best drugstore makeup – Hoots of a Night Al

Best Dewy Drugstore Foundation for Oily Skin!

July 18, 2018 No Comments

As a drugstore beauty lover with oily/combination skin, it’s often hard for me to find the perfect foundation. Good news though…I have a new recommendation for you! The Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation is AMAZING. It works great not only on my combination skin, but my mom (who has super dry skin!) loves it, too!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

According to Maybelline, this foundation provides “radiant, healthy looking skin with a luxurious feel.” And is, “an oil-free formula that is non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores for flawless natural looking coverage.” I love the emphasis on natural coverage because I would definitely consider this a medium coverage foundation. Considering I usually go for medium-full coverage foundations, I was worried this would be too sheer for me. However, the coverage is definitely buildable, and it looks flawless after I use my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

As you can see, I am a pretty pale gal. Thankfully, the lightest shade in this foundation is a perfect match for me! Porcelain Ivory has slightly pink undertones and applies slightly lighter than it looks in the bottle. For reference, I wear Classic Ivory in Covergirl 3-in-1 Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation (my other go-to foundation!).

My favorite way to apply it is with a damp original BeautyBlender. If you choose to use a brush, the coverage may be even better, but I find this blends perfectly when I use a sponge. I also set this foundation with Coty Airspun Extra Coverage Translucent Powder, since I have combination skin and live in a very humid climate. However, if you don’t add concealer or have drier skin, you could skip the powder all together.

The Dream Satin Liquid Foundation has a hydrating serum in it that is supposed to provide up to 12 hours of moisture. I have worn this foundation for 12+ hours, and I can attest that my skin felt moisturized and still looked flawless after all that time. If you’re oilier you may need a shine sheet or some setting powder after several hours, but otherwise this should last you perfectly all day!

At under $10, I think the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a medium coverage, dewy foundation that will last all day! You know I love my drugstore beauty items, and this foundation has quickly climbed to the top of my favorites list! Let me know below if you have any new beauty favorites!

Here is what I used for the rest of my makeup look. Please let me know if you have any questions about any of these products!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Porcelain Ivory

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair 15

Setting Powder: Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Palette

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster in Medium

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Blonde

Contour: Wet n Wild Megaglo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Brushes: wet n wild & Real Techniques

Sponge: BeautyBlender Original

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

Beauty

Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation

February 16, 2017 No Comments

According to their website, Maybelline’s “Dream Cushion Fresh Face Liquid Foundation delivers complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.” I only agree with some of that statement. While it does give you a luminous, fresh-faced look, I don’t think it gives you complete coverage or perfection. I recently received the Dream Cushion Foundation to try for free from Influenster.

This is the first cushion foundation I have ever used, so I was excited to test it out. I decided to try it for the first time with the cushion applicator included in the package. According to the instructions, you’re supposed to simply slip the cushion onto your fingers, press it into the cushion foundation, and tap it onto your face to apply the foundation. I found this method gave me moderate coverage, but it took a very long time to ensure there weren’t any bare patches or streaks.

For my second application attempt, I used my damp Beauty Blender. Once again, I pressed the blender into the cushion foundation and applied it to my face using a tapping motion. This worked slightly better than the cushion method, but it made the already light coverage of the foundation even sheerer.

Finally, I tried applying the foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I dabbed my brush into the cushion foundation, stippled it onto my face, and buffed it out. This definitely seemed like the best application method to me, so consider trying different techniques if you purchase this foundation.

I found that the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation provided a luminous, dewy affect. However, the coverage was definitely lacking. I tried to build up the foundation some, but it didn’t provide that flawless, matte look I’m used to wearing. (Duh, I don’t think it’s meant to.)

It definitely smoothed out many of my imperfections and evened out my skin tone, but I still had to use a lot of concealer for certain areas. Also, it did not wear well at all. I have combination skin, and anywhere I generally get oily, this foundation slid right off my skin. I did wear it with a primer and setting powder, but that didn’t seem to help at all.

