Hi Ladies,
If you didn't know this already from my videos, I pretty much adore michele1218. She's one of the 3 YouTubers I call my role model. A few days ago, she posted a video about what you should get at Sephora if you're just starting to dip into the higher end makeup products.While she didn't mention the primer (that was missglamorazzi, another role model of mine), she did mention the foundation. She said that, out of all of the high end foundations, this was her favorite. Obviously, I took note of that and went to pick it up the next day.
I originally got the color Punjab, which was so not the right color for me. I have no idea what the heck the Sephora person was thinking! That color is around an NC30-35 in Mac coloring, while I'm around an NC15 (well, lighter than an NC20. I haven't exactly tested the NC15 yet). So, I went back and exchanged Punjab for Deauville, which matches me perfectly.
Before I started using this foundation, I was using Chanel Vitalumier Aqua, which retails for $50 compared to the $44 of the NARS. The Chanel foundation gave good coverage, but I still saw my broken capillaries peaking through, which I wasn't too fond of. But, with the NARS foundation, it covers all of my acne scars and broken capillaries while still letting my natural "skin" show through. You do have to powder this foundation, but I never get "too" shiny. Mind you, I have combination to oily skin, so the sheer glow still works perfectly for me. However, if you have really oily skin, opt for the sheer matte version.
This foundation truly does make you look like you're glowing from within, not glowing with oil. Yech!
Now, the Smashbox primer was recommended by Ingrid (or missglamorazzi) a few videos back. While she has much oiler skin than I do, the fact that it works really well for her, regardless of the difference in skin types, made me want to pick it up ASAP.
This primer retails for $38 at Sephora. It's an oil free, silicone based primer that comes out a "dirty white", but rubs in clear.
I've been using the Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer (retailing for $30 at Sephora and Laura Mercier counters) for a few months now, and it wasn't doing anything for me. When it got too hot, my makeup was slipping and sliding all over my face. When it was a regular day, my foundation faded off long before it should have. With the Smashbox primer, my foundation goes on smoother and lasts longer. Even in heat!
While this primer is $8 more than the Laura Mercier one, it's a definite staple in my makeup collection and I now can't be without it.
I've definitely found my Holy Grail foundation & primer! Well, for now anyway :)
All in all: They're 100% worth the splurge. If the base of your makeup is a big priority, get these ASAP! If you'd rather splurge on lipstick, there are good drugstore alternatives.
xxx,
Ashley
