Foundation Friday | MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation

MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I decided to do something a little different with Lipstick For Laughs.  I want to start doing more product specific reviews, and I thought that a fun series would be a good way to incorporate those! And what is more exciting to review than foundations?!  Also, guess what... I have a lot of them. :) They are probably my most favorite makeup item purchase.  I guess I'm just always in search of something that will make my skin look.... well, good, really.  If you have a foundation you've been wanting to try but don't want to buy before trying it, leave it in the comments down below and I will do a review on it if I own it!

These are probably the most frequently asked questions that I get (once people know I love makeup) regarding makeup.  "What's the best foundation?" "What foundation do you use?" "Have you tried this foundation?" And I am always happy to give my personal opinions! Now, not every foundation that works for me will work for you, and vice versa.  It's fun to keep trying ones that accommodate with your skin type, and in turn you will find the perfect one for you!  My skin is dry, and I like a medium-full coverage foundation on most days. I also like when foundations have a dewy-luminous finish as opposed to matte or semi-matte.  For those of you reading this thinking "wait, I didn't know there was so much to this", remember this is a beauty blog, so I'm interested in these kinds of things. :)

Okay so let's get to the review.  I purchased this foundation about a month ago now, and I feel I have used it enough to give my honest opinion! I've always heard so much rave about this foundation from beauty bloggers and youtube guru's and it's about time I picked it up to try for myself. This foundation retails for 42$ at Sephora and MUFE stores and counters.  I was lucky enough to get it at 20% off during the Sephora Friends & Family sale (Thanks, Lane.. :)) so I bought this foundation for around 34$.  That's still a very high end foundation so I was expecting an awesome product.  This foundation comes in a broad range of 26 colors for all undertones and it does not contain an SPF.  I picked up the shade 120, which is honestly my lightest shade foundation.  I wish I had got one shade darker, just because I almost look a little washed out with the color I chose.  But I usually just add some bronzer, and I'm good. The description on Sephora.com states:

"An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting." -Sephora.com

I agree with most of this description.  It's oil free, which is nice because it makes it thin and light weight.  I do get occasional breakouts, so oil free is good for me.  However, I also have dry skin, so when I see oil free I sometimes worry it will dry me out.  I found this foundation to be a rather moisturizing foundation even though it is oil free - which is really exciting!

Sephora describes this as a medium to full coverage foundation, and I would describe it more the lines of light-medium.  To get a full coverage application I would probably have to use 4 pumps of this product-which in my opinion is too much to use in a single application.  Personally, it doesn't give me enough coverage to cover up acne scars, but I can take care of that with some concealer Just to give you an idea, I usually use about 2 pumps of my foundations.  

Now, the reason why I AM a fan of this foundation is because of it's finish.  It has such a unique finish on the skin that I have not been able to find in any of my other foundations.  It's luminous but without being shiny or sparkly.  It's the type of foundation where I don't need to apply a powder and I would be perfectly happy with it's finish.  It doesn't oxidize on the skin, and it really does create a soft focus effect on the skin - which makes it lovely for photographs and for special occasions.  I think this would be a great foundation for someone starting out with makeup or high end foundations.  It's gives a decent amount of coverage without making you look over done.  It does not contain SPF, making it not the safest to wear in the sun.  If you do wear day-to-day, wear a moisturizing SPF underneath. 

All in all, I would give this foundation a ranking of 3.5 out of 5.  

Does anyone have any requests?

xx, Molly :)

Skincare Routine!!

Colder weather is upon is... gracious it even snowed last night (I'm writing this post ahead of posting it.. ha)! With a different temperature outside comes crazy times with my skin.  My skin becomes tight and uncomfortable when I don't treat it right--which leads to breakouts, uneven texture, and unbalanced skin.  So, I have to take care of it! And heck, even when I do take care of it I get breakouts.  Nonetheless, many of you have asked me what my favorite skincare products are, and I'm finally ready to share my entire routine! 

It's taken me a while to really find products that I love and that work for my skin type.  I have combination/dry skin that can sometimes be sensitive, and I struggle with breakouts, especially on my chin/mouth area--this also results in post acne brown spots that DON'T GO AWAY--ugh. (Can you tell I'm bitter?)  I don't like products with too much alcohol or fragrances, and I try to use mineral oil free products because any time I use a product with that ingredient I get cystic acne. Woah, what a mouthful, now do you see why it took me forever to find products that work for me?

