reddish lip to make the whole face the Patriots colors (blue, silver, and red)

Patriots blue eye makeup + red lip

What else is on my face:

elf Mineral Clear Primer [review here]

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 - Ivory

Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in 10 - Light

RCMA No Color Powder

elf Blush in Mellow Mauve

the Balm Manizer Sisters Palette - Cindy Lou Manizer Highlighter

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen or Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw

Alternate Lip: Kat von D Outlaw over NYX Copenhagen

the full Patriots look

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows and Travel Vault | Review

Having heard about Makeup Geek for a long time now and the hype about them being comparable to MAC eyeshadows, I finally took the plunge.  I've checked them out many times online but could never chose between all the beautiful colors.  So when I had some birthday money at the end of the year, I finally caved in and narrowed down my list.  

As I was narrowing down my list, I saw a sale pop up that took the shadows from the usual $6 to a mere $4.80!  Shipping is so reasonable from $1.99 for shadows but $3.99 for the shadow plus the Travel Vault.  At the drugstore there are some shadows that run around $8 so this was a steal even with shipping!

{This post includes affiliate links.  Affiliate links are where I make a portion of sales from links used, which helps keep Beauty Freckled going.  Thanks for your support!}

Makeup Geek is an online brand started by Marlena of YouTube fame.  She set out to create quality eyeshadows at affordable drugstore prices, and the lines includes blush, highlighter, brushes, pigments, lipstick, and is constantly growing.

Originally, I was going to get the Starter Kit and Vault Palette Bundle which is a Marlena curated bundle of 9 starter eyeshadows that all work together.  Instead, I took that list of shadows and kind of created my own little kit of shadows that I thought would create different looks together.

These are the Makeup Geek Eyeshadows I got:

Shimma Shimma - shimmery ice cream vanilla
Homecoming - shimmery cool toned beige/brown
Moondust - shimmery cool toned taupe
Prom Night - shimmery pale gray-toned purple
Drama Queen - shimmery deep plummy purple
Nautica - shimmery navy/midnight blue
Corrupt - black with subtle silver glitter

All the eyeshadow pans have a  weight of 0.064 oz [1.8G] and are cruelty free.

I also ordered the Makeup Geek Travel Vault Palette to put them in.  The travel palette holds 9 eyeshadows or four blushes/bronzers or two blushes and six eyeshadows.  The fact that you can customize your configuration for whatever trip you are going on is so fantastic.  The MUG eyeshadows don't require any extra magnets to hold to the palette, they magnetize right to the bottom automatically.

The package came in a small black cardboard box with a round Makeup Geek sticker over the closure.  Inside, all my products were nestled inside tissue, then the eyeshadows bundled in their own tissue and the travel palette in a box.  The eyeshadows have the signature pink and black on the outside.  The packaging is very reminiscent of what MAC eyeshadow pans come in, if I remember correctly.


My first look I did was using Homecoming all over my lid, Shimma Shimma in the inner corner, and Corrupt on the outer corner.  I also swept Homecoming to line my lower lash line to define it a bit more.  I thought it was a neutral look that was a little bit smokey on the over v, but looked appropriate for day or night.

The quality of Makeup Geek shadows is amazing!  I cant believe how little you need to get such great pigmentation.  I am so impressed, especially for the price.  I will definitely be ordering more and making these a staple in my collection!  The travel vault is super sturdy with a strong magnet, and not nearly as heavy as I thought as it would be.  The only bad thing is that you may get fingerprints on the outside, but that's easily fixed with a quick wipe down with a makeup wipe or soap and water.

The ONLY downside (and this only being nitpicky at this point) is that the shipping can take up to a week (at least for me) - mine was about 5 days once it shipped.  They were also backed up with holiday orders and the mega-sale so it took about 5-7 for it to ship.  I was just too excited to get my MUG goodies!  Seriously though, even the expedited shipping wasn't a terrible cost, so that's a definite option for next time I order.

I definitely want to check out their brushes and blushes next time I order.  The quality and price of the shadows I got was amazing.  Using a mix of drugstore and high end, I wouldn't even have known these were drugstore priced eyeshadows.

Their customer service is on point too - I emailed them twice with questions and they always answered back within 24 hours and were super super nice.

I would love for you to check out Makeup Geek!  The quality and customer care is so worth it.  I always appreciate extra help, so here is my personal affiliate link if you are so inclined.  As always, the money goes towards running this blog and doing what I am passionate about.  Thank you from the bottom of my makeup loving heart ❤️ 💄!

What I Wore in High School | Makeup Throwback to High School

I know many YouTubers are doing the "What Makeup I Wore in High School" tag, but KathleenLights was the first one I saw with this video tag on this topic and I thought the idea was so cute!

