Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Fibromyalgia

I have been living with Fibromyalgia around three or four years now.  It all started with a slightly dizzy feeling at work, my legs feeling weak and tired, my knees feeling swollen, and a general muscle weakness.  At first I assumed I had Lyme disease from walking my dog in wooded areas (we had a lot of trees around our house) since the symptoms lined up.  After numerous tests that kept coming back negative, my rheumatologist suggested Fibromyalgia.  I tried numerous prescriptions but my Fibro made me sensitive to side effects, so I always stopped taking them.  I just tried to deal with the pain at that point, but didn't do too much research into natural remedies.

After some time had gone by, and still not feeling great, I still wondered if I had a silent form of Lyme.  I saw a doctor who practiced Functional/Integrative Medicine and paid extra for a Lyme test (from Igenex - this test shows all traces and bands).  The test was negative but the doctor had a few good suggestions for muscle pain.

After we moved to the area we live in now, I saw a new family doctor.  Another round of tests were done and nothing showed up.  We revisited the Fibromyalgia diagnosis and ideas on how to deal with it.  I tried another medication, but it gave me bad side effects again, so we discussed some natural options like yoga.

Through all the family doctors, rheumatologists, the functional doctor, and my own research, I have learned to take little bits here and there and use what works for me more naturally.

Here are my top five tips that have helped me the most:

1.) Water, Water, Water

Drinking eight eight-ounce glasses really flushes out my systems and keeps me hydrated.  I can feel it if I am not hydrated enough and haven't had enough water.

2.) Vitamins*

Vitamins have been a huge help to me.  If I don't take them for two or more days in a row, I feel a big difference.  Here's what I take: Up & Up D3, Doctor's Best CoQ10, Doctor's Best Chelated Magnesium, Nature Made Super B-Complex, Up & Up Allergy

3.) Mild Exercise

Mild exercises like yoga, swimming, walking, and biking are suggested for fibro.  I had to slowly build up to exercise.  At first I started with 10-20 minutes of biking, yoga, walking, or swimming.  Now I aim for about 30-40 minutes but try not burn myself out.  Too much can leave me more exhausted and in more pain.  I usually do yoga or weights 2-3 days a week, and ride my bike the other 2-3 days [see my bike review here].  We will also walk together as a family with our dog after dinner if the weather is nice and I'm not tired.  I love the 10k-a-Day program.  I'm going to do a full post on the DVDS I use at home for exercise.

The DVDs I rotate currently for exercise, plus biking/walking

4.) Diet

I found a few sites about the best things to eat and avoid with fibromyalgia.  I've tried avoiding various foods groups (dairy, gluten), but I didn't feel a big difference.  The main thing for me was cutting way back on caffeine.  I drank coffee religiously before and have since given it up.  Now I will occasionally have one cup of green tea in early afternoon or the occasional decaf coffee (black, no sugar).  I've noticed a big difference in my dizziness since I cut back to almost no caffeine.  I can't remember which site had a great list of the best things to eat and avoid but I will do a separate post on those foods specifically.

5.) Sleep

At least 7-8 hours, but 8-9 is optimal for my body.  I had trouble sleeping for a long time when I was first diagnosed so I found melatonin tablets (Up & Up Melatonin) super helpful.  The muscle relaxers that were supposed to help me sleep were always too much for me.  Rozerem is a prescription melatonin that helped me at first but I found over-the-counter melatonin just as good.

I hope these tips are helpful for those of you who have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  Not everyone's body is the same, so these tips may not work the same for everyone.

Please let me know in the comments below what has worked/not worked for you and if you suffer from Fibromyalgia, CFS, or something similar.  I would love to share more of my journey with others.

*Please discuss any medications you take, including vitamins, with your doctor.  This post is not intended as medical advice as I am not a doctor.*

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!

Diaper Bag Review | Skip Hop Duo Double

{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 loved watching "What's In My Diaper Bag" videos on YouTube before Baby BeautyFreckled arrived, so I knew I would have to review my own diaper bag one day.  I will follow this up with a "What's in My Diaper Bag" post.  So here we go with the review of the Skip Hop Duo Double...

