Cinema Secrets Review & Swatch

I purchased Kit #1, 6, 10, 11

Pros

- Amazing texture, blends right into the skin, looks exactly like skin.

- Not oily looking on camera, just the right amount of sheen.

- Reflects in natural light like skin does

- Very light feeling, doesn’t feel like much at all.

- Contains Kaolin which helps control shine

- Contains Silicone which helps smooth away fine lines

- Feels like a mix between buttery creme and a light feel of smooth mousse paste, like drier light-weight creme.

- Comes in palettes! Great for condensing

- Kit #1 has enough yellow for Asian skin tones!

- Photographs beautifully in camera! Picks up as a nice matte but not too matte texture.

- Very affordable for professionals and personal use, for a palette bought in Canada it was $18.50 before taxes.

- Quite pigmented and can be sheered down with water or Cinema Secrets Moisture Spray on a sponge

- Excellent foundation for those that require especially little to medium coverage and also full coverage.

- Lasts for a very long time, doesn’t smear but your skin could look a bit dry (especially if you have flakey dry skin like mine) to fix it, spray makeup sealer after your application and mid way throughout the day when it starts to dry up.

- Smoothes out the dry, flakey area when applying this foundation

- Quite waterproof and water resistant! With just soap no water (SoftSoap) I had to rub quite hard 5-7 times before it started to come off!

Cons

- Contains a mild scent of fragrance

- For those allergic to silicone, you cannot use this unfortunately

- May require a primer if you have bumpies (blackheads, whiteheads), flaky dry skin, before use for in person encounters, on camera/video you’re fine

Everyday wear?

Yes I would recommend it for everyday wear as I currently wear this as well. The texture is wonderful. All you need if you’re more oily is some pressed powder or light dust of loose powder. If you have a oil mattifier you can apply it before the foundation.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Octvidodecanol, Carnauba (Copernicia Ceriferu (Carnauba Wax)), Dimethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Aloe Barbadensis, Tocopherol
May Contain: Titantium Dioxide CI77891, Iron Oxides CI77491, CI77492, CI77499, Greens CI 77288, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Carmine CI75470, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985, Red 21 Lake CI 45380, Ultramarines CI77007, Red 7 CI45850-1, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Kaolin, Parfum

Overall Score

9/10

Recommended?

Yes, amazing for everyday wear or light coverage on clients. Great for bridal as well! I currently wear this the most ! (May 2010)

Swatches

Above, Kit #1 with flash

Above, Kit #1 with no flash, again, a bit out of focus but possibly what it will look like in videography

Above, Kit #1 with no flash and the numbers of the individual foundations

Above, Upclose on a dry and scaley area, I took pictures so you can see what this product will do for the area.
You can see the difference in these two pictures, one with flash really up close so it is a bit blurry and one without.

Before/After

ELF HD Powder Vs Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Universal Comparisons

Pros for any Silica Powder:

- Makes the skin super silky and smooth and evenly textured
- Can be used in all skintones
- Doesn’t dry out the skin
- Has no smell/fragrance
- Good for sensitive skin, other than those allergic to silica
- Oil absorbing
- Silky feeling
- Pore minimizing
- Gives it an “HD” look and finish

Cons for any Silica Powder:

- Can be inhaled as it can be extremely fine


____

Individual Comparisons

Pros:

- $6 USD. that’s about the price of a burger!
- Has a nice slip
- Comes with a powder puff
- Soft, transparent if you use VERY sparingly
- Didn’t settle into fine lines
- Doesn’t fly around everywhere, very hard to inhale unless you deliberately do the action of inhalation

Cons:

- Has to be used sparingly or it WILL turn white in photos with flash, I even demonstrated on my hand so you can see it.
- (Has more of a slip than a smooth silica finish. Some may actually prefer this)



____

Pros

- (Is more smooth)
- Super finely grounded, super soft and smooth on skin

Cons

- $34? $36 CAD Roughly around there.
- When you open up your jar, chances are it will puff out like smoke because it’s so finely grounded. (I’ve already inhaled this at least half a dozen times for each time I open.)
- Chances are it’s hard to control only a little of the silica powder, unless you poke tiny holes through the sifter – therfore leading to problems of you dusting it off and having it flying everywhere where models or you can inhale it again.
- Too much = white cast in flash



