STASH STAPLE: Avon Simply Pretty Shine No More Dual Powder Foundation

Since we met two months ago, I’ve been so in love with Avon’s Simply Pretty Shine No More Dual Powder Foundation. I’ve been using it almost every day since I rushed to our local Avon outlet and purchased it. This foundie had been raved about so much in GT and even gorgeous Khimmy declared it a great dupe for the MAC Studio Fix Pressed Foundation. I use my Everyday Minerals flat top brush to apply this as a finishing powder for my liquid foundation of the day.

Item Blurb:

Avon Shine No More
Dual Powder Foundation SPF 13
Light Beige
Put shine on hold while protecting and keeping your face fresh and clean. 
Special micro-powders absorb shine while wet/dry formula allows you to control its coverage for a fresh, clean look.  SPF 13 helps shield skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. Oil free. Dermatologist-tested. Clinically tested. Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Made especially for Asian women.

What’s to Like about it:
· It provides great coverage especially when applied wet. In fact, even with dry application, it is able to cover the freckles near my cheekbones well.
· It is great at controlling oil. Ever since I started to use this, I don’t blot as often as I used to.
· Powder is unscented which is a plus especially for those who are really sensitive with fragranced products.
· It has SPF. Albeit the SPF is low, this is better than having none at all.
· I like that its packaging includes two compartments, one for the powder and another for the sponge. I like how this is designed as I think it is more hygienic this way.
· Really affordable. Retails at around Php 250. You’ll get it at an even lesser price when it goes on sale.

What’s Not to Like about it:
· It comes only in three available shades namely; Light Beige, Natural and Almond. You might not be able to find one that suits your skin tone perfectly.

So, get one for yourself. It’s a win-win situation, anyway. If it suits you then you are able to find a great everyday foundation. If it would not, it would not hurt so much since this is really cheap.

Ciao!

Stash Staple: Maybelline Clear Smooth Extra Shine Free Powder Foundation

I have always associated price with quality. This is the reason why I work my butt off to be able to afford pricier make up items. As what my colleague would always say, our face deserves only the best products that we can afford. While this had always been my mindset, I would always feel ecstatic when I find items that work without breaking the bank.

One of the cheap thrills I discovered is the Maybelline Clear Smooth Extra Powder Foundation. I have been reading raves about this online but I was not compelled to purchase it until I read about Rissa Mananquil recommending this on her weekly Phil. Star column. She said that this is one of the best-kept secrets of runway makeup artists. She shared that she started buying this when one of the makeup artists used this on her for a retouch.

Maybelline New York Clear Smooth Extra Shine Free Powder Foundation in Natural

What I like about it:

• Very easy on the wallet at only Php 349. Even if I would retouch countless times, I won’t feel bad because this is so affordable.
• Accessible as it is available in all beauty sections of department stores nationwide. 
• I love the baby blue shade of the packaging. 
• Has SPF 20 
• Comes with a mirror and a sponge making it very travel-friendly
• Can be used wet or dry 
• Very effective in hiding the freckles on top of my cheeks 
• Good at keeping oils at bay especially when applied wet

What I don’t like about it:

• Packaging does not look elegant. I find the casing of Avon’s pressed powders more attractive than this
• Available shades are limited
• Tends to cake especially when applied wet 
• As I am acidic, this darkens on me two to three hours after I apply it 
• It does not have a separate compartment where a used sponge or latex applicator can be placed 

Thanks ladies! 

Stash Staple: Mary Kay Medium-Coverage Liquid Foundation

For my first entry under "stash staple", I am featuring one of the liquid foundations that I often reach out for. Yes, I prefer liquid foundies over the other formulations because I find that these last longer on me than powder foundation alone. One of my foundation staples is Mary Kay Medium-Coverage Liquid Foundation in Ivory 200.

Item Description:
Normal to Oily Skin
Suitable for sensitive skin. Oil-free. Non-comedogenic.
Dermatologist-tested.
Smooth on foundation for a flawless finish. Helps control excess oil.
1 Fl. Oz. / 29 mL.
Php 650.00. Available through Mary Kay dealers.

I like this because:
• It lasts long on me. I usually apply this at 8 a.m. and it would last even after 7 p.m.
• I find the tube casing very compact and convenient to carry along anywhere.
• The packaging is hygienic because I only get to touch the amount of foundation that I’m going to use. In my opinion, the container is also sturdier and of better quality than that of the Maybelline liquid foundations.
• I also like the pink and white colors of the packaging as I found it very feminine.
• While the container looks small on sight, it packs on so much product because even after using it almost every day for the last three months, I am still not even halfway through the product.
• Considering the quality and the contents of the item, I consider this a very cost-effective buy.
• Very helpful indeed in keeping the oilies at bay. I observed that my oil blotting films are not that drenched with facial oil when I’m using this.

I don’t like this because:
• The product gives only medium coverage. This might not be the best choice for those who prefer full coverage foundations.
• The shade options are very limited. I got the one in Ivory 200 and the only other shade was "Beige." I’m lucky that I’m able to get away with wearing the former.
• This would not be easily accessible especially if you don’t know any Mary Kay dealer.

Thanks for reading.