Beauty: Almay's Subtle Pretty!

Heya! I've always known about Almay Make-up, and even tried some of their products in the past. I wasn't really impressed with them, so I've never tried Almay again. But several weeks ago, I met Almay PR Representative Kelsey, at the Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference Spark Sessions. She introduced me to some of Almay's products, the history of the company, and the great love story of Fanny May and Alfred Woititz, the founders of Almay.

Fanny May had sensitive skin, and couldn't wear the harsh cosmetics made in the 1930's. Her husband, Alfred Woititz,  loved his wife and wanted her to enjoy cosmetics. He partnered with dermatologist Dr. Marion Sulzberger and developed a formula for pure cosmetics. The Woititzs' combined their names, Fanny May and Alfred, and created Almay Cosmetics.

I also had the opportunity to take some some new products home and try them out! Here are the results of my Almay makeover!:

 

The first product I tried was Almay Smart Shade Mousse Make Up in Light/Medium. I liked the "light whipped" texture of this foundation, and how easy it went on. But, it is very sheer, and only provided light coverage, so extra concealer was needed for under the eyes and other problem spots. A good day foundation.

I was very excited to try the next product, Almay Softies Eyeshadow in Moss and Vintage Purple. This product boasts that it... "is light as air, whipped powder shadows that provide pure colour". Well, it is light as air and easy to put on, but I had to apply multiple of layers to get any real colour pigment, especially with the purple. 

Next, I applied the Almay Intense I-Colour Volumizing Mascara in Midnight. This mascara provided excellent colour, and made my lashes look fuller but with a little clumping. A good day mascara for ladies who, like me, wear mascara everyday. It is not dramatic enough for me to wear at night. Perfect night mascara for those who prefer a more subtle look on their lashes when going out.

I was quite skeptical about the next product I tried, Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush in Pink. I'm not a big blush fan. I can never can quite get it to look natural on my pale skin and I can never find a shade I love. But I do like this Almay blush. It was easy to apply, and gave very subtle colour. I also like the mirror and brush that is on the bottom half of the compact. Perfect for quick touch ups.

 

And lastly, I applied the Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Just Plum. I am in love with the wave of coloured lip balms that have been hitting the cosmetics departments shelves lately. I have always been a fan of tinted lip balms, both liquid and stick (there is always one in my purse), especially in the chapped lip winter season. I'm always happy to try out a new brand and shade. I am a huge fan of Almay's Liquid Lip Balm. The subtle colour and shine is perfect to wear throughout my work day and I only had to reapply a few times. It is not sticky and doesn't dry my lips. It smells and tastes a little like baked goods, with out it being over bearing. I have a Dior lip gloss that is amazing, but I can never wear it, because it tastes disgusting! The Liquid Lip Balm is my favourite Almay product of this group!

 

The theme seems to be subtle pretty for all these Almay products. They are great to wear to the office and work, but only to use as a base for more dramatic night looks. I do love the Liquid Lip Balm, and will continue to carry it in my purse.

Before Almay Make Over: No Make-up

After Almay Make Over

Have you tried any of these Almay products? I would love to hear what you think of them!

And P.s!: Almay is great for people with sensitive skin. They were the first hypoallergenic cosmetics brand, first 100% fragrance free brand, and first company to disclose all ingredients used and to perform safety testing for allergy and irritation. Almay is so stringent on the ingredients that they use, that they state "that fewer than 500 of the 10,000 new ingredients available for use in cosmetics meet Almay's superior standards." And all these products would cost around $5-$15 at the local drugstore or cosmetics department.

P.s,

Melanie!