REVIEW: Maybelline 8 in 1 Beauty Balm

So about 1 month ago or something I got my hands on Maybellines' Beauty Balm. I was actually out to purchase something else and I am usually not someone to grab anything makeup related over 5€ spontaneously without doing some research but somehow I ended up buying it:

So here are my thoughts on it:

Color: The product actually comes in only one single color, some sort of peachy color actually and claims to adapt itself to ones natural skin color to ensure an invisible, clean finish. Well, that being said, it DOES NOT work! Sure, it is nowhere as bright orange on your skin as it is in the container but as someone that is on the rather pale/fair side I can tell you that it does not fully adapt. I somewhat ended up with a tan one would get with self tanners and in tanning studios. You know, when you have a tan that has a slight orange hue rather than what you'd get when actually lying in the real sun?! So I don't know but colorwise this doesn't really work for me.

Application: Apart from the coloration problem this does apply rather smoothly I have to admit. Wheter you use a sponge, brush or your fingers (though personally i think fingers work best!). Since it is kind of a tinted moisturizer it leaves a fresh feeling on your face and the skin absorbs it pretty quickly!

Coverage/Finish: One thing for sure, this isn't foundation. So if you want to cover up tons of blemishes this might not be the best product for you. It does give slight coverage though so that I only had to use a bit of concealer underneath my eyes and on smaller blemishes/acne scars to get a natural finish. Which leads me directly to the next point: I kind of like the finish. Since this is kinda supposed to replace your moisturizer it is very nourishing and leaves your skin dewy looking. If it wasn't for the color you wouldn't be able to tell I am wearing anything on my face at all. I like that. Though I do recommend using powder on the T-Zone if you, like me, have oily skin!

Lasting Power: So i wore this a couple of times and I have to say in terms of lasting power and keeping your face from shining this product sucks. BIG TIME! Like seriously, 1-2 hours after application+powder my face looks like it has oil all over. With this product my skin looks even more oily than it would WITHOUT the product at all. I was really dissapointed as I was looking for an alternative from wearing my expensive foundation everyday that would provide slight coverage and look natural. I think this Beauty Balm could work really well if you have very dry to normal skin but anyone apart from that I highly recommend staying away from it! Or make sure you ALWAYS have enough powder or blotting papers with you!

CONCLUSION: If it weren't for the crappy color and making my face look greasy this could actually work pretty well. Unfortunately it does not seem to be the right product for me so I will pass it on to my sister who suffers from very dry skin.

If you want more reviews like this, let me know.
Love, V.

Review: Clinique Even Better Foundation

Source: Google.com

So I bought this foundation a little over 2 weeks ago and I've been wearing it practically everyday except for Sundays. As of now I am totally head over heels in love with it and here's why:


PRO's:

- Finish: I have never in my entire life come across a foundation that looks SO natural and invisible on your skin but at the same time gives good coverage. I swear, it is unnoticeable. And it totally covers all the spots or brown acne scars around my face. Even my colleagues at work asked me what I had "done" to my face because my skin is glowing. It also gives you a light dewy finish and doesn't look dull at all!
- Ingredients: Like all Clinique Foundations, this one does not contain any perfumes or harsh chemicals at all which is great because even though I have combination skin and some spots from time to time, I DO have sensitive skin. There are foundations that make me break out like madly! Big plus for this one.
- Functionality: This foundation is supposed to help even out ones skintone and it definitely does help me! I can not guarantee the same results for everyone but my dark brownish/redish scars from former acne do fade much quicker than they would normally. Also I sometimes get red around the cheek area and this foundation gives me just a nice, healthy looking even skintone. It does what it promises. LOVE!
- SPF: This foundation contains SPF 15 which for me is a huge plus, never go without sunprotection!

Neither Pro nor Con:

- Lasting Power: This Foundation is very nourishing to the skin, hence, if you have oily skin and want something completely mattifying, this might not be the foundation for you. I definitely do have to use powder throughout the day with this one, but as I usually always carry blotting papers with me, this is not a letdown for me. It really doesn't bother me because this foundation looks so much more natural than all the super long lasting ones. And it does stay on your skin, it may just not be as mattifying as for example my Estee Lauder Double Wear.

CON's:

- Price: It cost me 28€ which is pretty much considering I am a student and I wear Make-up regularly. Then again my Estee Lauder Double Wear costs almost 10€ more so I guess I'll just have to deal with- Still, I think they could be a little bit cheaper!
-Packaging: I usually prefer foundations with a pump or an open lit where I can easily control how much comes out. This one has none of the above and it is sometimes hard to get out the exact right amount that I need on my face. I am afraid i might use too much and coming at 28€ per piece, this is not funny. Sort that out Clinique! Immediately!
- Color Range: I myself got the PERFECT match for my skin tone which is Ivory. However, in most stores it is the lightest color and it still seems a little dark for those REALLY pale ones out there. Plus, once I'll get a tan I think it will also be harder to get the right color as the other available colors are all relatively dark and close to each other and seem to have more of a yellow undertone?! A bigger range would be nice as it is over all a great foundation.

Conclusion:
I love this foundation! And as long as it doesn't break me out or I find one that is cheaper but has the same amazing natural finish, I'll definitely repurchase this one! It is a great product!