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Blog #2 Foundation

Hey everyone! Welcome to my first official blog post. In my opinion, a good base makes all the difference when applying makeup. Finding a good foundation takes a lot of trial and error which can be quite tedious but once you find one that works for you, you’re set! I’ve been using the same foundation for the past 5 years but I am always trying others to compare and contrast.

When looking for a foundation you need to think about coverage, shade range, skin type and skin undertone. Some brands have better color ranges than others and often foundations are made or work better for certain skin types.

Tips for good foundation application

Use a good primer (make sure you’re using one that is suited for your needs – large pores, oiliness, etc)
Make sure you’re using the correct applicator – when in doubt test it out
I prefer using natural hair brushes rather than synthetic brushes
A beauty blender (or similar) is a great option for getting a very seamless look (I like to use this technique the most in the winter or when I have drier skin as it hides fine lines and dry skin better!)

If you’re unsure about your skin type, you can check here.

Below I have outlined some of my favorite foundations to fit all skin types and coverage needs.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin-Perfecting Foundation with SPF 15

A bit about my skin and my preferences: I have combination skin, which means my skin can get oily around my T-zone and is pretty normal or sometimes dry everywhere else. I like to use a light to medium coverage foundation so that some of my skin can show through and it looks more natural this way in my opinion. My favorite foundation (the one I used in my video) is the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin-Perfecting Foundation with SPF 15 (A MOUTHFUL! haha). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a foundation with a longer name than that. Anyways, this foundation is the perfect formula for my skin and I use shades 20, 30 and 40 beige depending on the time of year. The fact that it has SPF in it is a plus so you can wear it during the day without risk of sun damage. The only bad thing I have to say about this product is the lack of color range that it has.

Long-lasting: Lasts all day with setting powder, or when applied lightly

Shade range: 18 shades

Coverage: Light to Medium (buildable)

Price: $60

Applicator: squeeze bottle

Great for: Combination and Dry Skin

You can buy it here

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This foundation is another very popular foundation but unfortunately didn’t work for me. Throughout the day it wore off around my nose and I didn’t find a color that matched me as well as the Chanel. This would work very well for people with dry skin as it adds a lot of moisture and it would not come off around your nose area.

Long-lasting: Wore off on me throughout the day

Shade range: 21 shades

Coverage: Light to Medium coverage (buildable)

Price: $80

Applicator: Bottle with pump

Great for: Combination and Dry skin

You can buy it here

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – Fenty Beauty

When Rihanna came out with her own makeup line, we all knew it was going to be bomb. Something really special about her line is the ranges the products come in. She made an effort to make a shade for everyone and this foundation is no exception. For someone with combination skin (or dry) this will be very matte (which may be the look you’re going for). For me, I found this formulation a bit too drying. I would highly recommend this for someone with oilier skin or someone who is looking for an ULTRA matte finish. If you find yourself looking for foundations and never finding one to fit your skin exactly, this may work!

Long-lasting: Yes!

Shade range: 50 shades

Coverage: Medium to Full coverage

Price: $45

Applicator: Bottle with pump

Great for: Oily skin

You can buy it here

Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation – Fenty Beauty

For a similar shade range with a more hydrating formula, I recommend looking at the Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation. This is a sister to the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation and has the great shade range that is common among Fenty Beauty products. This foundation is amazing! It is perfect for dry and combination skin and gives the skin a beautiful dewy glow while not transferring or coming off in oilier areas. This one is a close second to my holy grail Chanel foundation, and is quite a bit cheaper! Unfortunately (for my wallet), I am still in love with the Chanel above all else.

Long-lasting: Yes!

Shade range: 50 shades

Coverage: Medium

Price: $45

Applicator: Tube with pump

Great for: Dry and combination skin

You can buy it here

Blog #8 Get Ready With Me NYC Edition

Hey everyone! This week I wanted to show you my favorite going out products. Polina and I get ready for a night out on the town in NYC! As per usual, all products we used are linked below in order of use.

