Brand Spotlight Feat. black|Up Matifying Fluid Foundation, CC Cream Multi-Action, Radiance Concealer (Review, Photos, Swatch)

Yesterday I gave you a sneak peek of black|Up Cosmetics (see my hot pink smokey eyes and ombre lips), a European high-end brand catering to women of color. As a sequel to it, I thought of providing you with more insights on certain products which you may find interesting.

Just so it's crystal-clear, my commentary will focus on inherent product attributes i.e longevity, finish, consistency rather than precise color match. After all, it's hard to rely on online photos when it comes to foundation-matching. Unless it's a repurchase, I say "old school" is still the best way to shop for foundation: go to the store, consult with a makeup specialist (if need be), swatch at your jawline, then study under different lighting situations.

Let's start with my favorite from this batch, the Matifying Fluid Foundation ($40.50, 30ml 1 fl oz). Available in 18 shades, I got matched by the folks from black|Up with 01, the lightest in the spectrum. If you investigate closely, it seems to be a close match to my neck color (my face is naturally darker than my neck).

So what makes this a pleasant discovery then? first and foremost, it's devoid of chemical scent which is quite common in some foundations I have tried. I like its velvety matte finish, thick consistency but weightless feel, and liquid-to-powder effect. Therefore, I don't need to set it with a powder foundation, which basically means one less product to use. No, count two; I don't need to use a face primer because it does an excellent job of priming vis-a-vis blurring my ludicrous pores. It did not oxidize but on the seventh hour, my face turned slightly dewy. 

Next is CC Cream Multi-Action ($39.50, 30 ml, 1.20 fl oz). Available in five shades, I received 01, again the lightest in the range (take note, I have medium skin tone). It's supposed to hydrate, reduce sebum, minimize pore, boost radiance and even out skin tone.

If you're still oblivious to BB (beauty balm), CC (color correct) and EE (even effect) in the beauty arena, they're just jargons concocted by marketing geniuses whose mission is to entice us with mind-bending "innovations". In a nutshell, they claim to be an all-in-one product a.k.a skincare, suncare and makeup neatly squeezed in a tube. Some CC creams I have tried in the past are color-adjusting; meaning, they come out either white or gray then "adjust" to my skin tone as I rub and apply onto my face. Quote unquote adjust because it never did happen. Plus, it made my skin overly greasy and oompa loompa-ish. 

This CC cream is not self-adjusting. It's more like a foundation albeit thinner in consistency compared to Matifying Fluid. It's a tad darker than my face which was remedied by buffing a lighter powder foundation over it. It's slightly dewy on application so this works best for women with dry to normal skin. It did oxidize on the fourth or fifth hour (give or take) which turned my face slightly darker but unnoticeable to the untrained eye a.k.a no makeup junkie (honestly I feel like a CIA here talking to you about my blow-by-blow investigation, haha!)

Finally let's tackle Radiance Concealer ($28.50, 0.06 0z). Sold in five shades, swatched below is 01, the lightest (your guess is right if you're reading this post word by word, haha!). It's a pen-type concealer which is very creamy. It has medium to full coverage, enough to cover my hideous dark circles (aging what have you done to mah face?). Set with finely-milled powder, it did not melt or turn cakey for all of eight hours.

beautiful mess #bbloggerproblem

Here are the swatches for your reference:

Here's my #FOTD wearing black|Up Matifying Fluid Foundation (unset) and Radiance Concealer (set with powder). Just a coat of mascara and red lipstick (Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Ruby Rush) and I'm outta here.

Curious to try black|Up? enjoy 20% discount with code LOVE15 (unaffiliated link), valid 'til 2/28/15 only.