Here are the products I used in high school - which is when I started wearing makeup.  Keep in mind I went through high school in the late 90's and early 2000's so it was a lot of that grungy neutral brown lip.

- CoverGirl Clean Foundation and Powder
This was the first combo I used, but then found the Neutrogena which I liked better so I struck with that.

- Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup Foundation in Toasted Honey (100)
I had super oily skin in high school (more so than I do now) and had breakouts as a result of it.  They weren't the worst breakouts by far, but enough that I was bothered by them.  This foundation helped a lot!  I wore this through college and its so light and has an almost cooling effect to it.  I had another shade that sometimes I would mix or use for the other season.

- Neutrogena SkinClearing Pressed Powder
This is now discontinued but replaced by Skin Clearing Mineral Powder.  Again, wore this through college and really loved that it wasn't super cakey.

- Neutrogena Soft Color Blush in Sweet Raisin
This was replaced by the Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer Duo in Raisin Glow which I used too.  It was more shimmery than the original, but still a nice color.  They now have the Healthy Skin Blushes which are just a square pan of blush.

- Neutrogena Weightless Volume Wax-Free Mascara
Again, this is now discontinued but it came in a black tube and was super light weight and so pigmented, I loved it.  It didn't feel like anything on your lashes but made them stand out.  I naturally have pretty long lashes, so all I need is something to volumize them and make them stand out a bit more when I wear an eye look.  I wish they still made it.  Possibly my fave mascara...ever.

- Cover Girl Eye Slicks in Purple and Green
I was all about the purple eyeshadow since my eyes are a hazely-green color.  It was pretty much the only color I used I would bet.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Makeup | CG Eyeslicks

© BeautyFreckled

- The Body Shop Eyeshadow Palette
My cousin bought this for me and it came in a red tin that had about four neutral and purple shadows, a few lip pans, and some matching brushes with a mixing palette in the lid.  This was used all the time.

- Bonne Bell Lip Smackers Vanilla Frosting Lip Gloss and Lip Smackers Lip Balm in Strawberry Kiwi Comet
It was the late 90's early 2000's...enough said.

- GAP Makeup Bag in Silver
It was a small rectangle similar to the small Sonia Kashuk bags.  I could fit my basic daily stuff in it: foundation, powder, blush, mascara.

- GAP Dream Perfume
I didn't realize they don't sell this anymore in the original GAP stores but I know they have it at their outlets so if you were a fan of any of the GAP scents check them out there.

- The Body Shop Spirit of Moonflower Perfume
This was about the time I became obsessed with The Body Shop and probably beauty products in general.  It also led to my Tea Tree obsession.

I was HUGE on lip glosses and lip balms and always had about five in my pocket or bag at a time.

I didn't wear eyeliner until college, and even mascara was later in high school I believe.

If you have been reading BeautyFreckled from the start you probably know I am a Neutrogena superfan and as you can see, I have been since back in my high school days.  I think their products are such good quality and I love that they are about the skincare behind the makeup and how they can have a dual purpose.  (Totally not sponsored and I am in no way affiliated with them - I wish!).

I hope you all enjoyed this trip down memory lane.  Comment below if you used any of these products and what YOUR high school favorites were!

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation | Foundation Review

This is a pretty raved about foundation for many in the beauty community so I decided to check it out.  I've already tried the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous [read my full review here], so I was hoping the 3-in-1 would be a more matte version for my combo skin self.  Read on for more...

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Claims from CoverGirl.com:

All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.

Price: $8.39 [Target]
Product Amount: 1 fluid ounce
Shade Range: 14 Shades
My Shade: 832 Nude Beige

I picked this up in 832 Nude Beige because the Stay Luminous in 825 Buff Beige was a bit light on me.  I'd say my perfect shade is more like these two mixed together (see more on that below*) but the 832 Nude Beige is fine in summer and just a tad dark in winter {shade comparisons are below as usual}.

The foundation comes in a glass bottle with a pump which is awesome.  It has SPF 20 and is a 3-in-1 formulation that includes primer, concealer, and foundation for an easy one-step application.  I've used this with and without primer and it was fine either way (I used this foundation during my Smashbox/e.l.f. Duel - read about that here).

I used the foundation with a light dusting of the CoverGirl Tru Powder over it which is an awesome powder and a tiny bit of Maybelline Fit Me Concealer under my eyes.  It did a great job covering any redness and slight acne scarring but felt super heavy on my skin.  

Wear Test: After about 7 hours it was oily and breaking down a bit around my nose, but nothing else wore off.  It just looked a bit cakey for my liking, felt heavy and looked it as well.  It looked okay from a distance, but the closer you look, the more dry, powdery, and cakey it looked.  If you have a lot to cover up, this may be better for you, but if you're looking for a more natural look, this isn't it.  The color also oxidized a bit, not to super orange, but definitely darker than when first applied.

