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| Above: MAKE Cosmetics Soft Focus Foundation in Warm #3 and Silk Cream lip color in Pink Clay. |
I always delight in discovering new niche beauty lines…there is just something so thrilling about uncovering a cache products, just waiting to be tried. Such is the case for the MAKE Cosmetics…this unique brand is offered through the We See Beauty website, which donates an impressive 33% of all sales to the We See Beauty Foundation. This non-profit is “dedicated to incubate and accelerate women-led, worker-owned cooperatives to drive large scale change.” High quality cosmetics that contribute to worthy causes…what could be better?
Kindly scroll on for product descriptions, swatches, a video review and images of the products on my face…
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| Above: Silk Cream lip color in Pink Clay retails for $25 and is hypoallergenic, paraben-free and not tested on animals. |
I was privileged to try two of my favorite varieties of makeup…lip color and foundation. Truly, these entities are my weakness. The Silk Cream lip color, which retails for $25, is the most exquisite formula. Highly pigmented, extremely hydrating and demi-matte, the name is certainly apropos…it is silky and creamy with a 4-5 hour lasting power that keeps my full and comfortable for the duration of wear time.
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| Above: Embossed with a stunning deco-esque “M,” this bullet is magnificent. |
Pink Clay is a gorgeous shade; slightly darker than most lip colors I embrace, this rosy nude has a slightly purplish tinge that validates its indisputable uniqueness in my collection. Reaching full opacity in a single swipe, this is a luxurious option for nude lovers looking for a bit more punch.
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| Above: A single swatch of Pink Clay…the pigmentation of this formula is insane. |
There is no perceptible fragrance and the color stays true…no oxidation whatsoever. It wears evenly, doesn’t create the dreaded “white O” and feels incredibly moisturizing! MAKE lip color also comes in matte and silk satin formulas and I am so impressed with the Silk Cream that I cannot wait to try the other lip options in the line.
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| Above: Pink Clay alone on the lips. |
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| Above: The MAKE Soft Focus Foundation retails for $45 for one ounce. |
The Soft Focus Foundation was a complete wild card for me…aside from its name, the claims for this formula are nominal. That being said, I can attest to the fact that this pleasantly unscented formula offers buildable medium to full coverage with a beautiful satin matte finish that lasts the day.
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| Above: Warm #3 is great for skin tones in the NC 25-30 range; since I get to NC 23 in the winter, I would also need Warm #2 to maintain a match for the entire year. |
Retailing for $45, the sturdy plastic pump bottle houses one ounce of product…I found that a single pump dispensed the perfect amount of foundation to cover the entire face. I used a dampened Beauty Blender to buff this onto my face (over a bit of Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge) and was instantly pleased with the overall result. It may appear a touch more pronounced than an ultra-natural, skin like finish foundation but quite prefer that look from time to time when I am in pursuit of a more “finished” look. It lasts for 6-7 hours; I didn’t set it with powder and it still managed to keep oil at bay during the duration of wear on a very hot day! This is a fantastic “all around” foundation (rather than one that purports an excess of skincare benefits or endless luminosity) that offers lovely coverage and a polished finish; I actually appreciate the pared down elements of the formula! Even skin with a soft focus effect…foundation simplicity at its best.
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9, Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, HDI, Trimethyolo Hexylactone Corsspolymer, Diisteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglycaryl-4 Isostereate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Squalane, Propylene Carbonate, Phylantriol, Tocapheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Oleanolic Acid, Enantia Chioranthe Bark Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Canteila Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyluronate, Polydodecanamideaminium, Triazadiphenylethenesulfonate, Polyvinylalchohol Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11, Pantaerythenyl Tetraisosterate, Silica Dimethyl Silyate, Sodium Chondrositin Sulfate, Atelocollagen, Amniobutyl Acid Barium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lysine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Triathaxyeaprylyisilane, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl77499).
This formula comes in a formidable spectrum of 16 shades in both warm and cool undertones (seven of each) and Warm #3 (described as a for light complexions with yellow undertones) is suitable for light to light-medium skin tones in the NC 25-NC 30 range. The yellow undertone is quite apparent, but once stippled into the skin, it adjusts to a more neutral presentation (see video and images below). Although this shade was appropriate for my post-summer slightly tan skin, I believe that as the winter months approach, I would likely find a more befitting match in Warm #2.
VIDEO!
Below: Images of the MAKE Soft Focus Foundation and Silk Cream lip color on my face in various lighting situations.
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| Above: In direct sunlight. |
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| Above: In natural sunlight, filtered through a window. |
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| Above: In natural sunlight, filtered through a window. |
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| Above: At the end of an excruciatingly hot and humid day…with the exception of a bit of extra glow on the face, the foundation and lip color held up masterfully! |
Bottom Line: The MAKE Cosmetics line is a veritable treasure trove of options…from the remarkably lovely foundation formula to lip color in every shade and finish imaginable, I am duly dazzled by this collection of “cosmetics with a conscience.” I completely intrigued by the thorough range of offerings and currently have the Brow Pen, Powder Foundation Matte/Dew duo on my radar for future trial!
