MAC Studio Fix Fluid Review

This is a review of the MAC Studio Fix Foundation.

Unlike the first two foundations I've reviewed, I must warn you that I don't love this even half way as I loved those foundation. Better read on to find out why...

The MAC Studio Fix Fluid has a very thick liquid consistency. Actually, this has the thickest consistency out of all the foundations I've tried.

With that being said, this stuff feels so heavy on the skin! When I use this stuff, I feel like I'm wearing a mask and it feels like its suffocating my skin! This stuff also cakes up easily. However, this foundation has a really good coverage. It covers everything! That's one of the reason why this is really popular among the TV and print industry. Even though this has SPF, I didn't find that it gives that whitish cast when used on flash photography. I must say it photographs really good.

I really have oily skin and this foundation can keep me shine free for just the first  three hours regardless if I set it with powder or not.

This foundation needs to be set with powder or else you'll be left with a bit of a sticky feel, and you'll have a hard time blending in your blush, contour, highlight and what not.

I find that this foundation is best applied using a damp sponge, and damp dense fluffy brushes. Since water would thin out the consistency a bit and the foundation wouldn't feel as heavy as it would on the skin.

I feel that this foundation melts a bit when its used in a super warm environment, but not excessively though.

This stuff isn't transfer resistant too, actually I think that this stuff has almost a ninety percent probability that it would transfer into the surface it makes contact to. 

This stuff do gather around flakey/dry patches of the skin so do moisturize first before using this!

I heard alot of people having bad reaction to this foundation, and I am one of them unfortunately. I get acne even after just a few minutes of wearing this foundation. I used this for one straight week and my face was filled with acne! After that I consulted a dermatologist and she freaked out and scolded me badly when she learned that I was using this foundation!

BTW you need to buy a separate pump with it. For me, it's fine as long as it's available! Which sucks for us here in the Philippines since our MAC doesn't carry the pump for ages now!

(I just got mine from Mona! Thanks dear!)

Hello, MAC?! Send some foundation pumps here!!!

Verdict:

4/10

2 points for giving incredible coverage and 2 points for how well it photographs.

I wouldn't mind using this up, even with its heavy feeling on the skin and even if it cakes up easily, if only this doesn't ruin my skin and cause me to breakout so bad!

Make Up Forever Face and Body Liquid Makeup Review

Today,the spotlight is on Make Up Forever Face and Body Liquid Makeup.

Before I begin, I just want to tell you that I really like this foundation. Why? Read on...

The Make Up Forever Face and Body Liquid Makeup has more of a gel than a cream texture. However, this foundation has a fluidy gel consistency rather than a thick gel consistency like the MAC Studio Sculpt. The foundation comes out like a fluidy blob of really soft Jello if not shaken, so shake the bottle of foundation prior using the foundation to liquify the foundation thoroughly.

This foundation can give sheer to medium coverage and medium to full coverage. This foundation when applied gives a sheer coverage, but can be layered for a heavier coverage. I find that this foundation no matter how much you layer on will not look cakey. This is the most buildable foundation I've tried. This foundation is so light, you wouldn't mind layering it on. I've tried using different brushes with this and I find that using my MAC 180 or shu uemura #18 foundation brush gave me that airbrushed, flawless, and seamless look. What I also like with this foundation is when blended into the skin, it sort of like "become" your skin, so it's really natural looking. I find that it's the foundation that most easily blend into my skin and doesn't give me that mask look even when I use shades lighter than my skintone - in short it's very forgivable!

The formula in this foundation is so amazing (Take note it's oil free)!

It's sweatproof, waterproof, transfer resistant- even with my oil slick face, and can resist high humidity! I have used this when I went to the gym, I swam with it, jog with it, and did more strenuous activities, and to my surprise it didn't bulge!

This stuff photographs really well too!

With this foundation, you don't need to set it with powder since it sets it self. Once this stuff dries, it will transform into a satiny smooth finish. I also find that this stuff doesn't settle into fine lines, though it may gather around extremely peeling skin, so to those with extremely peeling and flaky skin, I suggest you moisturize properly before using this. This has a good oil control too it leaves my skin shine free for atleast 5 hours - used without any powder on top to atleast 9 hours when set with powder. btw I have super oily skin!

The only problem I encountered with this foundation is wastage. Since, this product doesn't have a pump nor a pout controlling the amount of product can be a problem. So I suggest getting a long spatula if you plan to buy this foundation.

I love this as much as the Clinique Superfit. I love Clinique Superfit for its instant coverage while I love this MUFE Face and Body Foundation for it's extreme long wearing ability. Whenever I get lazy I use my Clinique, but when I want super long staying power and I have time to spare I use this!

