Author: THE BELPER

Welcome to The Belper. A blog based on Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle. Edited by Stacy Jang.

REVIEW: L’ORÉAL TRUE MATCH SUPER BLENDABLE FOUNDATION

True match is undoubtably one of, if not the most definitive of all drugstore foundations. Growing up, I’d watch my mother smoothly apply her L’Oréal foundation in the early mornings. Her makeup routine always began by reaching for the L’Oréal bottle in her unbelievably clean makeup bag. Before all the overwhelming skin makeup options we have today, back in the day, L’Oréal was always that foundation women could depend on, and with good reason.

In this edit, I will be reviewing this ultimate classic. The L’Oréal True Match Foundation.

L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Foundation

Product’s Claims:

The new formula contains 3 new shade enhancers for shade matching precision. Skin perfecting pigments and the ultra gliding creamy texture gives a homogeneous finish. Even better colour matching, and more luminous and radiant skin than before. Even longer wear and better comfort. All you see is your skin at it’s best.

REVIEW

Texture & Finish: Satin

Out of all foundations I’ve used luxury, high-street & drugstore, this one is one of the best of all texture wise. What I love about it is that it’s more concentrated in pigment than it is full in texture, allowing you to have a nice and even canvas with a lightweight feel to it.

It’s finish is more satin than matte or glowy, meeting in the middle for those with oily or dry skin. I actually like this because I can decide if I want to look more natural or fully refined and matte. It’s like it mimics the natural texture of your skin in a more clean and polished way.

Coverage: Medium-buildable

I almost wanted to write that it was light in coverage, but that’s actually more in texture than in pigment. This foundation cleverly gives you the illusion of a more flawless skin as if the foundation is invisible. It is definitely buildable and can be reapplied over and over again, yet still keep its freshness on the skin.

I prefer this type of coverage as it values the true goal of making my skin look natural like my real skin but also polished and enhanced.

Best Application Method:

Apply about one full pump onto the back of your hand and take a buffing brush. Dot the foundation on areas where you would like to evenly distribute and blend then buff into the skin. This will give you a very airbrush like finish with an overall awake and brightened look.

Lasts Up To 10 Hours (maximum)

I have a combination-oily skin type and for a drugstore foundation, I have to say that it lasts a lot longer than I expect sometimes. Not to mention that this is without even priming using a matte product. I’ve worn this out from mall shopping to attending weddings with this foundation and (touch wood) this product hasn’t turned me into a disco ball in public. The most I’d do is re-apply my compact face powder here and there but that’s all.

Oily skin tip: It’s one of those foundations where if you powder it well, you’ll stay flawless throughout the day, and best of all – you won’t experience any foundation transfer to your clothes.

Pros:

  • Beautiful range 23 shades (amazing undertones with a brightening effect)
  • Lightweight in texture and rarely transfers onto clothes
  • A wonderfully balanced formula that sets perfectly
  • The sleek design in a glass bottle protects and allows the foundation to last longer
  • Stunning coverage in a way that brightens your look
  • Silky in the application, perfect one-step formulation – no need to highlight separately
  • Bargain base rrp per 30ml. Good value for money

Cons:

  • If not blended into the skin well, this could cause the foundation to not set nicely.
  • Shade range can be confusing, make sure you invest time in picking your ‘true match’.

Final thoughts

This is a foundation you can always go to if you’ve either ran out of your current one or things aren’t working out with a new one. It is going to do well by you and serve its purpose well, at an amazing price at that. In the midst of so many new foundation launches left, right and centre, it’s refreshing to know that L’Oréal decided to not only re-launch this amazing foundation but they also kept their formula simplicity with this foundation.

This was the very first foundation I tried out as an aspiring makeup artist, without much understanding that it was a product that could bring out your true beauty without being full coverage. I can nostalgically remember my mother and aunties chatting away about makeup and bringing up L’Oréal. It just delivers every time without some of the fuss some foundations bring, of which sometimes, that’s all you really need and want in a complexion foundation and simple makeup routine.

