Dior Star Foundation Review & Demo

Ok, so let me go on record and say that this is the last foundation review I'll be doing for a bit!! ;)
...maybe.

If you've been following me over the past few months, you've probably noticed that I've gone a bit foundation-crazy. While I'm happy to report that I've got a great little foundation collection going, I'm even happier to report that they're all pretty great. *I'm planning a little foundation "round up" soon comparing and ranking all of the ones I have and showing my collection, so stay tuned for that update!

So this foundation review is all about the Dior Star foundation. Super unique. Super awesome. Basically, it's my favorite foundation I currently own.

To see all the details about this stuff (seriously, everything you'd need to know from the best tools that work best with it, to a full demo of how I like to apply it), check out my full review video below!

So have you all tried this stuff?? What are your thoughts??

Not a sponsored post. Post contains affiliate links.

Current Favorite CC Cream Review & Demo: SUPERGOOP

Guys...

This CC Cream... Yeah, It's pretty amazing stuff.

I know, I know... The foundation kick I'm on continues (spoiler alert...It's only going to get worse in the coming weeks). BUT, out of all my latest discoveries, this may be the best.  I could go on and on about it and make this post super wordy and lengthy (restrain yourself, Tiffany... restrain yourself...).  So feel free to watch the video below for all the details and a demo to see exactly how the stuff actually covers and works.


Or, I can hit the high points for ya below if you don't have time to watch (definitely leaving out quite a bit that is covered in the video, but you get the idea).

PROS:

• amazing coverage
• doesn't leave any greasy residue and really "sets" to your skin 
• holds up super well on oily skin 
• versatile (can be used as a primer under foundation for more coverage, or on it's own)
• feels clean and light
• natural-looking
• good ingredients and a good SPF
• self-adjusting shades
• a little goes a very long way

CONS:

• I have to mix 2 shades to get my perfect shade (fair-light and light-medium)
• only 3 shades to choose from (they're VERY different, hence mixing two)

So without saying, you can probably tell I love the stuff. It's definitely been my go-to product for weeks now. I like to replace my skincare in the morning with it (instead of using moisturizer/spf, I use this) and it perfects my skin enough to where I don't feel like I have to apply a ton of makeup afterward, or at all.  Most of the time, I'll apply my foundation over it and that works out great as well. Since it's not heavy at all and feels very "set" and, to me, almost primer-like, it works beautifully like this.

So have any of you guys tried this one?? What are your thoughts??

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Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation Review/Demo

I'm on a bit of a foundation kick lately (you may have noticed...).  SO many new ones to try! 

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with pressed powder foundations. I have oily skin, so if the formula is right, they can be a lifesaver for combatting shine and keeping my skin looking matte and fresh throughout the day.  They're also super easy and convenient.

However, certain formulas can look a bit cakey, settle into lines, and dry out your skin like nobody's business.

Seriously, nobody has any business dealing with those types of problems when you're spending a lot on a makeup product.

So I decided to give this one a go after reading all of its seemingly miraculous claims of a "rose petal matte finish" (Who doesn't think that sounds good?), not settling into lines or drying out skin, medium-full buildable coverage, and probably my favorite part, the sweet cocoa powder scent.

I use shade "light", which is a pretty perfect match for me. When I first opened the packaging and smelled the chocolate (exactly like that of the Chocolate Bar palette or their cocoa powder-infused bronzers if you're familiar), I got a little woozy...  Good woozy.

But I'm a skeptic where powder foundations are concerned so I gave it a good go for a few weeks and tested it in a variety of conditions (applying it lightly vs. heavily, applying it on super humid and hot days, touching up vs. not touching up all day, using certain concealers with it, primers, CC creams, you name it...) and think I've found the application method that works perfectly for me at this point.

As I've mentioned, I do have some skin issues going on right now (nothing major, but a bit more hormonal breaking out than usual due to my pregnancy), so I feel like it's the perfect time to really put some of these foundations to the test.
We all know that anyone with perfect skin can pretty much make any foundation work for them, but sometimes it's best to really put the stuff to the test and see how it works with breakouts, discoloration, and even all of this southern heat and humidity we've been experiencing in my neck of the woods lately.

While I did a complete video review of this stuff (seriously, it's pretty thorough), and a demo showing you exactly how I've been using it lately in the way that works best for me (video at bottom of post), I'll go ahead and hit some of the high points and final thoughts...