____

Photo Comparison

I put on a lot of the powder to see which would react as a white halo ontop of a bit of sheer foundation. It seems as if the MUFE shows more white than the ELF HD. Both have a tiny bit of a white halo because I put it on excessively. I wanted to try the ‘what-if’ you apply too much and show you. The HD Powder is meant to be used sparingly but the ELF HD Powder comes with a powder puff (meant for pressing down = heavier) and the MUFE HD Powder is meant to be used with a Kabuki buffer (buffing = lighter). You would have to purchase the Kabuki brush seperately as well, ELF includes the application tool. The packaging itself entitles different technique though… puff vs kabuki.

The ELF Powder is more user friendly and for the price I guess you can’t beat that. I wouldn’t want a product that requires me to put unecessary time into making it work, especially for a higher cost. At $6USD the Elf HD powder works much better for the goal of smoother skin and ontop of that, the price is also very affordable for everyone.

Overall

ELF HD Powder – Wins.
- The purpose of it serves better than the Make Up For Ever’s HD Powder. They both work the same purpose of smoothening out the skin except one flies everywhere and the other doesn’t. The MUFE is softer however so for those that don’t mind the chances of it flying around and the price, go for it!

If the ELF HD Powder was as soft as the MUFE’s and super long wearing + 99.9% impossible for people to be allergic to it I would rate it 10/10~

Product Expiry Date Guide

Expiry date for cosmetics?

There are no regulations or requirements by law currently that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products!
So how do we determine when to throw out our stuff??

Facts:

Cosmetic companies test the expiration date by testing their products through a series of stabilization tests:
- under extreme conditions of heat
- how effective the preservative added is over time
- how useful the packaging is in preventing contaminates (Jar vs pump/squeeze tube)
- patch testing on human volunteers!

Did you know…
- Expiration dates are simply “rules of thumb,” the product’s safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored. Consumers vary so much in their habits and sanitary environment that the expiry date is at best: an educated guess.
Ex: Cosmetics exposed to high temperatures or sunlight or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale.

- Products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached as well.
Ex: Cool, dry places, always sanitized etc.

- There is usually an indication on the back of the product that states “M” for shelf life in months. Check your skincare products too!
Ex: 12M = 12 months/1 year

- Who remembers when they purchased their product?!
Next time, label your products so you have a general idea when it starts to lose it’s effectiveness and sanitary conditions. This will help alot!
Online there’s time strips you can also purchase here

Ways to Effectively Preserve Your Cosmetics

These are the things I have I personally use to keep my makeup fresh:

1. Cosmetic Sanitizing Wipes

Personal Mascara and Lipstick, Lipgloss

“When re-applying your lipstick or gloss after dining, food particles (and their bacteria) can get into your lip product and contaminate it. Lip-glosses with wand applicators are particularly risky; after application, bacteria from the lips can be pushed deep into the base, contaminating the entire product. The moisturizing agents and oils in lipstick formulations can be the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Using a Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipe on your lip-gloss wand or tube after each application will help prevent this contamination and ensures that they stay fresh and bacteria free.

Mascara wands hold mascara deep within the bristles, which can hold germs and bacteria that can cause an eye irritation or infection, and make application difficult. Wiping your mascara wand with a Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipe after each application will help prevent bacterial contamination of the entire base tube, and keep your applications clump-free!

How to sanitize makeup: Use one wipe to wrap around lip-gloss, lipstick or mascara wand. Gently wipe from base to tip.”

You can even use these on loose powders after you clean the surface of powder on the lid or sifter.

Buy it here


2. Sanitizing Mist

“Oils from your skin and skincare products ultimately wind up on the surfaces of your makeup, leaving bacteria behind – the results of this oil build-up (glazing) can be seen on this pressed powder:

BeautySoClean cannot eliminate the damage on this pressed powder; but daily use of Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist on new makeup will remove bacteria and keep your products looking new.

