The latest releases from MAKE UP FOR EVER’s continuously-growing range of HD products are all about prepping & finishing, but the best part is that you don’t need professional skills to accomplish the job. Adding to the list of their cult-fave Stick Foundation lineup, are 5 new shades that offer skin tone options to suit pretty much all complexions across the spectrum.
On a side note, the media kit I received was mind-numbingly gorgeous (the 2-tiered case, shown below) and along with all the new products, it also came filled with more foundations and concealers than you can shake a stick at (whatever that means). Blown away, I tell you. #gottalovetheseperks
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Ultra HD Skin Booster (CAN $51.00) | It’s a given: the better you prepare your skin, the more amazing your makeup will look and to that end, Skin Booster may be poised to become your face’s new BFF. Filled with Hyaluronic Acid for increased hydration, as well as Collagen, Argan Oil Extract and Vitamin E for extra plumpness and to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, this serum instantly amps up moisture levels in the skin — as much as 400%, no less.
TIP: Apply directly to clean skin and let absorb for approximately 15 minutes before layering on primer and/or foundation.
Ultra HD Stick Foundation (CAN $52.00/each) | The newest generation of the brand’s HD Stick Foundation, this is makeup that can stand up to the scrutiny of 4K technology (and Instagram — LOLZ) and the range has just been expanded with the addition of 5 new shades, bringing the total up to 18. Available for both cool and warm complexions, each numbered shade bears either a Y (yellow) or R (red), designating the undertone you should be looking for in order to find your best match. This stick format makes it not only easy to apply but quite portable as well, with both an inner cap for added security as well as a larger outer cap that clicks shut. The texture is emollient and creamy, gliding easily along the skin and you can apply it directly from the tube, or dab product onto a brush/sponge then work that into the skin, as desired. The finish has a slight dewiness to it that looks quite natural and lasts beautifully over primer without any visible oxidation.
Edit: I was mistakenly sent 2 of the shade R330 and thus actually missing shade Y375 — but I hadn’t realized the error until after I had photographed the entire group. #facepalm
Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder (CAN $45.00/each) | Going back to the drawing board, MAKE UP FOR EVER has revamped the formula on these powders by giving them an ultra-fine texture for an invisible coverage that will even stand up to 4K scrutiny. Created to be used as a last step in your makeup routine, these powders provide a soft-focus and blurring effect, helping to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and slight discolourations — all while helping to keep shine and oils at bay. Made with silica and micronized pigments, there is a shade to suit all skin tones and the only thing they’ll leave behind, is a flawless finish.
I don’t usually wear setting powder but after testing these out (the only shade that doesn’t work on me is Peach, being slightly too dark for my complexion), I’m definitely sold: once buffed into the skin, not only is this powder truly invisible, but it kept my makeup together and literally controlled excess oil much longer than without.
- 1 Translucent – invisible, light to medium skin tones
- 2 Banana – pale yellow, medium to tan skin tones
- 3 Peach – soft peach, tan to dark skin tones
Ultra HD Microfinishing Translucent Loose Powder (CAN $44.00) | Basically, this is a loose powder version of the pressed powders (above), bearing the same formula as well. Personally, I prefer using a loose powder when setting my makeup as I find I can control application better and I find that there is a difference when buffing it into the skin, but the pressed type is so much easier to take along for any touch-ups … less chance of spillage and the ensuing rage that will follow.
Ultra HD Lip Booster (CAN $29.00/each) | Housed in opaque black tubes, the large doe-foot cushiony applicator makes it easy to cover your entire lips with basically one swipe. Made with loofah oil and hyaluronic acid, this formula is meant to prep and prime lips prior to any other lip product, although each can also be worn solo (as I prefer doing, in fact). The texture is emollient but not thick or greasy; more balm-like but with a lovely shine at the finish.
As pioneers of Ultra HD cosmetics, MAKE UP FOR EVER has a lock down on what’s needed to look flawless, no matter the pixel size. Another plus is how inclusive the brand is with regards to the multitude of skin tones out there, and tries to satisfy all complexions colour-wise. My favourites from these latest releases are the Skin Booster — for how beautifully it sinks into the skin & how easily makeup flows over it, and both the loose & pressed powders for their seriously amazing texture and finish. There’s tons to love about the Stick Foundation (I’m betting that the shade I didn’t receive is probably my best match ) not to mention how goof-proof this format is. As to the Lip Boosters, they’re good — not groundbreaking in any way — but I’m thinking there might be long-term benefits I’ve yet to explore. So … who’s ready for their closeup?
Available at Sephora
Media samples kindly provided, all opinions are my own