Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation Review

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I have difficulty finding foundation that matches my skin tone. At times I feel like throwing in the towel and accepting the fact that Ooompa Loopa orange or unnatural red will be a part of my life. When you have tanned skin in the medium range, many options are either too light or too deep and the spectrum in-between can be a long road of trial and error (mostly error).

Two brands I can always rely on without having to mix and match like a chemist is MAC (Studio Fix) and Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. These products have been my ride-or-die for years so when MUFE released a new formula I jumped on the bandwagon right away.

Matte Velvet Skin is described as “the new generation of liquid foundation” with serious full coverage that keeps shine in-check. Say goodbye to greasiness and hello to flawless skin that looks air brushed, fresh and healthy!

The rich liquid is oil-free and blends effortlessly with buildable coverage. It also camouflages blemishes and pigmentation issues to create a smooth, even canvass without clogging pores. If you don't have much to cover, it eliminates the need for concealer and I use it to mask dark under eye circles with no caking or creasing. It also works wonders on acne scars.

The tube is quite small for $48.00 (30 ml / 1.01 fl. oz) but it takes very little product to cover my entire face and the texture is lightweight, non-drying and comfortable.

Sometimes matte foundation can feel tight and restricting but thanks to a unique FLEXI-FIT mesh complex, the breathable liquid adapts to facial movement and resists cracking. I put it to the test at the Toronto International Film Festival - attending late night parties, press events and red carpet galas. Admittedly there was sweat, fatigue and improper skincare, but Matte Velvet held up all day (true to its 24 hr claim) with minimal transfer and no blotchiness, melting or fading. At the end of a hectic weekend, my makeup looked great and removal was a piece of cake.

The foundation is available in 40 shades so everyone can find a suitable match including me! I chose the same color as my HD foundation (Y445) and it works like a charm! No weird undertones, no oxidizing in sunlight and no irritation - just beautiful skin with a radiant glow. The scent isn't my favorite but it becomes less noticeable with wear.

If you suffer from dry skin and worry that matte foundation may appear flaky and rough, fear not. This formula adapts to your body chemistry without depleting essential moisture.

The MUFE Large Foundation Brush ($43.00) has soft, sturdy bristles that flex around the facial contour for seamless blending and precise, streak-free application. 

Make Up For Ever is available at Sephora and online sephora.ca

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Shadow Review & Swatches

If you can’t find the perfect eye shadow palette or you’re tired of purchasing collections with colors you never seem to use then why not create your own? The new Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow range includes 121 highly pigmented shades with 5 blendable finishes that deliver 12 hours of wear. You can purchase the colors individually with the refillable magnetic pan for $24.00 or get the duo ($37.00), trio ($50.00), quad ($63.00) and 6 pan palettes ($77).

What I love most about this idea is that you can mix and match in so many gorgeous combinations without getting stuck with colors that are similar to shades you already own. I chose 3 shades but unfortunately the burgundy color I had my eye on (Matte-847) did not arrive.

I tend to go for rich, vibrant hues so I was drawn to Iridescent-220 Sapphire – a stunning deep blue with a hint of radiant shimmer. The texture is smooth and slightly creamy so it applies effortlessly and adheres well without creasing. The color is intense yet versatile so you can go from sheer to full-coverage by layering and the multidimensional finish accentuates the eyes. This blue can be used on its own to create an entire look - apply it heavier on the lids for a sultry effect and blend lightly in the crease fading gradually towards the brow bone. For a smokey look smudge the blue under the lower lash line and you’re ready for a night out.

Metallic-912 Orchid is a lovely purple-pink that reminds me of spring. It brightens the complexion with a subtle metallic sheen and I love pairing it with deep matte purple in the crease or bronzy aubergine with bold black liner. I recommend using a good primer to enhance the color even more but the quality is fantastic.

Make Up For Ever is available at boutiques nationwide and Sephora

Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color Review

As a Makeup Artist, I enjoy customizing my palettes to create a unique selection of pigments that compliment my style and complexion. The new Make Up For Ever Face Color Collection features 34 versatile sculpting powders, highlighters and blushes in matte, shimmer and pearl finishes. These highly pigmented, silky powders are velvety smooth and easy to blend for seamless coverage and buildable color.

The customizable system offers 3 refillable palette options – single ($31.00), double ($44.00) and trio ($56.00). You can mix, and match in countless combinations and the magnetic insertion pan allows you to continually redesign your palette and change your look.

The powders don’t have names but there are numbers to identify each shade. I chose 2 rich hues that are perfect for fall – B218 is a vibrant pink with bright coral undertones and B500 is a gorgeous burgundy blush that helps create definition and dimension.