 

Skip Hop DUO DOUBLE Hold-It-All Diaper Bag, Onyx Tile
Specs from Skip Hop:

Attaches to any double (side-by-side) stroller with patented Shuttle Clips— leave the shoulder strap attached or remove it for a cleaner look

Wear with messenger strap or as a tote

Magnetic closures throughout; main compartment zips shut

Cushioned changing pad

Extraordinarily durable poly-canvas construction— this bag will last for years

16 pockets include a zippered personal pocket and two side mesh pockets for bottles or sippy cups

Convenient cell phone pocket & easy-access pen holders

Contrasting lining makes it easy to find everything inside

Note: Not for use on single strollers

Size (inches): 19l x 4.25w x 13h

This diaper bag is classified as a bag for twins.  I currently have a 2 1/2 year old girl (Baby BeautyFreckled) and have used this diaper bag since she was pretty much a newborn for just her and loved it.  Starting out with the Skip Hop Via Messenger in Black, I liked the bag, but found it too small and ended up using it just for doctor visits where I just needed diapers, wipes, and a blanket.  After seeing the Duo Double, turns out I loved the size for just one child.  I liked having enough room for whatever I need, being able to see it all easily, and not having everything just jammed in there.

Skip Hop Duo Double in Onyx Tile

 



Skip Hop Duo Double in Onyx Tile

Outside there are three fabric pockets, two bottle pockets, and one large fabric pocket with the changing pad inside.  Inside there are three mesh pockets, two bottle pockets, and two fabric pockets.  The whole inner bag zips up and there is a mommy pocket next to the main zipper so you don't have to undo the whole bag to get to your wallet, keys, or phone.  Included are also a full strap as well as smaller straps for hand carrying which both come in handy.  The Shuttle Clips are easy to snap on and off the strollers we use.  I would never want a bag without stroller clips again!

Side Pockets and Messenger Strap

Two Back Pockets - One with Changing Pad

 

The note above says it's not for use on single strollers, however, we used it on our Britax B-Agile and our Baby Jogger City Select and we've never had an issue.  Just use it at your own risk, because if you had a lot in there and on a smaller stroller like the B-Agile I could see how it could tip it over.

Above View of Skip Hop Duo Double

Above View of Skip Hop Duo Double Inside

The inside of the bag has three mesh pockets on one side, two fabric pockets on the opposite side, and two bottle pockets on each inner end.  The big 'pocket' in between all these is considered the last pocket in the count, I believe.  I love carrying the Skip Hop Changing Station in that middle compartment, and it fits perfectly with room to put a rolled Aden + Anais blanket and extra clothes as well.  The Changing station is great because it's bigger than just the changing pad that comes with the bag and you can shove diapers and wipes in it in case you need to grab just those items to change baby. 

 

Even with all we have in the bottom, the Duo Double doesn't look bulky or get too heavy.  We also paired our bag with the Pacifier Pocket (not shown), which easily attached to a strap for easy access.

Overall, Skip Hop nailed it with this bag.  I wish they wouldn't market it as for twins, because I think it might scare some people off.  If you like to carry enough to cover your toush (and baby's toush too!) then this bag is the perfect size.  I don't carry a purse at all when I carry this bag and it's been super perfect for us and will easily grow if we end up with Baby Beauty #2 in the future!

Skip Hop Duo Double Front

Check out the Skip Hop Duo Double on Amazon or at BuyBuyBaby, where I purchased mine.  {BuyBuyBaby is the best baby store in my opinion, but more on that another time ;) }

I will follow up with a full "What's In My Diaper Bag" post soon showing you all exactly what I carry and how I organize the bag and what's in it!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | Review

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line is a newer moisturizer line from Neutrogena.  I hadn't tried the line but needed a new moisturizer and decided to try it out since I had heard such good things.

There are two formulas: Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for extra-dry skin and Hydro Boost Water Gel for normal skin.  They've now added an eye cream (Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye) and a version with sunscreen (Hydro Boost Water Gel with sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15).  Even though I consider myself normal to oily or combo skin, during the winter my skin has been feeling a little parched on my cheeks.  Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight gel I figured it would be great for my combo skin so I picked up that version.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Claims from Neutrogena.com:
Hydro Boost Water Gel instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated day after day.  The unique water gel formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream.  It boosts skin's hydration level and locks it in all day.  Naturally found in the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin.  Oil-free Non-comedogenic Purified Hyaluronic acid Wearable under makeup.

