New Becca Soft Light Blurring Powder- Swatch and First Impression

When I was at Sephora the other day I took a look at the new Becca Soft Light Blurring Powder that is out for spring. It's $38 USD or $46 CND, and it's a powder that is supposed to be a universally flattering shade named Golden Hour. The powder is supposed to blur imperfections, eliminate shine, add extra dimension to the face, and add a subtle radiance. It sounds counterintuitive to have it both eliminate shine and add it, but I suppose it's possible.

The packaging on this powder is huge. I have small hands, but I did find this slightly difficult to get a grip around. It's a large transparent plastic rectangle with a slightly odd opening mechanism for the lid. You turn it side-ways than pull up, if you continue to turn it it will close again.

The powder is a peach-gold colour that is finely milled and is dispensed through a sifter. It felt light-weight when I swatched it.

Left bare skin, Right swatched Golden Hour Soft Light Blurring Powder

On the skin the orange tint to the powder goes away leaving instead a lovely light gold. In the swatch above I layered the product a couple times so it could be seen in a photograph, but I think it could be lightly applied for an all-over glow. Just keep in mind it will be glowy- this definetly isn't as satin as their glow metre depicted on the display indicates. 

I think this product might be good if you're looking for a loose all-over glow or a less intense highlight shade. In purpose it reminded me of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders- though I don't know how it would perform in comparison. For me personally I liked the powder but I don't know if I'd like it all over my face- I might have to try that sometime to see if it really does blur imperfections, and to see how much glow it actually imparts there versus what my hand showed. 

Have you tried this product? What do you think? Does it both eliminate shine and add radiance? Let me know! :)

Disclaimer: The widget at the top contains an affiliate link, and brings you to the page on Sephora. I get a whole 5 cents if you click it. Mainly though the picture is there so you can see a professional shot of the product.

Physician's Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation SPF 50~ Review

A little while ago I finally decided to get my hands on this powder foundation, Physician's Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation SPF 50. I'd heard a bunch about it in the past and based on recommendations I wanted to take the plunge. This is a full coverage powder, which in reality gives medium coverage (as liquid foundation is the only thing that gives full coverage in my opinion). Some of the benefits of this particular powder foundation is the coverage, the light weight of it, the SPF 50 (whoot!), the fact it doesn't break me out and the cute packaging which makes it really easy to find in your make-up bag. Surprisingly the lightest shade- Translucent Light also is a perfect match for me as well which is great and not something I expected! 

It comes with a half decent sponge applicator but I prefer to apply it with a mini kabuki brush. The only downfall is that this can get cakey if it's used over too matte of liquid foundation (i.e. Estee Lauder Double Wear), however for lighter foundations and more moisturized bases beneath it it works fine. The finish is matte- there is no shimmer so if you want to look glowy this isn't the product for you. 

I did find this little number hard to get my hands on though. For some reason it's not available in Canada, and it has been available in the USA for awhile so it doesn't make sense that it's not here too. I found a super nice girl in the US that was willing to do a custom purchase for me, so I sent her the money for it over paypal and she bought it then shipped it to me. For a brand that is present in Canada I don't get while we only have certain products.

Partially worn through name imprinted into the powder

I really like how the sponge is stored in a separate section of the compact, this makes it more hygienic and allows you to see how far into the powder you are (depth-wise).

Overall, I really like this powder foundation. It's a bit expensive for drugstore ($15 USD) but the SPF 50 and coverage makes this worth it I think. The packaging is sturdy and cute and this is great if you just need to dash out of the house but want some of your redness/imperfections toned down as well as sun protection.

Sprite rating: 9/10. Lost a point for limited availability and cakiness over heavier liquid foundations.

Would I buy this again? Yes I would I love the multi property use of this product and it really does exactly what you want in a powder foundation in my humble opinion.

Mac Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder~ Review

I'm sure many of you have heard of Mac's Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder before. If you haven't it's a white dry powder that you brush on your face before or after make-up application to make cosmetics such as foundation and blush last longer and look nicer. I don't usually use mine as a primer (though it does kind of work- I've only used it one or twice this way), instead I use it to finish off my look for the day.

Most of the time I'll take my mini Eco tools Kabuki brush and buff this all over my face on top of my foundation to reduce shine and the look of my pores. I really like this powder for this as it's weightless, transparent and truly does give the nicest soft-focus effect. I instantly look smoother, less stressed and healthier when I use this. Of course this soft-focus effect doesn't last too long. Maybe an hour max. but the powder does help reduce oiliness throughout the day and it does help cut down the dewy finish of foundation. I'm fairly sure it lengthens the wear time of my powder blushes as well.

Of the different powders I've tried- Make Up For Ever HD, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder and Mac Prep and Prime I've liked Prep and Prime the most as it was the most invisible and the most pore blurring. It was also the best deal as the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is $22 USD for 0.14 oz, $21 USD for 0.32 oz for the Mac Prep and Prime, and $30 USD for 0.35 oz for the Make Up For Ever Microfinishing HD Powder. That's $1.57 for 0.01oz of LM, $0.66 for 0.01 oz of the MAC and $0.86 for 0.01 oz of the MUFE. Plus as you don't need too much product this lasts forever! I've had my jar for around 9 months and I'm not even halfway through it yet.

The one issue I have with this powder though is the huge sifter holes inside the tub. They let all the powder move about too easily and I always have to make sure to tap the lid (to avoid a huge puff of powder coming out into my face) and be really careful to hold it level before opening otherwise it will go EVERYWHERE. Also as with all loose powders of this type be sure you don't breath in when you're applying it around your nose and mouth. I accidently did that once and the coughing/hacking/sneezing that ensued wasn't pleasant.