Price: £9.99

Shop the L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Foundation by clicking here.

REVIEW: L.A. GIRL PRO HD CONCEALER

If you’re someone who knows anything about makeup, you’ve probably heard of the makeup brand L.A. Girl pop up in conversation with a makeup artist or in almost all the earliest makeup tutorials on YouTube. The best-selling £5 concealer over the years has cultivated a dedicated following not only because of its affordable price but thanks to its variety of 43 shades (including correctors) that has made it so iconic.

In this edit, I will be reviewing the very dependable and cult classic, L.A. Girl Pro High-Definition Concealer.

Product’s Claims:

L.A. Girl’s HD Pro Concealers are crease-resistant with opaque coverage in a creamy, yet lightweight texture. The long-wearing concealer formula camouflages darkness under the eyes, redness and skin imperfections. Our concealers provide complete, natural-looking coverage, even skin tones, cover dark circles and minimize fine lines around the eyes.

REVIEW

Texture & Finish: Satin

It’s balanced and not too thick texture is one of the main reasons why it’s so easy for anyone to use. It’s not matte nor is it glowy, giving you the chance to decide what kind of finish you’d like to have with how you set it. I’ve tried out matte concealers before and if I had to choose between satin and matte textures, satin would be the most ideal. This way you have more time to blend and perfect it before it dries down. The concealer isn’t drying at all and can work wonderfully no matter what skin type you have.

Coverage: Medium/Buildable

This concealer can build up to very full coverage, however, it settles and works best when not too much is applied. One thing I do admire about this concealer is that you can apply a lot of it and it won’t separate due to its balanced texture. It can be used for both a no-makeup makeup look or a full glam which adds great value instead of buying separate concealers.

Best Application Method: Warm up the product onto the back of the hand before applying first. Then selectively conceal with a smaller brush or with its own applicator brush. This will help avoid separation of the product if it’s new or you haven’t used it for a while.

Lasts Up To 12 hours (maximum)

I have oily skin so I know it’s different for everyone. But honestly speaking, this concealer rarely moves around and even on the twelfth hour of wearing it. Also depends on what kind of foundation you’re wearing with it.

Pros: 

  • Outstanding shade range (good undertones)
  • Affordable
  • Easy formula and nice to work with
  • Long lasting
  • Covers up and brightens very well
  • Lightweight

Cons:

    The packaging can be problematic sometimes (example: experiences of not being able to receive the product through the brush applicator)
    Separation of the product can cause fluid to build up if it’s not used for too long

Final thoughts

What I love about this product is that, whether you’re a professional makeup artist or a makeup beginner – this concealer is perfect to use for both parties and everyone in between. There was a time where I didn’t have many concealers shades to choose from in the local drugstore or high-street. L.A. Girl was really one of the first drugstore brands to ever expand their concealer shades to suit just about every skin tone. So not only are you getting good value for money, but the actual product is amazing compared to some concealers that just may not deliver the basic requirements of a good concealer.

If anyone’s on the hunt for a new and simple concealer, look no further. L.A. Girl Pro HD Concealer is and will always be an affordable essential go-to.

Price: £5

Shop the L.A. Girl Pro High-Definition Concealer by clicking here.

REVIEW: L’ORÉAL INFALLIBLE TOTAL COVER FOUNDATION

L’Oréal Infallible Total Cover Foundation:

Unlike their classic medium coverage True Match Foundation, The L’Oréal infallible Total Cover fills in the missing piece for those who prefer a much fuller coverage with a matte texture. The very simplistic packaging works practically well as this has a thicker texture compared to L’Oréal’s usual liquid foundations that come with a pump dispenser.

Containing 35g of product, the total camouflage coverage foundation comes in 7 different shades, ranging from (the lightest shade) ‘Light Sand Nude 9’ to (the darkest shade) ‘Cappuccino 33’.

