I’ve been stuck on some pretty high-end concealer favorites for a while, and now that I’m running low on those I decided to give some good ol drug store brands a shot and see if they stand up to the test!

First up, L’Oreals new True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer!

I like to have a subtle highlight effect when choosing my concealer shade. So I went with the medium/deep warm-6 color that is about a shade in a half lighter than my skin tone and has a golden undertone. 

There are a total of six concealer shades to choose from, with this color being the second to “darkest” in the selection. 

Here is a quick swatch of what it looks like on my hand.

When choosing a concealer, here are the top three things I look for:

1. Undertone: I look for concealer that has a golden undertone because I like the look of a highlighted area under my eyes. Anything that is too neutral looks ashy on me.

2. Consistency: I look for a concealer that goes on smooth and creamy making it easier to blend. Because I like the consistency to be creamy, I always set my concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing lines underneath my eyes.

3. Coverage: Concealer that actually conceals isn’t too much to ask for right? Well you would be surprised. I have dark spots (from popping pimples…which I don’t recommend you do) and semi-dark circles under my eyes, so a concealer with pigment and coverage is key.

I apply my concealer in somewhat of a triangle shape under my eyes and on any dark spots.

Next I take my ring finger and smooth out the concealer down to my cheeks to make sure it’s blended seamlessly with my foundation. The next step (not pictured) is to lightly brush a translucent powder over the concealer to set it and prevent any creasing lines.

Be gentle when blending because the skin under your eye is very delicate. 

You see the difference it makes with concealer on the left side and none on the right? The correct shade can instantly light up your face and give you a refreshed look!

The L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer is definitely a great drugstore buy. It got the job done and the crayon stick makes it easy to use. Get’s a thumbs up from me! 

Price Tag: $7.99 

Available at Target

MAKE UP FOR EVER just released their first new foundation in over four years called Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation. It is a unique multi-use compact foundation that is formulated to be applied wet or dry. When applied wet, it’s said to deliver a sheer, satin coverage and when applied dry it’s said to offer a full, matte coverage.

The foundation comes in a circular compact with a sponge tucked underneath in a bottom compartment of the compact.

My face is usually a lighter shade than the rest of my body, so when it comes to picking out my color of foundation, I tend to go a shade darker than my natural skin tone. I also do this because I like to look “tan” year round lol.

Words of advice when having to choose your color based on what is pictured online (like I had to do)…

-It’s safer to go with the darker choice. Especially since summer is right around the corner, you can “grow” into your darker shade.
-If you are ordering online, google image the color you want, and see if any pictures come up with complexions that are close to yours.
-Do a little research. Read reviews about the color and the way the foundation lasts all day. If you have dry skin and the foundation is matte, you may want to go with something has more of a dewy finish to add moisture back into your skin.

I chose a shade with a neutral/yellow undertone, #174 Neutral Saffron.

Ok on to the review.

BEFORE picture with no makeup. Don’t go too hard on me lol. 

I applied the foundation on half of my face using the dry sponge technique. It definitely gave me a matte finish. I usually prefer something that is a little more dewy, but the color is right on.

AFTER picture of the foundation applied to my entire face in addition to my normal makeup routine.

I like the new Pro Finish Foundation. It gave me the coverage I was looking for while still appearing “natural”. I didn’t care to apply the foundation using the sponge, so on the other side of my face I used a big fluffy powder brush which still gave me great coverage and didn’t come across as being so matte. I’ll try the wet sponge technique next time to see if it gives me more of a dewy finish.

Overall, Make Up Forever’s Pro Finish Multi-Use Foundation gets a thumbs up from me!

It comes in 25 different colors with neutral, pink, and golden undertones (so virtually a shade out there for everyone), and retails at $36 each. You can find the foundation at the Make Up For Ever counter at Sephora stores.
 

Last night I decided to give myself a mini facial and totally forgot about these sample SK-II Skin Signature 3D Refining Masks sitting underneath my sink (confessions of a product junkie). 

Now let me go ahead and warn you that NOTHING about these masks are cute. As a matter of fact, when you put them on you look scary lol but the benefits and end results are absolutely amazing!

Each packet comes with a Targeted Moisturizing Lifting Mask with one cloth-like upper mask and one lower mask. Here’s what they look like when you take them out of the packet. 

The upper and lower pieces are saturated heavily in a milky liquid that “works to uplift sagging skin and increase firmness and elasticity. You’ll notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while experiencing a velvety smooth, radiant, and youthful complexion.”

It smells like a milky lavender scent mixed with the signature pitera scent…which I actually like. Anyway, you apply the top part of the mask which stretches over your eyes and the bridge of your nose.

Next, the bottom piece…

I told you it was scary looking! I didn’t even want to post the picture of me looking directly into the camera lol! 

The lower half stretches over your moth and nose and can be smoothed down underneath your jawline.

