CC CREAM: Color Control BB Cream

CC Creams

It seems like only yesterday the BB Cream craze kicked off in the whole world. Now we are ahead of cosmetic curve, as CC Creams are barreling towards the beauty market. I wonder if they're already working on DD and EE creams too...

CC (color control/color correction) cream is basically a souped-up version of its blemish (or beauty) balm predecessor. In addition to being an all-in-one miracle in a tube, the CC variation is said to be a bit more nourishing and of a lighter, fluffier texture that provides better coverage and a higher SPF component.

CC creams are said to be all-in-one complexion perfectors that function as both a skin-care product and makeup. 

What makes CC different than BB is that they are said to provide more coverage, as well as the addition of even more skin-nourishing ingredients. So, BB creams with superpowers!!!!

 

While the CC cream phenomenon is still in its infancy, Olay won the metaphorical race and launched the first one in the United States this October. And I think it's safe to assume that many companies will be following suit and coming out with their own CC creams in 2013.

While most BB creams fall midway between tinted moisturizers and foundations on the coverage spectrum, CC creams vary dramatically. Some, like the Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer, $21.50, are more like souped-up tinted primers to wear under your usual foundation. However, some of the CCs in Asia, like the Rachel K CC cream, will give you more coverage than a BB cream.

 

The Olay CC cream targets hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and blotchiness, and claims long-term spot-diminishing benefits. Many of the CC creams from Asia are packed with antioxidants like white tea and green tea, and the Rachel K version even has epidermal growth factor, which stimulates collagen production by speeding up your skin's natural exfoliation.

 

New Generation Makeup and Skin Care Product in one!!!

BEST 5 FOUNDATIONS: Foundation Tips

FOUNDATIONS

There are loads of foundations in the market and of course some are better than others. A good foundation can give you the illusion of flawless skin and mask imperfections.

The best foundation makeup will not only give you a smooth blemish free complexion, it will also appear invisible and light.

A Good Foundation Make Up

I personally tried many foundations until now and I have a list of best 5 foundations of my own.

But, before you give them a go, keep these important foundation tips in mind.

GOLDEN TIPS ABOUT APPLYING FOUNDATION

• Apply foundation to the center of your face and blend outward. Always use powder sparingly, and to conceal or brighten dark circles, select a concealer with a pink undertone then gently pat it on.

• Always prep with a moisturizer before applying foundation. The extra bit of moisture helps makeup slide on smoothly and evenly.

• Ideally, your makeup should allow your natural skin to show through, not blanket it. To get the lightest, most sheer layer of coverage, use a damp sponge or synthetic brush instead of using your finger. 

Choosing the right shade of your foundation is very important

Here are my best 5 foundations I have tried and definitely recommend:

1. L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation

This is one of my everyday favourites. This foundation comes in a wide variety of colors so theres always something for someone. The selection goes from warms (golden/yellow undertones) cools (red undertones) and neutral (for if you're not sure of your undertone). It perfectly matches the color and texture of your skin, covering imperfections with its micro-fine creamy texture. The result is natural looking, skin-true color, outstanding coverage with no caking. 

Price: $14

2. M.A.C. Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation

 

I personally love this foundation. It dries like a glue to your face. All I have to do is apply powder, whether loose or pressed on top. When I blot with blotting papers, there is hardly any oil on it. As far as the color being ashy or to light, I let it settle, and by the time I put on my blush, it's just right. Light-weight, creamy and definitely long-wear!

Price:$30

3. Maybelline New York Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation


Great color match, great price, lovely consistency, feels very light on the face. A light everyday foundation. This medium coverage foundation can be built to full coverage. I suggest applying a layer and blending, then applying another and blending, until you have your desired coverage. It's very natural and glowy, not oily, not matte. It wears comfortably on my face and feels quite weightless. I would say that it has good staying power.
Price:$8.50

4. Revlon PhotoReady Foundation

 

It is one of the best drugstore foundation that I have found so far. The coverage is medium and it is easy to build. Good color range. The consistency is beautiful - it is very smooth, easy to blend, and applies like a dream. It does not accentuate my dry patches nor does it cake. The packaging is great and pump is convenient - no mess! It does last for a decent amount of time, but I wouldn't exactly call it long wearing. I set it with a translucent powder to prolong the wear of it.

Price:$13

5. Revlon ColorStay Foundation


I use a sponge applicator to apply this foundation and it is awesome! It is liquid which I like as you can smooth it where you need it. Just remember, it WILL stay wherever you leave it! Be sure to blend and don't be afraid to apply more if you need it after... Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the SoftFlex ColorStay™ Formula. Medium to full coverage, with SPF 15 protection. One negative thing: it has no pump to dispense.
Price:$12

What to expect from a foundation

Foundation is a skin colored cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, to cover flaws, and, sometimes, to change the natural skin tone. A good foundation covers your imperfections perfectly, light-weight that you don't feel you're wearing it, easily blended, doesn't cake, gives you a natural glow, has smooth gliding texture and preferably long lasting.