The blushes are very saturated so you only need a small amount to create a beautiful flush and the intensity can be enhanced effortlessly. The sumptuous formula is easy to work with and the particles adhere well to the bristles of my brush for precise application and layering without caking or settling into skin texture. The long-wear powders can also be used as eye shadow and the texture remains lightweight and slightly creamy to prevent dryness, fading and transfer.

Make Up For Ever is available at Sephora and online at sephora.ca and makeupforever.ca

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Review

Make Up For Ever has been paving the way for artistic expression and creativity by introducing a vibrant selection of bold lacquers and long-wear paints. The Color Paint Eye Shadow is the newest addition to their collection of versatile pigments – featuring a saturated, cream formula that provides 24 hours of waterproof wear.

There are 20 trendy shades available with a variety of finishes including matte, lustrous and iridescent. I chose two colors that stood out most: M-20 (deep, royal blue) and M-90 (purple orchid).

The paints are incredibly rich and highly pigmented to deliver full coverage, pure color in a single swipe. The durable formula holds up through the most extreme conditions including heat, humidity and perspiration, which makes them idea for long summer days and partying into the night. The pigment can be used as a base for other shadows, layered on its own for dramatic looks or as liner to accentuate the eyes. I think they are also intense enough to be used as body paint and why not try them on the lips?! Both these shades dry completely matte and opaque but you can diffuse the color before it sets with a fluffy blending brush to create a nice fade into the crease.

The silicone oil and microspheres allow for effortless glide, easy blending and a lightweight, smooth texture but I recommend shaking the tubes before application as the oils tend to separate. Since the color dries onto the lids like lacquer, it’s always best to make sure skin is moisturized and primed.

I love using the shadow to create a sharp cut-crease and then enhancing my bottom lash line with a daring streak. I simply dab the cream onto my eyelids and use a flat brush to spread it consistently. The colors are so striking that you don’t need to apply much else for show-stopping looks. 

The Color Paint retails for $31.00 each at Sephora and online at sephora.ca and makeupforever.ca.

Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Lip Color, Ultra HD Skin Booster & Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder Review

Make Up For Ever has been feeding my addiction for incredible lip color by releasing one amazing collection after the next. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better than the Acrylips I was introduced to the Artist Liquid Matte pigments in a variety of trendy shades. There is also a reformulated version of my favorite setting powder and new skincare to help prep and prime.

The Liquid Matte formula is light, lush, comfortable and highly saturated for one-stroke application and opaque coverage. Infused with kaolin powders, mineral clay and silicone oil they provide a sharp, pure finish to beautifully accentuate your pout. The texture starts off rich and creamy for superior glide, even coating and smooth lines but the color dries completely matte.

The wand is a standard gloss applicator that delivers enough pigment to get the job done but the stick tends to collect a bit of product (especially with repeated use) so I simply clean it off with a lip brush. The hues in the neutral spectrum range from light, medium and deep with complexion flattering undertones and incredible intensity.

If you’re in the market for long lasting color then look no further. This formula clings to lips like a second skin hugging every curve and contour without bleeding or feathering. The color doesn’t smudge, budge or transfer for hours of wear and the infusion of nourishing avocado oil helps retain a light layer of moisture to prevent dryness and chapping. Although the cream is very durable, longevity may be reduced by consuming greasy foods and when used with primer, balm or gloss as these things may loosen the color. I also recommend exfoliating before application since the pigment can emphasize skin texture. They retail for $25.00 each.

From left to right: 109 (deep mauve brown) 105 (flesh tone nude) and 203 (neutral pink)

109, 203 & 105

The Make Up For Ever loose translucent powder has been my holy grail product for years so I was very excited about the new Ultra HD formula. This is the best setting product I’ve used because the lightweight micro-particles blend in seamless and invisible on every skin tone to instantly blur imperfections, smooth skin texture (including lines, wrinkles and roughness), absorb excess oil and reduce shine. The silky particles work like magic over any foundation reviving the skin so it appears youthful, even and lifted for that just-applied, fresh faced effect. The key to using this product is to avoid caking it on. A light dusting is enough to mattify and diffuse camera light for capturing the perfect selfies. After a long day in the same makeup the powder also refreshes my look and minimizes pores so I appear less tired. I prefer the loose formula ($44.00) because I find it more effective but it is available in a pressed version also compatible with 4K technology.