Product’s Claims:

Discover Infallible Total Cover Foundation for a flawless, full coverage base that lasts up to 24 hours. The zero compromise, camouflage formula covers everything from blemishes, redness and tattoos without the overload, while the matte finish leaves you with an even, shine-free base.
No compromise. No transfer. No overload.

REVIEW

Texture & Finish: Matte

A little goes a very long way with this foundation. I must say, treating this like a regular liquid foundation can cause this to separate on the skin quite quickly. I have combination-oily skin, and on me, it seemed to have gotten oily after about 6 hours of wearing it alone (set with powder of course). I would highly recommend thinking of this as a thicker textured concealer rather than as a foundation. I found that by using it this way – I hadn’t needed as much as I was used to. This resulted in a more clean finish, avoiding that cakey textured feeling.

Coverage: Medium to Full

This foundation covers up well when less is applied ironically. If you do go in with a lot, as I mentioned before – the foundation is most likely to separate and go thin. But I don’t doubt that this foundation can very well cover up almost anything.

Best Application Method: Using a Small Concealer Brush to Apply Prior to Blending

From experience, it’s best to apply this onto selected areas of the face first and then blend. Using patting and lightweight buffing motions with a smaller foundation brush work best with this foundation I’ve found. Just like how you would treat applying a concealer, you’ll get the best results this way.

Lasts Up To 12 hours (maximum)

Depending on the type of primer that you use, the foundation can generously last up to 12 hours as it can get very oily and develop transfer.

Pros:

  • Covers amazingly well
  • The colour match is great
  • Perfect for concealer usage and spot concealing
  • Lasts long if set well with powder
  • A lot of product comes with this foundation so it should last you a while

Cons: Transfers easily

  • Only lasts up to 12 hours (maximum)
  • Lacks in the shade range (my shade: ‘Cappuccino 33’ is their darkest)
  • Gets oily quite fast
  • Can separate if too much is applied

Final thoughts

I totally loved the idea of this foundation. It can cover up any spots and hyperpigmentation so nicely, however, using this as a foundation alone has definitely caused way too much blotchiness and separation to be applied as one. Which is why I actually use this as a concealer instead. This way I have more control over the product and where it’s going. I’m currently using this foundation mixed in with another water-based textured foundation from Primark Beauty.

Since mixing the two foundations together I’ve found no problem within the end result at all, it has rather become my perfect combo for my skin. So I think that it all comes down to the actual texture which can take a turn depending on how much of it you use (as mentioned before).

So, if you are considering buying this, I’d highly recommend using this as a concealer as opposed to a full face foundation. You’ll then perhaps be more likely to get more usage out of the product in the end. But give it a go and see how you like it, I know that a lot of people get on very well with this foundation – so like most foundations, it’s down to preference.

Price: £9.99

Shop the L’Oréal Infallible Total Cover Foundation by clicking here.

2 MOODS: MATTE & GLOSSY EYES (Neon Purple Edition)

Before we get into this edit I just wanted to thank you all very much for the love on my last blog post! I’m thrilled to know that you also liked the look as much as I enjoyed creating it.

So, for this edit, I created two different moods: a matte look and a glossy look!

Now to act as a canvas, I included a smokey neon purple eye-look to wear with both versions. I’ve always been quite fascinated with glossy eyes although, I don’t really wear it on myself often. Not necessarily because of the results of glossy eyes, however, but actually because of the colour combinations that are most suited to them if that makes sense. Kind of like, defining the story you’re trying to tell with glossy eyes without overthinking it.

So in this look, I purposely chose one of the most vibrant and brightest options I could think of to show well with. Ending up possibly being a perfect look for the spring season of 2019.

THE MATTE LOOK:

I also did a soft-smokey liner with dark purple eyeshadow in this look. Applied on top of a diffused neon purple using Urban Decay Full Spectrum‘s purple with Too Faced Cat Eye‘s Bright Purple. (Lots of purples.)

