Guest Review: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

I was very excited to find out about the new Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup from Clinique. A foundation that does the acne control job at the same time sounds like a perfect solution to my acne-prone skin.

What it is: A oil-free liquid foundation with 0.5% Salicylic Acid to help treating and preventing breakouts on dry combination to oily skin, retails $24.50/ CAD30 for 1oz/ 30ml.

What it offers:

- Texture: Light weight and dries quickly.

- Coverage: Medium.

- Colours: 8 shades available, a good selection for different skin tones.

How it performs: I received "02 Fresh Ivory" which is a bit lighter than my match shade, but for testing purpose, I did use it on my face without mixing it with any darker foundation.

The goods:

- The formula is light and oil-free, a big plus, especially during the summer months. The foundation is semi matte when dries. It did not break me out.

- The wear is pretty good, as it lasts until I come home at the end of the day to wash it off.

- It can also be used on the affected areas only as a cover-up/ treatment liquid during the day.

The not-so-goods:

- It is not a full coverage foundation, i.e. I still have to use concealer on top of it. I expect a foundation with acne treatment property would provide more coverage, as often enough, we have acne scars and old spots to cover.

- The liquid is hard to blend at times as it dies quickly. I would suggest to get a bit of product at a time and blend it out completely before getting more product.

- It does oxidize a bit, which works on my benefit in this case as the shade is a bit light on me (Later in the day, it looks like a better match for me). Keep this in mind.

- The low dose of salicylic acid is good to treat rarely occasional breakouts but not for skin with more serious acne problem or higher frequency of breakouts.

The bads:

- The foundation flakes - around my nose and mouth, and on my cheeks. It is not pretty.

Note that I always use a moisturizer and a primer before any foundation, and do not notice any dryness on my face prior to application. Dabbing more moisturizer on top did not help, I tried.

Summary: This foundation works great as a convenient fix for those with light acne problem on normal skin but is not a good solution for combination/ dry skin as it intensifies the dryness.

www.clinique.ca 

Have you tried this foundation? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

About Anh

If you a loyal follower of Anh's blog, Sparkled Beauty, then you'll know she has a love for anything with sparkles! Like most of my encounters with fellow beauty bloggers, I "met" Anh on Twitter. When we finally met in person at the Girls Night In at LIFT in April, it was like meeting an old friend. Be sure to check out Anh's blog for her awesome makeup hauls and product reviews! Thanks Anh!

Blemishes Be Gone!!!

*CAUTION* Scary images below! If you have just eaten, I recommend you wait at least an hour!!!!! I had a bad reaction to something but wanted to show you how to cover up blemishes really well. We all need it now and then right? =)

Summer Faves: Eyes

In the summer time I generally don't wear too much shadow for fear of having them smudge or crease on me. However, this season's stay put formulas give me reason to reach for the hottest summer hues!

1. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion in Eden ($18 USD): The original UD primer is an absolute staple in my kit and when Eden came out I was definitely intrigued. A primer/shadow in one? Right up my alley. I received a sample to test out and decided to wear it alone as a shadow. 

Left side blended, right side not blended

On me, this "tawny matte hue" shows up more like a bone shade on me. A little goes a long way. With too much on, I felt it almost lightened my eye area too much making it look ashy against my skin tone. Definitely use sparingly. The primer does have a brightening affect as it lightens the eye area and reduces redness on the lids. Underneath a shadow, it is as long-wearing and crease-proof as the original. All in all, I prefer the original over Eden but it works great when a little amount is used.

2. M.A.C. To The Beach Shadow in Firecracker ($17.50 CAD): I know, this is so last 2 collections ago! M.A.C. is known for launching so many collections a month so even though this is the summer collection, it seems so passe! Nevertheless, Firecracker is still a must-have summer shade.

Firecracker is a warm, burnt orange-coral shade. The colour looks delish against bronzey skin. It's a bold shade but the warmth of the hue makes it so wearable for summer. Pair this with golds and bronze or smut it up with black khol rimmed eyes. Balance the shade with peachy, bronze or coral cheeks and a light gloss.

3. YSL Fard Lumiere Aquaresistant in Golden Sands ($35 CAD): Luxury in a pot. It's like sweeping real gold over your lids. I received Golden Sands to sample and fell in love with the high-shine shimmer. When I first opened it, I thought the shadow had a glitter finish. Thankfully, it doesn't but has strong shimmer pigments. For day, apply a small amount for a sheer luminous finish. To make it wearable for the office, mix with a matte shadow. But for night, layer the shimmer on! The more your layer, the more intense the pigment and shine. This light-weight, water-proof formula has a nice cooling effect and seriously does not budge. Sweat, swim, dance - this shadow isn't going anywhere!

4. Everyday Minerals Loose Pigment Shadow in Mall Punk ($2.50 USD): I don't usually gravitate towards loose pigment shadows but Mall Punk has become one of my everyday go-to shadows. It's actually a warmer pink in person and pretty much looks delicious when paired with peachy, bronze and pinks. This shade gives the eyes a luminous glow. I need about 2-3 layers until I'm happy with the intensity of the shade but when applied wet one swipe is all it takes. When applied with a primer, it lasts all day with no touch-ups! 