Many makeup brands have been dabbling in skincare and MUFE has created an Ultra HD Booster infused with Hyaluronic Acid to increase moisture by up to 400% and prep skin for makeup application. Argan, collagen and Vitamin E nourish, plump and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth, even canvass. The formula is light, silky and water based so it absorbs quickly with no residue or grease. If you need a bit more hydration you can layer over moisturizer or apply more generously but the serum makes a great addition to your beauty routine and retails for $51.00.

Make Up For Ever is available at sephora.ca and Sephora locations nationwide. If you are attending The Makeup Show NYC this year make sure to stop by booth G1 May 7-8  for a chance to learn more about the new pro products and get great discounts! 

Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip & Pro Sculpting Brow Palette Review

After attending my first few press events I’ve realized that 2017 may be the year of vivacious lip paints! Many brands are releasing a selection of bold, beautiful pigments that promise unstoppable color and I absolutely love this trend!

The Make Up For Ever Acrylip formula is inspired by the versatility of high pigment acrylic paint and is available in 10 vibrant hues that make your pout the center of attention. The color is packaged in squeeze tubes with angled felt tip applicators that effectively fill-in, blend and spread the product. Despite the bright lacquer-like finish, the Acrylips are non-drying with a hint of satiny shine and buildable coverage.

The shades are all gorgeous but I chose 401 Raspberry Red, 500 Lilac and 201 Fuchsia Pink. The consistency is weightless, non-sticky and breathable so I often forget they are on my lips and the stain is very pretty. Like many lip products that don’t have “stay all day” formulas, the color does transfer while eating and gradually fades with wear so reapplication is necessary throughout the day. For more longevity, adhesion and coverage I layer well and use a lip primer paired with feather-proof translucent liner.

If you love vivid pigment then you will probably like these but I recommend swatching a few since the colors may not always appear exactly as they do in the tubes. The Acrylips retail for $29.00 each.

The obsession with perfectly arched brows is still going strong and my all-time favorite product is still the Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow Gel. The brand has recently released the all-in-one Pro Sculpting Palette that contains everything you need to fill, shape, define and groom including: 3 powders, wax, dual ended applicator (spoolie + angled brush) and highlight.

I have palette 2 which is brown to black and palette 1 is suitable for blonde to dark brown hair. The powders range from light, medium and deep with the right amount of ashy undertones to appear natural and enough saturation for definition and buildable coverage. I usually have an issue with brow pigments appearing too light against my black hair but these work well and provide the perfect amount of intensity.

Although I prefer to outline with a liner, these highly blendable powders are great for filling in sparse areas to create fullness. The wax is a tad difficult to use from the pan and I would have preferred a powder highlight instead of a cream but I do like how subtle and soft it is. This travel-friendly brow palette retails for $52.00. 

You can find these great products at makeupforever.ca, Sephora and MUFE boutiques.

Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion Highlighter Review

Now that the season has changed and daylight hours are limited, it can be quite dull and bleak but your makeup doesn’t have to be! The new Pro Light Fusion Luminizer may be the best highlighter the brand has released and it has quickly become my go-to radiance booster for day wear, evenings out and parties of all kind!

I tested this golden beauty while battling a terrible flu and the soft, silky formula instantly transformed my complexion from tired to glowing with light layers of glimmering shimmer. The great thing about the micro-fine, light reflecting particles (aside from making skin look healthy and luminous) is how well they apply. Unlike some glittery highlighters that scatter messily across the skin, this pigment has a smooth gel-powder formulation so the shimmer particles hold together nicely for uniform, consistent coverage. As I sweep the vibrant color across my skin, it blends wonderfully with no sparse areas or patchy spots.

The pigment is bold, versatile and highly saturated. You can apply it generously for a glamorous stobing effect or blend it lightly for natural iridescence. Layered over primer it makes a beautiful metallic eye shadow and for the holiday season sweep it over the body (legs, arms, back, and décolletage) for an all-over, golden goddess glow! A makeup brush picks up and distributes the pigment effortlessly or you can use your finger to amp-up the concentration in certain areas. Since the color pay-off is quite intense, start sparingly and layering until you achieve your desired look.

If you are on the hunt for an amazing, multipurpose gold highlighter I highly recommend this one! It is also available in Rose Gold and retails for $43.00 at Sephora, makeupforever.com and Make Up For Ever Boutiques.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation Review

It's time to start thinking about fall/winter skincare and for many of us that means incorporating more moisture. When it comes to makeup, I’m a full-coverage, flawless skin kind of girl but the new lightweight Water Blend Foundation was too enticing to resist!