How to sanitize makeup: Hold Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist 6 inches / 15cm from product surface and mist once.”

VS

Buy it here


3. Ultimate Sanitizing Brush Cleaner

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleanser
“Professional Brush Cleaner will clean, sanitize, deodorize and condition all make-up brushes. It kills viruses, bacteria and removes all traces of make-up, creams, waxes and powders. Environmentally safe and non-carcinogenic.”

The only brush cleaner that kills viruses. Most people only clean off bacteria because proper disinfectants are costly!

Buy it (US) at Cinema Secrets Store
Buy it (local Toronto, Canada) at Cosmetco


4. Disposable products

You can purchase disposable wands to dip into your mascara and wands you can dip into your lipgloss and then throw away to prevent re-dipping and contamination in the tube.
Think about how much bacteria you put into it everytime you dip it back in. Bacteria then multiplies overtime in the tube because it’s damp and moist from your saliva.

You can get it at your local beauty supply store or makeup store. Or you can purchase them anywhere online.

Buy it (INT’l) atCamera Ready Cosmetics Lip Wands and Camera Ready Cosmetics Mascara Wands.

Other tips

- Never share your makeup. Ever!
- Don’t blow on your brushes to get the powder off, just tap it.
- Wash your face, hands and brushes fully before applying your makeup

Timeline Guide – When to dispose!

Makeup

If you follow all the tips above, your products should last significantly double the time it expires, or may even finish it all before it does!

Do dispose when anything starts to:
- Dry out (mascara, some foundations, pencils, lipstick)
- Settle and seperate (lipglosses, foundations with the exception of nail polish & silicone base products as it requires shaking)
- Smell changes, turns funky!
- Losing its consistency in effectiveness: could be pigment, adhering to skin in powders, etc.

If you haven’t followed the tips in wiping it clean etc.

There really is no universal time to throw it away but to get an idea on frequent use….

Mascara: 3 months or less
Foundation: 3-6 months
Lipstick: 1 year
Lipgloss: 6 months
Powders: 1-3 years
Mostly made of silicone primers: 2-3 years
Eye primers: 3-6 months
Eyeshadow: 6 months

Skincare:

General guideline unless stated on bottle….

Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers – 6 months
Facial Toners – 1 year
Natural Cosmetics – 6 months (“all-natural body washes”, etc.)
Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are “all natural” products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.

If you’re still not sure

Ask yourself:

- Does it appear to be still fresh and usable? not salvageable!
- If it’s been used a lot or quite old: is it worth continued use on risking an infection, break out or rash?

Now you should be a pro at keeping your cosmetics clean and prevent anything unnecessary

Japanese Synthetic Brushes – Best Value @ Crown Brushes

Seen at IMATS Toronto 2009, I encountered these brushes with Japanese synthetic technology at the Crown Brush booth. The bristles are softer than or the same as the finest hairs and very economical!

The price was unbelievable, something rather $5-$10 a brush. They don’t have it listed on their website at crown brushes but if you see them at a booth, definitely check it out! This is the best investment yet.

Pros

- Allow for wet AND dry powders
- Allow for liquid AND cream foundations
- Easy cleaning of the brush after use.
- Very affordable and expendable. Around $5-$10
- No shedding of the bristles
- Extremely soft to the skin
- Very fine, polished finish

Cons

- Only available online and through crown brushes at the moment. Heard there was another company that manufactured them for a higher cost but these work just as amazing for a low price.

Pictures

The two brushes I purchased:



Close up, you can see how ‘fluffy’ the top is:

Airbrush vs Classic Makeup Applications

Which one is better?
Not sure which one is purchase?
Which makeup is for you?
Which makeup should you do for others?

Here I will be guide-lining pros and cons to Airbrush vs Classic makeup applications with my personal view and many other artists including top international makeup artists views in both areas for a well rounded opinion.

PART 1
Airbrush Makeup Application

Spray on application of makeup using a gun and a compressor.

Pros to Airbrush

- Buildable application, can start very minimal to heavy.

- Can be a ‘faster’ application* with the right technique and skill backing it up.

- Faster for larger surface coverage such as body base paint.