Overall, I prefer the Revlon Colorstay as a full coverage drugstore foundation over this one any day (see my review here) and will stick with the Colorstay over this because it doesn't feel or look as heavy.  If I had to pick one between the Stay Luminous and Stay Fabulous, I almost preferred the Stay Luminous, which I never would've guess since I'm more combo to oily skinned.  This one simply didn't live up to the hype for me.

*I decided to try and mix the Stay Lumious and Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 to see what the results would be.  I mixed the 832 Nude Beige and 825 Buff Beige equally, and stippled it on with the Real Techniques Stippling Brush.  The color was on the light (and more pink) side when I first applied it, but definitely oxidized almost a full shade darker.  832 is definitely more yellow and 825 is more pink (I'm neutral leaning more yellow).  The finish was slightly dewy, but not too shiny or matte either.  Up close, you can definitely see the shimer/glitter from the Stay Luminous, which I didn't notice at first but I didn't love that aspect but you don't see it unless you're super close.  If I were wearing these foundations again, I'd definitely mix them together, or just wear the Stay Luminous alone in winter.

I used to wear the CoverGirl Clean makeup when I first started wearing makeup and loved it.  Maybe a 'Blast from the Past' makeup post/review is in order :)

A note on colors too: I'm pretty sure I was one of these colors in the Clean Collection (I believe 825 Buff Beige) so I'm not sure why neither matched me in this line, however, I read this happened to others too.

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My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
MAC Studio Fix Powder -- NC30
Makeup Forever HD -- 130 Warm Ivory
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige N20
Tarte Amazonian Clay  Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation -- Light-Medium Neutral
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation -- Light
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Sand Beige 180 [winter] | Medium Beige 240 [summer]
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation -- Nude 40
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte - Nude Beige 125
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
Maybelline Dream Wonder -- Nude 40
L'Oréal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oréal True Match -- N3 Natural Buff
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion -- N2 Classic Ivory
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous -- Buff Beige 825
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 -- Nude Beige 832

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primers | + Plus a Duel: e.l.f. vs. SmashboxPhoto Finish

{This post includes affiliate links.  Affiliate links are where I make a portion of sales from links used, which helps keep Beauty Freckled going.  Thanks for your support!}

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer was the first primer I ever used, but figured there had to be a good dupe for it out there with a better price point.  That's when I came upon the e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primers at Target.  There are now a few different color correction options as well as hydrating and blemish control versions and a silicone pore perfector.

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primers

From eyeslipsface.com:
Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer.  Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines.  This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish.

Recommended Uses:
Tone Adjusting Green is ideal for minimizing redness and correcting blotchy skin.
Brightening Lavender is ideal for uneven skin tones and to brighten dull or yellow tones.
Radiant Glow (contains shimmer) is ideal for creating a luminizing effect on dark spots and uneven skin tones.

Clear, Tone Adjusting Green, Radiant Glow

Just to compare cost quickly: e.l.f. Clear Primer is $6 for 0.48 ounces; Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish is $36 1oz or $16 0.50oz.  So the elf product has 0.02 ounce less, but that's about a $10 savings if you compare it to the smaller half ounce Smashbox Photo Finish.  The e.l.f primer looks like you get more than you do in their slightly deceiving packaging.  Smashbox's packaging is much nicer, however, you can buy two of the e.l.f. version for less than the cost of one Smashbox.

Smashbox Photo Finish is silicone-based and feels thicker.  e.l.f. Mineral Primer is more of a gel even though it containes silica.  Both primers are promoted to help fill in pores, keep oil at bay, and make makeup last longer on the face.  If silicone is a bit too much for your skin, these probably aren't for you.  They both do a good job of filling in pores and do make a nice canvas for makeup to lay on.  Both slide on super nicely and feel super silky.

Here are quick reviews of the three I have:
Mineral Infused Clear is a base that helps lengthen foundation wear time and creates a flat starting point for makeup.  This is a great affordable alternative to the Smashbox version.

Tone Adjusting Green balances redness in skin, which I tend to have on my cheeks.  It has a similar consistency to the clear primer, just tinted.  It's supposed to be comparable to the Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer in Green.  I definitely think it neutralizes the redness on my cheeks and works the same as the clear, just with the added color correcting benefit.

Radiant Glow gives a dewy glow.  This one I've been using more in the winter, as my skin gets more "dewy" and oily in the summer.  It brightens up foundation a bit, but has a bit too much glitter in it.  I think this would be better for normal to dry skin types.  I wouldn't repurchase just because of my skin type, but it does its job.