Verdict: 

8.5/10

I will repurchase this!

I would give this a 10 if they improved the packaging to prevent wastage.

Clinique Superfit Makeup Foundation Review

I would start a series of foundation reviews with Clinique Superfit Makeup.

What Clinique claims:

"High performance makeup. Stays smooth all day, come stress or high humidity. Oil-free."

My take on the Clinique Superfit Makeup:

This is the first liquid foundation that I bought, repurchased, and will keep repurchasing.

My shade in this foundation is 05 Neutral. 

The texture of this foundation is really watery and light (as you can see in this picture).

As watery as it seems, believe it or not this foundation have a moderate to full coverage depending on the method and amount you'll use. I use a stippling brush for a lighter coverage and I use a regular paddle foundation brush for heavier coverage. However, lately I discovered that this works best with the use of really dense fluffy brush like the MAC 180, 182, 109, Smashbox Face and Body brush, and ELF Studio Powder brush. By using these dense and fluffy brush, you can get that airbrushed look. This is also the foundation that you can get that airbrushed finish easily. You don't have to buff really hard like other foundation to get that airbrushed look. 

This foundation is so fluidy it mix really well with moisturizer for your custom made tinted moisturizer! I even mixed it once with my body butter and a bit of bronzing powder for my legs.

This foundation also gives a really natural finish.  When blended well, it will look like skin, so you couldn't look overly made up. 

I really like the fact that this is oil free and does break me out. I also find that this is quite versatile foundation, since my sister and I use this. My sister have super dry skin while I have extremely oily skin, but this foundation works for the both of us! For me that's amazing! Makeup artists could save with this products, coz this foundation will suit any skin type.

I like that this foundation can set itself. You don't really need to set if with powder. However, setting it with powder will help with its oil control power. Without setting it with powder, my face is shine free for 4 hours, but when I set it with powder, my face looks shine free for atleast 6 hours. 

I must agree that this stuff is long wearing. Living in the Philippines, I am exposed to extreme humidity, and this foundation really stays put. I have worn this foundation for straight 18 hours without retouching it with powder but using just powder free blotting sheets if I get shiny, and the foundation was pretty much there. What's even better that it is so lightweight that I can wear it for such a long time without feeling I have makeup on, and it gives incredible finish and coverage! 

One possible con in this product is its lack of sun protection. I'm fine with this because I use sunscreen even if my foundation has SPF in it. I find that the lack of SPF gives the product more versatility, since you can use this more readily for flash photography, since foundation with SPF usually gives a whitish cast when photographed. BTW this stuff photographs really really well!

Another con is the packaging, though it has a pout, the foundation is so watery it still gets messy and there would be foundation all over the cap and the pout. They should have provided a pump to come with this foundation.

One tip: shake before using to avoid streakiness.

Verdict: I love this stuff and I would repurchase this over and over again!

Whenever I get breakouts from other foundation, I always come back to this since I think this is the only foundation that doesn't worsen my breakouts.

8/10 since there's still much to improve on the packaging and improved oil control would be great too!

Review/Comparison: MakeUp ForEver HD Microfinish Powder and No Brand Silica Powder Spheres

First, I want to ask for your prayers and support for the victims of typhoon Ondoy.

For NCR residents you may give your donation in goods at any McDonalds in NCR; for cash and goods you can give it to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamily Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Tulong Bayan at Balay Expo Cubao, GAWAD KALINGA Centers, CFC Ortigas, Mega Tent at Meralco Ave., White Space at Pasong Tamo ext. and University of Santo Tomas in Tan Yan Kee Student Center.

You may also deposit cash donations at ABSCBN Sagip Kapamilya Banco De Oro account # 5630020111 (btw for those taking advantage of this unfortunate event and spreading fake accounts, please stop! Many are already suffering and we don't need scumbags now!)

For International donations, you may give / send your cash donations using xoom.com

Step 1 – Sign up for a Xoom.com account, or sign in to your existing Xoom.com account.

Step 2 – Select Bank Deposit as a disbursement option.

