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)

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:)

Black Radiance limited edition Argon Oil Tinted Balms

I saw these at my local Rite Aid out of a whim. They were displayed as limited edition with three shades in total. I picked up the following two because the third one is a pale nude color which probably won't give me much color. These are $2.99 each! They reminded me a lot of the Wet n' Wild lip tint crayons that I love. Same price, but these are supposed to be infused with argan oil, and tinted lip balms. I knew the colors would be somewhat sheer because that's what tinted balm is. Hence, these don't leave a stain behind, and do wear off pretty fast so be prepared to re-apply more often. I don't mind because they feel so comfortable. I usually like Black Radiance products a lot because they are cruelty-free, drugstore affordable price, and very similar to Wet n' Wild but geared toward deeper skin toned consumers. I don't discriminate especially when it comes to cosmetics. I mean I get gravitate towards brands like IMAN, Black Radiance, Black Opal, and etc more because I assume these brands have more pigmented makeup products. With intense pigmented makeup products, you can always use a light hand and sheer them out so they can work equally as beautiful on lighter skin tones. Anyways, long story short, I freaking love this tinted balm! For the price and the quality, you just can't beat it. They are on the sheer side, but they are buildable to a richer color pay-off. They have a slight fruity scent, and the texture is a little bit slick. Not greasy, but it's infused with argan oil. Therefore, they have a bit of that slick feeling, but I feel like they make my lips super smooth and soft. I'm comparing this to some higher end tinted lip balms such as Benefit bene balm and Sugar tinted lip balms. Benefit bene balm is on the greasier side, and Sugar tinted lip balms can feel a bit waxy at times. None of them gave me instant smoothness and hydration like this BR one did. Also, this costs only a fraction of the price of those two. Not sure if Wet n' Wild will come up with something similar like this. Maybe they are from the same mother company/manufacture? Either way, I hope these are not limited editions because I really like them. I haven't seen them anywhere else, but if I do, I will definitely pick up some backups:)

Pink the Town - sheer berry pink

Ladylike - sheer deep red