Maskcara IIID Foundation Review

OK, so you guys know that a big part of this blog is trying new things. I really struggle with spending extra money on makeup. I get most of my makeup from Wal-Mart (gasp, I know!) but, it works! I've been dying to try Maskcara's IIID Foundation since its first generation. So I saved up a bit of my Christmas money and purchased it at her launch party!

You guys - I kinda really freakin' love it! And as far as it being more expensive than my good ol' Wal-mart makeup - it's not! It is highly pigmented, and you really don't use much for each application. Cost per application = stellar deal. I feel like it sinks into your skin, rather than just sitting on top - which I think helps it look a lot more natural.

This is an unedited shot. This was taken hours after I put my make-up on, so this isn't even a fresh application. This isn't a "fishing for compliments" picture - this is a "holy crap this makeup is fabulous" picture. 

This (unedited) picture has less direct light , so you can see the Highlight & Contour better. I seriously love this blush, too! It's crazy hot pink, so I was nervous at first - but it blends so well. Perfection!

As a cosmetologist I learned a lot about makeup in school. I thought I loved bold makeup, but then as I really got to dive into makeup artistry I learned that I like subtle makeup. It's my strength. I prefer to have people question if I even have makeup on. So, I was actually pretty nervous to purchase this because I don't even wear foundation. I'm a concealer and quick powder kind of girl. Again, I worried about nothing. This stuff has a light coverage, which I love! But, I've heard of people putting a light layer of their foundation underneath the HAC (highlight and contour), if you prefer a heavier coverage.

I bought the Custom Palette. It includes a highlight, contour,blush & illuminator.

These are the colors I got

Highlight:

Sunlight

Contour:

Stone

Blush:

Dahlia

All color options 

I didn't purchase the brush, because I have some Sephora (1//2) brushes that I love already. I do definitely recommend a beauty blender. It will help blend the lines of the different colors. My highlight went on kinda yellow, which is great for my dark circles under my eyes. #momistired

I debated changing my highlight color to Wheat because it's a little darker, but I think I'll keep the Sunlit and also purchase the Wheat. That way I have both. We all have tan and pale seasons, so I figured it would be handy to have both on hand! 

I was going to post a tutorial video, but I was terrified that I would look like a goober. Being able to do a video tutorial is a true talent - one that I'm not blessed with. To learn more about Highlighting and Contouring go to maskcaracosmetics.com

 Here is a great tutorial video to show what colors to place where. 

She posts great videos and can help you color match as well! You won't regret it! 

Photography Credit: Callie Mae Photography 

Be BONA FIDE

Be Bona∙Fide 

I’m going to be completely honest with you – this post terrifies me. Actually, my whole blog terrifies me. Haha It’s all about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things in order to find passion. But, it’s also about being honest with myself about who I am as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and person.

I never thought about myself as a person who needed praise. I am who I am and that was that. I played softball from the age of 5 to the age of 19 and loved it. But, something hit me hard in the middle of a summer softball game. I was pitching in this particular game and it wasn't going well to say the least… I looked to my coach for instruction, for help, for anything. He looked right at me and said “I can’t be your cheerleader.” I was a little taken aback; he had always praised me, guided me and gave me the courage I needed to throw a great game. “How rude!” I thought. I don’t need a cheerleader! I need you to tell me how good I’m doing… duh. Well the truth of the matter was that I wasn't throwing a good game by any stretch of the imagination. He didn't sugarcoat it and quite frankly it stung.

I think about this often as I’m doing various things even now. As a Cosmetologist, a wife, a mother, a friend – I try to be genuine, honest and loving.  I try to help people realize that they aren't going through things alone, and to help them know that I've been there. I’ll be completely honest with you, I love praise and recognition. I like when people think I’m a good wife, a great mother, and a loyal friend. I try hard to be all of those things, so a little pat on the back is always nice. Well, these types of things flood over into social media as well. I like Instagram likes, comments, followers. Who doesn't? We all want to be relatable and for people to think, “Oh good, I’m not the only one who feels, talks, acts, and thinks this way. She does, too.”  I want people to know that they aren't alone in their thoughts. Everyone goes through something, everyone deals with tough situations and circumstances.

Social media is the ultimate “sugar-coater.” It has a way of pointing out our flaws and making us feel inadequate. We’re not pretty enough, not skinny or fit enough, not dedicated enough, we’re not married, we have no kids, no great career path – you name it. If there is something you have low self- esteem about it’s as if Instagram can read your mind and has been waiting to flood your newsfeed with something glamorous from someone else’s “perfect life” just to kick you when you’re down.

I love the girls at Be Bona Fide for their “Let’s Get Real” movement. Social media can help you or hurt you – let’s make sure we are helping one another. Let’s uplift and encourage. Nobody is perfect. Not even the beautiful blogger with the perfect home, clothes and life (News flash – her white couch is going to be ruined when her new baby poops on it!). Everyone has something that brings them down, so I ask you to please post about it! I guarantee that your followers will relate!

*Thank you to Nicole & Laura for all that you do to help us realize that life isn’t perfect. We all have insecurities and we tend to keep them a secret for fear of being the only person who feels this way. In reality no one needs to be or should be alone in their struggles. Life is messy and crazy and it’s so dang beautiful – enjoy the bumpy ride! 

|| Check out the Be Bona∙Fide  site and blog for more info! You won't regret it! Don't forget to post your #bondafideconfessions #beautifulbonafide & tag @beautifuleffort & @bebonafide on Instagram!! ||