Bianca’s Products

Anastasia Beverly Hils – Brow Wiz

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/brow-wiz-P202633

Too Faced – Shadow Insurance

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/shadow-insurance-P202625

Too Faced – Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer (used as an eyeshadow)

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/chocolate-soleil-medium-deep-matte-bronzer-P229406

Tarte – Tartelette Flirt Eyeshadow Palette

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/tartlette-flirt-eyeshadow-palette-P424438

KVD Vegan Beauty – Tattoo Eyeliner

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/tattoo-liner-P245205?icid2=products%20grid:p245205:product

Chanel – Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15

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https://mobile.chanel.com/en_CA/fragrance-beauty/makeup/p/complexion/foundations/vitalumiere-aqua-ultra-light-skin-perfecting-makeup-spf-15-p170800.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4sjyBRC5ARIsAEHsELHBwCGIUQMMBlH-ypT3sbJDAtM0jrIMC8lHCEyrP8yHY06SXt_fDx8aAgX8EALw_wcB#skuid-0170870

Tarte – Shape Tape Concealer

https://tartecosmetics.com/en_CA/makeup/face/concealer/shape-tape-concealer/836.html

Huda Beauty – Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/easy-bake-loose-baking-setting-powder-P433402

KVD Vegan Beauty – Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/shade-light-face-contour-refillable-palette-P413458

Nars – Blush

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/blush-P2855?skuId=1099605

Charlotte Tilbury – Face Palette Lightgasm

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https://www.charlottetilbury.com/ca/product/glowgasm-face-palette-lightgasm

Becca – Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Champagne Pop

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?icid2=products%20grid:p381176:product

Sephora Collection – Long Lasting Kohl Pencil

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/long-lasting-kohl-pencil-P377785?icid2=products%20grid:p377785:product

Urban Decay – All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/all-nighter-long-lasting-makeup-setting-spray-P263504

Lancôme – Monsieur Big Mascara

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/monsieur-big-mascara-P419848?icid2=products%20grid:p419848:product

Ardell – Faux Mink Lashes

https://www.amazon.ca/Ardell-Faux-Mink-Eyelashes-Pounds/dp/B07D5PB8HJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ardell+faux+mink+lashes&qid=1586305366&sr=8-1

Sephora Collection – Rouge Gel Lip Liner in 15 Rosewood

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/rouge-gel-lip-liner-P401715?icid2=products%20grid:p401715:product

Charlotte Tilbury – Matte Revolution Lipstick

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/charlotte-tilbury-matte-revolution-lipstick-intense-pillow-talk-collection-P454508?skuId=2116879&icid2=products%20grid:p454508:product

Polina’s Products

Anastasia Beverly Hils – Brow Wiz

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/brow-wiz-P202633

Nars – Concealer Soft Matte Complete Concealer

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https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/soft-matte-complete-concealer-P416200?icid2=products%20grid:p416200:product

Natasha Denona – Camel Eyeshadow Palette

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/camel-eyeshadow-palette-P434459?icid2=products%20grid:p434459:product

Charlotte Tilbury – Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/eyes-to-mesmerize-cream-eyeshadow-P434101

Huda Beauty – Olivia Classic False Lashes

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/olivia-classic-false-lashes-P443765

Becca – Primer Collection Natural Finish

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/becca-primer-collection-P427619?icid2=products%20grid:p427619:product

Dior – Dior Forever 24h Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/forever-matte-foundation-P441213

Huda Beauty – Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/easy-bake-loose-baking-setting-powder-P433402

Tom Ford – The Ultimate Bronzer

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/the-ultimate-bronzer-P417363?icid2=products%20grid:p417363:product

Benefit Cosmetics – Hoola Matte Bronzer

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/hoola-matte-bronzer-P290636

Nars – Blush

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/blush-P2855?skuId=1099605

Becca – Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?icid2=products%20grid:p381176:product

Nudestix – Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze in Bondi Bae

https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/nudies-all-over-face-color-P419107?skuId=1897875

Blog #7 Mascara

I think I’m more passionate about mascara than a normal person should be. My eyelashes are pretty long but completely straight so when I don’t wear mascara it pretty much looks like I have no eyelashes. In high school I remember using mascara that didn’t do much for my lashes in terms of curling them. All mascaras are not made equal, some are better for adding volume, others length and others curling. Sometimes you get lucky and find a mascara that does all three.

When looking for a mascara, the formula is very important but I would argue that the wand applicator is what really makes the difference. I prefer more natural fiber applicators rather than plastic ones. The more bristles, the better, as these help separate the lashes and add more product to each one.

