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Monday, January 12, 2015

CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation; Review & Swatches of Shades

CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation
New for Spring 2015
Price: $15-17 per ounce


CoverGirl's new UltraSmooth Foundation promises to be life changing makeup that will minimize the appearence of facial hair with a revolutionary new applicator.

There are certainly some benefits to the new concept but (like most foundations) it won't be the one-size-fits-all liquid makeup for everyone.

If you're curious about trying the new "ultra smooth" foundation, keep reading to see if it's right for you!

CoverGirl Claims:
This innovative new foundation with optical concealers and Olay skin-smoothing serum features an all-new breakthrough applicator—now you can instantly smooth away redness, blemishes and unevenness for a flawless effect. Medium coverage, with a natural finish…smooth is the new sexy!


The Formula:
The formula is a balanced formula- (much like Maybelline's new Face Studio Master Concealer actually) and won't provide extreme levels of moisture but shouldn't irritate acne or ecsaserbate oily skin too badly either.

The initial consistency is a medium one and the formula is incredibly smooth and silky. The finish is natural and not too shiny. There may be a tendency to creep into wrinkles but that can be minimized with a primer or setting powder.

The formula of the UltraSmooth Foundation acts like a tinted version of the Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (the original one) so it's buildable and no matter how much or how little you apply you'll still end up with a silk-smooth finish that has a velvety feel and will provide medium coverage.


An Application Revolution???
The concept behind CoverGirl's new applicator is an interesting idea- a spoon shaped silicone spatula. It may be a new concept for makeup application but it's been used by bakers and in most households for decades. 

Anyone who's ever frosted a cake knows that using a silicone spatula can certainly help create additional smoothness and that's what the UltraSmooth Applicator helps with.

There's nothing proprietary or unique about the applicator itself but the idea of using it to create the most ultimate of smooth skin is pretty nifty and it does work.

You can achieve a smooth surface with almost any application method but because of the formula's silky smooth texture it works very well with the silicone smoother.

If you're looking for a product to minimize the appearance of facial hair, this is one to consider. Most formulas like this that have alot of silicone will minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores in addition to facial hair but the UltraSmooth applicator does help to make sure that you use downward strokes in the same direction hair grows.


Shades:
CoverGirl released 12 UltraSmooth Shades and they're alot better than many CoverGirl makeup options. The lightest shade (Ivory) is very fair and the deepest shade (Soft Sable) is very rich which will allow for the majority of people to find a match.

Oxidation isn't an issue because the formula doesn't "dry" and relies on the silicones to "hold the foundation in place". This is something CoverGirl has had serious trouble with in the past but it's not too bad of an issue here.


Conclusion:
CoverGirl made the right decision by chosing this type of formula to launch their new applicator. 

If they had chosen a long-wearing formula that set quickly the results would have been far less impressive because of how fast they usually set and a highly moisturizing formula would have thinned out too much with even a little bit of pressure. 

The UltraSmooth Foundation has enough silicone in the formula to give it a fuller body which allows more flexibility and leniency in how you apply it. Basically, it's a foundation that's pretty difficult to mess up applying which is a plus if you like more time to get it "just right."

On the downside, it is a tad expensive for a drugstore foundation and it is tested on animals but if those factors don't deter you than UltraSmooth may be an option.

How do you feel about the new UltraSmooth Foundation & Applicator? 
Do you have facial hair to conceal?

***If you're looking for a Cruelty Free option, Nars Sheer Glow is a great foundation but costly. Buxom Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation and NYX HD Photogenic Foundation are similar options in the same price range.***
CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation & Ultra Smoothing Applicator; Review & Swatches of Shades
CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation
Swatches of Shades
805 Ivory, 810 Classic Ivory, 820 Creamy Natural, 825 Buff Beige*, 832 Nude Beige,
840 Natural Beige*, 842 Medium Beige, 845 Soft Honey*, 857 Golden Tan, 860 Classic Tan*, 865 Tawny, 875 Soft Sable,
*not shown

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