I don’t think this claims to be a long-wearing foundation, since Maybelline advertises how easy it is to apply this on-the-go and carry it with you at all times. However, once I apply my foundation I add concealer, setting powder, contour, bronzer, blush, and highlighter…pretty sure if my original foundation is coming off, I don’t want to apply a second layer on top of all that.

Negatives aside, I do think this is a great foundation. If you’re someone who wants to simply even out your skin tone and prefer a fresh-faced look, this could definitely be the foundation for you. I think it would work best on dry skin types. However, with the right combination of primer and setting powder, it may work for any skin type. I can see myself using the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation on days when I’m running errands and just want a bit of foundation and some mascara.

There are currently 8 shades (for reference, I’m wearing shade 20 Classic Ivory), and this will set you back about $16. That’s a little high for a drugstore foundation to me, so if you’re on the fence, purchase it somewhere that is good about returns like Ulta.

Have you tried the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation? Any tips for me to help it stay put longer?

Primer

Nivea Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm (Full Review)

Foundation

Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation in 20 Classic Ivory

Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair 15 (Full Review)

Setting Power

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Contour

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

Blush

Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink

Highlighter

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink (Full Review)

Eyeshadow Primer

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded (Full Review)

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (Full Review)

Eyeliner

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx (Full Review)

Mascara

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara (Full Review)

Eyebrows

Ulta Brow Powder in Medium

Lips

Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry (Full Review)

Tools

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Crease Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Contour Brush

Wet n Wild Angled Liner Brush

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

I received this product for free to review, but, as always, all opinions are my own.

Beauty

Valentine’s Vibes: Burgundy & Bronze

February 2, 2017 2 Comments

Happy February, friends! With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to share a few different Valentine’s makeup looks. First up is a look I’m calling, Burgundy & Bronze. With blue eyes, I always love using red-toned eyeshadow, because it makes my eyes pop more. However, I think reddish shadows can look amazing on anyone!

I opted for a red-burgundy crease color, bronze lid, and soft burgundy lip. As you can see below, I always use shadow to line under my eye as well. I love how it allows your eyeshadow look to have more impact. To compliment my shadow, I used a shimmery, peach blush and (a heaping load) of highlighter. Overall, I feel like this is a bold, but not over-the-top makeup look anyone could rock for an amazing Valentine’s Day date, party, or Galentine’s celebration!

If you’re a fan of this look, check out my full list of products after the pictures! Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back soon with more Valentine’s looks!

Here is the entire list of products I used for this look. If you have questions about any product or tips for how I created my makeup look here, please let me know!

Primer

Nivea Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm (Full Review)

Foundation

Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation in Nude Ivory

Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair 15 (Full Review)

Setting Power

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Contour

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

Blush

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso (Full Review)

Highlighter

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink (Full Review)

Eyeshadow Primer

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded (Full Review)

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay UD XX Vintage Eyeshadow in Gash (burgundy shade)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Baked (bronze shade)

MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Blanc Type (brow bone)

Eyeliner

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx (Full Review)

Mascara

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara (Full Review)

Eyebrows

Ulta Brow Powder in Medium

Lips

MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Half-Red

Tools

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Crease Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Contour Brush

Wet n Wild Angled Liner Brush

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

Beauty

L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks

December 6, 2016 3 Comments

L’Oreal Skin recently released 3 Pure-Clay Masks, and I was lucky enough to be sent some to try out. Each of the masks are $12.99 and are supposed to treat different types of skin issues or concerns. I have tried out each mask a few times, so I wanted to share my opinions with you.

L’Oreal launched these pure-clay masks with the already popular concept of multi-masking. Basically, you use a different mask on different areas of concern on your face. For example, if you have an oily T-Zone and dry, patchy cheeks, you’d apply one mask to your T-Zone and a different mask to your cheeks. You can see an example of me multi-masking below.

