I went shopping with my sister-in-law last weekend and we stopped by Ulta. I wasn't looking for a foundation but we stumbled upon the DermaBlend section and was rather impressed. 

If you ever watch Youtube, there is a model that also happens to have really bad cystic acne. From the video I saw ages ago, she was using Makeup Forever's HD foundation and would layer it on until covered. She is now one of the spokespersons for DermaBlend. It touts itself as the ultimate cover for acne, skin discoloration, and even tattoos. 

I've recently developed a patch of acne on my nose that won't go away. It's been three months. It's driving me insane and since I don't want to go to the dermatologist (insurance, costs, etc.), I've been trying a lot of over-the-counter stuff to keep it at bay. One of the issues with acne is finding the right makeup that can cover it as well as not piss it off and make it worse. On top of that, I have dry flakey skin where the acne is, so some foundations will clump immediately. It's not fun. I rather just not wear any makeup, but due to my profession, I can't go to work without it. The one time I did, someone asked me if I was out in the sun too long because it looked like I had sun sores all over my nose. 

Anyways, for me, a good foundation will give me coverage, no clumping under flakes, and stays on for at least 8 hours if not more. 

CC creams or cushions - I use these for a nice youthful and glossy look. However, It slides off of my face during summer and I get very very sticky, even with a setting powder. 

Makeup Forever HD foundation - Matte - I recently started using this one again and it been really great. Good coverage and no clumping under skin flakes. However, I've also been applying it with a Beauty Blender wannabe which may be helping the foundation a lot. I still set it with a powder even though the finish is matte, just out of habit. 

So with DermaBlend, the cream foundation which is in the jar has a lighter texture than the liquid foundation in the tube. I know it sounds opposite but when applying it on the skin, the cream foundation spreads easily and feels light, despite being a cream. It comes with a spatula to scoop the product out. It scores well for coverage and I can barely see any of my freckles/sun spots/liver spots. It doesn't clump under my skin flakes, even when I apply it with a flat kabuki style brush. A small amount also goes a long way which I appreciate since it wasn't the cheapest product. When I feel like I need more coverage, I use half of what I initially used to cover up any larger dark areas. What also amazes me is how well it blurs out my pores! I don't notice my pores at all which makes for a very clean and young slate. 

Overall, I really like this foundation. It definitely has better coverage than the MUFE foundation with the same matte finish. I use A LOT less product compared to the four inches of liquid of MUFE that I use for my whole face. I am very optimistic about this product and brand. I really would like to try it on my mom who has much darker discoloration issues. My sister-in-law actually purchased the powder foundation to use as a setting powder. I'll have to ask her this week to see how it worked out. 

I forgot my Tumblr password again and finally decided to reset it. 

I don't know why I have a Tumblr or a blog/vlog. I don't have much to say and I don't do anything unique, but I do shop a lot. More than I should. So I will now post my mini reviews of things I've bought and tried... Shopping is sadly what I do best at this point of my life. 

1. Palmer's coconut oil formula - deep conditioning protein pack 

I dye my hair often and so it goes through a lot of damage. I've also noticed that it grows slower and gets very brittle as soon as I have some length past my shoulders. Likely due to the initial bleaching, subsequent dyeing, and fact that I wash my hair every day, or even twice a day. I work in a hospital and I don't like to sleep with dirty hair. That's just gross for me. 

I've tried many hair masks, conditioning packs, and hair serums. This coconut pack is by far the best. You see an immediate result upon rinsing and it goes from brittle and coarse to smooth and sleek. 

Here's a list of some of the products that I've also tried, ranked in effectiveness.