This fluid new pigment is comprised of 80% pro-vitamin B5 water which gives it a silky, highly blendable texture for superior glide and consistency. Whether you use a sponge or brush, the color is easy to apply and although it initially feels a bit wetter than I’m use to, it sets well and dries with a dewy smooth finish for healthy looking skin.

Because the formula is light and spreadable, the color doesn’t cake or settle into my skin texture which is also easier on the pores! The water-gel texture looks and feels more natural plus the infusion of mango butter provides parched skin with a boost of hydration. I also like the durability of the water resistant, long-wear, transfer-proof finish which help prevent your face from melting off in heat and humidity - great for summer and tropical vacations.

Micro-fine pigments deliver sheer, sleek coverage and with some layering I was able to achieve medium coverage. It does a good job at evening skin tone to camouflage minor blemishes and surprisingly I didn’t miss the heavier formula of my regular foundation.

There are 20 shades to choose from and since one of my staple foundations is the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD I was confident that I could find a similar match. The corresponding numbers between the two collections aren’t exact. I usually wear 173 equal to Y445 but the undertone of the Water Blend is lighter and a bit more yellow whereas the HD Foundation has a deeper tint with a bit of red. I suggest testing the new shades in-store but overall I think this is a great option for those who prefer a fresh-faced look without all the added thickness and mattifiation. Like all foundations I've used, this one looks even better when set with the Make Up For Ever Micro Finish HD Translucent Powder which is still my favorite setting product!

The Water Blend Foundation retails for $54.00 and is available at Sephora and sephora.ca. Check out my review of the new Artist Rouge Lipsticks by clicking HERE.

Make UP For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick Review

By now most of you have seen the array of high-impact, gorgeous color that is the new Artist Rouge Collection but if you haven’t, you are in for a treat! Make Up For Ever recently launched 45 show-stopping shades with 25% more pigment to accentuate and beautify your pout.

These bold pigments are available in two finishes - lustrous cream or velvet matte and the spectacular color is enriched with macadamia, mallow oil and sunflower seed wax for nourishing comfort and suppleness. Due to these skin conditioning ingredients, the lipsticks glide on buttery smooth and velvety with no drag or dryness. Both formulas are made to last up to 8 hours with the matte outliving the cream due to its superior adhesion and lower susceptibility to transfer.

If you’re wondering what makes these lipsticks so intense, the answer lies within the innovative triple milled formula that provides full-coverage and the brightest, strongest color the brand has released thus far. I did notice that the matte applies a bit more solid and opaque in the first layer but the cream has a lustrous shine and still maintains a high level of buildable pigmentation.

The tear drop tip was designed to define and customize application to all lip shapes and I love the lightweight cushiony consistency. I chose two fall-inspired shades to kick-off the first day of September. M402  is a classic brick red matte and C506 is a seductive dark purple wine that I have already received many compliments and inquiries about. The Artist Rouge Lipsticks are available at Sephora and retail for $27.00 each.

At the Generation Beauty Even hosted by IPSY earlier this summer, I received this gorgeous eye shadow duo which is also very on-trend for fall! The vibrant shimmery purple has hints of iridescent pink and the deep, smoldering red-brown creates depth and dimension in the crease. The eye shadow refills retail for $21.00 each and come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Palette Review

Over the last few months I’ve reviewed many sculpting products and I try to keep up with the latest trends like clown contouring, spoon contouring, henna contouring the dot technique, strobing and a variety of other creative hacks. Women seem to love the transforming effects of chiseled cheekbones and in a world obsessed with selfies many people want to show-off a perfect profile. Although I may not sculpt as drastically as Kim K’s signature look, I’m all for enhancing natural beauty and any product that makes the task easier will earn an honorary place in my makeup bag.

Make Up For Ever has recently launched a fabulous Sculpting Collection for the face lips and eyes to help you achieve professional results. This all-in-one palette accentuates your face in 4 easy steps with pigments that highlight, define, enhance and add a pop of color. For those who are relatively new to the contouring craze and require some guidance, the palette also comes with a guide corresponding to different face shapes.

The palettes are available in 4 shade combos: (20) Light, (30) Medium, (40) Tan (the shade I have) and (50) Dark. The formula is infused with nourishing oil and 3D pigment for blendability, long-wear and a beautiful satin finish that feels comfortable on the skin. Although these colors are lush and creamy they aren’t heavy, wet or thick and they set well with simple powder.

(40) Tan

The highlight (first shade on the left) can be placed under the brow bones, on the bridge of the nose and under the eyes. You can use it to form a V shape down towards the cheekbones to brighten the face. The deepest brown is your contour shade which can be applied to the hollows of the cheeks and along the jaw line, forehead and nose to define and sculpt. 