Step 3 – Enter the following Recipient Name and Bank Account details:

Recipient Name - Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)

Bank Account Details - The following Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) bank

account details will be needed at the time of the transaction. You can enter any one

of the following bank accounts to make their donation:

PNRC Peso Accounts:

•    Banco de Oro – Peso Account: 453-0018647

•    Bank of the Philippine Islands - Peso Account: 4991-0010-99

•    Metrobank – Peso Account: 151-3-04163122-8

•    Philippine National Bank – Peso Account: 3623-3680-0011

PNRC Dollar Accounts:

•    Banco de Oro - Dollar Account:  453-0039482

•    Bank of the Philippine Islands - Dollar Account:  8114-0030-94

•    Metrobank - Dollar Account: 151-2-151002182

•    Philippine National Bank - Dollar Account: 375-283500026

Enter Recipient Address and Phone Number:

Philippines National Red Cross

National Headquarters

Bonifacio Drive, Port Area       

Manila 2803, Philippines

Phone Number: 632 527 0000

Step 4 - Enter the coupon code "HELPONDOY" at the bottom of the Payments page.

So you wouldn't need to pay for the transaction fees.

MakeUp ForEver HD Microfinish Powder

vs

No Brand Silica Powder Spheres

On a lighter note, you probably already saw on my last haul post that I got the MUFE HD  powder and promised to do a comparison with a no brand silica powder. So, here it is! Hope this will help!

AVAILABILITY

MUFE -> Philippines: MUFE stores in Shangrila, The Fort, Cebu, Davao

Internationally: Free standing MUFE stores, Sephora, HSN

No Brand Silica -> Mainly in online shops like Coastal Scents, TKB, etc.

PRICE

MUFE -> $30  for 0.35 oz at Sephora 

No Brand Silica -> $4 for 1 oz at Coastal Scents

Winner: No Brand Silica, clearly you'll be saving a lot more money! You're paying $26 less for more than twice the amount of the MUFE one!

COLOR

Both look transparent and wouldn't give a whitish cast when applied properly.

Winner: IT'S A TIE!

RESULT/EFFECT/APPEARANCE ON SKIN

Both blurs out fine lines well! Both may look cakey if too much product is applied. Both mattifies moderately.

Winner: IT'S A TIE

TEXTURE

MUFE -> I  believe that this are more finely milled than that of the no brand one so this is much more smoother to touch and very comfortable on the skin. Glides on the skin better than the no brand silica.

No Brand Silica -> You can feel that the spheres are much larger so this is a bit more chunkier in touch but still smooth just not as smooth and finer than the MUFE one.

Winner: MUFE!

FEEL ON SKIN

MUFE -> Very light weight. Non-drying so more comfortable on the skin.

No Brand Silica -> As light weight as the MUFE, however I feel that it dries out my skin  by just bit. 

Winner: MUFE!

WEAR TIME

Both has similar length of wear time. These doesn't last all day long, so you need to reapply every once in a while. So, if you're looking for setting powders to make your makeup last, silica powders are not for you. However, if you're interested in the silica powders for aesthetics and for photography, then go ahead, you'll not be disappointed!

Winner: Tie!

MY THOUGHTS: 

I personally prefer the MUFE one since my skin tends to be sensitive at times and the MUFE one feels better in those times. But, for the times that I have normal skin conditions, then I wouldn't mind using the no brand silica spheres. For those with dry skin, I suggest getting the MUFE one, but for oily skin you may settle for the no brand one. For those who wants the best pampering for the skin and doesn't mind the price tag then go for the MUFE one. But if you want the same effect, doesn't want to spend that much, and doesn't mind the slight difference in feel and texture, I strongly suggest to go for the no brand one! 

Haul! Again! Shu uemura, MAC, MUFE

Hello! I'm back with another haul!

I haven't used much of the stuff extensively so I can't give out info as of now but perhaps within the next two weeks I can give you reviews!

And I actually acquired other new stuff but I forgot to take pictures of them so wait for it in my next post :P

Without further adieu let me present you my latest haul!

 2 shu uemura nobara cream foundation in 754

MAC technakohl in artistic license, eyeshadow in violet trance (I dunno why it looked so blue in pictures), studio sculpt concealer (I like this so far, this is my fave concealer as of now)

MAC MSFN in medium, studio sculpt foundation (finally a MAC foundation that doesnt break me out, so far...)

MUFE Best Seller Kit:

HD powder (I'll compare this to the silica powder sold in tkb & coastal scents soon)

HD primer

Sens Eyes

Aqua eyes 0L

Smokey Lash

MUFE Duo Mat

Another MUFE Aqua Eyes 0L

MUFE all mat

MUFE HD kabuki brush (I'll compare this with the elf studio kabuki brush soon)

MUFE Eye Seal (Enabled ny Sis Nikki! :D)

MUFE Camouflage Palette (This too, I was enabled by Sis Nikki! Haven't tried this though since I'm still in love with my studio sculpt I cant seem to part with it heehee)

MUFE Face & Body Foundation

That's it for today! Wait for my next post to see the other items I haven't posted today...

Again if you have any question don't hesitate to ask!

Bye!