Skincare is the base for everything else you put on your face.  It's going to let your makeup go on more smoothly, and it's actually going to protect your face from your makeup.  You never want to apply your makeup unless you've moisturized your face properly.  If you're reading this and thinking *well crap*, then try it for yourself--I promise you'll notice a difference!  And here's your warning...If you think a lot of steps in your routine is ridiculous and you may judge me, then you may want to stop reading now.  :) 

Here's a bit of a disclaimer here: I'm no genius on skincare, nor have I had any training, and I'm also no esthetician.  I enjoy learning about this subject, therefore I've done research on my own time, and I like to try out certain products for myself and see how they all differ.  

Okay enough rambling, however, this will be a lengthy post, so grab some hot cocoa and relax for a bit. :)

My steps for the evening: 

1. Pre-Cleanse : Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser 

2. Cleanse and/or exfoliate : Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser

3. Treatment : Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Treatment and/or Salicylic Acid spot treatment 

4. Serum/oils : Algenist Age Repairing Oil (I don't do this step every night, only if I need extra moisturizing) 

5. Moisturizer : Eucerin Q-10 Sensitive Anti Wrinkle Cream or Ole Henrikson Nurture Me

1) The Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser is a wonderful first step.  This enables me to get ALL of my makeup off before actually cleansing my skin.  It smells of oranges, and is soothing and hydrating to my skin.  It also contains vitamin C and primrose oil so it brightens and nourishes the skin.  I apply it to a dry face and massage it in, then add water and it turns milky, then rinse.  

2) Now you are ready to cleanse the skin! I love the Sheiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser because it makes my skin feel so clean without stripping it.  The smell is a pretty strong fragrance, but I don't know what it is about it, I love the smell.  Usually I hate strong smells--but this is different! I actually started using this when Ryan and I got married so the smell reminds me of our Antigua honeymoon. :) 

3) This is my favorite part of my routine because this product is the product that has changed it ALL for me! This is my most favorite skin care product, and I recommend it to everyone because it addresses so many skin care needs.  The Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Treatment is a green gel formula that contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid complex including glycolic acid and lactic acid.  This little miracle product has helped my acne SO much.  I still get occasional breakouts, but it's much better now.  It has also helped even out my skin tone and texture, and has helped fade my post acne scars.  It also contains glycerin which helps hydrate your skin and keep your skin glowing.  It tingles a bit when you first apply it, but once you start using it every night, the tingling goes away.  If you'd like to address any needs that I mentioned I have--GET THIS! 

* I have to mention too that with certain products, don't expect miracles over night.  I used this night treatment gel for about a month before I realized that my acne had stopped around my mouth/chin area and that my dark spots were fading. Don't give up, and truly give a product some time. 

4) Serum/oils: This is a step I don't do every night.  I haven't used a serum that I really like, and I haven't really been looking for one.  I actually think of my Night Treatment Gel as a serum because it's extremely concentrated, moisturizing, and fights against aging.  Now, I do use an oil every once in a while when I need some extra care.  The Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil is my favorite.  When I use this, my skin is smoother, more balanced, and clearer when I wake up.  

5) Moisturizing is so important.  It's the thing that seals the deal, and helps your skin feel comfortable and nourished.  I love using something rich enough to repair my dry skin, but I also want it to sink in.  I don't want it to just lay on top of my skin and never absorb.  I've found these two moisturizers to do just that.  And they are both SUPER rich! The Eucerin Q-10 Sensitive Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream is simple--not many ingredients, no fragrance, leaves a semi matte finish, and is HIGHLY nourishing.  Plus it's only 10 dollars from the drugstore.  It's a great budget option.  The Ole Henrikson Nuture Me is rich and soothing.  It smells like creamsicles, and contains vitamins and oils that nourish and comfort the skin.  It's amazing for night time, and I actually feel that this moisturizer has helped fade my dark spots as well.  

My steps for the morning: 

1. Cleanse : Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

2. Eye Cream : Olay Total Effects CC Eye Cream ... nothing fancy here.  It depuffs my eyes and is gentle enough for this area!

3. Moisturize : For day time, I like something light that does the job.  The Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Face Lotion has a high SPF and is light on my skin while still providing me with a good amount of moisture. 

That's all, folks! What skincare products do you love??? Anyone have any suggestions??? 

xx, molly :)