Tip: When applying mascara, start at the root of your lashes and slowly move upwards in a zig-zag pattern until you have reached the top of your lash. This will help apply the product evenly and separate your lashes so they avoid getting clumpy. I usually apply 2-3 coats of mascara to give the optimum length, curl and volume.

This video gives a great visual explanation of how I apply my mascara. This method gives the best results in terms of extending length and increasing volume.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Well this one wins the award for the most ridiculous name. Picture this: You’re at a family dinner and your aunt asks you what mascara you’re using. You either have to make up a name or tell her that it in fact is called “Better Than Sex”. I think they could’ve gone with a more family-friendly name but, hey, it definitely sticks! The formula of this product is great, it is long-lasting and does not flake off during wear. The applicator really makes the difference in this product. It is a large, densely packed and hourglass shape (that apparently was inspired by a women’s body). It really gives max volume, length and curl all in one very pretty pink tube.

Long-lasting: Yes!

Shade range: 1 – black

Price: $32 0.27oz/ 8ml

You can buy it here

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara

This has been my favorite mascara for the past 2 years. The brush resembles the thick, densely packed natural fiber brush that I loved in the Better Than Sex mascara. It has a cylindrical shape that is tapered off at the ends, which allows you to target the inner and outer lashes with precision. There is something about the formula/ applicator combination that does wonders for my lashes. They are the most curled I have ever seen, never clump or flake, and look long and voluminous. If I were to recommend one product from this entire blog that absolutely everyone needs to purchase, it is this mascara.

Long-lasting: Yes!

Shade range: 1 – black

Price: $33 0.33oz/ 10ml

You can buy it here

Blog #6 Bronzers

Bronzers, done right, can add dimension and warmth to the face. Done wrong, you can look like you stuck your face in a bag of Cheetos. I think we all like to think we’re doing the former when, in reality, it’s the latter. I definitely had my fair share of orange face days, especially when I was younger but thankfully I have a naturally darker skin tone so the Cheeto looks I see around town I would really need to work hard to achieve. There is definitely a fine line between right and wrong and its usually not the fault of the applicator. You can use a light hand with the wrong colored bronzer and it ends up looking orange or muddy. This can be especially difficult for those with fair skin.

Some tips when applying bronzer.

Whenever you’re applying a powder, it is best to take the product on a brush and lightly tap the brush so the excess product comes off. This will prevent too much product build-up and make your makeup look more natural.

With your bronzer (and foundation) make sure to bring the product down your neck. This will prevent you from having a clearly defined line on your jaw that is a dead giveaway that you’re wearing makeup (and not applying it properly).

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer

This has been a holy grail bronzer since before I can remember. The application is smooth and gives a good amount of pigment with each swipe. This bronzer works well for all-over use and also for contouring. Their shade range has gotten better over time, now covering lighter and darker skin tones. The main issue I have with this product is in the packaging. The container is small and restrictive when you’re trying to use a large fluffy bronzer brush. This can lead to an uneven application of the bronzer on the brush and therefore on your face. Recently Benefit came out with a value size product, which is a larger container, but it only comes in one shade.

Long-lasting: Yes

Shade range: 4 shades

Price: $40 0.28oz/ 8g

Formula: Pressed Powder

You can buy it here

Huda Beauty Tantour

This bronzer comes in a cream and dries as a powder. The application requires more technique than a regular bronzer as you are essentially contouring and bronzing your face at the same time. Because it starts as a cream, it is very blendable and sits very nicely on the skin. Its also ultra-pigmented and the payoff is amazing with using a small amount of product. The shade range is very inclusive of all skin tones.

Long-lasting: Yes

Shade range: 5 shades

Price: $38 0.42oz/ 12g

Formula: Cream

You can buy it here

Tom Ford The Ultimate Bronzer

Now looking at the price of this I am completely unsure as to how I justified spending basically $150 including tax ON A BRONZER. I am insane clearly. I love this bronzer because of the formula, which glides on very well and has the perfect amount of pigmentation. As you can see, the insane price is (kind of) justified because there is a lot more product compared to the other bronzers in this list. The pressed powder itself is in a large pot which makes it ideal for dipping a large bronzer brush into and will give an overall even application. The shade range of this product really disappoints me. Thankfully this color works great for me but Tom Ford should really work on this, especially because the brand is so established.

