If you’re looking for a foundation that not only does it’s job (properly, that is) and is good for your skin, well… (pun intended) I think I may have found an option for you: W3LL People’s Narcissist Concealer and Foundation stick. In fact, I will go so much as to say I think I may have just found a gem of a product, ladies!
W3ll People is a supernatural mineral, organic makeup line created by Cosmetic Dermatologist Renee Synder, Makeup-artist and former NARS Corporate Leader Shirley Pinkson and Treehugger James Walker. What a team! With that being said, I like what I hear. (Plus … I have to support my fellow Renee. 
)
The Narcissist Concealer and Foundation Stick has plenty of benefits: first, it’s 100% toxic free and 100% natural. This means natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin, and you won’t find any nasty petrochemical, parabens, preservatives or phthalates. The stick also contains a mix of anti-oxidants such as organic green tea, reishi mushroom and pomegranate. And just to be even more ridiculous (in a good way), it also has oil absorbing silica to control shine, has an SPF 10 and nourishes the skin with organic sunflower oil and organic wild harvested bayberry….
I told you I found a gem.
Before I get to the review – can we please talk about the name ‘Narcissist’? Genius! I always said if I ever had a makeup line (that will never happen) I’d call it Narcissist or something along the lines. Love the name! Also, I love the fact that it’s organic – I mentioned that I’m using an organic loose power and really love it, and hoped to find an organic foundation as well, so I am really loving organic products – I know I’ll never get breakouts from them.
Though I’m not so much a fan of foundation so much right now, let’s be honest – I’d need all the help I can get when I’m older. Narcissist is a great alternative for those days when I may need a heavier coverage. It’s in a cream stick formula, so you know that the product is quite thick – no way will I be applying this straight to my face, unless I want a real ‘mask’ look. The best method I found to apply this as a foundation or concealer was to either use my fingers and ‘pat’ the product on, or a concealer or foundation brush. Also, a damp foundation wedge sponge would work really well. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly.
Like I said above, a real gem of a product. The only ‘con’ I see is that it is US$38, but I’ll look past that as foundations these days cost the same, yet aren’t as good for your skin as this. Also, it’s a fairly big product and you don’t use a lot at one go, so I could see this lasting for years.
What do you think about organic and natural foundations? Do you use them? Do you find them to be better than ‘regular’ foundations? I sure do! 
How many foundation ad campaigns have you seen like the one above? A ton, I presume – and all promising beautiful, clear, radiant skin. But then you try it on yourself and it looks a mess, doesn’t it? There are countless foundations on the market today, and the first step to finding a foundation you want is figuring out what type of foundation will suit your skin type and your preferences. (And before we start, if you don’t know your skin type, find out here.)
Sure; there are millions upon millions (OK, might be exaggerating a bit) different foundations formulas from airbrush, spray, wipe on, mineral, solid stick – but they are basically one of these three formulas:
Left to right: Compact/Pressed Foundation, Liquid Foundation, and Loose Powder.
Compact/Pressed Foundation
Said to be one of the heavier finishes, compact foundation (or pressed powder) used to have a bad rep as being too thick and full of talc like in the olden days – the heavier formula absorbs oil instantly and gives a heavier coverage, so some are a little hesitant!
However, today there are many different ingredients used that help skin look fresh, matte, smooth, and not heavy at all.
- Great for those with oily or combination skin.
- Covers large pores.
- Portable and convenient packaging for touch-ups.
- Absorbs oil instantly for quick touch ups during the day for busy women.
Liquid Foundations
The most popular formula, they range from sheer tints to heavier coverages. It’s easy to apply and the most hygienic packaging are pump bottles.
- Suits most skin types, but those with oily skin will have to top it off with powder.
- Oil free formulas will suit oily skin.
- Gives a slightly dewy look.
- Can be applied by sponges, brushes or your fingertips.
Loose Powder
Depending on your application (and layers), loose powder can be used sheer or heavy. Normally applied with a fluffy brush or kabuki brush – mineral makeup foundations are normally in loose powder formulas.
- Suitable for any skin type, but dry skin may need a liquid underneath.
- Instant oil absorption.
- Very matte finish, no shine at all.
What type of foundation do you use? I’m personally not a big fan (probably will be in the future though) so for now I’m still using a translucent loose powder base by Aubrey Organics most of the time, (review here) or Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer when extra coverage is needed.
Has anyone ever pointed out a physical feature and assume something about you? I remember being told never to trust a man with thin lips because they are cunning and manipulative – is that ridiculous or does it actually hold some truth?
Physiognomy (I can’t say it either), or face reading is pretty popular here – there are centers where you can get your face read to discover your ‘inner self’ or something along those lines. I’m pretty curious so I did my research and it’s extremely interesting… Let me know what you think!
Where this study came from is unknown (some say Greece, India, and China), and in the 19th Century Victorian times, face reading was practiced by criminologists with the assumption that certain facial features on someone may make them more prone to breaking the law! According to physiognomy, different parts of your face reveal different aspects of your character and personality. Some also believe any ‘complications’ that you are having on the face could show what’s going on internally, like the image above.