- Comes out in microscopic dots, looks and camera reads better to a ‘blended’ result.

- Edges already blended as it comes out

- Can help prevent product build-up, people say a “fool proof” method of foundation base

- Can be more sanitary as you do not require to clean brushes but the gun itself.

- Easy to market to general population as the media excites it as “better” and “new”.

- May save product as it minimally adds onto the skin.

- May feel lighter than other forms of makeup.

Cons to Airbrush

Facts

- Always requires a socket/outlet! not good for on location or on-set where you have to follow a talent. (unless you have a portable battery pack!)

- Artists often charge more for airbrush work or already incorporate it in their pricing.

- Heavier to carry around than cream palettes and liquids foundations. This may be additional pounds where you may be already carrying around these foundation palettes.

- An investment where it will be minimum $300-$1000 ontop of your makeup supplies. Also time used to practice/train in airbrush to produce a beautiful effect.

- Loud buzz sound, some may be quieter than others. If you need to do makeup on set/TV that requires absolute silence, you cannot turn your machine on and do makeup on others. Unless you are lucky enough to be stationed elsewhere, this is not often the case.

Problems that can be avoided

- Pores/uneveness showing through on makeup. Because it is thinner, you must prep the skin prior to airbrush foundations, especially water based ones. If you use silicone base airbrush foundations you may still need to prep the skin. Otherwise the makeup will just sink and ‘dissapear’ into the skin.

- Detailed work being extremely hard. It is very hard and time consuming (eyes, eyebrows, lips, etc.) But given a lot of practice you can achieve nicely done makeup – or you can just switch to brushes when it comes to detailed work.

- May get clothes/hair sprayed in makeup. Needs coverage over clothing. Not recommended if you are wearing clothes that cannot be dirtied. It should be removed/covered. Inconvienience for clients to change in/out of especially if the decollete requires makeup work.

- Can be time consuming to clean between colors/clients as you have to clean through entirely without diluting or changing colors.

- Very fragile equipment, the airbrush gun’s needle etc. if there is a malfunction or accident to occur, the artist cannot airbrush without going to a makeup store and repurchasing the equipment.

PART 2
Classic Makeup Application

Makeup applied with brushes and tools but a airbrush spray gun.

Pros to Classic

- More control, very customized to your hand dexterity and applications

- Requires skill but can achieve a immaculate result with the right technique.

- More clean, as you can control where the makeup goes (not over the hair or clothes). Doesn’t require covering.

- Can be more cost effective to start out, if you purchase beginner tools.

- Great for on location! Can resume touch-up work with the same materials used.

- Allows for a lot of meticulous work

- Can still be a faster application* with the back up skill and technique.

- The most exact precision you can receive in makeup, you pinpoint exactly where you want it.

- Can reach areas under the eyes and under the nose better than an airbrush gun.

Cons to Classic

- Requires high skill and hand dexterity to achieve immaculate results. Not a foolproof method.

- Requires more sanitary precautions as the tools are directly applied to the face and skin. Artist should be practicing full sanitation.

- Can also be more costly if you go high-end, brushes and tools purchased can range for $100 each brush vs some airbrush guns can be $100 itself.

Summary

With all that being said, guess what? It doesn’t matter which one you use because both methods can produce immaculate results! One method can be faster/better depending on each person’s skin.

Skill & Technique > Tool

The skill and technique of how you use your tools is always the overpowering method over your tools! That is a definition of a true artist. You should never go with an artist just because they do classic or airbrush. A bad job can always be done with either as well as an amazing job.

Most top makeup artists around the world still use classic makeup application, and they produce the ‘airbrush’ effect of flawless smooth skin. Airbrush came in as something new that was to help artists achieve this look and some may even debate that it is a gimmick to create something new and supposedly “easier” in the beauty industry. I say use it as an advantage while it’s out if you wish to try out a new technique.

Picaso, Michaelangelo, Leonardo di Vinci, Van Gogh and other world famous artists all used traditional makeup and tools but yet they produced legendary works of art. They were able to convey their vision and art using tools even such as tiny wood pieces, spoons, brushes, egg shells, a metal scraper and whatever it means! That doesn’t mean you are going to achieve legendary works of art when you use spoons, egg shells or wood chips! The idea is absurd but yet media and spokespeople present it as such.

