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?

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect

I don't put a lot of thought into my hair.  In fact, if you just spent the past week in Mexico with me, you would be surprised to know that I even care about what my hair looks like at all.  I shampooed it in the sink a few times and tossed it into a bun every morning before heading to the beach where it slowly, but surely, devolved into a salty, sandy mess everyday.  And though this routine gets an A+ for easiness, after a week of that (sans conditioning except for maybe twice, I might add) my hair is in serious need of some TLC.

But, honestly, who cares about hair in this kind of weather?

Thankfully, prior to leaving for Mexico, my mom bought me the most incredible detangler/hair protector from Birchbox per my Christmas list.  It's called Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect and it is incredible.  The smell is wonderful (a must for me when it comes to hair products), but it doesn't linger for too terribly long so as to mix poorly with your perfume of choice. And, it just works. I spritz a little of this on damp hair from root to tip, comb it through and then blow dry.  It really does make a difference in the texture of your hair, especially if you're prone to frizz like me.

*Photo via birchbox.com

Normally, I live by the Almighty Top Knot, but I will gladly wear my hair down more if it keeps looking the way it does after I use Super Comb Prep & Protect. Also, did I mention it's filled with organic ingredients and that it's completely vegan AND paraben-free? Yeah, and you thought it couldn't get any better.

To purchase your Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect, go here or here. It's $32, which is a little pricey, but that can be completely justified by buying a cheaper shampoo. Yay, beauty math!

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™

My skin, having the unfortunate sunscreen phobia that it does, has caused me to arrive a little late to the whole BB/CC cream/creme party.  I've wanted to give many of the fancy balms a try, but unfortunately, if an SPF over 15 is in the product description, I could basically bet my life on it breaking me out.  It's really the worst.  But when I saw Almay's new Smart Shade CC Cream, I decided to give it a go.  After all, they're the only brand with a foundation that contains sunscreen over SPF 6 that I've ever been able to use.  Shout out to TLC Truly Lasting Color Makeup (even though the formula has recently changed and I am clinging to my last bottle of original formula like it's the last bottle of water on a desert island... Also, I'm still bitter about the formula change- just in case the Almay higher ups are listening)! 

The first impression I got of the Almay Smart Shade CC Cream was not a good one.  When first applied it looks pretty greasy.  However, after about 30 minutes, it dries down to a more tolerable matte-ish finish.  The coverage is sheer to moderate, perfect for minimal makeup summer days.  The lasting power on me, sans primer or finishing powder, is about three or four hours, which is definitely impressive on my oily skin in the summer.  Also, you've gotta love the SPF 35 on this bad boy... "Wait, did you say SPF 35?," said my skin, starting to freak out.

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™freshly applied

Before you know it, this CC cream and its SPF had also broken me out.  I was so upset, too, because after using it for two days, I thought I had found a sunscreen match for my finnicky skin.  Unfortunately, that is not so.  Also, as much as I would like to, I cannot vouch for its complexion correcting properties since I did not get the chance to use it long enough.

I was pretty bummed out by this product as I now have to add it to my long list of sunscreen disappointments.  Even after all this, though, I still recommend trying it for yourself before forming an opinion based on my post.  Please remember, my skin is verrrrry sensitive.  At $10 a bottle, it's not a bad investment.  Ulta is currently having a promotion online where Almay Smart Shade CC Cream is buy one, get one 50% off.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Have you gotten in the BB/CC craze?  Have you tried the Almay CC Cream?  Love it? Hate it?