- Forehead: Your way of thinking
- Eyes: Shows insight on how open you are to life experiences
- Nose: Work and how you deal with money
- Mouth: How expressive you are
- Lips: How sensual you are
- Chin: Your level of assertiveness
- Ears: How you interact with others
Believe it or not – those with cosmetic surgery can count their ‘new’ feature as their own, as cosmetic surgery is believed to change your luck.
If I’m being very honest, with all due respect, I find this a bit silly, but none the less it is quite interesting and some are eerily correct! Grab a photo of yourself that is a frontal face shot (or look in the mirror as you read this) and see what your features tell you about yourself. They differ for men and women, so I have also added face reading for men so you can go an analyze your boyfriends too. 
Hair
- Said to be the measure of physical insulation and strength.
- Delicate, thin, silky hair shows a person who is sensitive in nature.
- Thick, coarse, wild hair shows a person who has physical and mental strength, and great resilience in life.
Head
- If the front part is straight, you are lucky.
- If it’s curved, you are lucky and will lead a very comfortable life.
- A round head shows a very unlucky person.
Forehead
- A wide forehead shows intelligence and practicality.
- A narrow forehead usually belongs to a worrier who needs to think things through many times over before coming to a conclusion.
- A high, rounded and deep forehead shows someone who places emphasis on friendships.
- A flat forehead shows a person who’s pragmatic by nature.
- An exagerrated forehead shows a dreamer.
- A long, broad forehead shows unluckiness.
- A high forehead shows good luck.
Ears
- Long, soft ears shows someone who will have a good, lucky, and comfortable life.
- Crooked, big, unequal and thin in size show unluckiness.
Eyebrows
- Bow-shaped brows with hair that is dark yet neither thin nor bushy shows a person of good luck and strong character.
- Straight eyebrows shows a person who is unlucky.
- Dark eyebrows that are curved over the eyelids shows a person who is lucky in life.
Eyes
- Large, extended eyes that shine show a woman who is lucky, domineering in nature, highly respected, and a leader.
- Small eyes that are dull, glommy, gray colore, round and slightly bent shows a woman who is shrewd and is not likely to rise in life.
- Dark and round shows a sexy woman.
- Drowsy, sleepy eyes shows a woman who loves men and has loose morals.
Mouth
- Lips tell us how we deal with relationships too.
- A mouth with a thinner upper lip than her lower lip shows an inability to reciprocate in relationships.
- A thinner lower lip than the upper lip shows someone who tends to give too much in a relationship.
- Small, tightly pursued lips are telling of a mean, self-centered person.
- Narrow lips shows an unemotional character.
- Large, full lips shows a person who is expressive, generous, and has a taste for all things rich and luxurious.
Nose
- A straight nose indicates a woman who is wise, witty and diligent.
- A small nose shows a cunning, shrewd, mischeivious and lustful.
- Wide, flaring nostrils show a woman who is lazy, strong headed, proud and found of a life of pleasure.
- A hook nose indicates a person of good nature who will enjoy some fame in life.
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Sometimes, the occasion calls for a little bit more makeup than usual, which for some can include foundation. For example, I remember my mother and aunts would only bring out the foundation and red lipstick on special occasions, such as weddings or graduations.
This post is just a tutorial on how to get flawless looking skin thanks to makeup, whether it’s for a special occasion, or everyday.
1. Moisturizer
Soft, supple skin will allow your makeup to go on smoother and ‘melt’ into the skin, rather than just sitting on top and looking every fake.
Apply your moisturizer, (I love this one by Clinique) gently on skin and massage your skin in circular motions so your skin becomes warm and let it soak in for about 1 minute.
2. Primer
Personally I haven’t tried primers yet but my friends all rave about it so much (and I’ve also read so much about it!) that I feel like I should include it here! Primers even out your skin texture so your makeup applies smoothly. It also helps keep moisture in your skin and make your foundation last longer.
If you do use primer, apply a dime size portion of it on your face and apply it lightly with your fingertips.
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I am really getting old. When I first read about a ‘BB cream’, for some reason I seriously thought the ‘BB’ meant Best Buddies … goodness!
After looking at these BB creams, I still couldn’t figure out what they were. Even after reading about them, I still didn’t really get it. An all-in-one product, really? I decided to go straight to the source and ask Matt of BBCreamQueen.com to help me and all of those who don’t know what BB creams are.
So Matt, what are BB Creams anyway, and why are they becoming so popular?
BB Creams stand for Blemish Balm Creams, they are in essence a cross between make-up and skincare products. More precisely, they are make-up creams with skincare properties. They can serve as a make-up base or foundation. Not only do they cover blemishes, they also have soothing, healing properties.
I think they are so popular because they are very versatile. They can cut on the amount of products you use during your daily routine as most BB Creams also act as moisturizers and sun block, some others even having other properties on top of that like anti-aging and/or whitening.
