Product Versus Review: High End Foundations

Happy September folks! Summer has come and gone and it's time to get back into the everyday routine of life. To kick off this Labour day I wanted to bring you guys a new post. I was originally going to a monthly favorites but to be honest I didn't have enough products this month that were new and I was really loving, to make a post about. So instead today I'm going to bring you a foundation vs and review. If you are reading this then you're mostly likely a makeup wearer or a fan of makeup and understand that having a really good foundation is key to creating any makeup look. Although there are many drugstore foundations out there that give good coverage I always seem to find they make my skin break out more than if I were to use a higher end product. That being said buying a high end foundation comes with high end prices that's why I want to give you a breakdown of my two favorite foundation so you can see which one is better bang for your buck! I will be rating each foundation in 5 categories then give an over all opinion and rating. I will be rating out of 5 stars, five being the best.

1. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15

Packaging: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Although the packaging is very modern and simple the container it self is very wasteful. When you unscrew the lid there is just a hole which you must tip the foundation out. I find this annoying, there's been multiple times where I've accidentally poured to much out and have wasted some. That's why I'm not a fan of it.

Price: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The price of this foundation is between $28-$33 depending on where you purchase it. For the product I think it's a fair price and isn't too expensive, compared to other foundations out there.

Color: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
There are so many options when it comes to finding your perfect shade. I have all the confidence that anyone can find the shade they are looking for in this product. For me being very fair with a yellowish undertone I have a hard time finding the perfect shade but I was able to with this product.

Coverage: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This is the best part of the product, one coat will even out any redness my skin has and will cover any blemishes that I have. It's also great since it has SPF 15.

Lastingness: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Even though I might get great coverage with this product it doesn't last long. No matter how well I set  or prime this foundation within a few hours I will see lots of creasing. It also rubs off easily around my nose and chin.

Overall: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
This product is really great in some areas, but in others it fails to do it's job. I personally like using this foundation the best in the winter when I want a heavier coverage and look.


2. Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation

Packaging: ★★★★★ (5/5)
In my opinion Make Up For Ever hit the nail on the head when they designed the packaging it's polished professional and convenient. When you pop of the lid there is a pump so you are able to control the amount of foundation you want to use.

Price: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Price wise this foundation is really pricey. Especially for someone like me who also has to pay for there college tuition. You can buy this foundation for $50, which is a weeks worth of food!

Color: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Just like the MAC foundation there are tons of shades of this foundation, probably even more. I had picked out my shade easily then even went and got tested and I had chose correctly! I have no doubt you'll find your shade with this product.

Coverage: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
This product is one that I like to use the term build-able to describe. Depending on your skin type you may be able to get away with one coat of this but I find for the best coverage I have to use at least two coats.

Lastingness: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
This is why I bought this foundation is because it last fairly long. If I use a primer then set with a translucent powder in the morning I know I won't have to worry about touching it up unless I'm going out in the evening.

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Even though price wise it's very high, the saying you pay for what you get really applies to this product. I find when my skin is fairly clear I can get away with one coat of this foundation in the summertime which is prime for having a natural flawless summer look.


AND THE WINNER IS.....

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD FOUNDATION!

I had bought this product because I wanted something that with a longer wear and a less heavy coverage and that's exactly what I got with this foundation. Although you'll be paying a lot more for it you are paying for something that is very high quality and also is awesome for taking selfies. It says right on the packaging its "designed for the new needs of high definition image" for creating a natural looking makeup finish. Having oily skin this product really works for me and I think it would work well for all skin types!

Must Haves: Back to School

Hello long lost friends! Yes it's really me and no I did not fall off the end of the Earth. I'm honestly so sorry for not posting really at all this summer. But to be honest I wasn't really feeling all that up to it. I think I was just in a creative funk and wasn't able to blog. But have no fear I am here! (I think I've used this a few times before so no hate for that...) Anyways as we all know sadly (or not for some) that fall is just around the bend and school literally starts like in five days. Now I may not be in high school anymore but I am in college so yes I am going back to school as well. Now as most of you probably feel starting a new year of school is the real start of a 'new me'. I find that when you're not in school that's when New Years is that but for us scholarly ones the first day of school is the most important. This isn't going to be a what to wear or first day makeup tutorial post, because to be honest I think I've seen about 100 of those uploaded in the last week. I'm going to instead be showing you my must have items for back to school. Let's check 'em out!