Wear Test:  I decided to put the e.l.f. Mineral Clear Primer to the test opposite the Smashbox Photo Finish Clear Primer.  I placed  the e.l.f. on the left side of my face, and the Photo Finish on the right, then applied my makeup as usual (I used the CoverGirl 3-in-1 for reference).  Results:  I couldn't tell a difference upon applying my makeup, honestly.  Upon application, the e.l.f. was slightly more slippery and didn't set as nicely as the Smashbox but that's a minor detail.  After about 7 hours of wear time, both sides looked identical.  If I hadn't know which side was which, I couldn't have said one side looked any better or worse than the other. The Smashbox has nicer packaging and slips around less on application, but you won't be able to tell much if any differences once either is applied.  So if you're looking for a good dupe for the Smashbkx Photo Finish, check out the e.l.f. Primer.

e.l.f. also makes a Poreless Primer that's supposed to be fully matte versus the satin finish of the Mineral Primer.  I imagine this will do pretty well when put head to head against the Smashbox primer as well, so I will update when I try it!

You can find these all for $6 at your local Target (or get it shipped free if you're a RedCard holder from their website), at Amazon, or on the e.l.f. website.  They're worth a try!

Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer

Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation is a drugstore staple for most people.  I use it in the Normal to Oily line and have always had good results wearing it.  So when Revlon came out with a Colorstay Compact, I knew I had to try it.  Bed Bath & Beyond {aka Harmon} always has the releases earliest by me, so that's where I picked mine up in Sand Beige.  If you know your MAC shade, there is a great chart of which Colorstay shades correlate to which MAC shades here {my own shade comparisons will be below as usual}.

Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer
Claims from Revlon:
Expertly matched shades of makeup and concealer for a flawless, longwearing look that’s perfect for you. Smooth, blendable formula with buildable coverage and a demi-matte finish. Compact includes a unique applicator for precise application and a mirror for touch-ups on the go. Choose your match.
• 12 expertly matched shades of foundation and concealer
• Flawless, demi-matte finish
• Sweat resistant formula lasts all day
• Buildable to full coverage
• Mirror and applicator included

Price: $12.99 [vs $9.99 in regular Colorstay line]
Amount: 0.4 oz [vs 1 oz in regular Colorstay line]
Shades: 12 Shades [vs 16 in the regular Colorstay line]

This foundation is super easy to apply - I agree with the claims of smooth and blendable.  I applied it with a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge {review here} and it went on like a dream.  The coverage is definitely medium and buildable to full coverage.  I find it doesn't have as much of a matte finish as the regular Colorstay liquid foundation, so it's spot on with the semi-matte claim.  Setting to a demi-matte finish, it creates a perfect skin-like look that's not too matte.  I topped it lightly with the Maybelline Fit Me! Matte and Poreless Powder in Buff Beige 130 and they looked beautiful together.

The concealer is on its own separate ring that lifts up so you can access the full pan of foundation.  The concealer was kind of an odd color when I put it on the first time (almost gray and cool toned) so I added a touch of the foundation on top to even it out and it turned out fine.  Thinking it was because it was the first layer, I tried it out again.  It wasn't as gray looking, but I still find it a tad light for me, but with my Fit Me Matte and Poreless Powder over it, it wasn't noticeable.  The concealer reminds me of the Revlon PhotoReady concealer so it's a thicker formula.  For some it may be better just for spot treating.  I wouldn't use something this thick every day under my eyes, but it has its time and place.

Wear Test:  I wore this for 8 hours each time and it didn't have obvious signs of wear, smearing, or breaking apart.  The only spot would maybe be a tiny bit by my nose but it was so minimal I hardly noticed.  There wasn't shininess like I normally get.  I think it has great staying power.  I wore just moisturizer underneath the first time, and the elf Radiant Glow Primer the second.

If you like Revlon Colorstay, this is a great foundation.  I like it just as much as the liquid Colorstay, probably even more!  Similar to the L’Oréal Lumi Cushion, you only get 0.4 ounces versus 1 fluid ounce in the regular liquid Colorstay, but that's the only downside.

This is a beautiful foundation and the compact makes it super easy.  I will definitely be keeping this one around.  If you're an on-the-go mom like me, this is a great option for throwing in your diaper bag or makeup bag!

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My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
MAC Studio Fix Powder -- NC30
Makeup Forever HD -- 130 Warm Ivory
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige N20
Tarte Amazonian Clay  Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation -- Light-Medium Neutral
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation -- Light
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Sand Beige 180 [winter] | Medium Beige 240 [summer]
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation -- Nude 40
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte - Nude Beige 125
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
Maybelline Dream Wonder -- Nude 40
L'Oréal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oréal True Match -- N3 Natural Buff
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion -- N2 Classic Ivory
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous -- Buff Beige 825
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 -- Nude Beige 832