First of all, it really lives up to all the claims it makes. It indeed does not settle into fine lines, look cakey, or dry out your skin, which is often my biggest complaint with pressed powder foundations. The finish IS beautiful. The whole "matte rose petal finish" description is pretty spot-on.  I've also found that the coverage is above average for a powder foundation like this, and indeed can be built up (and built up quickly).  To me, that is so important. While I like the actual results of the loose mineral foundations I've reviewed recently, I really get impatient working with the stuff for so long. All the building up of small amounts and blending and building and blending...  It can suck up some serious time in your routine.
This stuff is great because with the right brush (I detail all of my favorites in the video/demo), you can seriously pile the stuff on (not the best description for makeup application...), blend, and you're good to go.

For me right now, with all the discoloration I've got going on, I do have to add some concealer (and I even like to start with a CC cream as my primer step beforehand just to start off with a bit of coverage, however, when all that goes away and my skin is back to normal, this foundation will be even easier, because I don't think I'll need to add so much concealer to it. I find that it covers typical unevenness and discoloration pretty well on it's own.

Whew. So those are some of my main thoughts on this stuff.  To seriously get every little detail (and of course, the demo/tutorial), check out my complete video below!

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Current Foundation Routine: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour Full Coverage

I have been on a little foundation-testing/reviewing roll lately.  So I'm back today with yet another...
However, this one is so so very different. In this video, I demo a foundation I've loved for quite a while now (and somehow never reviewed or demo-ed).  It's the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour Full Coverage foundation.
And it is glorious.

First of all, if you've been following my beauty adventures of late, you've seen that I went a little mineral-makeup-crazy for a while with Bare Minerals and the Tarte Airbrush Foundation.  Both great, but to me, there's just nothing that compares to a great liquid.
Lately, this Tarte liquid is at the top of my list.  It's just so easy and fast to apply and gives me the most natural, perfected look.

So I figured the best way to explain my thoughts on this foundation, from the best application method, to other products that work well with it, would be to compile a new little "current foundation routine" video.
Be sure to check it out below, and I hope you enjoy it!

::products used::

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Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation Review & Tutorial

Happy Monday, Loves!
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!

I have been really in to trying loose mineral foundations lately. Since Tarte is one of my favorite makeup brands (I'm IN LOVE with the Amazonian Clay Full Coverage liquid), I thought the Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation would work great with my skin too.

Well, it does... But it's far more time-consuming and a little harder to achieve a full-coverage look when you're dealing with breakouts and uneven skin tone, as I have been lately coming out of my first trimester of pregnancy (hello hormones).
But there are definitely pros as well. It works beautifully on oily/combination skin and the finish is great!  Oh and the packaging is pretty awesome.

Ok, ok, I know that verdict is a little vague for me... We all know I love a detailed review. So I created a full, in-depth review video below as well as a complete tutorial demo-ing this foundation in an everyday foundation routine. The application method and tools you use can completely make or break this foundation, so a video is the only way to go. I hope you enjoy it!

::shop the post::

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Anastasia Contour Kit Review & Tutorial

I can't tell you how excited I am to finally share this thing with you all. Seriously, I've had this kit for MONTHS.  Here's the thing... when I received it, it wasn't available yet so I didn't share it with you all right away. Then, shortly after it was released, it sold out so quickly.

Well now it's finally back in stock at Sephora (check it out HERE), so I figured now would be as good a time as any to finally share with you all my thoughts on this highly-buzzed-about item and show you a little tutorial on how exactly I use it.

For all of my detailed thoughts on this item, check out my full review in my new video below!




As promised, here are the swatches of the shades so you can see the variations a bit better.

What are your thoughts on this one? Do you think it lives up to the hype? Will you be picking it up?

::shop the post::

product provided for consideration by Anastasia with no agreements or obligations to feature or review

Disney MALEFICENT MAC Collection Swatches & Review! (with video)

MAC + Maleficent = Happy Tiffany.

Some of you may remember (those of you who have been watching and reading for a long time) my mention of my Maleficent obsession.

She's not only my favorite Disney villain, but she's probably my all-time favorite Disney character.  Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite Disney movie. Not only because it's so beautiful, but also because of the mystery of the whole story. We never really find out who Maleficent is or why she's so dang angry.
Just admit it... We all know we've had a few shameful moments where we would have loved to bust into a party we weren't invited to and stir up some ruckus.