I blended the shape of the eyes more Biba inspired, with a little 70’s nod to add to that vibrantly relaxed vibe for the spring. I liked the outcome.

THE GLOSSY LOOK:

I first darkened the wing, replacing the dark purple shadow with a black eyeshadow.

Then, I simply reached for my trusty lip balm by Vaseline (not using a lot) and applied some onto the back of my clean hand. I took my flat shader eyeshadow brush to pick up the product and started patting down the ‘gloss’ from the lash line upwards (avoiding the crease and lashes). Made a few more adjustments by adding more if needed and voilà!

Doing this taught me that depending on the quality and texture of your eyeshadow, the gloss can either brighten or darken your eye look. In this case, I went for the most vibrant purple possible which resulted in a just as clear and colourful look endwise.

PRODUCTS USED:

SKIN:

Foundation – L’Oréal True Match Foundation in 8N Cappuccino

Concealer – L.A. Girl Pro Concealer in ‘fawn’

Contour/bronzer – Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in ‘Chestnut’

Blusher – L.A. Girl Pro Orange Corrector (also applied around the eyes)

EYES:

Palette 1: Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette

Palette 2: Too Faced Cat Eyes Palette

Mascara: E.L.F. Lengthening Mascara

‘Gloss’: Vaseline Lip Balm (also applied on the cheekbones)

LIPS:

L.A. Girl Pro Orange Corrector (applied on the centre of the lips)

Primark Beauty Nude Lipstick (patted on top for a ‘transparent’ finish)

Vaseline Lip Balm

Well, that is all for today’s makeup mood!

Would you rock glossy lids in 2019? I think I might actually get into wearing more glossy looks throughout the spring-summer of 2019. I know that it’s quite abstract, but I suppose that’s why I like the look so much 🙂

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Belper!

Lots of love,

MAKEUP MOOD: PINK + RED 80’S ALLURE

Inspired by Fenty Beauty’s ‘uncensored’ Stunna Lip Paint (worn in this edit) I wanted to push myself a little further out of my comfort zone and add some clashing yet complimenting shadows for my eyes, specifically for the liner. I achieved this by thinly tight-lining the top lash line of my eyes with black eyeliner, gradually blended in with black eyeshadow to intensify and applied purple eyeshadow to set with.

I thought that a touch of purple would really add to the 80’s glam nod that slowly started to show through in contrast to the softness of the pink shadow I had initially.

Kept the skin simple with not too much foundation applied to give a very fresh approach and mixed in my powder bronzer and blush for a more believable flush on the tops of my cheekbones.

PRODUCTS USED:

SKIN:

Foundation – L’Oréal Total Cover Foundation in ‘Cappuccino’ & Primark Beauty My Perfect Color Foundation

Concealer – L.A. Girl Pro Concealer in ‘Cool Tan’

Powder – RCMA No Color Powder & KIKO GreenMe Bronzer in ‘Raw Sienna’

Bronzer – NIP+FAB Contour Palette in ‘DARK’

Blush – Mary Kay Blusher in ‘Cherry Blossom’

EYES:

Blush – Mary Kay Blusher in ‘Cherry Blossom’

1st Palette – Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette

2nd Palette – Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Mascara – Technic Lengthening

LIPS:

Stunna Lip Paint in ‘Uncensored’ [review coming soon…]

I Know this is quite a romantic, Valentine’s Day looking makeup look. But, I hope you all got a bit of an up-to-date glam inspo for Valentine’s Day 2019!

I’m currently loving this idea of eyeshadows as the liner. And although I know this is not so new, I feel like this just really gives a modern dynamic of softness yet sleekness to the eyes. Not to mention it takes a significantly shorter amount of time to apply than eyeliner.

I have gotten a few questions on how to achieve a soft liner without the eyeshadow looking grey in the undertone. So, if any of you would like for me to film a dedicated tutorial on that – do let me know in the comments below! Xx

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Belper!

Lots of love,

JANUARY ‘19 MAKEUP MOOD: 60’S PALE BLUES

Happy belated New Year Everyone!