First things first I'm the realist... Just Kidding (or am I? Iggy is my girl). Okay for real though the first Must have I want to talk about is having an e-reader. As you can see in the photo above I have a Kobo Glo e-reader, I think these are genius for school. Cause whether you take the bus to school or have a spare it's always nice to fit in some reading time. Plus I absolutely love being able to download all my textbooks on here it saves so much room in my backpack and my locker! And it's about 1000 times lighter! The plaid 'Nerd' bag behind it is from Forever 21, I'm pretty sure it's a makeup bag but it fits my Kobo perfectly so I'm using it as a protecting pouch for it. 

Next up is my Quartet magnetic white board. Now if any of you guys have a locker you understand how you practically live out of it during the school year. I find having a white board an essential for writing down quick reminders and important dates. I seriously think everyone who has a locker needs one of these.

My third must have is dry shampoo. Weird? Nope! We all know having to wake up early for class is a drag and we all want to get in the most sleep possible. This is where dry shampoo comes in, when you don't have enough time to wash your hair give it a healthy spray of dry shampoo and you're good to go! My favorite brand is the Psssst! Instant dry shampoo, you can find it at Ulta.

Now the start of school also means the start of colder weather (if you live in the northern hemisphere, if not LUCKY YOU) which also means dry skin. But most annoyingly DRY LIPS. That's why having you're favorite lip balm on hand is essential. My favorite is Maybelline Baby Lips. 

Getting back into the school routine can be kinda of hard, but that's why I find it's extremely helpful to have a day planner. Now this might be a no brainer to some of you, but you'd be surprised at the amount of people who don't use them! Seriously folks don't go saying to you're teacher you forgot to finish your homework, if you just had a day planner you'd never be in trouble for it! The one I have here I found at Staples for about $14 dollars. 

Another part that comes with back to school is the infamous phone battery dying after 3 period. Now I know all you little Stylish Dreamers would Never Ever text in class or check your instagram but for the small amount that do (I hope you can tell my tone is sarcastic) having a portable battery back up is necessary. The one I have here is the iHome Smart Charger that I purchased at Target for the affordable price of $19.99. Cause how much would it suck if your phone died in the middle of a history lesson? Better to be prepared! 

Alright so my last must have is kind of an odd one I must admit but it's something I've found to be a mini life saver over the past few years. That is a mini stapler. Now I know what you're thinking 'Mini Stapler?' what...? Well trust me on this, there is nothing worse than forgetting to print out you're 20 page essay on the impotence of the industrial revolution, then having to run to the library to quickly print it out (and pay .50 cents per a page -_-) then to go and staple it together and can't find a stapler anywhere, and having to hand in 20 loose pieces of paper and praying that none get lost. I've been there, I've done that... I'm NEVER GOING BACK. And all thanks to my mini stapler. So please for the love of all 20 page papers out there buy a 3 dollar mini stapler and never put you're paper through that sort of misery.

Okay dokay! So there it is folks my first post in like ages... I hope it's helpful and I hope you liked it. If you did please leave a comment below or tweet me at @Dream_inStyle thanks! 

  

Monthly Favorites: June

Hi stylish dreamers! (cute name for you guys?) Before I get into this post I wanted to say that as of June 27th 2014 my blog has hit the one year old mark! I'm so happy that I choose to stay with it and let it grow. I even gave it a complete makeover and change the direction I wanted to go with it originally. Even though my blog is still small, making it has been one of the best decisions of my life. Starting this blog has done so many things for me, not only is it a perfect creative outlet for me when it comes to wanting to share my favorite things with you all but it also has created many friendships for me. I've gotten to know a few of you bloggers out there and you are all such amazing people, I want to continue to meet other and let my blog grow. It's something that I hold close to my heart and love dearly, and I just want to thank you all for joining me on this awesome journey. 

Okay so I'm back today with my June favorites! I have a lot of good items I want to share with you all today so lets just get right into it. 