...just me? Tell me I'm not alone. I mean I probably wouldn't have burst into green flames and cursed their first born, but you get the idea.

So needless to say, when I found out that Disney was making a movie all about the mysterious villain herself, I was giddy. 

The collection is very small and very red. Very similar to what the images depict of the makeup worn by Angelina Jolie as Maleficent in the move.

Here are the products I have...

First off, the Pro Longwear Lipglass...

ANTHURIUM clean bright red, $22

Pro Longwear Lipglasses are known to have great payoff but this one is ridiculous. It's like paint. This one is a great alternative for those of you who love red lips, but may not be a huge fan of lipstick. 

Next up, the beautiful red lipstick in the collection...

TRUE LOVE'S KISS clean bright red (amplified)

Amplified lipsticks never disappoint. Seriously. I'm not even a red lipstick kind of gal, but I wore this paired with the lip pencil from the collection in the video (check it out at the bottom of the post) and I loved it!

Next, the coordinating Pro Longwear Lip Pencil...

KISS ME QUICK yellow red, $21.50

So MAC describes this as a "yellow red", and Imma let them finish, but to me it was a more purple-red. Totally doesn't look that way in the photo, but it came off that way on my lips, especially against the lipstick. But they still worked well together.  Here's a swatch of both below...

Next, the Beauty Powder...

NATURAL soft peachy pink, $30

This one was a little hard to see swatched on my arm, so I included a photo of it swatched on my finger to show the true color a bit better.  On my skin, it didn't show up too well, but added a subtle brightening glow as a highlight or as a soft finishing powder.

Next, the Maleficent quad....

 Goldmine, Ground Brown, Concrete, Carbon, $44

 I so wish they would've created new shades for this one. The actual shades weren't printed on the back of the quad, so while I was describing this in the video, I was just describing the colors without knowing what they really were. While I wore three of the shades (all except Goldmine) and was happy with how it turned out, I wish it would have been a bit different. I'm also convinced that those are different colors pretending to be Carbon and Ground Brown, but that's another story...
Ok, we'll talk about that real quick...  I've felt the individual Carbons have been different for years (not as pitch black or pigmented as the Carbon of yore), but this one has a blueish tint to it. I swear.
Also, the Ground Brown has a totally different feel than my individual Ground Brown. This one is super slick feeling and doesn't blend as well.
What the heck, MAC?

So I used the three shades (all but Goldmine) and liked how it turned out overall. It was simple and soft, but you could definitely make it far more intense with a heavier hand. I didn't use Goldmine because I've always found that shade makes me look a bit sick.
Overall though, if you don't have any of those shades and you like that particular shade of gold, it would be worth it.

Probably the product I was most surprised/impressed by from this collection was the Nail Lacquer! That's definitely a first for me...

FLAMING ROSE true red, $17.50

My actual manicure skills have seen better days with this particular application, but I was shocked at how great the quality was! I planned to just quickly apply it on a few nails to test it out and I was so impressed with the formula that I just kept going.  It's thick, opaque, and not streaky. Adding this one to the collection of favorite reds for sure!

So what are you guys excited about from this collection?? It's available now online HERE and should be out in select MAC stores and Macy's May 15th.

::Check out the video below for my thoughts on this collection!::

Also, don't miss my MAC ALLURING AQUATIC collection post here.

 What do you have your eye on from this collection??

products provided for consideration by MAC Cosmetics with no agreements or obligations to feature or review

Chocolate Bar Palette Tutorial & Review- Candied Violet

Hello and happy Monday, everyone!  I hope you all are having a great start to your week!

I've been loving my new Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette so much that I couldn't resist doing a look with it today for you all. I sort of combined this video with a small review for the palette as well, but since that was a bit brief, I thought we'd get a bit more in-depth here.  So after we talk all things Chocolate Bar Palette, be sure to check out the tutorial at the bottom of the post!

We'll start with the photos...

I actually love the packaging. It's metal and easy to open and close due to the magnetic closure. I prefer that rather than having a clunky snap closure *cough* Naked 2 and 3 palettes *cough*. Plus the outer little "chocolate bar" design is just too darn cute.

When you open the palette, the yummy cocoa powder, chocolatey smell is really apparent (one of the ingredients is actually real cocoa powder). It's not a gross, fake chocolate smell, but rather a really yummy scent that actually makes me look forward to opening it and using it everyday. It's just a fun little extra.