So sorry I wasn’t able to blog towards the end of the year as I’ve had lots of work to catch up on. But as we’re now in the first month of 2019, I’d like to turn over a new leaf and talk about the first makeup mood of January 2019!

Out with the cut creases of 2018 and in with the old school 60s eye-shapes in 2019.

Now, if you’re a long term subscriber to THE BELPER, you’ll notice that this makeup theme (that being inspired by the era of the 60’s) isn’t new. However that’s pretty much the point of what I wanted to talk about.

Makeup Trend Alert:

Look out for the old school cut creases and 70s inspired eye shadings peaking through in 2019. As well as natural brows I’m sure we’ve all observed during the past year, we will be veering into a more natural/skin like territory with foundation and concealer again.

On that note, if you’re a full coverage foundation lover like me, you may find that trying out more lightweight foundations could actually help complete the mood of a lot of new eye-looks you’d like to try out this year. You’d be surprised at how most times natural result foundations can flatter the skin more than full coverage ones. (Foundation reviews will be coming soon!)

Now, back to the eyeshadow, I shot this edit focussing on the eyes and chose a pale blue shade this time as I felt like it represented a refreshing sense of the new year this – 2019. It’s very expressive and carefree, which I love!

PRODUCTS USED:

Foundation – L’Oréal Total Cover Foundation & Primark My Perfect Colour Foundation

Concealer – L.A. Girl HD Concealer in ‘Cool Tan’

Powder – RCMA No Colour Powder & KIKO GreenMe Loose Bronzer in ‘Raw Sienna’

Blusher – NIP+FAB Contour Palette in ‘DARK’

Contour – Sleek Contour Palette in ‘Medium’

Mascara – Technic Mascara

Eyeshadow – Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette (mainly using: ‘Metamorphosis’ & Bump’ mixed)

Lipstick – A dab of L.A. Girl HD Concealer in ‘Cool Tan’ to create a blank canvas in the centre of my lips. Followed by a pink nude lipgloss by NYC Cosmetics (discontinued).

That’s all for this short editorial! Do let me know what you think of this eye-look and if it’s something you’d actually try out for the spring of 2019!

I’m wishing you all a wonderful, prosperous and eye-opening year in 2019.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Belper!

Lots of love,

CHRISTMAS DAY MAKEUP LOOK

Since my last blog post was a more laid back holiday look, I thought it would only be fair to publish my own rendition of the very ultimate but wearable, Christmas Day makeup look.

In all realness, It’s nothing more than a glittery eye and a dark plum lip. But I suppose an event like the winter holidays makes a look like this perfect for anyone to wear whether you’re a frequent makeup wearer or not. Another reason why I love makeup! It always has the ability to rise to any occasion, no matter what the mood is.

I added a bit of a late 20s element to the look by diffusing the black liner upon the outer edge of my eyes with eyeshadow. This made my eyes appear more wide and doe-eyed in contrast to the sharp dark lips.

PRODUCTS USED:

Foundation – Primark My Perfect Color Foundation & L’Oréal Total Cover Foundation in ‘Cappuccino’

Concealer – L.A. Pro Concealer in ‘Cool Tan’

Bronzer – Sleek Contour Palette in ‘Medium’

Powder – RCMA No Colour Powder

Blush – NIP+FAB Contour Palette in ‘Dark’

Palette – Too Faced Cat Eyes Palette

Mascara – Technic Lengthening

Lipstick – Illamasqua (in Growl which is now discontinued but they have now released similar shades you can find here.)

So Christmas is finally tomorrow and I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful and Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays wherever you are! I hope your day will be spent with love, joy and lots of your favourite foods lol.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Belper!

Lots of love,

MINIMAL FESTIVE HOLIDAY MAKEUP 🎄

Hi, Everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well during this month’s festivities and preparations with your loved ones. This blog post is a makeup look that I think would be perfect for holiday parties without looking too overdone.

