Kiss by New York Aqua BB Cream | Review

You've probably heard a good bit of women raving about this BB cream. Another cheap wonder. This is hands down the BEST foundation/BB cream I have tried. I have used both high end and drugstore foundations. Its an all around BOMB product + it's made for WOC!! I first heard about this BB cream on YouTube. I had seen it in the beauty supply store before but never paid any attention to it. After seeing so many reviews and rants I had to go get it for myself. I looked in a few BSS in my area and couldn't find my shade (of course they were sold out). So, I ordered it off of eBay. After a week, it finally arrived and I used it as soon as it got it. I used it with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (fave foundation brush at the moment) and it applied beautifully! I squeezed some of the product onto the brush, started on one side of my face and moved to the next. When I was done, I took a good look in the mirror. The shade I have is Medium and it is just a smidge bit darker than me, but my face is already darker than my neck and chest so I didn't think of it as much of a problem. Besides, after I put on my powder everything is Even Steven.

Here are the claims:

In my opinion, 6 out of the 8 claims are definitely true. I'm not so sure about the skin regeneration or pore tightening. My pores do seem to be a wee bit less noticeable but the primer I use might have something to do with that also. As for the skin regeneration, I guess I would have to use this for a little bit longer to tell the difference even though I'm not exactly sure what its supposed to be regenerating.

Ever since I got it, I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY. This is my go-to foundation/BB cream/base whatever
you want to call it. I used to use the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream but it didn't have much, if any, coverage and it didn't work well with my oily t-zone. The only reason I continued to use it was because it had SPF and it did even out my skin a little. But after trying this, I'm never going back. I will repurchase this forever and ever! Let me tell you why I love it so much:

• works great with my oily skin
• satin finish
• long wearing
• super blendable
• great coverage
• good color match/variety
• inexpensive
• squeeze packaging
• a lot of product in the tube

Cons

• not very easy to find
• no SPF

If you are a WOC, I highly recommend you go out and get this! You'll love it, guaranteed. 

Elf Powder Brush | Review

image from eyeslipsface.com

Last summer I purchased the infamous Elf Powder Brush. Unfortunately it was not available at my local Target so I had to order it. I ordered the brush (along with others) from drugstore.com It came super fast with FREE 2-day shop runner shipping so that was a plus. As soon as I got my package, I couldn't help myself but open it so I could feel the softness everyone raves about. Instantly I fell in love with the brush. Previously to receiving my E.l.f. brushes, I just used a few Mary Kay brushes and a small set I bought from Forever 21. (Two completely different qualities!) After playing with it for a few minutes, I went ahead and washed it. I wash my brushes with Dawn Antibacterial Dish Soap and EVOO. There was no shedding at all, the first wash was a breeze. I let the brush dry overnight and used it the next morning. 

At the time I used Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream in Deep Sheer Tint & Black Radiance's Color Perfect Foundation in Rum Spice. This applied both products like a dream. The application was smooth, fast, and the finish was beautiful. I love the feeling of the brush against my face. The brush really is super soft and feels heavenly while you're buffing in your product. I would recommend this brush to ANYONE. 

~

Now that it has been a while, I've bought more brushes and have found a new use for it. I use this brush primarily for setting powder. I set my base with Black Opal's Invisible Oil Blocking Loose Powder. The flat top is perfect for pushing the powder on the face making sure to set everything it touches. After I set, a few minutes later I go back in with the brush and just buff off the excess and I'm ready to apply my finishing powder. :)