Long-lasting: Yes

Shade range: 1 shade

Price: $132 0.74oz

Formula: Pressed powder

You can buy it here

Blog #5 Setting Spray

Setting spray is a product I use whenever I want my makeup to last all day. In my introduction video, I mentioned that I particularly like using setting spray when I am using a powder over the top of a liquid, as it sets the two together and makes the powder look more natural. Without setting spray, powder can often leave a residue that makes you look like you’re wearing more makeup than you actually are. If you tend to use both liquid and powder products on your face, then setting spray is a must. I have outlined a couple of my faves, and one of my least faves below.

Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Waterproof Setting Spray

Huda Beauty absolutely kills it with every product and this one is no exception. The spray comes out in a consistent, fine mist that is soothing to the skin. The amount of liquid that comes out is perfect and does disturb any of the other products on your face. Once applied, the product feels a bit sticky, kind of like if you were to have sprayed your face with hairspray. This feels a bit weird at first but once dried your makeup does not budge a single bit. Not sure why it needs to be waterproof and why this is a major feature they advertise because I don’t think many people go underwater with a full face of makeup. Good if it’s raining I guess?

Price: $43 3.38oz/100ml

Applicator: Spray Bottle

You can buy it here

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray

I have been using this setting spray for years, pretty much since I started using a setting spray. The mist is a bit thicker and comes out in one consistent spray. It can be a bit heavy so I usually use it before I put on mascara to avoid it from smudging. I can rely on this product every single time to keep my makeup in place and combine my powder and liquid products for a seamless finish. I really notice a difference when I forget to spray this in the texture and longevity of my makeup. I would recommend a hundred times over!

Price: $42 4oz/118ml

Applicator: Spray Bottle

You can buy it here

Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray

I received a bottle of this primer and setting spray in a package set from Sephora. I heard great reviews and decided to try it for both of its purposes, a primer, and a setting spray. I used it about 5-10 times and every time I used it I noticed my makeup would not apply well and would become very patchy. I was trying other products at the time so I wasn’t sure if this was the culprit, if it were other products I was trying, or if my skin was just really dry. As soon as I removed this from my routine my makeup went back to normal. *trash can*

Price: $42 4oz/118ml

Applicator: Spray Bottle

You can buy it here

Blog #4 Setting Powder

I think that setting powder is a step that a lot of people overlook in their makeup routine. This is a really important thing to include if you want your makeup to last all day. Who doesn’t want that? I use setting powder lightly brushed all over my face when I’m wearing foundation, to set my concealer to prevent it from creasing, and when I’m feeling fancy, to bake.

Setting powder is generally translucent and therefore a big shade range isn’t very necessary. When you’re looking to purchase a setting powder, you should ensure the product does not create a white cast. Many people tend to shy away from setting powder to avoid this as it looks very fake and unattractive. This is a result of using the wrong baking powder and often flash photography. My favorite setting powders that I have listed below do not create a white cast and are great for everyday use as well as photography.

What is baking? Baking entails putting a thick layer of setting powder on your face to let the heat from your skin set your foundation and concealer. You then wipe off the excess powder and are left with a creaseless and perfect base for your skin. It’s actually very easy and straightforward to do. Here is a video on how to bake to get you prepped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJyIOu1EPpQ

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I have been using this setting powder for the past 6 years and it is a cult favorite. It is very finely milled so it covers fine lines very well and smooths out the entire makeup look. There are only two shades of this, one that is used for lighter skin tones and another for darker skin tones. It does not create a white cast and is perfect for everyday use as well as for nights out. When I apply this, my makeup lasts all day and looks seamless for longer. The hard plastic filter allows just enough product to come out and is very easy to control. One complaint about this product is that when it’s brought on airplanes a lot of the product can come loose and it is a nuisance.

Shade range: 2 shades

Coverage: Translucent

Finish: Natural

Price: $51 1oz

Applicator: Loose powder with hard plastic filter

You can buy it here

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder

This is a recent find for me. I’ve been lusting over this setting powder for a year or so now and finally splurged and got it. It was definitely worth the price and actually comes with quite a bit of product. It is finely milled, glides over and hides fine lines and does not create a white cast. This product stands out from the Laura Mercier product to me because of its tints. It adds some extra coverage to the under eyes which brightens them and also can act as a subtle color corrector. When choosing a shade for this product, it is important to consider your skin undertones. I have included a link to help you find yours if you do not know it already. My only complaint about this product thus far is the filter makes it slightly harder to get a lot of products so baking can be more challenging.