Price: $17.99 [Target] - on sale for $17.09

The Neutrogena HydroBoost Water Gel comes in a light blue pot with a twist off kid.  The packaging is pretty, but I would prefer a pump bottle so you don't have to keep sticking fingers in there, but it's not a deal breaker for me.

The formula and consistency reminds me of The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream which I used to use daily for years.  Both are lightweight and not greasy as all, which is great for my combo skin.  It sinks in super quickly, lays perfectly under makeup, and leaves my skin so smoot.  It acts as the perfect starting primer for my foundation not leaving it greasy at all.  Other moisturizers sometimes don't settle in fast enough or tend to make my foundation look greasy.

 

After applying this, I can see it hydrates all the little fine lines around my eyes and mouth and really smoothes everything out making my skin look much more even toned.  So the claims of more supple-looking skin are pretty spot on for me.

I found the Hydro Boost gave my slightly dry winter patches the pick me up it needed during these past few snowy months.  Even in summer, I think this moisturizer will be light enough to not make me a grease ball and will hydrate just enough.  It's a great addition to my skin care routine and I will definately be keeping it around.

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

Empties #1 | Products I've Used Up

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Welcome to the first edition of my Empties | Products I've Used Up series.  We all know how hard it is to use products up when we constantly are trying new things.  I've been throwing my empties in an old Sephora box under my vanity for a while now to gather some of mine for an empties post.  Below you'll find some quickie reviews and if I would repurchase them as well.

Hair, Face, Body, Nails, Baby Empties #1

Hair
Pantene Nature Fusion with Avocado Oil Shampoo
This is a great smoothing shampoo that doesn't weigh your hair down.  This has been a go-to shampoo for me for a few years now.  Would Repurchase.

Dove Color Care Shampoo
This is my 'Holy Grail' shampoo, especially for color treated hair.  It really gets your hair squeaky clean without leaving it stripped.  Other color care shampoos left my hair feeling not as clean, so I've stuck with this one.  It smells great too.  Already Repurchased.

Dove Pure Care Oil Shampoo
This one was just too much oil for me; it would probably be better for dryer hair (I have normal to oily).  Would Not Repurchase.

Clear Scalp and Hair Damage & Color Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner was good.  Nothing super for me, but an ok daily shampoo.  I don't think it gets my hair as clean as the Dove Color Care, but I'd probably give it another shot.  Would Probably Repurchase.

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle
I used to hate conditioner because I thought it would weigh my hair down and make it more oily until my stylist told me just to use it on the ends to keep them healthy since that's the oldest part of your hair.  This version was the only one out when I got it, but now they have a whole line including one for color treated hair.  It's a great deep conditioner that doesn't make my hair heavy or greasy, just leaves it smooth and shiny.  Smells great too.  Already Repurchased.

John Frieda Step 3 Conditioner
This is the conditioner that comes with my hair color {see full review here} and also comes separately now.  There is definitely enough for more than a months worth of treatments in these (for medium length hair), and they smell great.  They are a great way to lock in hair color during the month.  Already Repurchased.

Face
Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser
I use this as my daily cleanser and still love it.  Leaves my skin clean without over drying or feeling tight.  Already Repurchased.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser
I used to use this as my daily cleanser, but use the Daily Cleanser version (above) every day now.  I don't think I needed the exfoliation daily, especially in the drier winter months but I would go back if I got more oily in summer {see my full review here}.  This probably isn't for normal to sensitive skin.  Would Repurchase.

Body/Skin
Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel
Love this stuff - 'Holy Grail' shave gel {see my full review here}.  Lasts a long time, great foaming lather, leaves legs super moisturized, and gives a great close shave.  Already Repurchased.

Up & Up Smoothing Shave Gel with Soy
A great dupe for the Aveeno shave gel above {see my full review/comparison here}.  I go back and forth between the two and the EOS shave gel (I prefer these two though).  Would Repurchase.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - Firming
A great daily firming lotion that moisturizes while leaving behind a gradual tan color.  It never comes out too dark at once or too orange, just makes your skin a bit dark each day you use it.  Would Repurchase.