Did you know…

A few makeup artists in the industry sometimes get hired to do makeup for airbrush advertisements that use classic makeup to achieve? and vice versa. Very often the ads you see for a particular brand of product is NOT using the product being described. It is not false advertisement because no where on the ad does it say that is the products used on her skin!

Even top artists in the industry, even ones that own their own airbrush line or rep for them – honestly tell the professionals that you can achieve the same result with classic makeup for an ‘airbrushed’ look and have terrible looking skin with airbrush makeup!


HD, high-definition is a technique, it is NOT a product, it is NOT a tool.


Sure some products may help the duration of the makeup last longer or achieve a certain finish faster but masters of makeup can make anything out of anything!

If you’re an Artist:

- Don’t get airbrush just because you believe it’s better, get a feel for it first to see if you like the technique.
- Use whatever you can handle best, or can manipulate your creativity most with.

Choosing whether you like airbrush or classic from an Artist…

- Look at their portfolio, is there any before and afters you can see that aren’t touched up?
- Do you like their work? If yes it doesn’t matter what they use, they made it look good with their technique!
- If you’re still not sure, ask for a trial where you can feel it on yourself and wear it for a duration to see if you like it. You can always be a little specific on your requests, artists won’t feel offended if you really prefer something. Do a little communication to give them a better idea of what you want and listen and see what they recommend afterwards.

In conclusion…

There isn’t a better than; it’s whomever your artist is; or if you’re an artist, it is whatever you feel you handle best whether classic makeup or airbrush to your creativity!

Yaby Liquid Foundation Review

I only purchased Buff and Honey, Cherry Blossom to test out so I’m not sure about the rest of the colors but from what I know:

Pros

- Amazing texture, blends right into the skin

- Not oily looking on camera, just the right amount of sheen.

- A bit ‘dewy’ and healthy looking in real person. What healthy skin should look like.

- Very light feeling, just feels like a average moisturizer on your skin.

- Oil-free

- No fragrance!

- Silicone based, doesn’t require a primer! Saves time
- Not as much silicone as Face Atelier’s formula – depends on what you require it for. You can always add on more primer before – it’s easier than having too much and having to powder down heavily to take away shine.

- Comes in small, lightweight squeezable tubes. Perfect to throw in the purse or to condense in your kit!

- The head of the tube comes off, allowing for custom mixing (by dropping in other colors) for personal use or specific actors/actresses. There is a small mixing ball in there as well to mix up the silicone + formula.

- Enough yellow even for Asian skin tones! Liz Yu the creator of Yaby Cosmetics kept this in mind and how important it is to have shades for everyone.

- Once it dries it’s pretty water resistant and transfer resistant. Was rubbing it with my hand even with friction and it seems pretty solid/absorbed into the skin.

- Very affordable for professionals and personal use, $12.50 for 8mL

- Cherry Blossom the pink corrector was very pigmented, enough to be even a blush! It’s the perfect blush color for my skin when I want a brighter color lift on my cheeks. Just blend out thoroughly and it’s a great color – it mimics the natural ‘flush’. So pretty

- Great to warm up any Face Atelier foundation! Adds more yellow with “Honey” shade!

- Excellent liquid foundation for those that already have mostly beautiful skin and don’t need that coverage. Keeps it natural looking even if you have blemishes (just conceal the areas first and then apply this liquid foundation over!)

Cons

- Sometimes requires shaking, mixing

- Not very easy buildable coverage unless you add on a lot and then set it with colored powder ontop. Only sheer – light/medium coverage. This could work if you/your client doesn’t require such heavy coverage. Anything works with technique but this one would require a bit more technique and effort.

Everyday wear?

Yes I would recommend it for everyday wear as I currently wear this the most at the moment. The texture is wonderful. All you need if you’re more oily is some pressed powder or light dust of loose powder. If you have a oil mattifier you can apply it before the foundation.

Overall Score

9/10

Recommended?

