Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick

            I actually got this Hourglass Vanish seamless finish foundation stick($46) before the Anastasia Beverly Hills stick foundation($25). I ought to compare the two in a video, but haven't got a chance ever since I came back from my recent Shanghai trip. I took this and the ABH stick foundation with me. I have to say that though this one is much more expensive, it's better. It's better in terms of coverage, finish, longevity, and texture. I know that this only has 0.25oz of product, and we are so used to a full ounce with normal foundations. To tell you the truth, I own a lot of foundations, and I love to test out foundations and mascaras as well as lip colors. Honestly, do we really ever go through a whole bottle of foundation? I mean, I don't. Well, I did with four so far. The Missha BB cream, ELF serum foundation, Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation, and the Physician's formula cushion compact. That's it. I've used up all those four face makeup throughout all the years that I've been wearing makeup! I'm sure I will finish up this one soon because it only has a quarter of an ounce, but I'll use it sparingly consider it's pricey tag. Still, I love this, and I recommend this to pretty much everyone out there with different skintones and skin issues. I love how Hourglass' foundation stick has a wide range of shade selections for the massive consumers out there. I remember Hourglass is also cruelty-free brand. ABH stick foundation is actually vegan. This is not, but I believe it's still cruelty-free. It's a more high end makeup brand anyway so I can understand the price point. I thought the ABH would be a more affordable dupe to this, but after wearing them both for the three weeks that I was in Shanghai, I realized this is a much better product. 

What it is: 
A long-wearing foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, fluidity of a liquid, and weightlessness of a powder for invisible full coverage. 

What it does: 
A foundation and concealer in one, Vanish Foundation’s concentrated formula is infused with double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations for instant full coverage in one application. The long-wearing, waterproof formula provides 12 hour coverage, and the innovative formula adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin. Encased in a unique triangular bullet for precise application along the contours of the face, it can be used to contour and highlight. It features an array of shades and it’s designed specifically to be used with the Vanish Foundation Brush for the most seamless finish. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
This unique foundation stick is a poured liquid formula designed to adjust to your own body temperature to blend into your skin, for the smoothest, most seamless finish. The intense concentration of pigment allows for the fullest coverage while maintaining a weightless feel on the skin. 

"I wanted a foundation that was full-coverage and easy to use on the go. I love that with one application it covers all imperfections and creates this amazingly seamless finish."—Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder 

Research results: 
In a consumer study of 31 women after 1 week of use: 
- 100% reported product was fast and easy to use and apply 
- 97% saw an instant improvement in skin appearance 
- 97% reported product effectively covered redness and skin imperfections 
- 94% reported product blended seamlessly into their own skin 
- 94% reported product effectively covered skin discoloration, pores, blemishes and dark under eye circles 
- 90% reported product effectively covered hyperpigmentation and dark spots

I like how it's a triangular shaped stick foundation which sets itself apart from all the round ones that are out on the market.

This is how much you get from the stick, and it's only a quarter of what we are used to for a typical one ounce foundation. The hefty price tag for this amount is absurd, but you don't need a lot to cover the entire face. I only save this for days when I need extra coverage or if I'm going out.

This goes on very creamy and a little goes a long way comparing to the ABH stick foundation.

This shade matches me really well since it's a neutral undertone.

After it blends into the skin, it's almost undetectable!

Without flash, it looks great and very natural. It's skin-like, lightweight, and provides buildable coverage. I think it provides better coverage than the ABH stick foundation I reviewed earlier. I took this and the ABH with me to my recent Shanghai trip. I was there for 3 weeks, and the weather was humid and still pretty hot. I wore the ABH most of the time for a quick get ready everyday foundation. I opted for the Hourglass one when I need a little more coverage or if I have to go out at night with friends. I love how convenient stick foundations are, and I had no problem blending them out with either a brush or a beauty blender:)

With flash and has a slight white cast though this foundation doesn't have any SPF in it.

By the end of the night, my skin still looked fresh and not super greasy. (sorry about the red irritated eyes, got some allergic reaction)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation in Beige

I got the brand new Anastasia Beverly Hills' Stick Foundation in the shade Beige. It's 0.35oz and costs $25. You can now purchase this product from ABH's website, Sephora, or Ulta. Watch my first impression and demo video here. All the close-up swatches and wear test/review are below. I really like this stick foundation, especially after comparing the amount and price to the other two similar products I will mention in my review. I'm taking this with me to my upcoming Shanghai trip. The only downside with all of these stick foundations is the lack of SPF, so definitely remember to wear sunscreen! Oh, and extra plus for this being Vegan and Cruelty-free!!!

What it is: 
A multitasking, medium to full coverage stick foundation. 

What it does: 
This highly-pigmented, buildable cream stick foundation creates a natural-looking, matte finish. Idea for all skintones and combination to oily skin types, it’s easy to layer and delivers medium to full coverage with a smooth finish. It’s perfect for all-over coverage, touch ups, or highlighting and contouring. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates

Ingredient: Beige: Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Ozokerite, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla/Candelilla Cera, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Mica, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Magnesium Silver Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Sleek tube packaging really resembles the Bobbi Brown foundation stick. While this costs $25, Bobbi Brown costs $46, and new Hourglass costs $45.

This is how much you get from the foundation, and it's less than half of an ounce which is way less than normal liquid foundations. Somehow, stick foundations are way less than liquid/cream/mousse foundations. This one has 0.35oz of product, Bobbi Brown one has 0.31oz, and the new Hourglass one only has 0.25oz.