I took some inspiration from Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala Look with an 80’s twist. Opting for bright/pale pinks (mixed in with my bronzer to suit my skin tone) applied and blended all over the eyes. I grazed the shadows right underneath the outer edge of my eyes on to the highest points of my cheekbones too to add depth (this step is highly optional).

I added slightly more bronzer than usual to compliment the red lips. During the winter season, my skin can look little dull with makeup on – so adding some orange based bronzer can really be great for anyone who may feel like their makeup can look a little greyish in undertone during the winter.

The face is really simple, given that I didn’t apply any concealer in this edit. It was unintentional at the time but when I look back at this makeup it appears more organic looking than if I had applied concealer. Just goes to show that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask yourself if you really need concealer whilst you’re doing your makeup sometimes. In the beauty world I think, sometimes we can feel compelled to include all of the makeup ‘steps’ to complete a look – but that’s not really true at all. It all comes down to your judgement and what you think looks right to you at that moment. It’s a part of what makes the way you do your makeup your own creativity.

I finished with a very defined red lip, achieved with lip lining prior and after applying lipstick. I always like to keep a thin lip brush near to blend and apply just to have more control of the product I’m using.

PRODUCTS USED:

  • Lipstick – Coloured Raine in ‘Cherry Blossom’ (similar here)
  • Lip liner – Black Pencil (applied faintly)

Hope you’ve all found some minimal festive makeup inspo from this look!

Be sure to let me know what you think of it in the comments section below.

I cannot believe we are less than one week away until Christmas Day! And although I am aware I’m getting older for this sort of thing, I suppose the one thing I’m looking forward to the most is just spending time with my family 🙂

I wanted to thank you all for being so patient with me this month! You’ve all been so wonderful to me this year whether it’s been by subscribing, commenting to even liking every one of my posts. Though this may seem like a small thing – I am super grateful for the response this blog has been getting lately. And I thank all of you, truly.

Happy Holidays!

Lots of love,

MAKEUP EDIT: GLITZ GLAM, BELLA HADID INSPIRED LOOK

Happy December 1st, everyone! Party season is here and so I thought why not start of the festive looks with one that I have been obsessing over recently. A glitz glam smokey eye inspired by model, Bella Hadid created by makeup artist, Hung Vanngo.  

This look is quite dramatic although, something I liked about the eyes in particular was that it focuses on the depth and contrast of the outer edge – as opposed to a full, closed-off black smokey eye. It really gives you the opportunity to brighten up your eyes and create that jewel tone brightness effect with the sharp placements of shimmery silver eyeshadow.   

So, for anyone who’s not into black smokey eyes but would like to start incorporating more black eyeshadows into slightly dramatic looks, this is a great option to try out! All you’re doing is spending time on building and defining your eyes with black eyeshadow right onto the crease of your eyes, as if you’re expanding the width of eyeliner. This will make your eyes stand out and appear more feline. 

Since the shape of the eye look is very distinct and defined, I opted for a more flawless base and made sure to create a golden glow that complemented the cool-toned eyes with my skin tone. I used my trusty lip balm trick mixed in with a little bit of a coppery/golden highlighter from Sleek’s contour palette in Medium to achieve this result.  

 – PRODUCTS USED – 

Hope this look gives you some festive makeup inspo! Be sure to let me know in the comment section below what you think. Is this something you’d rock for an event like New Year’s Eve? Or would you rather prefer something like a classic smokey eye? I’m just curious 🙂

Random thought: I really can’t believe how close we are to the new year it’s just… lol but anyways.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Belper! 

lots of love, 

November 19, 2018 – QUOTE OF THE DAY

It’s always the smallest things that make life worth living for. Take a little bit of time out of your day to look around yourself, spend time with the people that make you feel happy and content. Perhaps consider treating yourself to a favourite book or movie at the end of the day. We all deserve to enjoy life as we create. Notice those joyous moments as you live and life will secretly reward you with even more blissful experiences!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Lots of love,