You can find out your skin’s undertone here

Shade range: 8 shades

Coverage: Translucent with tint

Finish: Natural

Price: $45

Applicator: Loose powder with soft fabric filter

You can buy it here

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

By now you know that I am a sucker for Charlotte Tilbury products and their packaging. Unfortunately this setting powder just did not do it for me. It’s very expensive compared to how much product you get. It definitely did the job, and did it well, but it wasn’t anything worth writing home about. I thought I should include it here because I know that a lot of people recommend this product and love it. It may work for you but I think you and your money are better off getting another one of the setting powders in this list.

Shade range: 3 shades

Coverage: Translucent with light tint

Finish: Natural

Price: $59 0.28oz

You can buy it here

Blog #3 Concealer

Continuing on with the trend of face products, I decided that concealer should come next in this series of reviews. Concealer is something that I wear whenever I wear makeup. I use it for my under eye circles and also to cover up red spots on my face. Next to mascara and my brow pencil, concealer is my most used makeup product. Unfortunately, finding a good concealer can be just as challenging as finding a foundation that works for you. Luckily for you, I’m here to outline the best.

When you’re looking for a concealer, it’s important to think about your skin’s needs. How much coverage do you need? Do you need color correcting? Hydration? What kind of finish do you want? Below I’ll outline some of my top-rated concealers and highlight the benefits of each to help you navigate your decisions.

Tips for using concealer

Use a small amount and build up more product as you need it. Too much product will settle into your fine lines and exaggerate them.
Before setting your concealer, lightly tap over your under-eyes to press the product into the skin. This will prevent creasing in your makeup before setting it.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape, in my opinion, is the holy grail of all concealers. I believe you can’t get this concealer in Canada unless you order it directly from the Ulta or Tarte website. So whenever I go to the states I am always sure to pick up one and a back up! That’s how much I love it! The applicator is a large wand that allows you to get into all areas. I’ve never had a concealer give me better coverage and it doesn’t crease. I wear this on days I want to have extra coverage so I often find myself using it before a night out to give a seamless look. I could go on for hours about this concealer. You need to try it.

Long-lasting: LASTS. ALL. DAY.

Shade range: 30 shades

Coverage: Heavy

Finish: Matte

Price: $35 for 0.33 oz/ 9.7mL

Applicator: Bottle with wand applicator

You can buy it here

Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer

This is my most used concealer. It has a creamy consistency that applies very nicely on the skin. It covers blemishes and dark areas but also allows some of your skin to shine through so it can look more natural than the shape tape concealer. I usually apply it with my fingers and gently press it into my under eyes from the inner corners outwards. It can be used alone but it is best paired with a setting powder to ensure there is no creasing in your fine lines.

Long-lasting: Lasts all day when set with powder

Shade range: 16 shades

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Matte with powder, semi-luminous without powder

Price: $39 for 0.21 oz/ 6.21mL

Applicator: Pot (Need an additional applicator like concealer brush or fingers)

You can buy it here

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer

Whenever I see Charlotte Tilbury products, I automatically just want to buy them because of their stunning packaging. This concealer claims to have full coverage, but I would argue that it gives more of a light to medium coverage with a luminous-natural finish. This concealer is great for every day. Personally, I don’t love the applicator because a lot of the product can get soaked up in the sponge and it’s very expensive!

Long-lasting: Lasts all day with setting powder

Shade range: 21 shades (matte and natural)

Coverage: Light to Medium

Finish: Natural

Price: $41 for 0.13 oz/ 4mL

Applicator: bottle with twist cap and sponge

You can buy it here

Blog #1 Get Ready With Me! Everyday Makeup Tutorial.

Hi everyone! To start off my blog I wanted to post this video to introduce myself to you. My name is Bianca and I’m passionate about all things beauty and skincare. This video features all of my favourite products that I use on a daily basis and how I apply them. Subscribe to my blog for future posts where I will give more details about my favourite products and my opinions on other cult favourites!