Almay as a brand always transports me back to high school. They've been a reliable brand for affordable makeup options at the drugstore for as long as I can remember. With products subtle enough for a school uniform, and gentle enough for my sensitive skin, I'm always interested to see what they have coming out next. The new Almay Best Blend Forever Foundation is an incredible daily base available at the drugstore right now, for a multitude of reasons. The packaging is sleek, the foundation is easy to use, and it offers a finger-free application via the sponge top, perfect for on-the-go makeup.
This product might feel like a déjà-vu on my blog, since it has a similar look to the Revlon PHOTOREADY INSTA-FILTER FOUNDATION which I reviewed here in the shade Ivory. I prefer this Almay foundation to the Revlon one since Best Blend Forever is a squeeze tube (easier to control vs. the turn & click-up dispenser for Revlon) and the sponge top, albeit firmer on Almay, is removable - so you can wash it at any point. This comparison is a mixed bag of pros and cons since I prefer the sponge texture on Revlon Insta-Filter, but don't often use it since it can get so dirty. And Almay's sponge is too firm, so I don't use it much either. In the end, I'm definitely more of a brush girl when it comes to foundation.
Almay Best Blend Forever is a lovely moisturizer-foundation hybrid which works great for the summertime, since it comes with SPF 40 and a semi-wide range of 12 shades (especially light shades, for porcelain tones). I will say that the price of $20 CAD on Walmart was surprising, I'd only repurchase if it goes on sale for $15 or under.. the drugstore seems to be getting out of hand with pricing lately.
This opaque squeeze tube comes with a sponge-tipped applicator, which can be removed to reveal the normal tube opening. Squeeze the tube, and the foundation comes out through a hole in the sponge. This foundation's texture is that of a smooth gel-cream that glides across skin with ease. The sponge applicator works well to apply this foundation and blend it in, though you can also just squeeze some out onto your hand or a separate makeup applicator, like a brush! As advertised, you get light to medium coverage and the feeling is so lightweight. It sets to a slightly dewy finish that'll work best for those with normal to dry skin. It wears well throughout a standard work day without creasing or fading, and is easy to remove with a standard face cleanser. I love the fact that this has moisturizing ingredients in it, since anything with SPF dries out my combo skin like there's no tomorrow. Luckily, I don't get any awkward peeling and dryness with this foundation.
The first time I tried Best Blend Forever, I realized it was VERY light and I looked like a ghost. I then decided to mix it with my Vichy TEINT IDEAL FLUID FOUNDATION which I have in shade 25 Sand. Success! See the end product below.
Pros:
- The lightest shade is almost white (100 porcelain)- Does not oxidize
- Option to remove blender sponge for cleaning/alternate application methods
- Convenient squeeze-tube
Cons:
- White cast (fixed by mixing foundations or adding bronzer)- Slightly drying on blemishes
- Does create an oily finish throughout the day, won't keep shine at bay for long
- Expensive at $20. Would have priced it around $14 max
- Blender is too firm
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| Foundation swatch on the left in 100 Porcelain. Mixed with Vichy Foundation on right - see final product below |
Next up, e.l.f. Cosmetics! I received their Lash Extending Mascara and Molten Liquid Eyeshadow for review from TopBox and am so pleased with the duo for a super quick summer look.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Molten Liquid Eyeshadow (shop e.l.f. online here)
This gorgeous rose gold cream shadow comes in a sleek plastic tube and applies very pigmented onto the lids. It is part of the Aqua Beauty collection and claims to provide hydrating benefits (includes Purified Water and Vitamin E) while delivering vibrant shine and a cooling effect. I definitely notice that this product isn't drying on my lids, and the wear time is impressive for the affordable price of $4 US. - I didn't notice any creasing throughout the day, and I didn't wear a primer underneath. I love this warm golden peach shade on my green eyes, it is so flattering and also has that duochrome effect where the light catches the shimmer and makes you look like you're wearing more than one shadow - it provides amazing depth to the lids without any extra effort. If you did want to amp-up your look, add a lighter shade in the inner corner and a darker brown in the crease to take this cream shadow from day to night. Setting it with powder will also make the finish extra bulletproof!
e.l.f. Cosmetics Lash Extending Mascara
So I don't usually like e.l.f. mascaras, they're just too cheapy drugstore for my liking. I'd rather spend an extra $7 on Maybelline or L'Oreal and know that I'm getting top-notch quality. That being said, this mascara really impressed me too! At only $3 US I could build up this mascara to a nice intensity, shown in the photo below. It didn't last when I was splashing around in the pool the other evening, so don't go near water with this one on. But overall, it applied well and didn't flake so I'd recommend it if you're in a pinch and want something super cost effective.
Do you have any favourite products from Almay and e.l.f.?
xx
Received free via TopBox review panel.
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