Yes, amazing for everyday wear or light coverage on clients. It is a staple in my purse and vanity table. I don’t carry this in my kit for professional use however, I just sheer down other formulas if I need lighter coverage.

Swatches

This was taken in the same lighting for the best comparison.

Honey: more of a warm yellow shade
Buff: neutral shade, looks pink here compared to my skintone

Make Up For Ever – Face & Body Foundation Review

Pros

- Sheer to Medium coverage

- Buildable

- Transfer resistant after you wait for it to dry/blot dry

- Waterproof

- Lightweight = water-based gel formula

- Great for those allergic to silicone = water-based.

- super natural finish, a bit of ‘dewiness’. BEAUTIFUL when first applied.

- Very similar to normal healthy moisturized skin on face AND body.

- GREAT for on the eyes, won’t crease under eye makeup.

- Very tapered to the skin when applied. Like it binds into the skin (maybe because of the gel-like consistency).

- Camera ready, professional product

Cons

- Fragrance (however it wasn’t sensitive to my skin)

- Comes in a heavy glass bottle, must rebottle if you’re traveling

- Can be expensive, it’s MUFE. $45 a bottle

- Requires shake before use

- Should be applied with a brush

- Requires 1-2 extra steps prepping the skin before use

- Requires a tiny, tad bit more yellow for Asian skin

- A tiny bit tacky/sticky especially when not fully dry

- Takes a few minutes to ‘absorb’ into the skin for the ideal result

- Over a period of average 6hours, the face and body somewhat ‘dissapears’ on the skin. Almost like it gets absorbed and it loses the moisture (especially for those with drier, uneven skin). To prolong the beautiful finish, the skin either is naturally moisturized or some skin prepping is required.

- not recommended for noticeable uneven skin.

- not recommended for discolored skin unless you have a really good coverage concealer

Everyday Wear?

Yes, I have personally worn it multiple times on my face, but I didn’t like the fragrance and tackiness. I do feel it ‘sucked out’ after 6hours as the moisture on my cheeks sort of dissapear (that area is really dry). Also this requires a bit of mixing, lack of a tiny hint of yellow. I can get away with it though, just have to spend more time blending.

Overall Score

9/10

I don’t favor the fragrance and the tackiness when first applied, otherwise the BEAUTIFUL finish, waterproof + transfer resistant makes up for it.

Recommended?

Yes, because it’s rare to get a waterproof, transfer resistant, camera ready makeup, that’s also very natural in person and on camera. It’s what it says: face AND body.

Swatch

MUFE F&B vs Bare Hand





Ingredients: Aqua, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Cycolentasiloxane, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil (Mango Seed Butter), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, PEG-8, Phenoxyethanol, Tromethamine, Potassium Myristate, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Panthenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronnellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionene. May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 777493 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) Review

Pros

- Excellent for Dry Skin + Great for any other skin type as well. All skin types

- Multi-purpose skincare: shaving cream, primer, makeup remover, reducing irritation after shaving

- The skincare cream I currently use to date before I put on my own makeup

- Fragrance-free

- Makes my skin smoother, moisturized and adds more elasticity to it – which is rare in creams.

- Doesn’t irritate my sensitive, dry skin.

- The moisture lasts a long time in your skin! You can feel it for 1-2 days if you don’t reapply this moisturizer! Just what it claims, 24hr if not more.

Cons

- Hard to get a hold of. It’s a French made cosmetic skincare cream.

I’ve seen it for $24USD for 75mL online (I bought mine at IMATS Toronto Show for $20CAD) or about 10 Euros on easypharmacie.com. This site kuocosmetics.com is selling it for $32CAD.

- Addictive, they need to have more stores in North America! Best moisturizer until I find a new one!

Overall Score

8.5/10

Recommended?

Yes! Especially if you get your hands on one. However, I will try to find a better moisturizer for everyone that’s more easily accessible.

