Review: Revlon Photo Ready Foundation

Following in the trend of the HD and for-photograph foundations, Revlon released a version of their own.  Surprisingly, foundation isn't an area in which I've had a lot of product experience.  I've really only used a few and my products of choice in the past and thus far have been: Revlon ColorStay, Bare Minerals, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, and MAC MSFN.  Coming out of my Bare Minerals addiction (still love their products--just wanna try something new!), I thought that I'd try going back to liquid foundation.  While I did enjoy the coverage that Revlon ColorStay provided, I didn't like the smell and how thick it felt.  When I saw Photo Ready while browsing through the drugstore and after getting a personal recommendation from my friend, Iris, I thought that I'd give it a try.  (Once again, like with the L'Oreal base, late to get on the bandwagon, but I'm here!)

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation

What it is:
A lightweight, but buildable foundation that includes SPF 20.  The formulation is designed to be non-greasy and give a dewy finish.  It also smoothes to hide imperfections.
My impression:
Many of the reviews that I have read have been positive towards this product.  There were some negatives listed, however, like the shimmer that is in this product.  Personally, the shimmer isn't blaringly noticeable or off-putting to me.  I feel as though every time I've used it, it has given a nice, even, and dewy finish to the skin.  Another point that some of the reviews warned about was that those with oily skin might have problems with it.  Just like me, the friend who gave the recommendation has oily skin and did not experience problems with it.  It was more of a reason for me to try, and after using it several times, I would have to agree.  I don't know if it is from the L'Oreal perfecting base or what, but the makeup was long lasting and I did not feel the slightest need to blot until over 8 hours later.  I don't know about you, but I like the feeling of being able to and wanting to touch my face at the end of the day.  I would have to say that I have definitely fallen in love with this foundation.  I found it to be much lighter and more blendable than Revlon ColorStay.  I liked that the coverage was buildable and there wasn't any strong scent that I could notice.  One of the other things that I really liked about this product was the fact that it came with a pump.  I know that was an issue with the ColorStay packaging and I like that the pump minimizes the chances of contamination.
My recommendation:
I'm sure you could tell by my impression that I am in love with this foundation, but I think that the best way to find out if it's for you is to try it out.  I was under the impresseion that I should stay away from it because of the issues that some people with oily skin have had and because some people found the shimmer very off-putting.  However, after giving it a try (it could also be related to the base that I started using), I really loved it and really see myself using this a lot more in the future.
The rundown:

• Product:  5/5
• Packaging:  5/5
• Quality:  5/5
• Overall:  5/5
• Would I buy this again?:  Yes
• Where to buy:  You can purchase it from the Revlon website, ULTA, or from various drugstores.
• Price:  $12.99 at ULTA
• Pros:
  +  SPF 20
  +  Dewy finish
  +  Lightweight formula
  +  Not greasy
  +  Buildable
  +  Blendable
  +  Pump packaging
  +  Long-lasting
• Cons:
  -  Not as wide of a color choice when compared to ColorStay

Hopefully you found my review helpful!  If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Disclaimer: I have not been paid to review the product featured above. I purchased all of the products reviewed in this blog post and did not receive them for free. I ensure that this is my true and honest opinion.

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Review: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret No. 1 Magic Perfecting Base

Late to get on the bandwagon much?  This product is one that I've seen reviewed on several blogs--too many to name. Almost all, if not all of them, were very positive reviews that raved on and on about the product.  Why didn't I give it a try back when it first started gaining popularity?  I was using my own Bare Minerals "regimen" and thought that I would give it a try as soon as I went back to liquid foundation (reviews on this to come today as well, hopefully!).  Well, I'm back to it and now I can finally give this a review!

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret No. 1 Magic Perfecting Base

What it is:
This is a priming base offered by L'Oreal, although I'm pretty sure that it can be worn alone.  It claims to give "perfect skin texture" that will happen "instantly" and last "all day."  The texture is described as silky and lightweight, making application easy since it just glides over the skin.  Another one of its purposes is to minimize the look of pores and fine lines.  The result?  Skin that is very smooth and has an even matte finish.  It is said to benefit all skin types and is non-comedogenic.
My impression:
When I first got this product, I was a little wary about the size of the jar.  It's a very small jar, probably a little bit bigger than the size of a MAC Paint Pot jar.  Since I work every day and more often than not go out on the weekends (and it is my habit to apply a full or mostly-full face of makeup each day), I knew that it was going to get a lot of use.  However, after using it a few times and seeing how very little I need, my fears were allayed.  All I really needed to do was dab my finger into the jar once or twice and I was good to go.  The texture is a little bit thick and gummy, but it's very spreadable once you get it to your face.  It is also lightweight and if you don't make the mistake of globbing it on, it shouldn't feel heavy at all.  Despite the product being white, it blends into the skin quite well and invisibly.  I found that my face definitely became a lot smoother and more matte.  I was very impressed at the way that it made my nose and the areas on my cheeks around my nose look, since those are the areas where my pores are most visible.  When it came time to apply the liquid foundation (I used Revlon Photo Ready Foundation), it applied very smoothly.  Concealer did not crease underneath my eyes as it usually would without a base.  My makeup definitely lasted throughout the day and I didn't feel the need to blot until about 8 hours in.
My recommendation:
After using this several times, I would have to say that I agree with the raves that everyone was posting.  It's a really great product and if someone were to ask for a primer recommendation, I would definitely recommend this to them.  As someone that has tried both Smashbox (Photo Finish Light) and Monistat Chafing Gel, I would probably have to say that this primer works just as well.  I like that it is about half the price of Smashbox, and if you're bothered about putting something that wasn't originally designed to be a primer on your face, you've got a relatively inexpensive alternative.  It says that it can be used alone, but I personally wouldn't--not for any reason other than I just wouldn't, but it can definitely be done.  I have only used this with liquid foundation, but I can't imagine why it wouldn't work for creams or powders.  All in all?  Great product!
The rundown:

• Product:  5/5
• Packaging:  4/5
• Quality:  5/5
• Overall:  4.7/5
• Would I buy this again?:  Yes
• Where to buy:  You can purchase it from the L'Oreal website, ULTA, or from various drugstores.
• Price:  $12.99 at ULTA
• Pros:
  +  Evens skin texture
  +  Long-lasting
  +  Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines
  +  Matte finish
• Cons:
  -  At $12.99, it's a little bit pricey
  -  The jar is a little small for my tastes

So there's my review of this base for you!  I know that I was slow to jump on the bandwagon, but for those of you that haven't tried it yet and are interested, I would surely recommend it.  If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Disclaimer: I have not been paid to review the product featured above. I purchased all of the products reviewed in this blog post and did not receive them for free. I ensure that this is my true and honest opinion.

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