The red algae pure-clay mask claims to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog and tighten pores using three pure clays and red algae. This mask takes 10-15 minutes and is supposed to leave your skin glowing and smooth. I think this is the least transformative of the masks. It works fine as an exfoliant, but don’t expect any huge differences from using it. I think it may work best over the long term as a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week.

The black charcoal pure-clay mask claims to use three pure clays and charcoal to improve dull and tired-looking skin. This is supposed to work as sort of a detox mask and help draw impurities out of the skin. My skin definitely didn’t react well to this mask. I have fairly sensitive skin, and when I washed this mask off my face was BRIGHT red. Like Rudolph’s nose red. It was very tender for quite awhile afterwards also. I would use this mask in moderation or if you know you don’t have sensitive skin.

The final mask is the green eucalyptus pure-clay mask and is my favorite. This mask uses three pure clays and eucalyptus and is recommended for oily and shiny skin. It is supposed to help purify and clarify your skin if you have clogged pores and leave your face looking matte but refreshed. This mask didn’t over dry or irritate my skin, and I saw an immediate improvement in some of my breakouts. This mask is my favorite because it definitely improves my skin, while being gentle enough to use multiple times a week.

Overall, I’m very pleased with these L’Oreal Skin Pure Clay Masks. At just over ten dollars, they’re a great value considering I’ll be able to get roughly twenty to thirty uses out of each jar. Also, the glass jars feel more luxurious and well-made than many other drugstore products.

While I was sent these for free, I could see myself repurchasing the eucalyptus mask in the future. Have you tried these before? What were your thoughts? I know masks seem to be all the rage right now; are there any you recommend?

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

I received these products for free, and all opinions, as always, are my own.

Beauty

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

October 14, 2016 9 Comments

I feel like I am so late to the party, but I finally picked up Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, and I LOVE IT. It isn’t as bold as some other blushes, but I love the shimmering, beautiful effect it gives.

Here is Milani‘s description of their baked blushes, “Richly pigmented and highly buildable, the beautiful matte and shimmery shades of Baked Blush are the perfect cheeky pop of color for every skin tone. Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, the warm finish adds a radiance that is the very essence of beauty. Shape, contour and highlight your best features.”

I have to say, their description is flawless, as is their product. Luminoso‘s hue is described as luminous peach, which is so fitting. I usually gravitate towards pink blushes, so I was nervous to try peach. However, I love the results!

I am especially enjoying pairing this peach-toned blush with burgundy eyes for fall. The color is definitely buildable, but you don’t need many layers as it is very pigmented.

I love the highlighting effects of Luminoso as well. It really is luminous and picks up the light incredibly, which makes it easy to blend in with my highlighter. My cheekbones are in heaven these days.

Since it is so pigmented and lustrous, I think it will pop on fair, medium, and deep skin tones alike. I thankfully found it very easy to blend. The blush comes with a small brush, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. I typically apply my blush with this Real Techniques brush, and it works wonderfully.

Something else worth noting is that this particular blush is vegan. I don’t believe all of the 9 shades available are, but if that’s important to you, this one is!

I think the quality of Luminoso is so impressive considering it’s less than $10 at the store. I have even seen it compared to the quality of NARS blushes quite often. Based on how smooth, pigmented, and blendable this shade is, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the Milani Baked Blushes. A few of the shades are matte, so they may not blend as easily, but I’m anxious to try them in the future.

If you want a vibrant blush that’s bold and in your face, this may not be the color for you. I think it creates a soft, natural look that’s easy for anyone to wear. If you’re going full glam or just doing blush and mascara for the store, this should compliment your look regardless.

My only complaint about Milani Luminoso is that I waited so long to try it! If I can ever pry myself from this beautiful shade, I want to try Rose D’Oro or Dolce Pink, too!

If you’re in the market for a beautiful new blush this fall, I can’t recommend Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso enough. I’m sure you’ll love it!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Setting Powder: e.l.f. Studio HD Translucent Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Velour Vixen

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!