MAC is taking their “All Ages, All Races, All Sexes” creed to the max come September 22nd with the introduction of their latest foundation called Matchmaster. If you love MAC but have found that either NC/NW15 wasn’t light enough for your complexion or NW55 just wasn’t deep enough, this collection might be right up your alley.

“WITH OUR ALL RACES CREDO, WE’VE REDEFINED WHAT A PERFECT MATCH SHOULD BE WITH NEW MATCHMASTER FOUNDATION SPF 15 TECHNOLOGY, USING TRANSLUCENT PIGMENTS TO CREATE A FORMULA THAT ENABLES A FULLY PERSONALIZED FINISH INFLUENCED BY THE SUBTLETIES OF YOUR OWN SKIN TONE. ADDING TO MATCHMASTER’S TRUE-TO-LIFE APPEAL IS ITS MOISTURIZING DEMI-MATTE FINISH, MEDIUM BUILDABLE COVERAGE, AND LINE-REDUCING SOFT-FOCUS POWDERS. ADD THE FACT THAT THIS FORMULA REDUCESEXCESS SHINE-CREATING OIL, AND WHO COULD RESIST?”

Don’t go looking for NC/NW when you check this out at your local counter after 9/22. MAC has simplified the shade selection instead using just numbers. Here’s a peak at what the shades look like:

MATCHMASTER FOUNDATION SPF 15
1.0 Medium/Demi Matte
1.5 Medium/Demi Matte
2.0 Medium/Demi Matte
3.0 Medium/Demi Matte
4.0 Medium/Demi Matte
5.0 Medium/Demi Matte
6.0 Medium/Demi Matte
7.0 Medium/Demi Matte
7.5 Medium/Demi Matte
8.0 Medium/Demi Matte
8.5 Medium/Demi Matte
9.0 Medium/Demi Matte
9.5 Medium/Demi Matte
10.0 Medium/Demi Matte
$32.50 U.S./$39.00 CDN

I’m a Make Up For Ever and BECCA foundation groupie, but this sounds like it’s worth a look. Will you be checking for MAC’s latest foundation?

Megan writes in asking, “I know y’all have done stories on under eye concealer, but can you all maybe provide some information on products for under eye circles, that are budget friendly, seeing as I am a college student with not that much income“.

Hey Megan! Yep–we did go over dealing with dark circles here and even talked about 15 of our favorite drugstore beauty products here. Three great drugstore brands that come to mind that have great concealer and foundation products are Milani, Black Opal, and Black Radiance. I really like Milani Concealer Stick (it comes in the same form as a lipstick would) because it’s creamy and blends well–great for covering under eye circles and just about any other discoloration. Black Opal makes a great stick foundations that can double as concealer as well. I love a stick foundation because you can determine your desired coverage amount. Sheer it out or layer it up. Also try Black Opal Fade and Conceal and Black Radiance Perfect Blend Concealer (comes with 2 shades in one compact so you can blend to get the perfect color).

While it depends on whether you truly have dark circles or have hyperpigmentation in the eye area (we talked about this in the original dark circle post mentioned above), you can find good skincare products at your local vitamin store that are pretty comparable to those at department stores. They’ll just be labeled with more generic terms like “Vitamin C eye cream” (Vitamin C is great for brightening) or “Vitamin K eye cream” (Vitamin K is said to help fade bruises but don’t expect dramatic results for more severe cases) or “Skin Lightening cream” (containing either kojic acid or hydroquinone). One brand to check out is Reviva Labs. I’m a Perricone girl, but I’ve used a lot of Reviva Labs’ products because they contain a lot of the same ingredients at a much lower price point.

Plus many of the products at vitamin stores are within the same price range as mass market skincare products, but tend to have more potent ingredients. Once you learn which ingredients do what (i.e. Vitamin E for dry skin; glycolic acid for exfoliating, fading dark spots, and preventing the signs of aging; Vitamin C for brightening; alpha hydroxy acids to increase cell turnover and boost collagen, etc.) you’ll see that you don’t have to always spend a lot of money on skincare at the department stores. Plus you’re young so you shouldn’t need anything stronger than what’s offered over the counter. If you still have issues though, it’s always good to see a dermatologist.

While the ideal look to hit the beach is a naked face, there’s no harm in putting a little something on to hit the sand. Here are some ideas to give you a polished look without rocking a full face of makeup.

*Any look (bare faced or not) should always include sunscreen and must be reapplied for prolonged periods of sun exposure

*Try waterproof mascara on the upper lashes to open up the eyes and to fake alertness

*A cheek stain or a waterproof cream like Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream on the cheeks will stay put and brighten the face

*A pop of color on the waterline via a waterproof liner like Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes or Covergirl Liquiline Blast

*Dust a waterproof bronzer along the perimeter of the face to create depth and warmth

*A sheer wash of a bright pink or orange gloss or lip stain

More Make Up For Ever…