This is just an initial review, I will do a real one after I have used this product for a few weeks.

Product: Everyday Minerals – Intensive formula
Price: USD 11.00 @ J.Lynne Cosmetics
Review:

My samples from J.Lynne came last week! As you can see, I ordered from the Warm and Golden palettes in both Medium and Tan. As all I bought were samples to determine a match for my skin color, I’m mainly going to focus on the color-matching aspect in this initial review. According to the website, Warm is designed for people with “soft yellow/peach undertones” while Golden is for those who have “true golden/yellow undertones”.

Comparing both the Medium formulas, you can see that the Medium Warm actually is darker than the Medium Golden. I found that Medium Warm would be a great fit for me in the summer, since it gave me a nice bronzed look. But since it is winter right now, if I wore it I would stand out because my skin has actually gotten lighter now that I have no sun to bask in. My only problem is that Medium Warm is good for peach undertones too, and it can end up making you look unnaturally pink. On the other hand, Medium Golden was a perfect fit for me!!

These are the Tan formulas and they definitely don’t fit my skin, if only because I’m not tanned in the winter. Tan Warm made my face look really dark and bruised. And don’t be tricked, the Tan Golden is actually not that dark in my opinion – the only thing different is how much more yellow it’ll make you look. The “yellow” in Tan Golden is extremely strong. You’ll know that it won’t match you because it’ll make you look cartoon yellow.

I know that most of you know how to test foundation shades by now, but for those of you who are just starting out: Please please please test it in natural lighting!! At first I thought that I was a perfect match for Medium Warm and Tan Golden until I stepped outside to compare. Also, don’t forget that you can always mix two different shades of mineral make-up to attain your perfect color! I used to mix my Everyday Minerals with Coastal Scents to get the correct shade for me. Overall, my results are:

Summer Foundation: Medium Warm
Winter Foundation: Medium Golden

My initial thoughts: fantastic full coverage, good staying power (much better than Coastal Scents!) and applies with a semi-matte finish. Loving it so far.

Initial Rating: 5/5

Product: Coastal Scents Silk Cover Foundation
Price: ~USD 2.00 per sample / USD 21.95 per 30 g full jar (8 g powder)
Review:

I bought these in their sample form and have actually never needed to invest in the larger jars yet, since I honestly don’t wear much foundation. They give very generous samples, it will last you for a while. This foundation is supposed to provide full coverage with a creamy texture and dewy finish. This is one of the reasons why I really like this foundation because it is a mineral make-up that provides full coverage – I’m all for full coverage that feels light on the skin.

I have the shades Medium, Medium 1.2 and Tan. Both Medium and Tan are actually very neutral, so if you need a warmer undertone I would try the Medium 1.2 because it is slightly warmer and more fitting if you have yellow undertones. It might be difficult to find your exact shade with one sample, so I would suggest trying a out a couple and even mixing some. I apply this with the Coastal Scents Pink Kabuki Brush and build until I get the type of coverage that I want.

Ingredients List: Titanium Dioxide, Sericite, Iron Oxides, Rice Powder, Boron Nitride, Kaolin Clay, Mica,Ultramarine Blue

In the image below, I only have some dark spots left over because I have been on a Tazorac & 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide treatment for about 6-7 months. The foundation does provide full coverage if your main concern is redness or spots but it will provide medium coverage if you have active acne or bumps.

I find that this foundation helps to control oil, since it does contain Kaolin Clay that absorbs the oil on your face. If I apply it in the morning, I won’t need to blot until around mid-day or late-evening depending on how warm it is outside. This foundation feels light on your skin but I am able to build to full coverage and it makes my skin look very silky and smooth. You do need to touch-up every now and then though. I also find that it can make my shallow acne scars more prominent as the day wears on, so its not that great if you have extremely uneven skin like me. Fortunately, its not that noticeable for me unless you’re really up in my face and staring. This foundation doesn’t have the most amazing staying power though, if you are slightly oily and blot, it won’t last the full 12 hour day.

Rating: 4/5