the everyday foundation for a natural look

The Ultra HD Invisible Cover Liquid Foundation (1.01oz, $52 cdn) by Make Up For Ever launched last year as a revamp of their original HD liquid foundation. The Ultra HD foundation claims to provide flawless coverage under a 4k lens with an incredible lasting power, so naturally, I had to see what this foundation was all about. If this foundation could keep skin looking flawless under a 4k lens, then it had to be good enough for my everyday routine, right? Absolutely, right. I literally reach for this everyday and I’m going to tell you my top 3 reasons why it has been awarded a holy grail status in foundations for me. 

1. It looks natural. I am a light-medium coverage type person. I cannot stand feeling makeup on my face and need a lightweight, hydrating foundation that stays in place while looking as natural as possible. I’m not asking for too much, am I? This foundation does it all. It doesn’t oxidize or dry out my skin and the lasting ability truly is incredible! I apply Ultra HD with a beauty blender at 6:00 AM each morning and take it off 12 hours later, looking just as fresh as it did in the morning. If you prefer a medium coverage, I’d suggest using a brush to apply the foundation and layer up. For my everyday routine, I opt for a beauty blender and one layer.
2. Shade selection. It is so difficult to find a perfect shade. There are some foundations I own that are either slightly too light or too dark for my complexion, so mixing and combining shades like I’m some kind of chemist adds time to my makeup routine. (#aintnobodygottimeforthat) With over 40 shades to choose from, your chances of finding a perfect colour match is high. I love that I can use one pump of one shade! It’s the simple things in life.
3. Works well with Combination Skin. The struggle is real if you have combo skin. Ultra HD controls the oils on my t-zone while keeping my dry areas hydrated. Throughout the years of using MUFE foundations, I’ve tried using all types of setting powders and found that MUFE’s HD Pressed Powder works beautifully with this foundation. It keeps me looking matte all day, although I do use one blotting paper each afternoon due to my own paranoia; it really isn’t necessary. During the cooler months, I sometimes leave without a setting spray/powder and the foundation holds up just as well.

Shade in 125 = Y315

If you’re looking for a water based liquid foundation that does it all, definitely pick up a bottle or sample at your local Sephora.

Have you tried Ultra HD foundation yet? If so, let me know your thoughts below!

march finds

Happy Easter Weekend! I figured after a week away from blogging, my first post back would focus on all the new items I’ve picked up in the past month. Unlike last month’s finds (here), which focused more on Korean skincare, this month had a good mix of high-end skincare products as well as drugstore brand favourites. Some of the items purchased have already been reviewed, while a few will be posted this coming week.

Although the NYX store opened up in Toronto many months back, I had yet to step foot in it. Queen Street used to be my old stomping grounds back in my university days, but recently, I don’t have much reason to head into the downtown core. A couple weeks ago, I finally made the trek down and spent an unhealthy amount of time browsing around the NYX store. This was my first time trying anything from NYX so I stuck with my “when in doubt” products.

NYX Tango withBronzer Powder – When Leopard Gets a Tan ($13 cdn) is a beautiful mix between a bronzer and blush. I picked this because I have nothing like this in my collection and let’s be real, how adorable is this packaging AND name?! This swatches like a dream and works wonderfully on my skin tone. I will be posting a full review within the next couple of days.

I’ve been less bold with my lip choices recently and have stuck to nude pinks as my go to colour. I know NYX is known for their velvet matte lip products, but I was in the market for a no mess, no fuss product that didn’t need much prep work. The moment I swatched the Jumbo Lip Pencil ($6 cdn) I knew I had to take it home with me. It glided on like a dream and has an incredible lasting time. At this price point, I will definitely be back for more. Another lip product I picked up and have been using all month is the Tarte Rainforestof the Sea Quench Lip Rescue ($23 cdn) (review here). I absolutely love how hydrating this product is and the packaging is so freaking cute!

The Real Techniques BlushBrush ($12.99 cdn) has been something I’ve wanted to try but I haven’t had the opportunity to pick up. I finally bought this a few days ago so I haven’t had much time to play with this brush. I’ll be sure to post a review as soon as I have had enough time to test it. Physically, the brush is solidly built and the hair on this brush is extremely full and soft. I’m hoping I have found a replacement for my sigma blush brush!

Tony Moly Egg Pore ($23 cdn) is a product that has been out of stock on the Sephora site for months now. I lucked out and found this at a local Asian beauty store and have been using it two to three times a week since opening it. This scrub helps smoothen and hydrate my pore problem areas, like my nose (in depth review here).

I know there are quite a few people that don’t use face mists, but this is a refreshing step that I love to do – especially during the winter months. This Shiseido Ibuki QuickFix Mist ($32 cdn) is a unique mist that hydrates well and smells divine. Find out why this mist differs from others in my review here.

The Boscia Sake Balm ($58 cdn) is the first botanically-based skincare product that doesn’t break me out. This product has an odd consistency (similar to Jello) that aims to brighten and hydrate the skin. I have been using this every morning as part of my skincare routine since purchasing this at Sephora. Read about this quick absorbing moisturizer here.

What new products have you picked up this month? Let me know down below!