Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

When I recently found out that Revlon had reformulated their Colorstay Combination/Oily foundation, I pretty much resigned myself to the idea of a life without foundation. It's not that I dread wearing foundation so much (though I'm not a huge fan), but everything I've tried apart from the old formulations of Almay TLC and Colorstay has broken me out. At least up until I made my latest discovery: Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup.

When I was directed to the Clinique makeup counter at my latest trip to Dillard's, I just let it happen. Normally, I avoid the pushy sales people and browse on my own, but on this particular day I was feeling desperate. I thought I was on the hunt for a foundation that didn't exist. No cycoplentasiloxane, oil or too many silicones... a very tall order in the world of base makeup.

However, the Clinique lady was very attune to my needs and assured me that she had something I'd like. She whipped out a bottle of the Stay-Matte foundation, did a few swatches and in the end, I was completely sold. I normally would take home a tester but like I said, I was desperate so I just went ahead and got a bottle.

After all is said and done, I am so glad I bought this. It has a fabulous texture (not quite as heavy as the old Revlon Colorstay, thankfully) and it stays put all day long. Sure, as with any foundation you may have to blot or powder here and there, but nothing worth complaining about. Also, at $23 Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup is at the low end of the high end foundation price spectrum.

It's definitely a better match to my face than my forearm.

My only recommendation with this product is that you check your cheek swatch outside before purchasing. Often times, the lighting in department stores can skew the colors of a foundation and you end up with something that's too orange or pink. But that's about it.

If you have sensitive skin like me, this could be the foundation you've been looking for. Buy yourself a bottle here or here.

Have you tried Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup? What do you think?

If This YouTube Video Was a Beauty Product...

After this past weekend when my boyfriend and I watched "Pitch Perfect" I've become mildly obsessed with looking up different acapella covers on YouTube.  I came across this gem today and I've got to share.  It's just too good.  Big kudos to Pentatonix and their cover if "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis!

For the beauty portion of this post, I've decided to include a few products that this video makes me think of.

NARS- R Rated

Photo Credit- Sephora

I might be off on this one, but few things make me think of thrift shops like bright, tacky colors.  NARS executes bright and tacky so tastefully with their shimmering chartreuse/cobalt combo.

Clinique Almost Powder SPF 15

Photo Credit- Sephora

My first department store foundation ever was Clinique, a tried and true brand.  Their powder foundation still comes in the classic marbled, mint green packaging.  This makes me think of an old blazer you might pick up at a second hand store: a little old school, even outdated maybe, but still looks great with the right outfit.  

What's your opinion on thrift shops and/or the Thrift Shop cover by Pentatonix?

Today My Skin is Just Blah...What Next?

I got an amazing night of sleep.  So why in the whole wide world did I wake up with skin that was dull and sleepy looking?  Unfortunately,  I don't know the answer to that question and I doubt you do either.  What I do know is how to remedy this little "blah" skin issue.  I met my favorite face mask about a year ago and it was love at first application.  It's called the Anti-blemish Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask by Clinique.  This mask is kaolin based.  Kaolin is a white clay with absorbent properties and works wonders for those of us with oily complexions.  Additionally, this mask contains one percent salicylic acid for chemical exfoliation that kills acne forming bacteria.  Many would think that a mask meant to absorb oil would just suck all of the joy right out of your face, but I totally disagree.  I've found that when my face looks tired, a clay mask is about the only thing that turns it around.  However,  it is true that this particular mask can be a little drying.  Therefore, after I've rinsed it off completely using only warm water and my hands,  I layer on my Cerave moisturizer, let it soak in for a few minutes, then use tissue to dab off the excess.  This leaves your skin glowing.  This trick can be tried after any mask application, not just clay ones.  Try it out!