I'm back with another haul! Some of these items are re-purchases, while others have been in my collection for a while now and have been rigorously tested.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43 for 30ml/1.01oz)
Packaging: It comes in a plastic bottle with a handy pump. The only issue is that it's difficult to see when the product is running low.
Color: Currently, there are 40 shades available. MUFE labels the shades using a number and letter system. R denotes red, which is suitable for those who have a cool, pink undertone. Y means yellow, which is suitable for those who have a warm undertone. 118/Y325 Flesh is suitable for those in the MAC NC20-25 range. I'm an NC30/35 and Y345 Natural Beige works well for my skin tone right now. 127/Y335 Dark Sand is slightly lighter and less peachy. It works best when I'm at my lightest and in the winter time. Y375 Golden Sand (swatches) works better in the summer months when I have a tan.
Formula: The texture is creamy and more runny compared to other foundations, such as the Dior Forever (review) and Burberry Cashmere (review). It provides buildable, medium to full coverage and leaves a semi-matte finish without looking flat. It also doesn't cling onto dry patches as long as I exfoliate well and prep with a good moisturizer. (For reference, I have an oily t-zone and neither dry nor oily skin on the rest of my face.)
Application: I prefer to use my Real Techniques Sculpting brush (review) or ELF Selfie Ready Powder brush (review) as it (1) doesn't waste as much product, (2) lays down product evenly, (3) blends effortlessly without tugging my skin and (4) provides medium coverage with just one layer. For lighter coverage, I recommend using the Marc Jacobs #2 brush (comparison pictures) or a beauty blender (ultimate guide + review) as they tend to absorb alot of product and sheer out coverage.
Longevity: It holds up really well on every area of my face, except my oily t-zone, and doesn't move or separate throughout the day as long as I set it with a powder. (I always set my makeup regardless of the foundation that I'm wearing.) I experienced the same results with the original formula. The main difference is that the new formula can cause the oils around my nose to break through even quicker and I have to blot at least twice a day. Therefore, I reach for this mainly in the winter when my skin isn't as oily.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer ($27 for 7ml/0.23oz)
Packaging: It comes in a plastic squeeze tube with a small opening, which makes it very easy to get the last drop of product out. Though, sometimes it can be a little bit difficult to control the amount that's dispensed, especially if I squeeze the tube too hard.
Color: It comes in 5 color correcting shades that neutralize dark circles and 5 concealing shades. R22 is about 2 shades lighter than my skin tone and has a pink undertone. R30 leans more beige, but still has enough pink to counteract my dark circles and doesn't require me to use a yellow-based concealer over it. It is also about one shade lighter than my skin tone and works well to brighten my under eye area. Y31 has a yellow undertone and works better to conceal blemishes when I'm using the color 127/335 in the foundation. Y33 is suitable for those who are darker than my skin tone and those who are more tan.
Formula: The texture is not too thick or too runny and does not feel too drying on the skin as some concealers do. (Tip: Prep with a good moisturizer to prevent emphasizing fine lines.) In terms of coverage, I need to apply at least 2 layers in order for it to fully conceal my dark circles. For minor blemishes, I can get away with just 1 layer. I love that it blends into the skin easily and never leaves a cakey finish.
Application: I prefer to use flat paddle brushes (comparison review) because they cover the area underneath my eyes very well and quickly too. They can apply streaky and wipe away product when used in a painting motion. So, I recommend using them in a tapping motion for even and maximum coverage.
For spot concealing, I prefer to use a smaller brush, such as the Sephora #28 (review) or Sephora #30 (review). Both brushes do all the work for me and blend like a dream without tugging my skin. They provide the best coverage when used in a tapping motion. (When used in a circular and buffing motion, they tend to sheer out coverage.)
Longevity: The MUFE concealer lasts all day without fading, moving or creasing when set with a powder. (I don't have issues in general with concealer staying put underneath my eyes.)
