Beauty Basics: Kat Von D & Influenster

 

So I've been toying with the idea of adding makeup and skincare reviews to the blog because in case you've missed it, I'm a bit obsessed with both (I even work part time at Ulta just for the discount and access to new products). So when Influenster sent me a box a free goodies to try for review, I figured there was no time like the present so ... Welcome to Beauty Basics!

In case you aren't familiar with Influenster, it's a free (yes, free) website where you can fill out surveys to win stuff. You do not have to be a blogger or vlogger or even all that active on social media to qualify (but it does help). It's awesome and I've gotten tons of free goodies and I'm not on there that much!

If you want to sign up: www.influenster.com/r/1020800
*Fair notice: This is a referral link so I get points towards my impact score if you sign up with this code*

And now onto the review:

I've tried a few Kat Von D products here and there but never any of her skincare line (I've tried the tattoo liquid liner, everlasting liquid lipstick, and swatched some of the eyeshadows). This was definitely the most I've ever dabbled in KvD and I gotta admit - I LOVE it. This Lock-It line is phenomenal!

I was sent 5 goodies to try - 2 brushes, the translucent setting powder, and 2 Lock-It creme concealers (same formula but 2 colors as I filled out the survey and simply told them I'm PALE). I was sent shade Light 1 and Light 3 (there is one shade lighter - White, which is - surprise! - bone white). 

Honestly when I swatched Light 1 I thought it was too fair for me, even for concealer. I tried Light 3 first and was pretty happy with what I saw, but Light 1 is actually a much better shade for me, mostly because it's a bit more cool-toned and neutral whereas Light 3 is much warmer. The pic on the left shows Light 3 on top and Light 1 on bottom - you can see the differences in the two shades!

[Explanation: Cool-tone: pink undertones to your skin; Warm-tone: yellow undertone to your skin; Neutral: neither pink nor yellow]

Also included was the Lock-It translucent setting powder along with a setting brush both of which I now adore. The translucent powder is fantastic for setting my under eye concealer and pretty good for the rest of my makeup (my Laura Mercier translucent powder is my favorite by far).

[Tip: Setting your makeup, especially your under eye concealer with a translucent powder will help keep your makeup from creasing and breaking up throughout the day.]

The only womp-womp for me was the concealer brush. It just didn't blend out the concealer very well, especially because this is a thick, full coverage concealer. I needed a beauty sponge to blend it out perfectly.

Lastly, I have dry skin and this concealer dries matte. If you have dry skin make sure you use a nice hydrating eye cream prior to doing your makeup otherwise it may cause creasing and extra dryness. 

Overall I'm in love with this stuff. Truly, I adore it. And I can definitely see myself buying more concealer and translucent powder when I'm done.

If you want to check out any of these things yourself, Kat Von D is sold online and at Sephora (including Sephora Inside JCPenney).

Lock-It Setting Powder
Lock-It Concealer Creme 
Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush 
Lock-It Setting Powder Brush 

*Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary for testing and review purposes*