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Denise tries FACE atelier
The founder of FACE atelier, Debbie Bondar, is a 50-something mom of two grown daughters, who has a law degree, a BS in journalism, and a BA in English Lit under her belt - and is now spearheading this up-and-coming cosmetics company. This amazing woman just keeps on setting the bar higher and higher, and then accomplishing the goals she has set for herself, which is very inspiring to me. I highly encourage all of you to read Debbie's amusing and poignant "dish" blog-esque entries that are posted on the FACE website. They consistently bring a smile to my face. But I digress... The true focus of this review is the FACE atelier line of products that, incidentally, are favorites of celebrities and makeup professionals alike. In fact, FACE atelier was the official makeup sponsor of Madonna's Confessions tour in 2006. I tried several products from the FACE atelier line, and I can see why they have received such rave reviews from celebs and everyday femme fatales alike.
Ultra Foundation ($39)
This product is the "flagship" of the FACE atelier line, and with good reason. The silicone-based formula makes Ultra Foundation glide onto your skin like silk, and it somehow seems to just sit on top of any fine lines and imperfections, yet it lasts all day without creasing. I'm still baffled as to how this works, but it really does. Ultra Foundation also has superb coverage; I use a small pump or two for my whole face. The instructions on the website say to apply with a foundation brush, which is probably even more effective than the foundation sponge that I've been using. But regardless, I've been so happy with this find, and I'm pretty picky when it comes to foundations. The coolest thing about Ultra Foundation? You can totally customize the shades to match your skin tone exactly. With a tiny dab of either Zero Minus to lighten or Zero Plus to darken the foundation, you will end up with perfectly matching makeup every time, all year round! I point that out because, especially here in the desert southwest, no matter how much sunscreen I pile on, my skin tone naturally darkens even a tiny bit in the summer months. Normally that would necessitate buying a different shade of foundation for winter and summer months, but that's no longer the case! I have been using shade #2 Ivory with just a tiny touch of Zero Minus, and it is perfect for my winter-pale skin. Another fun thing that I've discovered about the Zero Minus is that it makes a great highlighter for cheekbones and brow bones when applied alone, either before or after foundation. The only down side is that FACE products do not contain any sunscreen, so make sure that you are wearing a separate product with SPF in it, which you should be doing anyway, right?
Ultra Pressed Powder ($24)
FACE atelier's powder selection is somewhat limited, yet adequate. They offer the basic pressed and loose powders in three universal color choices. I tried Ultra Pressed Powder in the light shade. The color is a little bit on the orangey-side for my taste, but not so much that it's noticeable with the proper application. I use a fluffy powder puff to apply a light coat of powder on my face; I think that a big powder brush would probably work even better, but I always feel that is wasteful when using pressed powder. I would like to try the FACE atelier double-sifted Ultra Loose Powder, too. All in all, I've been satisfied with the performance of FACE's Ultra Pressed Powder. It does leave my face with a nice, matte finish that lasts for most, if not all, of the day.
Lash RX ($19)
FACE atelier's Lash RX is a lash therapy treatment and primer in one. Its creamy formula is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen and protect lashes. As the instructions suggest, I tried to use Lash RX under mascara to increase the length and volume of my lashes, but that didn't work out too well for me. I found that the Lash RX, while it does add volume and length, takes any hint of a curl out of my lashes. This left me with long and full, but sticking-straight-out eyelashes. I really like this product as a lash conditioner, though. I apply a coat at night before bed and let the active ingredients work all night long. I have definitely noticed less stray and lost eyelashes since I've been using Lash RX, which is okay by me!
Sculpt Mascara ($22)
I love Sculpt Mascara in Midnight. I'm not sure if it's the special brush, which leaves virtually no clumps at all, or the silicone-based formula which makes the mascara extra long-lasting, but I'm a fan. The color is deep and true, and doesn't flake or smudge. The mascara really doesn't have any "curling" properties, which is okay since I always prep my lashes with a mascara curler anyway. I usually apply two coats, and that gives me long dark lashes all day long. One of my favorite things about FACE atelier's mascara formula is that it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes at all. This is a great product with a reasonable price tag.
Lip Glaze ($19)
This is probably my least favorite product that I tried from the FACE atelier line. That's not to say that I disliked it - it is a nice product, but there's really nothing that special about it. I tried Lip Glaze in both Peach and Clear. I prefer the nice, subtle Peach shade, although it is a bit too frosted for my taste. The great thing about FACE's Lip Glaze is that they go on smooth and not sticky at all, which is a nice change in the world of lip glosses. When the Peach glaze wears off, it leaves an unbecoming frosted residue on the lips, so I try to remember to reapply often to avoid this. The formula is very moisturizing and the result is soft and super shiny lips, as long as they last. Lip Glaze comes in five different shades. I would like to try the Arctic Gold glaze, as it looks like it might be a more subtle shimmer than the Peach. At any rate, for the price, there are several other lip glosses that I'd choose before this one.
FACE atelier is a quality line of products that is adored by makeup artists and is slowly gaining a faithful following of devoted makeup junkies like us. You can check out the full line of FACE products on their website, faceatelier.com, and even buy samples of many of the products for $1.00 before committing to a full-sized purchase. But you can take my word for it, especially with FACE's Ultra Foundation, you won't be disappointed.
- Denise
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Posted April 6, 2007
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