We Have Moved!
23 Feb
Just a quick note to say that this blog has moved domain, and now lives over at www.ninegrandstudent.co.uk.
Moving over has been a little more difficult than anticipated, and the site has experienced a little down time but it should all be up and running as normal now. I’m in the process of moving subscribers over, but in the meantime visit the new site for up-to-date posts!
Review: Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation
20 Feb
I was sent this foundation to review in early December, on the condition that I wore it every day for at least three weeks before reviewing. Admittedly I’ve left it a lot longer than three weeks, but that was because I was kind of on the fence about this product!
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation is being marketed as a multi-tasking foundation, providing instant, flawless coverage for up to 13 hours. It claims to be long wearing and skin improving, and has impressive (especially for the price of £8.99) ingredients including Magnesium, Copper, Zinc and provitamin B5. I think the most intriguing addition is glycerin, an ingredient which should help to keep skin moisturised. If the ingredients weren’t impressive enough, this foundation comes with some pretty big claims – “reducing the appearance of the visible effects of stress including bumps, dullness and redness, add brightness and give the skin a long lasting glow.”
Do I agree with all these claims? Well I have to admit that after using this foundation for around 5 weeks (the last fortnight it has not been applied every day) my skin is in very good condition, quite possibly the best it has been in a long, long time. The majority of the red patches on my cheeks have faded, everywhere feels plump, I’m definitely less spotty, and my pores seem slightly reduced. That’s not to say my skin looks great though, simply better than before!
One thing I will add though is that after a week of wearing this everyday I seemed to go through a purging stage, with a couple of really nasty spots appearing on my forehead. I can’t say I loved that reaction to the foundation, but it was over pretty quickly! Other downsides include a glass bottle (I’m clumsy so this worries me!), but I forgive Maybelline totally as it has a pump.
Now, the actual look of the foundation. I received the shade ‘Warm Beige’ which actually is very pale (although still a little dark for me) but perfect in terms of undertone. I’m neither pink nor yellow, so this suits me well. The one review currently on Boots suggests that Ivory is the palest shade, and is very dark, so I would suggest trying Warm Beige (which is a ridiculous name for a pale shade…) if you are struggling. Though obviously the best option is to go into store and actually swatch for yourself!
In terms of its finish, when applied well (and that is key here) I love the foundation. Its like my skin, but perfectly. I’d say it offers medium-to-full coverage, with a natural ‘real skin’ finish. A little bit glowy, but not shiny, definitely not matte though! I really do like the finish, it covers redness and blemishes seamlessly, and feels comfortable on the skin. It also seems to last rather well (though not 13 hours!) without primer or powder, which is a massive bonus.
But here is the problem – I hate applying it. Its quite a thick foundation, so you have to be quick blending it. Or it won’t blend at all. I’ve tried blending with fingers, but that really didn’t work for me. Foundation brush is better, but still difficult. I find that making sure I have properly exfoliated and moisturised is a definite help, but this will show up any dry patches. The most guaranteed good application I have found it mixing with a spot of moisturiser, but this kind-of defeats the point of a high-coverage foundation! I’m considering ordered a buffing brush (something similar to Real Techniques) to see if that helps, but at the moment I’m concentrating on ridding my skin of dry patches first!
So, would I say I like this foundation? Definitely. As long as it applies nicely (which to be fair it does probably 80% of the time) it looks great and lasts all day.
Would I say this is my Holy Grail foundation? No, the application issues make me feel I could find better.
Would I repurchase? Possibly, depending on which other pale foundations I discover.
Would I recommend? Yes, but not for dry skin. Its also the best budget foundation I have tried – at £8.99 it really is a bargain!
So, if you have normal-oily skin, redness and blemishes, and on a tight budget, then I’d definitely recommend trying this foundation. I’d avoid if you have dry skin though. And I have to say I’ve changed my mind about Maybelline foundations (their Dream Matte mousse put me off almost permanently in my early teens!) and I was pleasantly surprised.
What’s your favourite foundation at the moment?
What’s Cooking Wednesday (#11)
19 FebLast week I completely forgot to write this post…oops! Instead I will start this week’s installment with a few pictures of my meals over the past seven days;
Some amazing food here – including chocolate sausages, and a red wine gravy – details to come soon! Now onto this week’s menu:
Wednesday – Lentil Korma
Thursday – Something with Leftover Rice
Any ideas? I don’t really fancy fried rice, which is a bit annoying as that’s what I’d usually go for!
Friday – Cottage Pie
My freeze is full of these, so I will take advantage as I’ve had a bit of a poor week in the vegetable eating.
Saturday – Three Bean Chilli
I think I’ll let Friday & Saturday’s meals be interchangeable so I can adjust based on the quality of my veg!
Sunday – House Dinner
We have a guest cook of a housemate’s boyfriend treating us to a meal this week, and I have no idea what is planned. I took an extra turn last week and made Cottage Pie for 6, which ended up being a mammoth but very delicious task!
Monday – Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry
I’ve been craving one of these for quite a while, so fingers crossed I’ll have enough veg leftover – I’ve not been to do a proper food shop in two weeks already, so am running a bit low!
Tuesday – Carbonara
Something quick and easy for shopping night, and carbonara is probably my favourite pasta dish anyway!
Have you eaten something extra-yummy lately?
A Hello from Chloe
Hi! I'm a second-year undergraduate at Kent University, and write about everything - budget meals, baking, make-up and beauty products, restaurants, travel, study skills, anything!
Hope you enjoy my blog, feel free to contact me with any comments, questions or queries!
Chloe x
The Life & Loves of a Ninegrandstudent 