Foundations!!
If you are a person who loves trying new types of cosmetics and skincare, like myself, you will love to know how you can get free samples, which let's you try out a product before purchasing a product. This comes in handy when trying a new cleanser, moisturizer, foundation, or lip product.
Before I purchase any type of product, I love to try out a sample to see how it will react to my skin type. My biggest go to for free samples is Sephora. You can walk into a Sephora, and receive up to three free samples anytime you walk into the store. In the past few weeks, I have been on the hunt to purchase a new high-end foundation. I narrowed my options down to three choices: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Tarte Full Coverage Amazonian Clay Foundation, and Make Up For Ever HD Foundation.
For the past 8 months, I have been using MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 foundation. It was the first high end foundation I had ever used. At first I thought it was my Holy Grail foundation. After using it for about 5 months, I started to notice I would look orange after a few minutes of applying. My boyfriend would constantly tell me I look orange. I finally had enough, and tried a lighter foundation. I read up on the MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, wondering why it pulls an orange color. My skin's undertones pull a mix of red and yellow tones. If you have yellow undertones, MAC is a definite for you, but if you pull more red (like myself), you might notice an orange tint to your skin after applying. I decided to branch out of MAC, and try some new foundations!
I was very lucky to be blessed with good skin, with only an occasional breakout (mostly hormonal). Before purchasing a foundation (full size), I have a list of qualities that I look for in a good foundation.
1.) Color Range: I always go to the beauty counter to make sure the color matches my skin perfectly. There are some cosmetics lines, that do not have a wide variety of foundation colors. For example: NARS Sheer Glow does not have a wide variety of colors, but Make Up For Ever has over 20 shades to choose from! That is awesome!!
2.) Quality: How does the product apply on the face.
Questions I ask myself are:
"How quickly does the product dry on the face?"
"How does is apply to my face? Is it creamy, smooth, or satin feel?"
"Did the foundation slip on the face or wear off after 8 hours?"
"How did the foundation react with my skin type?"
3.) I always look for how the foundation oxidzes during the day on my face. I look for the "ORANGE" tint some foundations may leave on your face.
4.) The last thing I look for in a foundation, is how does it look on my face over-all with the other cosmetics I use (powder, bronzer, blush, and illuminator). Did they blend well together?
After being able to try each of the foundations, (NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Tarte Full Coverage Amazonian Clay Foundation, and Make Up For Ever HD Foundation), I chose to purchase the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.
On My Skin!
On my skin, the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, is an amazing foundation. As soon as I applied it on my face, I knew it was the one!
Pros: Felt like silk on my face, applied evenly, matched my skin tone perfectly, was build-able to cover blemishes, and blended beautifully with my other cosmetics. I used NARS Illuminator as my highlight, and it was gorgeous! You also only need a very little amount for the face, which is great. The only down fall is that it is $42.00, but the bottle can last you up to 6 months.
Cons: This foundation does not have a pump. That is my only down fall so far. I just so happened to be looking at Nordstrom.com last night, and found that they sell NARS. They have a $6.00 pump you can purchase for all of there foundations. Problem Solved!
Yesterday we went to the mall, and I happened to walk by the NARS counter. All I did was start up a conversation about NARS products with the lady at the counter, and she gave me a free sample of the Copacabana Illuminator.
Another trick I have before purchasing a full size product, is to look for it on Ebay. Sometimes people recieve a travel size sample from different cosmetic stores, or with previous purchases, and sell it on Ebay. You can find the travel size product for a decent price on Ebay. Sometimes you can find the full size product for half the price. Just make sure to look at the seller's ratings and reviews before purchasing from them.
I wanted to give you all some information on the foundations I talked about above. They are all wonderful, and work different for everyone! Before spending the money on the full size, make sure to try a sample. Hey the samples are free, so it can't hurt to try!
Just click on the picture of the foundation, and it will take you to Sephora's Online Store. It will show you the description, ingredients, color range, reviews, and price of each product.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
My #1 Favorite Foundation For Everyday Wear!
Great for combination and dry skin types! Gives a dewy glow!
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation
Full Coverage! It also is natural foundation, made from mud taken from the Amazon!
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
Great For Photography! It does not reflect a white finish in a photo!
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
Great Full Coverage Foundation! Especially great for yellow undertone skin types!
If you order from Sephora.com, you will receive up to 3 free samples, and free shipping for orders up to $50.00 or more!
Don't forget most JcPenny stores now have a Sephora store right inside!