I left the mask on for 15 minutes then peeled it off. You can wipe the excess liquid away after you’ve taken the mask off or you can blend it into your skin like I did for extra moisture. 

My skin felt incredibly soft and clean after taking the mask off! Prior to using the mask, I used a light exfoliator, St. Ives Apricot scrub, rinsed, lightly towel dried my face and whipped out the SK-II mask.

If you’re looking for luxury, I would definitely recommend trying this SK-II mask! Your skin will love you and what better way to splurge than on skincare? 

You can find the mask at SK-II counters at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Sephora stores for $145 for a box of six masks.

Bonus: Check out my daily skin care routine here. 

There was news back in August 2012 of super star Mariah Carey releasing her own nail polish line with the OPI brand. 

It was only a matter of time before this limited edition collaboration surfaced, and it has finally hit the streets for the public to paint their talons with. 

The collection features soft pinks, auburn’s, and purples, with a new colorful, textured addition to the OPI family called “Liquid Sand”. Meant to be worn without a top coat, this lacquer gives your nails a unique, textured, matte finish.

Check out some of the colors below:

“A Butterfly Moment” : This is a great “natural” color and is totally work appropriate in a corporate setting or even to wear for an interview. 

“Anti-Bleak” : This color was very pretty, a perfect mix of magenta. Two coats are all you need.

“Sprung” : This color was a little tricky. As beautiful as it is in the bottle, you need three coats to get the right pigment otherwise it will be too sheer (like pictured on my nails). I think this color would be more flattering on a different skin tone.

The Liquid Sand “Stay The Night” : OPI mastered the shattered top coat, so naturally it’s time for something new, like liquid sand. The liquid sand also comes in a blue, purple, and red. Check out the results…

I applied 3 coats of this and I admit it may have been a little much because you can see how thick it looks. I wanted the black to be darker, so next time I just won’t be as generous when applying the 3 coats. 

The shiny finish dries into a textured matte coat. It feels like a softer version of sandpaper.

Finished look after it dried…pretty cool.

What do you think about the way the Liquid Sand looks? Are you feeling the Mariah Carey for OPI collection?

I almost died when I posted this sexy matte black french manicure as part of my daily “dope nails of the day” post, over a year ago. The only matte polish I could get my hands on to even try the look myself was by Chanel … and it’s $25 and always out of stock. 

One day while perusing through the Target beauty aisles, what did I find? NYC’s Matte me Crazy Mattifying Top Coat, for just $1.99. I’m definitely down with that price!

Last night I finally put my matte top coat to use over “Black Creme” by Wet n Wild (another cheapie).

Of course you always need to use a base coat to prevent your polish from staining your natural nail, and I went with Revlon’s Longwear base coat. Next I applied two coats of my Wet n Wild (forgot to take a picture of that), and finished it off with the matte top coat.

And here’s a closer look. I did this myself so I know it’s not perfect.

Here’s how it works. The matte polish goes on shiny and dries matte. Surprisingly it actually dries pretty quickly, and it hasn’t chipped at all since polishing them last night. That was what I was most worried about. I made sure to drag the top coat over the tips of my nails as well to seal in the polish so it wouldn’t be as prone to chipping.

If you want to get the french mani look, just take a regular shiny top coat and polish a line at the tips. There ya go! 

I am totally pleased with the end result and especially considering the price. I’m excited to try some more designs in the near future! Definitely giving NYC Matte Me Crazy a thumbs up!

What do you think about the end look? If you decide to try it out, make sure you send me a pic of your nails at McKenzie@McKenzieRenae.com ! 

Ok if you don’t have a curlBOX, you’re losing. CurlBOX has provided me with one of the easiest outlets to sampling various natural hair products, without having to spend a fortune along the way (just $20 a month). 

So naturally, I put a couple of the November curlBOX products to use in my recent wash-and-go style. I tried out the Curl Care by Dr. Miracle Strong Hold Gel, and Clear Scalp Hair & Therapy Ultra Shea shampoo and conditioner.

My scalp has been a little itchy and dry due to the weather. The Clear shampoo felt very refreshing against my scalp and the conditioner gave my curls that winter bounce back.

Let me tell you, I used to be sooooo anti-gel because I hated that it left my hair hard and crunchy and often times flaky. But the Strong Hold Gel gave me instant results as soon as I applied it to my strands from roots to ends! It left my hair with no frizz, no flakes and extra definition while still keeping my coils soft. Changed my little mind right on around ;)

Finally, having a great blow dryer with the right attachments is key in getting great results with your hair (whether wearing it curly or straight). To set my style, I used my Hana air blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. The diffuser has controlled air flow and is used to set my curls while preventing frizz. Ladies, this is a must-have for a great wash-and-go style!

Here are the results after I finger twisted my strands using the strong hold gel and set my curls with the diffuser.

And here is an extra close up.

Thanks curlBOX :)

Any of you ladies have any secrets you want to share on how to achieve the perfect wash-and-go style? Fill me in!