How are BB creams different from foundation?
Unlike foundations, BB creams not only cover blemishes but also contribute to the well-being of your skin. Like mentioned earlier, BB creams have various properties that traditional foundations lack. Also, BB creams adapt to the colour of your skin, giving a more natural, fresher look to your face.
What are the benefits of using a BB Cream?
There are various benefits. Instead of applying moisturiser, sun block and then your foundation, you can just use a BB cream, thus cutting down on time and the amount of “layers”, which should always be kept to a minimum. Also BB creams can overtime play a role in the overall well being of your skin, unlike traditional make-up products.
BB creams are also useful on days when you don’t feel like putting heavy make up on but still want your skin to look flawless. Just apply BB cream and you are set. They are great for giving that natural yet fresh and tidy look.
Thanks so much, Matt! Safe to say I’m convinced. I will be researching, looking and definitely reviewing them in the future. Has anyone tried any BB creams yet? Do you have a favorite to recommend?
After I bought Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer, I came home to find that I had actually finished my usual concealer. Instead of stocking up with my old one, I decided to go to LM to purchase their Secret Concealer.
Plus, on the day I bought the tinted moisturizer, the lady put this on me and once again, it looked flawless!
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is a moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under & around the eye area to conceal discolorations and dark circles.
I’ve been using Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer for the past few months now, and while I like it, I don’t know what I’m doing different than the lady, because I feel it doesn’t cover as well as when she applied it on me. Sigh! It’s a great concealer – very creamy and easy to apply, but somehow it doesn’t cover serious dark circles like mine.
If I were to compare it to another concealer I like; such as Benefit’s famous Boi-ing, I prefer this formula way better – the texture is amazing and goes on much more smoothly, yet I feel Boi-ing gives better coverage. I still decided to write this post because my friend adores it, and for those who don’t need too much coverage (this is only for under eye circles, by the way) I think it would work great. One little con, however, like all Laura Mercier products, it’s on the expensive side.
I know LM has a huge following. Does anyone use this concealer? What are your thoughts on it? I contemplated this concealer and the other one they have available; so maybe the other one is better suited for darker eye circles? Let me know what you think of LM concealers!
Prepare for more organic and eco-friendly talk here, ladies! Just last month, I had a “moment” and decided once and for all to get healthy and start being ‘green’ – it’s been a month now, and so far so good!
This change had me exercising, eating right, and trying to do more for our environment. One of the things I’ve also been doing is researching on organic makeup, when I was introduced to Aubrey Organics, specially their translucent base, and I have fallen in love with it!
Feather-light, loose base powder blends with your own skin tone to even out color, soften imperfections and give your complexion a healthy glow. Formulated with rich, nourishing powdered silk and natural colors.
Coverage
While it’s not full coverage, it is a very light, sheer base that can go on top of your foundation. So far, whether you layer this on top of foundation or by itself, the result is flawless. It gives a nice, sheer, yet matte finish to your face, and I didn’t really see any shine to my face the whole day – I didn’t feel a need to get out those annoying-but-life-saving oil blotters!
I know this may be an issue to some, so I gotta say it: Although there are different color shades; there is hardly any color, as it is so fine and translucent.
So really, there isn’t a real need to worry if you got a color that looks a little too light or dark, it goes on very translucent like an invisible veil; so the more coverage you want, the more layers you can apply – I really can’t see it caking or looking too “done”.
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I had been hearing so much about this tinted moisturizer, that I finally hunted it down and found a small shop that sells it last December.
My friend and I went to the store and asked to try some on, and we immediately went insane! Our skin looked flawless. We were pretty much broke by then, so the next day we went back to the store. I got the oil free version, though, because anything with oil makes me run for the hills.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – Oil Free is a sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne prone, sensitive or oily skin.
Hydrating, oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow. Helps to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin. Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness. Buildable coverage for those hard-to-cover places. Offers further protection from UVB rays & harmful effects of the environment with an SPF 20. Ideal for troubled skin.
First of all, I really like this product. In fact I love it! However, when writing this review, I made a list of pros and cons, and the cons do outweigh the pros. What I love about it is what the company said themselves: it is sheer, lightweight and gives a beautiful dewy, natural look. I also love how it stays on all day and the SPF is of course, a big bonus! One small gripe I have with it, is that though I love the ‘dewy’ look it intially gives, that changes to ‘oily’ after awhile, (though I think it’s because of the climate here) unless you apply a layer of loose powder over it.
However, I can’t really get over the price. This thing is expensive, and while I don’t use it everyday (or much of it each time), buying it here is too much. Since it’s imported, they have marked up the price and the only place it is sold here is a small boutique, which adds more to the price (from what I can see from prices online).
I’m torn! I really love this product but I refuse to spend almost $90 for each tube; I’m sure I can find something just as good for less.
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I’m afraid I’m not sure about UK releases, though. I...