Ingredients AQUA. PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM. STEARIC ACID. GLYCERYL STEARATE. TRIETHANOLAMINE. CERA ALBA. CETYL PALMITATE. BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII. PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYL PARABEN, BUTYL PARABEN, ISOBUTYL PARABEN, ETHYL PARABEN, PROPYL PARABEN. STEARETH-10. POLYACRYLAMIDE C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, LAURETH-7. PARFUM. PROPYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, ALOE BARBADENSIS.

Face Atelier Ultimate Foundation Review

Pros

- Very dewy, great for close beauty shots

- Time efficient – Skips primer (as it’s silicone based) great for MUA’s/people tight on time

- Awesome for mature skin (fills in lines/wrinkles)

- Awesome for uneven surfaced skin (fills in cracks)

- Awesome pigment

- you get SMOOTH skin given the proper technique

- Can order samples at faceatelier.com for just $1

- Very versatile, mix in moisturizer to sheer it out or buildable coverage.

- Lower shipping costs to Canadians! It’s about time a Canadian invents something genius, YAY!

*- Tested by Stars like Fergie and Lady GaGa’s, now their favorite foundation

Cons

- Colors are a bit off, especially if you’re Asian, they are missing a more ‘yellow’ shade. You have to mix some yellow pigment into it.
Colors are more neutral based. See my swatch below to see what I’m referring to.

- Lacking darker colors too! More colors are launching this 2010 year however.

- The samples you order have this serious leak problem. Make sure you keep it in a seal bag to prevent it getting everywhere.

Everyday wear?

No, I personally don’t use it for everyday wear, my skin doesn’t require it. This isn’t the best choice for my skin. My t-zone is oily and especially if I’m working I don’t have time to blot it and keep it from over shining. The color is very pink/neutral on my skin.


I would recommend it if you:
1) Have a lot of discoloration + uneven skin (see first picture below).
2) Don’t require a yellow base (“non-asian” skintone)
3) Your skin is dry/flaky, it will make it so smooth! If your skin secretes a lot of oil on a regular basis, don’t add more shine.
4) Mature skin, gives you a youthful glow

Overall Score:

9.5/10

Recommended?

Yes! Will purchase again. Excellent pigment coverage, saves on time. Can be great on camera with right technique.

Before/Afters I did with Face Atelier as the base:

Swatch

Face atelier vs Bare hand





Fragrance: No added fragrance
Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, water, glycerin, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone, hexyl laurate, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, quaternium-18 hectorite, propylene carbonate, cellulose gum, nylon-12, tribehenin, lauroyl lysine, tristearin, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben
May also contain: ci77891/titanium dioxide, ci77492 ci77491 ci77499/iron oxides, mica ci77019

Let me know if this was helpful for you, if you have other questions – or why you like Face Atelier.
If you have any pictures using Face Atelier, feel free to share : )

History on Silicone – It’s Changed Our Cosmetics Today

Where did Silicone come from?

In the past:
- Everything was matte and powdered down.
- Makeup was caked on in thicker layers as there was also no photoshop, where it was never airbrushed in advertisements.
- What you saw was what you got. On camera however it appeared very natural and beautiful.

Here’s Grace Kelly:



The technique of makeup artists back then were impeccable as there was no room for error.
In TV/Film back then makeup had to be adjusted in color of green/blue where the film would pick it up better in black and white.
Now with just a click everything can be completely changed by being airbrushed, removed, clone stamped and changed to black and white or color.

Time changed where the matte powdered look was in when color television came about and Max Factor revolutionized women to wear makeup outside of TV/Film. They created makeup for women to wear in cake foundation called “pan-cake”.
Now today, technology has changed “pan-cake” to just the term “foundation” in many different formulas.

The trend continued to the 90′s, with moderate changes as seen below:





Then there was a turn in makeup when Jennifer Lopez came to the scene in millennium 2000 and had a ‘bronzed glow’ and ‘dewiness’ to her look.





Consumers became more demanding as they wanted to recreate this famous look Jennifer Lopez had. They no longer wanted the matte look.

Soon, there were more and more advertisements with airbrushed looks featuring women who appeared to have flawless, smooth, soft skin:

To recreate that look, all that was known was oil to create that sheen on Jennifer Lopez – but a lot of people detested the feel of oil on skin!
- Consumers related thoughts of oil to breakouts and the oiliness created the feeling of a greasy, unattractive skin.