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion - Deep Dark Color
This product worked was good, but I found a self-tanner I like better for now (Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mousse).  I would mix this with a regular lotion or use it on it's own, and I liked that it was a one-and-done rather than having to build it up if you were in a rush.  Wouldn't Repurchase - for now.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Body Lotion - Lavender Chamomile
Smells amazing.  I have the matching pillow mist and I love the scent to help me settle down for sleep at night.  Would Repurchase.

Nails
Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat
Great base and top coat. I use it mostly as a base now, but occasionally as a second top coat with the Sally Hansen Insta-Dry or Out the Door top coats.  Already Repurchased.

Baby
Johnson's No More Tangles Leave-In Conditioner
One of our favorites for Baby Beauty's bath time {see full Baby Beauty Bath post here}.  Leaves her hair tangle-free and is super easy to use.  This lasts quite a long time as you only need a pea to dime sized amount.  Would Repurchase.

I hope you enjoyed my first empties post.  Let me know below which products you've used up recently or which products always end up in your empties pile the most.

True Match™ Lumi Cushion Foundation Review

Today I am reviewing the True Match™ Lumi Cushion Foundation, which is a new drugstore release.  Since cushion foundations are the new thing in drugstore makeup (even though they have been around in Asia for ages now), I was interested in trying one.  I've heard the Laneige BB Cushion carried at Target is pretty great, and it's on my list to check out too (let me know if you've tried it in the comments below!).

Claims from the L'Oreal Paris USA website:

• Liquid Foundation
• Fresh Luminous Finish
• Buildable Coverage
• Liquid Foundation revolutionized – a fresh luminous glow in a tap. Introducing new True Match Lumi Cushion. An innovative sponge drenched in liquid foundation. Tap a little for a fresh natural glow, tap on more to build a new level of luminous coverage.
• Effortless Application, completely buildable, it’s your on-the-go coverage.
• Formulated with Precise Match™ Technology to match your skin’s tone and texture
• Finish: Fresh & Luminous
• Coverage: Sheer to medium, buildable coverage
• Skin Type: For all skin types. Safe for sensitive skin.

Shades:  12 Shades
Product Amount/Size:  0.52 ounces
Price:  $16.99 [CVS] [$15.99 - Target]

There are four shades in each shade range (cool, neutral, warm) and none of them are super dark, so that's a bummer.  I picked shade N2 [Classic Ivory] since the next shade up was N3.5 [Classic Buff] and I'm N3 [Natural Buff] in the regular True Match foundation.  N3 is slightly more my summer shade, but I can get away with it in winter {shade comparisons are below, as always}.  The True Match Lumi Cushion looked like it would be a good option for winter skin as well, so I was hoping the lighter shade would work.  I have combo skin but I do get more dry on my cheeks in the winter months.

The compact comes with a puff (almost like a powder puff) and includes quite a nice sized mirror inside the lid.  I decided to use a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge {real full review here} instead of the puff.  When you tap your applicator in the sponge, you get quite a lot of product.  I only needed to go in about two or three times to cover my whole face.

This is defiantly light to medium coverage, which seems to be the norm for a cushion foundation.  It covers enough without looking heavy or cakey, feels weightless on the face, and gives a fresh faced appearance.  I would like this for any time of year, but I would make sure to use a primer in the summer since I am more oily then.  The finish is more dewy, but not to the extent of the CoverGirl Luminous foundation.  This just gives a nice healthy glow, without being too much for this oily girl.

Overall, I think it's a great foundation.  It's a good one to have on hand for days when you don't want or need total full coverage or are just running out the door quickly.  The only downside?  For $16 you only get .52 ounces (only slightly more than half the amount in a regular foundation) so you may run out faster than normal.  With this being on the pricier side for a drugstore foundation, there are other options if you didn't want to spend that much but I think it's is definitely worth a try, especially if you love dewy foundations!

Let me know what you thought of the True Match Lumi Cushion, what shade you are in the True Match line, and what other foundation or BB cushions you like!

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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 -- Medium Beige 240
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