Overall I quite like this powder, it doesn't break me out, it makes me seem to have nicer skin than I actually do and it helps control oil a little.

(Sorry I don't have more photos of this. Honestly it's not that interesting- it looks like a white powder in a black and white tub. I didn't really see a point. I may add one later of the large sifter holes but I'm actually not at home as I write this so I can't take photos of it.)

Sprite Rating: 8/10- lost points only for shifter issues and the inflated Canadian price (about $33 CND when you include tax- bleh).

Would I buy it again? Yes, and I probably will unless I get side tracked by a different product!

Ten Beauty Products I Can't Live Without!

1. Blinc tubing Mascara in Black
I adore this mascara. It's the perfect easy to remove tubing mascara that doesn't smudge or run or flake. You can read my full Review Here. :D


2. Clarisonic Mia
I can't live without my Clarisonic Mia. Although mine is the white one, if the purple had been available when I bought mine I would have chosen that colour! This helps my acne so much and it really helps clean deep into pores gently. My review on this is here :D.


3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Liquid Foundation (Shade Shell)
Although I've been using the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation lately, I finally got my hands on the Double Wear foundation in my correct shade. This foundation is great, matte finish, lasts all day and covers well. My review here!


4. Mac Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
This is my favourite setting powder. I've tried quite a few others such as MUFE HD and Laura Mercier's secret finishing powder but this is the best. It really gives a soft focus effect when I use it with my mini kabuki, blurring the look of my pores until they're almost gone. I've finally done a review for this here.


5. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Too Faced Shadow Insurance is my Holy Grail eyeshadow primer. It lasts all day for me and prevents creasing as well as feeling nice on and intensifying shadows a bit. Check out my review here!


6. TheBalm TimeBalm Concealer in Lighter than Light
The best undereye concealer I've tried this is creamy the perfect brightening shade and covers wonderfully. The only downside is that it doesn't work well over dry skin at all. I also like how inexpensive it is for the amount of product and how there is Vitamin E in it as well. Here's my review! :D


7. Nail Tek II Intensive Therapy
This stuff has saved my nails big time! From weak splitting nails that couldn't grow to strong healthy ones this as a base coat has transformed my nails. Another plus was that it was quick too! Read about my experience with it here!


8. China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat
I don't know about anyone else but I always always ALWAYS mess up my manicure before it dries unless I have a quick dry top coat and this one by China Glaze is the best! Really quick drying and I actually don't mind the sweet smell to it. As with all top coats it gets a bit thick after awhile but some polish thinner takes care of that. (Review to come)


9. Nars Penny Lane Cream Blush
I just got this blush not too long ago and I adore it! I can't see myself without this anymore as it lasts all day (only blush I've had that does) and the finish is amazing! Check out my full review here!


10. Eco Tools Brushes
The best brushes out there in my opinion. Cheap, Eco friendly, creulty-free, easy to clean, and super soft! There is nothing bad about these brushes except maybe the fact that the range is sort of limited! Full review of them here! The picture above is one of the sets of brushes I've bought and use almost daily.

So that's it! I saw this tag and thought it would be a good fun post to do. I have a couple other posts in the works so more coming soonish! Hope you enjoyed!

Just Because It's Pretty

It's been awhile since I've done a Just Because It's Pretty post so I thought I do another one for you today. It's a mix of brands today all with an Earth theme. Enjoy!

Here's a recap on what Just Because It's Pretty is: I've decided to start a new series of posts called "Just Because It's Pretty". These are products (from as usual, non-animal testing brands), that are especially lovely to gaze upon. Whether it's the pattern of the powder or the packaging! These are not reviews, but instead just products that are tempting due to looks alone. Tell me some of your favourite beauty items that you like to have out to decorate!

From the Vogue China Website

Red Earth is an Australian Brand that had out this amazing earth based collection for summer. It was almost impossible to find out any more information about them so all I really have for you is pics, so here's some more!

Starfish face powder

Earth eyeshadow (khaki and sky blue)

Earth eyeshadow, dark Khaki green and light off-white

Earth eyeshadow, royal purple and light brown-gold

Next up we've got a well know drugstore brand in North America Physician's Formula. Their bamboo wear powder and compact are really lovely and 100% sustainable!

Note that the brushes are made with natural hair (and bamboo)
 Image from Physician's Formula Website

Image from Physician's Formula Website

The refillable compact can hold either face powder of bronzer and has magnets that hold the pan in and the entire swivel case together. The bamboo case is all polished to a silky soft shine and a mirror is included, though the powder needs to be bought separately. The compact costs $9.79 CND.

Refillable powder (Image from Physician's Formula Website)

The powder goes under the name "Silk Powder" made from bamboo and it really does feel silky soft! It's 90% natural, oil-free, non-comedogenic, Paraben free, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Available in a variety of shades, all with the cute bamboo leaf design that goes through the powder, it costs $13.99 CND for 0.33 oz of powder.

Image from Google Images

Image from Google images

One of Guerlain's beautiful limited edition palette's this lovely quad has neat green shimmer overspray in the shape of leaves on the bright summer coloured eyeshadows! Not available for sale anymore to my knowledge.

So that's everything for now! What did you like? Not like? If I could get a hold of one, a globe eyeshadow from Red Earth would be mine! Let me know what you thin in the comments! 

P.S. If you could take the time to vote on the pole in the side bar, I'd appreciate it. It's to let me know which posts and ideas to focus on so you enjoy Hebridean Sprite Beauty more. (If you're enjoying the site, become a follower and let me know!)