Products:

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Pallet: ($64.00)

What I like about this: Okay guys don't harass me yet! I know I'm SUPER DUPER late on getting on the Naked 3 bandwagon but I have a some what valid reason for that. I didn't get the pallet right when it came out because 1: it was sold out everywhere! (NOT KIDDING) and 2: I didn't feel I really needed it just yet. I had just gotten around the time it came out the Vice 2 pallet by Urban Decay so I had just filled my pallet craving. But now that I have it I can honestly say I'm totally in LOVE with it. I've been using it every day so far and my favorite shadows in it are 'Limit' and 'Nooner' I really like the mattes. I also love how soft and romantic this pallet it. Not only is it the amazing Naked quality you expect it's in amazing flattering rose gold tones that are the new neutrals to have in your make up collection.

Eyes: L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara: ($12.99)

What I like about this: So as you probably have figured out I'm not one to buy high end mascaras, sure once and a while I'll try one but I'd rather buy the 'just as good in my opinion' drug store ones. Perviously I was on a Maybelline mascara roll and I was buying only buying that brand. But I decided to try out the telescopic mascara since I heard really good reviews on it. I love love love the formula and the brush on this mascara. It works really well for me and I definitely recommend it. 

Face: Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in 'Parke Ave Princess': ($30.00)

What I like about this: If you can't tell in the picture the one I have isn't the full size. I actually received the sample half size for my 500 Sephora point bonus and was really excited to try it. I have really fair skin so I was afraid that this bronzer might make me look too bronze but that is not the case. This product works really well with my skin and gives me the right amount of a summer glow. 

Face: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in '15 Fair': ($6.50)

What I like about this: I had been wanting to buy the Nars Creamy Concealer in 'Chantilly' for some time but every time I go look for it it's sold out. I was recommended by a fellow beauty guru to try out the Fit me by Maybelline as it is known to be a dup for the Nars. I have to say even though I haven't tried the Nars Creamy Concealer yet, I really do like the way the the Fit Me works. The formula is very nice and blends very easily for a flawless look.   

Hair: Psssssst Instant Dry Shampoo Spray: ($5.99)

What I like about this: I was in the market for a new dry shampoo for quiet sometime and when I was in Ulta I saw this shampoo and remember a youtube beauty guru rave about it. It was on sale for $2.50 a bottle so I picked up a couple of bottles to try. I've got to say this product totally lived up to it's expectations, I love to use dry shampoo the day after I shower to give my hair some lift without washing out all the natural oils and this dry shampoo actually works really well. It really does do it's job right!

Fashion: Homies 'Los Angeles' Tank: ($15.00)

What I like about this: I found this shirt at Wet Seal and I'm totally in love with it! I've paired it with so many great outfits, it's one of my favorite summer tops.

Food: Lindt 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar: ($4.00)

What I like about this: Dark chocolate has always been a favorite of mine, but recently I've just been craving it more. This is my favorite type of dark chocolate, when I'm craving some I break off one square and it satisfies my caving. 

Twitter: Q&A's

Hi everyone! So I went to twitter to ask YOU guys to send me beauty, decor, fashion, or lifestyle related questions. I'm so thankful for everyone who sent in questions. Here are the questions you guys asked:

Question 1: If you could bring out your own makeup products, what would they be and what would you name them?

From: totallylola2013.blogspot.co.uk 

Answer: This is a great question, I really had to think about this. There are so many types of makeup products out there this wasn't easy. But if I could create any type of makeup product I think I would try to make some sort of eyeshadow "sticker" so everyone could create flawless smokey eyes, or be able to create any other type of eyeshadow look. It would be eyeshadow on a piece of paper that you just press on to your eyelid then remove the paper to reveal your perfectly done eyeshadow. I think I would call it "Instant Shadow". Anyone actually like this idea? Let me know. 

Question 2: What is your life long dream?

From: cutebutton2370.blogspot.co.uk

Answer: I think my life long dream is to find my 'soul mate' if you believe in those, and create a life together, and have children. There are so many things that I would love to do or own, but being a mom is my number one goal in life. 

Question 3: What is your favorite summer drink?

From: cutebutton2370.blogspot.co.uk

Answer: This is easy, Lemonade! I absolutely love it, pink, yellow, organic, sour, sweet. All of it! 

Question 4: Favorite drugstore makeup brand?