Over a lot of research and testing – cosmetic companies found a solution = Silicone.

It creates the dewiness consumers want for the ‘glow‘ effect and it doesn’t clog their pores or have a feeling of oiliness.

They also found that it creates a layer for makeup to sit on, the perfect additive to any makeup solution. Therefore primers were introduced.

Women and Men (cosmetic companies never targeted Men!) today could now achieve that soft, smooth look or a dewy look

Presently, a lot of companies out there solely base their products in silica, too!
- From the professional makeup artist's products: Face Atelier is one of them where all their products contain silicone. Other companies have certain products that base on it such as Yaby‘s liquid foundations, Make Up For Ever‘s HD line, and so much more.

Now in cosmetics we use of silicone in our cosmetics:
- makeup – reduces texture to a smoother surface
- cleansers for anti-foam – more conditioning
- hair conditioning products – softer, silkier feel
- skin conditioning products – moisturizers
- skin protectant – primers, barriers

Cosmetics isn’t the same anymore with this technology to smooth away any fine lines, cracks, crevices!

Embrace this technology, Women and Men!

Creating Smudge-Proof Eyes!

I get a lot of people asking me about eye primer: question is, is it necessary for smudge-proof eyes?

From my professional experience I can tell you No. Instead I’ll fill this guide up with important prepping steps:

Eyelid Prep Steps:

1. Cleanse the area
2. Wipe it dry
3. Apply prep product
4. Apply your emollient eye makeup products
5. Dust powder over eyelid
6 Apply your eyeshadow

1. Cleanse the area

This is a crucial step to prepping your lids! I must do this step before I apply anything on top.

I’ve taken study in a lot of aesthetics and dermatology and the substance on your eyelids is oily and emollient. Test it out for yourself: touch your eyelids the first thing you do when you wake up with your clean fingers. For a majority of people, it’s oily.

Tip:How to tell your skin type: When you wake up. It is the natural state of how your skin reacts over a period of time.

Why is this? It’s because the eyes naturally produce and secrete oil there to keep your eyes from becoming dry, much like how skin secretes natural oils and moisture to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Overtime it can build up and it’s different for everyone, some may have oilier lids than others.

If you don’t clean it, it can build up and then when you apply any makeup over an oily area, guess what? it’ not going to stay and it’s going to smudge, slide and not apply properly leading it to be streaky.

If you’re on the go or a makeup artist, I will share with you a tip that will keep this step light, quick and effective: Toner + cotton pads OR baby wipes!

Like I stated, crucial step.

2. Wipe it dry

You should wipe this area gently dry after you’ve cleansed your eyelids. You don’t want to leave residue of cleanser or toner on your eyelids. This is to ensure a clean application of makeup afterward.

3. Apply prep product

I really like to use an oil mattifier on the lids to minimize oil and help prevent oil buildup.
You can substitute this with an eye primer if you already have one. An oil mattifier is more versatile however where it can be applied on the forehead, chin, nose and other oilier spots.

4. Apply your emollient eye makeup products

Eyeliner, cream liner, cream eyeshadow etc. You should apply them now before you dust powder on top to set it. This is required to do before powder as the powder will set it from smearing and smudging.

5. Dust powder over the eyelid

Ever had uneven blotchy eyeshadow that won’t blend properly? This ensures a smooth finish when you apply your powder eyeshadow on your eyelids. This gives a beautiful natural look – also helps the prep last longer as the translucent powder sets it.

6. Apply your eyeshadow

Your eyeshadow is ready to be applied. Do your choice of makeup style.

7. Dust powder underneath the eyes

When you put powder under the eyes, it prevents two emollient surfaces to rub which may smudge or smear. Setting it with powder increases the chances it won’t!

8. Optional setting spray

You may spray it with a makeup setting spray to have it adhere even longer but this step is very optional as professional quality eyeshadows usually have the durability and pigmentation to omit this step.

Smile, now your eyes will be smudge proof!

I hope this guide has helped you keep your eye makeup looking fresh all day!