The third pigment is the highlight which is the only shade that isn’t matte. You can place the shimmer on the cheekbones, nose, Cupid’s bow or wherever the light naturally touches the face for a radiant glow. The blush (last shade on the right) is a deep peach/orange that also doubles as a color corrector for dark under eye circles!

These pigments are luxuriously smooth and creamy which makes them very easy to blend for a seamless, natural finish. Unlike powders that can sit on top of the skin and produce visible dark streaks, the creams are soft and don’t accentuate the texture of skin or feel dry. You can go from sheer and subtle for everyday looks or chiseled and glamorous for a bold effect. For those who crave a more structured profile you can slim and shape your entire facial structure! The palette is versatile enough to ignite your creativity and inspires you to play around with different effects to discover your ideal method. It is also very convenient for travel and professional kits.

The Pro Sculpting Collection is available at Sephora stores across Canada and makeupforever.ca, it retails for $54.00.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Review

Foundation is my go-to product for flawless skin and a fresh face but when it comes to drugstore brands most of them just don’t cut it. I usually have a difficult time finding a match from the limited shade options and the coverage can leave much to be desired. For the most part my foundation routine consists of just 2 brands- Make Up For Ever HD and MAC’s Studio Fix. Today’s review is all about the new Ultra HD Foundation and how it holds up against the previous formula.

In a world obsessed with selfies and digital media it is no surprise that HD makeup is so popular. The Ultra HD Foundation is the first of its kind, designed for 4K technology- the next generation of digital devices that display images with incredible clarity, resolution and color. Even if you don't model or work in front of the camera we all want to look our best whether it’s at the office, a spectacular event or a selfie session for Instagram. The Ultra HD Foundation is formulated to look invisible both on screen and to the naked eye.

To achieve these amazing results the foundation’s unique, revolutionary complex includes the following:

*Amino Acid Pigments- to blur flaws and provide invisible coverage.

*Hyaluronic Spheres- to hydrate and plump the skin for comfort.

*Sericite- fine particles that reflect light and create a luminous, natural effect.

The Ultra HD foundation is available in 40 shades to suit all complexions, undertones and skin types. In terms of texture it has a medium consistency (not too runny yet not thick and heavy), very similar to the first HD formulation. It also blends incredibly well, with consistent coverage that compliments the skin and melts in beautifully for a healthy, even finish. Since the formula does not contain SPF it tends not to oxidize and change color throughout the day to avoid excessive orange, yellow or red tones. If you already know your shade you can find the old numbering system on the box to find your match.

You can begin with a light layer of medium-coverage and work your way up to full-coverage if you need to camouflage imperfections. Compared to the previous formula I think the Ultra HD conceals to the same extent and there isn’t a significant difference in terms of pigmentation and coverage.

I have combination skin which is relatively dry but under makeup it tends to get oily and in the summer no one wants too look greasy! The Ultra HD foundation is great for most skin types because it falls somewhere between matte and dewy for a nice balanced finished. If I’m wearing my makeup all day then I may have to blot when evening rolls around but the MUFE HD translucent powder and Mist & Fix Setting Spray helps lock in the foundation to increase wear and enhance high def results.

The shade I have is 173 and the formula is comfortable and hydrating without any slickness. I love the smooth flawless finish I can achieve and although I do touch-up certain areas with concealer if you don’t have discoloration or blemishes you may not even need to. The new foundation is intensified for a digital lifestyle with an improved overall finish that helps perfect the skin but the qualities of the former HD formula still remains for a natural, silky complexion.

Because the foundation isn’t very thick you do have to be careful not to smear or streak it when applying. I get best results with a duo fiber stipple brush or the original Beauty Blender for a flawless face.

Photo taken in direct sunlight

The Ultra HD Foundation is also available in a stick design which I love! The stick foundation is dense and rich in texture so the coverage is more solid and full. Unlike the liquid formula the stick has a creamy consistency which gives you more concealing benefits to hide blemishes and problem areas quickly and efficiently! To use I just swipe it on and use my Beauty Blender. I love the luminous, even finish and the packaging is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go! I think I may even prefer the stick to the liquid but you can also use them together to get the perfect, customizable effect and coverage across the skin. The Ultra HD Stick Foundation is available in 15 shades for normal to dry skin.

I you haven’t tried the Make Up For Ever Foundation yet then I definitely recommend getting matched and heading to Sephora for samples so you can test it for yourself! The Ultra HD Liquid Foundation and the Ultra HD Foundation Stick both retail for $50.00 each, you can also pick them up at MUFE boutiques.

*Press samples featured