Different shades of foundation

How to choose the right foundation for you




When you are searching for your perfect foundation, keep in mind you should check if it fits your skin color,texture and type. Is it oily, combination or dry? It really matters a lot. 

Different shades of foundation

 
When you are trying to choose the right shade of foundation for yourself, pick the nearest shade to your skin tone for the natural look. It should match your skin shade when blended out. When testing a foundation, always check the match in natural light.

Apply the foundation to the side of your face, go outside, and check it in a small mirror, taking care to check that it also matches the color of your neck - a line of demarcation between face and neck is, frankly, ugly. 






Most of the time, a foundation with a yellow undertone is best, unless you have the fairest of skin tones. Also, it's important that the type of foundation you pick is the one that's good for your skin and meets your needs.

Please don't try to use foundation to change the color of your face. Foundation is designed to give us a smooth canvas on which to paint. Therefore, to pick out a foundation, you must find one that exactly matches the color of your skin. The whole point is to wear a foundation that is quite seamless - it should blend into your facial skin.

EYESHADOW PRIMERS/BASES

Eyeshadow Primer

What is eyeshadow primer or eyeshadow base?

Eyeshadow primer or eyeshadow base is a cosmetic that is used to coat the eyelids prior to the application of eyeshadow so that the eyeshadow can be applied in a smooth, even layer and additionally eyeshadow will stay in place on the eyelid, will be more vibrant and will not crease.

In order to make sure that the primer dries correctly, the cosmetic should be applied in a thin, even layer. Once the primer has dried, there is a smooth, even surface that will accept eyeshadow well and will work to keep it in place. 

Some eyeshadow primers have no color. However most of them are tinted and evens out the skin tone on the eyelid as well.

Different Tinted Eyeshadow  Primers

Eye shadow primers

WITH AND WITHOUT EYESHADOW PRIMER

Eyeshadow with and without primer

  

Eyeshadow applied to arms with and without primer

How do we apply eyeshadow primer?

Put some eye shadow base on your finger or a make up sponge to apply a an eyeshadow base. Blend the eyeshadow base gently into your skin, making sure to avoid a visible line. Be careful, the amount of eyeshadow primer used must be tiny.

Application of eyeshadow base

Now you are ready to apply your eyeshadow on your eyelid. After you prime your eyelids, you eyeshadows will be more vibrant, will stay in place and will NOT crease!!!!! 

MAKEUP PRIMERS/ MAKEUP BASES

MAKEUP PRIMERS

What is Makeup Primer or Makeup Base? 

  

It is a cosmetic to prepare the face for makeup. It is designed to smooth out fine lines. A makeup primer most likely contains waxes, polymers, and silicones. These substances can form a bond with other cosmetics, causing the cosmetics to have more longevity than they would otherwise.Primers come in a variety of tints to match your complexion, or they can be transparent.

Using a make up primer is one of the best ways to make your makeup stay on longer and help you feel great about the way you look. Primers are relatively new products on the market but now are gaining more and more popularity.

How do we apply primer? 

Apply a daily facial moisturizing lotion and wait at least 10 minutes, or until your facial skin feels smooth and dry. Then apply your primer in a thin layer over your facial skin.

Just like the foundation, it can be applied with fingertips but my idea is it is much better to apply it with a wet sponge.This allows a better coverage to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

Do we have to prime our face before makeup?

When going for a long day of makeup, it is better  to take the time to do that extra step. When you prime your face first, your makeup definitely lasts longer. But for an everyday makeup, I guess it is not a must. 

Benefits of Makeup Primers

Smooths the skins surface.

Evens out skin tone.

Creates a perfect surface for your makeup.

Disguises skin flaws and imperfections.

Pampers and nourishes your skin.

Creates a protective base for longer-lasting foundation.

Reduces redness and inflammation.

Moisturizes your skin and keep it hydrated all day long.

Stop oil and shine.

Works especially well for those with oily skin by reducing excess shine on the forehead, nose, and chin.

Protects your skin from harmful UV rays and some primers have a sunscreen and SPF 15 or more.

Fills in fine lines and wrinkles.

Diminishes enlarged pores.

Keeps cosmetics out of the pores.

Doesn't clog pores thus allows your skin to breathe normally.

Allows foundations to go on smoother.

Makeup glides on smoothly and blends easily.