MUFE Mat Velvet +

Click to browse/buy from Sephora

I just wanted to do a quick review of the Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Foundation that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. A few people wanted me to try it out and report back on whether it really is a good  foundation or not. At $34 U.S. dollars, it is definitely the most expensive foundation I have ever owned. It is also my first (but not my last!) product from MUFE. I actually don't even know what color I have it in, because there is no label on the bottle! Wait a second, so I'll have to get color matched all over again? I'll have to put that in my "Cons" section. I just noticed that! I believe I am either a 30 or 35, but the best way to choose your shade is to have one of the MUA's test a few colors on your jawline. I find the salespeople at Sephora to be really helpful, so don't ever be hesitant to ask for assistance.

The main reason why I chose to buy this foundation in the first place was TiffanyD from YouTube. She did a review of it on her channel and I was convinced that it would work for me as well. I had been using Clinique's Perfectly Real Makeup for years, but because I've had issues with breakouts lately, I wanted a foundation that provided more coverage. Mat Velvet + is a medium to full coverage liquid. I was afraid that it would be too much, and that I was going to end up looking like a mannequin. However, I use my Sonia Kashuk blending sponge to apply a tiny dot on each of my cheeks, my chin, and an even smaller drop to my forehead. It covers beautifully girls! I have a few left over acne spots on my chin, and this conceals them quite well. I don't feel like it gives an unnatural appearance at all. Because it is oil-free, I have no worries that it will cause more acne flare-ups either. It is a matte foundation that still lets your own skin come through. My combination skin still needs a little bit of blotting after a few hours, but I don't look greasy with this stuff, even after wearing it all day long. So here's a quick wrap-up of my overall thoughts and impressions:

~PROS~
* It covers skin tone discolorations and imperfections brilliantly.
* Although it can be full-coverage, it is also very buildable and natural looking. Full to medium coverage doesn't mean you have to look like a mask! A very small amount of this product is needed.
* Great for combo-oily skin. Not sure about dry skin though. I've read some reviews on MakeupAlley from people with dry skin who do not like this product because it makes the dryness more pronounced. I cannot of course attest to that because my face is anything but dry normally!
* Oil-free, won't clog pores, water resistant.
* Wide color selection, including people with yellow undertones, pink undertones, beige...etc.
* As far as I have been able to see, it lasts all day. I'm talking at least a good eight to ten hours.

~CONS~
* The price. I was lucky that I had a gift card. It's a shame too, because now I am always going to want this over anything else, even more than my beloved Clinique.
* The amount of product you get (1.01 Fl. Oz.) is a bit small. But as I said before, you don't need a lot.
* The fact that the actual bottle isn't labeled with your particular shade number! Am I missing something?
* I've noticed it can be a little hard to blend at times. You have to work it into the skin.

~OVERALL~
I love this! I give it a solid A for performance, coverage, lasting power, color selection, and for keeping my skin matte, but not overly so.

I hope this review was helpful! Remember, this is just my opinion and experience with this product. If you have any more questions or comments, let me know.
♥ Noelle

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Spotlight on the Golden Globes

I unfortunately did not get to watch the 2010 Golden Globe Awards last night. No, I was too busy watching the San Diego Chargers get creamed by the New York Jets. Being that I live very close to San Diego, I was crushed ;(. However, the heavy beer drinking that followed the game helped a bit. I woke up early this morning and logged onto EOnline to catch up on the latest fashions that graced the red carpet. I must say, overall, I was not really impressed. In my opinion, many of today's brightest actresses looked a bit blah. Maybe it was the rain? There were only two that caught my eye, and I just wanted to share them with you in case you didn't get to see them last night.

Drew Barrymore looked divine once again. Here she is wearing Atelier Versace. Champagne silk never looked better.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino. Yes, she normally wears black. But a thigh-high slit showing off those glowing gams? Anything but boring! I think she knows herself, and she wears what works for her body.

What starlets caught your attention from this years Globes? Here's hoping that the Oscars are more exciting!

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Not everything is black and white...

But my latest fashion picks are. I just wanted to share a few things that I have purchased recently. I haven't posted a fashion haul in a long time so I thought I would do a tiny one today. I am really loving all of the things I picked out. Yes, they are black...and white...and gray...with a little splash of tan ;) I don't know why I gravitate towards neutrals this time of year, but I can't help myself. Don't get me wrong, I love color! I swear I do! But there is something so appealing about buying pieces that will work with the things I already own in my closet. Neutrals are great because you can incorporate them with anything. Mix a little this with a little that, pair this new jacket with an old tank, belt this dress over a cardigan I've had for months, and Viola! Adding some basic neutrals can really create endless possibilities. And they don't have to be boring either. I like to play with color, print, and texture when it comes to shoes and accessories. Or, as Rachel Zoe likes to call them, EXCESSories. Oh, how I ♥ you Rachel.

Long tank from Nordstrom. I just love the print. It is a bit sheer so a cami underneath is a must.

This cardigan is from a store called Cutesygirl. I think they have a website as well. I like the herringbone -type detail and the 3 quarter sleeves. Looks great with dark jeans and really high heels.

This dress is so pretty! The top half is a bit blousy because I am lacking in that department ;) But I plan on wearing this with a cardigan and a wide belt, so I think it should work out just fine. I really love the lacy pattern on it, smaller at the top and then gradually getting larger towards the bottom. And the neckline is trimmed in black chiffon. The Go International line is a great way to get designer pieces for a fraction of the price. I can't wait to see what designer Target will feature next!

This is my favorite purchase and this picture does NOT do it justice. I have been lusting after a tweed/boucle jacket for months now. I even blogged about it a couple months ago. Well, this one from Arden B took my breath away when I tried it on. I had that tingly feeling just holding it at the register! Problem? Yeah, I know.

~Thanks for reading~

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