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?

Weighing In: The Beautyblender

After the whole cancerous-makeup-sponge-from-TJ-Maxx debacle, I vowed to one day purchase a real Beautyblender, despite it's hefty $20 price tag (you're a freaking sponge, Beautyblender, not a night cream).  I am happy to say (my wallet, not so much) that the purchase has been made and it is so worth every penny of my hard earned cash.

To be honest, I can't tell you for sure what is responsible for this beauty tool's magic, but once dampened, the Beautyblender doubles in size and turns into an incredible makeup applying machine.  I suppose you could use the Beautyblender dry, but I like how a wet sponge thins out my Colorstay foundation and creates a sheer, but still long-lasting, base.

Besties Forever

Many people could argue that any old makeup sponge is just as good as the Beautyblender, but I disagree.  Something about the shape, material and texture of the Beautyblender differs from that of any dupes I have found.  The only negative thing about this sponge in particular is that it's not cheap enough to toss when it gets dirty.  Beautyblender sells a special, expensive soap for cleaning the sponge, but baby soap or antibacterial hand soap will work just as well.  I'd recommend cleaning your Beautyblender at least once a week.

So, sure, the Beautyblender may seem like an extravagant purchase.  I agree that $20 is a lot to shell out for a makeup sponge, but if you only need to repurchase every few months, then I think it's well worth it.  I purchased mine at Sephora, but you can find the Beautyblender at a slew of other beauty retailers.  Go out and get one.  You won't be disappointed!

Have you tried the Beautyblender yet?  What's your favorite makeup application tool?