P.S. Please don’t forget to RSVP for my Beauty Professor + Neiman Marcus beauty event at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island on Wednesday 9/18 from 11 AM-1 PM…all the details can be found HERE!
XOXO and hope to see you there…–The Beauty Professor
**PR samples provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
Comments (8)
That lipstick looks gorgeous on you! I don't live in So Cal so unfortunately I won't get to see you at NM on the 18th, but greetings from Columbus, Oh! Love your blog!!
Thank you, Anon…it is a fun twist on my typical beige nude! So wish you were able to make it to the NM event, but I suppose being halfway across the country is a good excuse for missing ; )
Thanks for your sweet words…xoxo and enjoy the weekend!
–The Beauty Professor
Oooh that lip colour is Devine and I love the shape of the bullet. It looks beautiful on you and what a great percentage the company donates to a great cause. You look truly radiant in the last photo if not a little 'had it'. both products appear to have held up well over the duration of the day. It's great to find these new products from different companies not just the big names and thanks for bringing them to our attention.
Yet again another fantastic review, I so look forward to reading your blog.
Hello Julie!
Thank you…yes, the Pink Clay was a lovely surprise and the architecture of the bullet is magnificent. In that last photo, I appreciate the kind words as I was completely spent after sweating all day ; )
I completely enjoy finding lesser known products and love that you appreciate the process of discovery as well! Thanks, as always, for being such a sweet, loyal and supportive reader!
xoxo, talk soon and have a wonderful weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi B.P feel like we haven't chatted in forever! I had a crazy week at work. That pink clay is absolutely stunning and yes, what a surprise. To look at it, you would'nt think you would get such a great color that compliments you so much. It's great to find such a gem when we step out of our beauty box every now & then isnt it? I need to reach for colors that I don't normally do also. The fact that they give to a good cause only adds to my curiosity and need for checking them out. Thanks soo much. xoxo
Hello Lynn…yes, the days just flew by without our regular chat! I know what you mean about a crazy week! Hope you got some rest this weekend ; )
Thanks for the kind words about Pink Clay…this line has totally exceeded my expectations and I am happy to have had the chance to try it.
I hope this week is infinitely calmer for you…I'm afraid mine will be crazy again (but in all the best ways!).
xoxo, dear friend, and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
Dearest B.P,
Thanks for sharing this post on an innovative and inspiring company.I agree that the pink clay lipstick shade is gorgeously divine and looks stunning on you. It sounds like you will be trying other products from this range and I look forward to reading your thoughts on them.
I have used Peau Verge for the last 4 days straight and my skin has broken out a bit and there is some redness and irritation in spots. I'm wondering whether you think this has to do with the inclusion of natural sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide)which have broken me out in the past, or do you think that it could be due to the amount of retinol? I'm wondering whether you had to initially taper your use when you first started incorporating this product into your regime, and if you also experienced any reactions? The instructions do stipulate to reduce usage to 2 times a week if experiencing symptoms so I will restrict usage for the moment. Anyway,I thought I'd call on your Peau Verge expertise which are much appreciated.
I will be attending IMATS in Australia this weekend and am so excited about the prospective makeup that I will acquire and sample on the day. I will let you know how it goes.
Dearest B.P wishing you a fabulous week and lots of autumy inspiration!xoxoxo
Hello Karen!
Thanks for the thoughtful and kind comment! Pink Clay is fast becoming a favorite ; )
I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing a little break out from the Peau Vierge. I've used it for nearly a year and a half straight and am trying to remember if I had a similar reaction with my sensitive skin. I don't think I did. Clearly, I am not a dermatologist (just an avid product user!) but I think there could be two potential reasons for the reaction…1. perhaps, like you say, the natural sunscreen (which btw works better with my skin than the chemical ones, which can sometimes cause a breakout for me…go figure!) is an irritant for your skin or 2. the retinol is being a bit of an irritant. Prior to using PV, I had used Retin-A Micro intermittently and my skin was able to tolerate it overall (though at times it would get red and peely which is to be expected with such a product). In turn, the PV was much gentler and, because the retinol is at such a low, time released concentration, it is much less potentially irritating than a traditional retinol product. That being said, everyone's skin behaves differently, so I think it is wise for you to taper down to 2 times a week to see if that helps!
Oh my goodness…have a wonderful time at IMATS…my mom and I went to IMATS LA in January and it was such a brilliant time! Enjoy every bit of it and keep me posted on your experience and haul!!
xoxo, talk soon and have a lovely week,
–The Beauty Professor