Beige matches me perfectly, and there are tons of other shades to choose according to your skin tones and undertones.

It's definitely a thick cream stick formula and feels very similar to the Bobbi Brown foundation stick.

Looks quite flawless.

It's pretty much undetectable after blending in with my finger.

It gives off a very beautiful and natural finish with an illuminating primer underneath. Otherwise, it's a semi-matte/satin finish. I only applied once thin layer and then spot concealed with it. It's supposed to be buildable, but I don't like to pile on foundation. It quickly evens out skintone with just one thin layer, and that's what I like about it. It feels pretty weightless and blends in nicely. Only certain areas like where my fine lines are gets a tiny bit creasy/caky due to another layer when I spot concealed. I assume if you build this to an almost full coverage, your face will somewhat look a bit caky. Although I believe this stick foundation is more of a medium coverage and buildable to semi full coverage.

Even though this stick foundation doesn't have SPF in it, it somehow creates a slight white cast with flash photography(as seen below).

After 5 hours, there are more glow to my face, and I realized it's because of the Juice Beauty illuminating primer that I usually wear underneath causing the dewy glow. When I don't wear the primer underneath, I notice way less glow throughout the day. Still, the foundation held well, and doesn't disappear in areas even when my face get slight oily.

Bellegant Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks

Bellegant Cosmetics is an indie makeup company which I discovered on Instagram. It has it's own website so makes shopping very easy. They sell various makeup products for lips, eyes, and face. They are also cruelty free and vegan(I believe). I got three liquid lipsticks to try during their any 3 lip products for $30 plus free shipping promo. These liquid lipsticks are more like liquid form of lipsticks because they are rich in pigmentation. They don't dry down to a matte finish at all, and they have pretty decent wearing time. I find them very comfortable on the lips, and there are so many unique colors as well as neutrals for everyone. They recently just came out with few metallic ones which are really beautiful as well. The shipping was pretty fast, and packaged in a black mesh pouch inside a bubbled envelope. You can watch my video review here:

From Left to Right: Cookie, Miss Tangy, and Rosey.
I like Rosey the most because of it's thinner and lightweight consistency. The color is very flattering and soft which will suit everyone. It feels most moisturizing out the three and remains comfortable throughout the day. I do like the other two but they are much more dense and creamier. I used Cookie on a photoshoot, and the model had caramel complexion. It worked out to be the perfect pale nude for her and didn't wash her out. It applied beautifully and didn't accentuate any fine lines/dry patches on the lips. I like Missy Tangy for it's warm and rich orangey brown color. It's quite flattery on me, and I can see myself wearing it more often in the upcoming Fall season. Overall, I think Bellegant cosmetics makes great products. They also have amazing highlighters which I want to give a try as well. Follow them on Instagram as they upload swatches, new product launches, as well as promo sales/discounts quite often:)

Smashbox Master Class Lighting Theory Palette

The brand new Smashbox Master Class palette: Lighting Theory
Retails: $65USD ($399.00 value)
Available at Sephora
My YouTube video review and demo below:

What it is: 
A face palette to create an even complexion, add depth and dimension, cast a high-voltage glow, and achieve eye looks for any occasion. 

What it does: 
This palette has everything you need to create pro makeup looks with a perfectly lit glow. Become a master at lighting with this palette for looks that flatter in any light. Inspired by pro-lighting effects used on set in Smashbox’s L.A. photo studio, every formula in this palette—from color-correcting and contour creams to high-voltage highlighters and velvety shadows—was designed to demystify contouring and simplify strobing for everyday looks that stand out under office or evening lights. 

This palette contains: 
-16 x 0.02 oz Photo Op Eye Shadow in Sand (pastel beige matte), Totally Nude (pinky beige matte), Nectar (peach matte), Almond (warm nude matte), Truffle (taupe matte), Light Wave (midtone brown metallic), Sunrise (warm gold metallic), Sunlight (rose gold metallic), Optics (deep gray metallic), Metallic Violet (deep purple metallic), Metallic Bronze (bronze metallic), Metallic Brick (red brown metallic), Nocturnal (navy metallic), Blackout (black matte), Sumatra (dark brown matte), Backlit (black with red pearl metallic) 
- 3 x 0.09 oz Blush in Candlelight (midtone pink), Carnation (midtone pink with gold pearl), Spectrum (midtown brown pink) 
- 4 x 0.04 oz Cream Color Corrector in Lavender (corrects sallowness/yellowness), Green (corrects redness), Peach (corrects dark spots for fair to medium skintones), Orange (corrects dark spots for darker skintones) 
- 3 x 0.16 oz Contouring Cream in Contour (dark brown), Bronze (brown), Highlight (creamy beige) 
- 3 x 0.15 oz Cream Highlighter in Luminous Gold (gold shimmer), Luminous Pink (pink shimmer), Luminous Peach (peach shimmer) 
- 4 x Get the Look insert 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
Because Smashbox is always developing looks for the camera in its L.A. photo studio, their pro artists are experts at re-creating lighting scenarios on-set—from bright daylight and office florescence to magic hour and after-hours club lighting. This palette includes full face charts for every lighting look. Each palette pops in and out so you can take each of them on the go. 

This product is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, and talc.

With all the cream face products on my face here.

With powder blushes and eyeshadows on.

This is a great value for all the products you are getting. The creams are creamy and blend-able. The powders are smooth and pigmented. The mattes are easy to blend and the shimmer/metallics are gorgeous. It's really an all-in-one type of palette, and easy to use/foolproof.