MAC Haul

During my recent MAC shopping venture, I decided to focus on things that I REALLY needed and less on things that looked fun and different.  I stayed away from the Limited Edition collections because it's really easy to get sucked in and if you're shopping on a budget it's better to get the staples and save the extras for when you have a little extra cash.  So this time I picked up a well rounded variety of essentials; some of which were repurchases and some were totally new to me.

The Eyeshadows:  $11.50 (Pan) $15.00 (Compact)

Shadowy Lady

Satin Taupe

Shroom

These shadows have been on my wishlist because they are great basic shades that are great for a variety of looks.  Shadowy Lady is great for creating a smoky plum eye look and Shroom is an amazing highlight color.




Studio Finish Concealer - $17.00

NW30

NW30

I've been in need of a new face concealer and this one came highly recommended.  I really liked the texture when I swatched it and the price was nice too.

Fluidline - $15.00

Waveline

I already own a couple of the fluidline eyeliners but I REALLY wanted this blue.  I love to create smoky blue eyes and this really helps blend and smoke out my favorite blue eyeshadow, Contrast.

Paint Pot - $17.50

Painterly

I wanted a good eyeshadow base and this was very close to my skin tone.  It is NOT a primer, but it does help eyeshadow adhere to the lid and makes the shadow more intense.

False Lashes Extreme Black - $19.00

Again, never tried this before but I've heard about it from other beauty bloggers so I decided to give it a shot.  ALREADY loving this formula!


Brow Pencil - $15.00

Lingering

THIS is my repurchase.  I think this is the 9th or 10th one I've bought.  It's the ONLY eyebrow pencil for me.  The formula is great, it lasts a long time and it doesn't melt off in the heat.  THE BEST!


Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation - $33.00

No. 2

This foundation is the third MAC foundation I've tried and I'm hoping that this is THE ONE.  Many of MACs foundations leave a dry, chalky appearance on my skin and one formula changes color on me.  I'll keep you posted on the results.

Benefit Hello Flawless! Foundation Review

Ulta $34

About a month or so ago, I purchased the Benefit "Hello Flawless" foundation from Ulta.  I was on a mission for something new and more affordable than my more expensive old standby Chanel Mat Lumiere.  I did my usual research online and based on some of the things I had heard, I decided to try the Benefit foundation.  I wanted a foundation for oily skin that would give me medium to full coverage with a natural finish.  When I first used it, I noticed that it had a rather watery texture, which concerned me immediately because as I said earlier I was looking for medium to full coverage.  Upon application my skin appeared "dewy" which again concerned me because I have oily skin.  I powdered my skin as I always do with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and set off to work.  By NOON, my skin was feeling quite greasy.  I had to use blotting paper to deal with the oil on my skin before I could re-powder.

Being the type of person who HATES to admit defeat, I continued to try the product for a week thinking that MAYBE my skin just needed to adjust.  Alas, the grease pits continued and I surrendered to the fact that this foundation was just NOT FOR ME.  So disappointed was I that when I returned it to Ulta (for a full refund), I didn't even want to try the powder version that the clerk recommended.  I decided I would try something else and left with my $34 plus tax.

If you have oily skin and are looking for a medium to full coverage foundation, this is NOT FOR YOU.  Based on the quality, texture and claims on the packaging I would rate this a 2/5.