From: @BeautyCalls on Twitter

Answer: Hmmm... This isn't easy for me there are a quite a few brands I love. But my top ones at the moment are NYX and Milani. The Matte Lip Creams from NYX and the Baked Blushes from Milani are my favorite products from each brand. 

Follow me on Twitter today! @Dream_inStyle

Lifestyle: Ed Sheeran Answers My Question!

Hello! Bonjour! Hola! I'm so so so SO excited to share this news with you all! If you follow me on twitter (@Dream_inStyle) then you probably already know what I'm about to tell you. But for those who don't I'll give you the full story! If Anna Kendrick on the cover of ELLE magazine wasn't enough for you to buy a copy, hopefully this will help persuade you more...

So flashback to the beginning of May this year, the fashion magazine ELLE (U.S.) version took to their twitter page (@ELLEmagazine) to ask their followers and fans of Ed Sheeran to ask him questions pertaining to love and relationships. They would then later pick a few of their favorite and have them in the July Issue of Elle that is based on social media. Myself being a huge fan of Sheeran and a follower for ELLE Magazine, I instantly started to think up a question to ask. I then decided to ask "What is your favorite quality in a woman?" a simple question but something that I'm sure many fans and readers would like to know the answer too.

Fast forward too yesterday (June 25th) when I receive a tweet from ELLE saying that Ed answered my question! I was so thrilled and surprised considering they have 2.2 million followers and my single question was picked. It was an exciting day for sure!

To read the full article you can pick up a copy of the July issue of ELLE magazine at a local magazine retailer (U.S. residents ONLY) or read it here online: http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/celebrities/ed-sheeran-interview-on-music-dating?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1448_66703541&linkId=8609209

What I got for my Birthday!

Wow so I seriously haven't posted in like FOREVER! I've just been swamped with so many things too do. I know this is already a few days late but last week was by birthday and I wanted to share with you what I got! By no means am I bragging, it has just been requested that I make a post on this. Not everything is in here since I wasn't going to bother showing money or gift cards but here is a good idea of the things my friends bought me for my birthday.

So here are the things I received for my birthday:

- Carte nail polishes in Studs, Chinchilla, and Cupcake Queen

- Maybelline Color Show nail polishes in Clearly Spotted and Bluemarks the Spot

- Style book by Lauren Conrad

- Benefit Longwear Powder Eye Shadow in Call Me Buff

- Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow 

- No Bleeding Lips, clear lip liner 

- 6 mint and gold bracelets (not sure what brand)

- A purple butterfly glass Pandora Charm

Nails: Spring/Summer Nail Polish Picks

Happy Spring everyone! You guys probably know by now that I love having my nails done, and now that, winter is over I thought it would be a good post to show you my Spring/Summer nail polish picks! I chose seven colors that I have that I think are perfect for these bright seasons!

In order from left to right in photo above. 

1. "Peachy Keen" Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure. I seriously love this color, It's the perfect nude tone for my skin color. My favorite way to wear this color is when my nails are long and I put a matte top coat over top. 

2. "Fiji" Essie Nail Lacquer. This is the perfect light pink color for spring, it looks so pretty with anyone's skin tone. It's really girly and I love that for spring. 

3. "Hot Chilli Pepper" Rimmel London 60 Seconds. The first thing that comes to my mind when I see this color is sunset. I think this is a gorgeous sophisticated color for spring and summer and is a great pedicure color as well.

4. "I'm Not A Kiwi" Nail Polish by H&M. The reason why I love this color is not only that it's bright but because it's very different. It's not a usual choice for a nail polish but looks amazing with an all black and white outfit.

5. "Mint Candy Apple" Essie Nail Lacquer. This color is just a gorgeous pale sky/ robin eggs blue. I love how light and 'airy' it is. It looks especially gorgeous with tanned skin.

6. "Blizzard Blue" Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color. Despite the chilly nail, this color reminds me of a mermaid tail. I think this look so pretty on when it's plain or with a silver glitter top coat. 

7. "Sweet Lavender" Rimmel London 60 Seconds. What would a spring/summer nail polish post be without a stunning lilac color? This color is just amazing I think its so perfect for these two season and is very fun to wear on it's own or with any other color. 

Tweet me your favorite spring/summer nail color @Dream_inStyle, and I'll retweet you! :)