Inside, there are 16 individual colors, with a removable little transparent sheet with the shade names on it. I like that it totally removes.

Here's a better look at the shades...

I love the variety. I'll admit, when this first came out, I was intrigued (because we all know how I feel about good neutrals), but I resisted for a while. I'm SO happy I actually caved and picked one up. We all know I have a ridiculous amount of eye shadows and palettes, so even though I continue to purchase new ones and try them out, sometimes, even when the quality is amazing, I always feel like I can replicate them.
This one is different. For one, it has everything I need in one palette. Perfect shades of brown, perfect highlighting shades, gorgeous shimmery shades, and a few shades in colors that "pop". Aside from the color selection, the actual quality is wonderful.  And we all know how I feel about that intoxicating chocolate scent...

Here are some swatches...

Pretty right?? What do you guys think about this one?

So here is my first tutorial using this palette. There are SO many looks I want to share with this one. Look for another one coming up soon!

products used/shown:

Chocolate Bar Palette 

Sephora airbrush 56 brush 

IT CC Cream Full Coverage (foundation I'm wearing) 

Anastasia Brow Wiz (ash blonde)

MAC Radiant Rose 

Nars Pro Prime lid primer 

Kat Von D Tattoo liquid liner in Trooper 

Dior Iconic Overcurl mascara

Ardell Demi Wispies lashes 

Too Faced Sun Bunny bronzer 

Hourglass Radiant Magenta 

Too Faced Perfect Lips liner in Perfect Nude 

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Be Fabulous

MAC Mineralize Gloss in Tender 

brushes:

Chanel #2 

SIGMA DISCOUNT: Save 10% off your entire Sigma Beauty purchase! Click here for the brushes used in this video and enter code "TIFF10" at checkout

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IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Vol. 1 MATTE Palette Swatches/Review

I totally realize I've been gushing like crazy about this palette lately, so this is definitely not going to be one of those review posts where you're waiting for my definitive verdict.  

There is no mystery here... We all know I'm sort of obsessed with this one.

But I wanted to accompany my latest tutorial video (a natural Spring look using this palette) with some more in-depth swatches and info on this palette, as promised.  In that video I gave a quick little overview at the beginning of the palette, but there is so much more about this palette that makes it unique.

So here we go. First off, the packaging...

Shown above is the box and outside of the palette itself. It's sort of a spongy, soft, fleshy-rose color. Not bad, not great, aesthetically. However, I really like the actual make-up of the palette. The actual way it's made. It's very similar to the way the first Naked palette is made with the large flap and magnetic closure along the front. It's very easy to get in and out of.

As far as the inside, it's gold and gorgeous...

The palette consists of fifteen shades total. Fourteen of those are actual colors, ranging from more natural tones (highlight colors, tans, browns, and light gray-taupes), as well as some more rose-y mauves, a sunny coral, purples, a navy blue, and a jet black.  All of these shades are labeled as being "matte", however they are so much more. They aren't a typical flat, chalky matte at all. They are my absolute favorite type of matte... almost with a bit of a satin-y sheen. Just enough to keep them from looking chalky on the lid. They definitely still appear matte on the lids, but they have a more natural finish. They are smooth, buttery, and almost creamy (they are definitely a powder), in that they apply so smoothly.  They all blend together like a dream (even the darker shades) to create that glowing and beautiful, blended eye effect. Like I said in my recent video, they basically blend themselves.

What makes this so palette unique (other than the quality) is that larger shade in the lower right corner of the palette. This "transforming pearl" shade is made to layer over the shades to almost create fourteen entirely new pearlescent, shimmery shades.

Here's a better look...

Here's a swatch of all the shades applied straight from the palette, without the transforming pearl shade over them.

taken in the sunlight, without the transforming pearl

taken in natural light (not direct sunlight)

And here they are with the transforming pearl blended over them...

Pretty right??

So aside from all the great things I've already said, it gets better. The actual formula is anti-aging! It has ingredients that actually make your lids appear younger and smoother. Very unique for a powder eye shadow.

Here's the description from IT Cosmetics:

"Includes Hydrating Age Reverse and Prevent Complex and infused with Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Silk, Anti-Oxidants and Drops of Light Technology. Paraben-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, cruelty free.


...All shades can be used wet or dry as shadows or liners and are designed to make your lids look younger with lid-loving ingredients including Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acai, Green Tea, Silk and antioxidants!