Chanel La Palette Sourcils De Chanel Brow Powder Duo ($50 for 4g/0.14oz)
Packaging: It comes with a mini tweezer, spoolie and brow brush. The tweezer works fine for picking up thick hairs and will suffice when I'm on the go. The spoolie does the same great job as the other ones in my collection, except it has a shorter handle and is more travel-friendly. The angled brow brush is very stiff and tends to scratch the powder when I dip it into the pan. So, I prefer to use my own brush, which I will discuss later in this post.
Color: There are 2 choices available, including 40 Naturel (lighter palette) and 50 Brun (deeper palette). Each palette comes with 2 different shades for customization and leaves a satin finish, which looks matte when applied. I was worried that 40 Naturel might be too light or too warm, but the shades actually work very well with my natural brow color.
Formula: The powder is very stiff and has very sheer pigmentation, which prevents you from over applying the product and prevents your eyebrows from looking harsh. Before I discovered this product, I used eyeshadows, such as MAC's Copperplate, to fill in my brows. However, because it's so pigmented, it can sometimes make my brows look overdrawn and I end up having to blend it out with a spoolie and re-do it. The Chanel Brow Powder Duo saves alot of time and I love that it provides a very natural finish.
Application: I prefer to use a brush made of natural bristles, such as the Royal & Langnickel Silk Sable Brow Angle #BC530, because it picks up and packs on powder products much better than a brush that's made of synthetic material. (The #BC530 is currently on clearance for $5. So, I recommend grabbing it before it's gone.)
MAC Adobe Brick Powder Blush ($23 for 6g/0.21oz) from the Vibe Tribe Collection is described as a burnt red with a satin finish. By Terry Beach Bomb leans more coral and leaves a subtle glow, while Adobe Brick is darker, more red and leaves an almost matte finish. I find that it complements medium to dark skin tones the best. Lighter beauties can also pull it off if applied sheerly.
The formula is highly pigmented and can apply blotchy when applied with a heavy hand or a brush that's too dense. It can also look clownish if you're not careful. Therefore, I recommend using a light hand and a fluffy brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #19 (review) or MAC 187, as it'll disperse product more evenly and lightly. As for longevity, it lasts all day without fading when worn over foundation + setting powder.
I also reviewed some of the other items from this limited edition collection. You can find swatches and more information about the Gleamtones powder and Hot Chocolate lipstick in this post.
Urban Decay Eyeshadows ($19 for 1.5g/0.05oz) - The texture feels buttery and glides onto the skin smoothly & evenly without ever needing to re-dip your brush into the pan as the pigmentation is very intense & rich. It also blends with ease. For a softer look, you can use a fluffy brush, such as the Sephora #27 (review), as it tends to lay down products more lightly. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying to prevent as much fallout, given that the eyeshadows are soft. As for longevity, they last all day on my oily lids without creasing when used with a primer, such as the Urban Decay Primer Potion.
- Foxy is a creamy bisque that leans yellow and has a matte finish. It works especially well for those with a warm, yellow undertone. I love using it as a highlight on my brow bone. It also works well as a base and for creating a smooth & blank canvas when applying eyeshadows. Blanc Type has a more pink undertone. Both colors are my everyday staples and I use them interchangeably.
- Easy Baked is a warm, light bronze with a metallic frost finish. Blunt is more yellow, while Half Baked is slightly darker and has a base color that looks more orange. These shades are a bit tricky to swatch because they actually look less orange-y and more golden when worn on my lids.
The Interchangeable Palette comes with a full-size mirror and can fit up to 12 eyeshadows, including those from MAC, Urban Decay, Makeup Geek, Anastasia Beverly Hills and NYX. It is available at Coastal Scents for $5.95.
Note: The MUFE foundation and concealer are available at Sephora. The Chanel brow powder duo and MAC Adobe Brick blush are available at Nordstrom. The Urban Decay eyeshadows are available at Sephora, Beauty.com, Ulta and Nordstrom.
This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.