5. CARGO Cosmetics Color Eye Shadow Palette in Tahiti ($28 CAD/US): The price point of these gorgeous palettes are a steal! The Tahiti palette is definitely one to have this summer. These shades ranging from olive gold to bright teal are one of this season's hottest trends. I'll be honest, I haven't worn these colours in a while. But with my basic work wardrobe, I've been inspired to wear more colour! To make it more wearable for day, mix 2 shades together one lighter and one darker and smudge a little liner into the lash line. Since these shadows have a metallic finish, opt for a more matte blush and go for a creamy lip than high gloss. The shadows are highly pigmented and only took one swipe for the colour to show. The texture is velvety-smooth and doesn't budge. As a sucker for packaging, I adore all the different designs on each palette!

6. Milani INFINITE Liquid Liner in Infinite ($5.99 USD): Milani Cosmetics has definitely opened up my eyes to drugstore brands. I am in LOVE with these liners. The black shade is my go-to liner on brides when covering up falsies. Infinite is a bright ocean blue and is the perfect shade when you want just a pop of colour on the eyes. Whether you're a fan of bright colours or not you have to admit this shade is fieerrrce! Pair this with a neutral eye, peachy cheeks and lips this summer. I find the brush firm enough to work with but I'm also used to applying liner. If you have unsteady hands, I recommend using a thin angled brush. These liners are budge proof so after it sets it is hard to remove. Use a powder shadow in a similar shade as your guideline the apply the liner over top.

Have you tried these must-haves for the summer? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Twilight's Jane

So I lOvEd Eclipse and may have seen it twice =). I wanted to do a few looks from the movie and this first one was SO much fun that I can't wait to do more!!! My hubby was kind enough to make my eyes red in photoshop. How cool is that?!? What looks did you like from Twilight? What lines? Ooh me!! Ooh me!! (insert me with my hand raised as high as it can go in the air) How about,"Let's face it, I'm hotter than you." and "I kissed Bella, and she broke her hand, on my face." "Doesn't he own a shirt?" SO fun =). Hope you enjoy the tutorial!!!

Listen To Lena Tokidoki & Sephora Give Away!

My girl Lena from the popular blog, Listen To Lena!, is doing an AH-MAZING give away! If you love Tokidoki Cosmetics and Sephora then head over to her blog for contest details!!

http://www.listentolena.com/2010/06/lena-loves-tokidoki.html

Miss Ruby Sue

Meet the lovely Lori of Miss Ruby Sue!!! I have personally been able to work my magic on Lori and have had the opportunity to wear her amazing couture head pieces. Ladies??? They are to DIE for!!! I did a 1940's photo shoot of my and the boys for Father's Day (below) and Lori came through with all of our darling accessories. I always get tons of compliments when I wear anything of hers! Do you have a wedding coming up? A birthday? Senior portraits? Let Lori work her magic and give you just that extra pinch of sophistication and glamour. Without further adieu, let me introduce you to Lori and her story =):
Born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho, Lori is living her dreams to the fullest. Married to Chad Ward for 16 years, they are happily raising 4 beautiful children Kimball, Madison, Rilee and Kyler. Together watching movies, riding dirt bikes , motorcycling , swimming, laughing and jumping on the tramp to their favorite music have been some of the most memorable and happy times in her life. In 2008 with the help and encouragement of her husband, Lori pursued her career in design and started a small company, Miss Ruby Sue, specializing in custom hats, wedding veils, and women’s fashion accessories. Growing quickly and gaining national attention, Miss Ruby Sue took the fashion world by storm and was featured on Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, and has since been featured in several national magazines, along with several celebrity clients as her customers, located all over the world.

But No matter how much fame and success Lori has accomplished, none of it compares to the love and acceptance she feels at home with her family. She believes that happy confidant women hold the keys to a strong and stable family life, and nothing else in life is more important that raising happy, confident children – and you can do it looking fabulous in Miss Ruby Sue couture!


Share the Secret....
www.missrubysue.etsy.com

Oh Canada Lippies!

Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians! I will be doing all things Canadian today including showing my country pride by wearing two of my favourite red lippies from Canadian brand Beaute Cosmetics!

Beaute Cosmetics Liqui-Gel Stains in Fever ($29 CAD): I've given these gel stains rave reviews on Makeup Junkie in the past. When I want a red lip that will last, I reach for Fever, a deep wine red that looks gorgeous on its own or as a base. These gels don't over dry the lips and give unbelievable depth when layered underneath a lipstick or gloss. It really has some serious stay-powering!

Beaute Cosmetics Luminous Volume Gloss in Urge ($26 CAD): You want some sexy volume? The husband likey! I haven't used this gloss in a while and I forgot how unbelievably shiny and pouty this gloss makes your lips. On its own, it's a sheer red but not a shy red! It's sheer enough if you're scared of reds but not shy enough to be noticed. It's a great shade of cherry that I love. I love layering this over Fever.

How To Wear Reds:

• Red is a bold colour but with the different textures and formulas you can find reds in sheer to rich tones. Choose one you're comfortable with. Stick with stains, sheer glosses and tinted lip balms for something more subtle. 
• For a summer red lip, I love pairing it with bronzing, glowing skin. Stick with bronze and golds on the lids, lots of mascara, and shimmering bronze cheeks. Lovely! 
• To avoid a red mess on the teeth, take your index finger (clean of course!), put it in your mouth and pull straight out. 
• When shopping for the perfect red, check the shade in natural light before purchasing. For pale skin tones, try a cool and bright cherry red. (Think Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga).
  For medium yellow and olive skin tones, give a warm-toned fire-engine red a go.
  For dark skin tones, try a berry colour or crimson red.

How will you be showing your Canadian patriotism and does it involve a red lippie? Have you tried these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

http://beaute-cosmetics.com