These luxe, anti-aging shadows were developed with plastic surgeons to instantly diffuse the look of lines and wrinkles on the eyes and lids."



Pretty cool, huh?

The palette is available at Ulta.com (and in stores as well) for $42.

If you missed my latest video about this, check it out here to see the palette in action! I can't wait to do more looks with this one!  Maybe even later this week... ;)
*I've also added ANOTHER tutorial! Check out the latest one here (Brightening Smokey Eye).

So what do you all think? Have you tried this one??

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NEW Enlight Collection Swatches/Review

Last week, Sigma Beauty launched an all-new,  gorgeous, makeup collection themed around warm neutral shades. I've had mine for a few weeks now and couldn't resist digging in.
Let's just be honest, they kind of had me at "warm neutrals".

The collection consists of one eye shadow palette (twelve shades), three eye shadow bases, three lip glosses, three eye pencils, and three eye brushes.

So as I usually do, I really wanted to use the products and wear them at least a few times before writing this post.
Well, turns out, I've been wearing the eye shadows every day (other than when I do specific videos wearing certain products I'm talking about).  I'm super impressed with them.

Ok ok, so before I get ahead of myself, here's all the eye candy! Keep reading for more of my thoughts on the particular products.

Eye Shadow Palette "Warm Neutrals"

$39.

These have INSANE color payoff and blend so smoothly, with very little effort.  It seems that right now, I have a ton of these "warm neutral" palettes to play with. From Naked 3, to Unzipped, now to Warm Neutrals.  I know, it's been a crazy month for palettes for me. But I'm really loving the variety in this one. It has such an awesome mix of matte and frost shades with perfect crease and blending shades, as well as nice highlight and lid shades to create tons of variety.  I've loved every look I've created with this and can say it's becoming a fast favorite.

Eye Shadow Bases

$13.

top: Composed, bottom left: Neutralize, bottom right: Awake

It's no secret that I've been a fan of the Sigma bases since they first came out. I'm really excited about these three new shades. These are super pigmented, and work just as well as the originals- staying creaseless (with my super oily lids, which not many bases can do), and holding up well over time. By that, I mean they haven't dried out in the pots. Most cream shadows similar to these begin separating from the edges and shrinking up in as little as 6 months of having them. None of mine have and I've had my original ones for over a year. Definitely some of my favorites.  I can see the pink being in my daily rotation for a while.

Blush

$12.

top left: Peaceful, top right: Mellow, bottom: Serene

By looking at these, you can probably tell which ones I'd recommend as a highlight, contour, and actual blush.  These blend really smoothly and hold up well throughout the day.  As far as the actual shades, I think they'd work for a very wide range of skin tones. Especially the Serene shade (the rosier, actual blush shade). It has a ton of color payoff and can actually build very dark. However, you can apply it lightly and make it work for someone with a lighter skin tone as well.

Eye Liner

$9.

top-bottom: Eclipse, Nutmeg, Vintage

I'm really impressed with these. I actually really prefer these to the other Extended Wear liner pencils from Sigma. These sharpen easier and actually wear longer.  These shades are super versatile as well. The formula isn't quite as soft as the Extended Wear, but sometimes I actually prefer that in a pencil liner because typically they hold up better. I just warm them up on my hand a bit first before applying them.

Lipgloss

$10.

 top-bottom: Tranquil, Hint, Tint

(swatches below in same order from left-right)

To me, these are actually a really great consistency. I've always said that sticky lip glosses do not bother me in the least because they typically last longer. These actually hold up similar to a stickier gloss, but they aren't super sticky.  I'm pretty sure there isn't an exact scale for gloss-stickiness, but I'd say these fall somewhere right in the middle. Not super sticky, but definitely not that watery slick feeling of some. I guess it's just all a matter of personal preference. I'd describe the scent as very sweet. Think cookie dough or cake batter-ish.

So what do you all think? To me,  the stand-out products are the eye palette and the eye shadow bases. Those are definitely worth checking out.

As always, you guys can save 10% with the most current Sigma Beauty discount code (current one is always posted in the sidebar of my blog), DEC2013.

If you guys want to see these products in action, look for a new tutorial coming up later in the week!

*Products provided for consideration by Sigma Beauty with no agreements or obligations to feature or review. All opinions and recommendations are genuine. Post contains affiliate links.