Beauty Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

As part of an Influenster Vox Box* I recently received a sample of Rimmel's new Stay Matte foundation.

Now normally, I don't wear foundation. I'm a BB cream or tinted moisturizer kind of girl, so as you can imagine I was apprehensive about trying a real foundation! Overall I have fairly even skin and not a lot of problems with acne. Since having Olive, however, my hormones have been out whack causing a little bit more skin issues than I'm used to.

Enter - foundation.

Influenster and Rimmel sent me the 'True Ivory' shade, which seemed like it would most closely match my skin tone. Upon my first application I noticed it was really cakey. Is this normal? I may have used a little too much. After washing my face and letting it dry I tried again with half as much. Still pretty cakey. After I applied it (with my fingertips) I still had to go back and put some lotion around my jawline and mouth to blend it and make it feel less heavy.

The plus side though, was it did have significant coverage. See below - before and after.

Overall, I would purchase this foundation for two purposes - 1) if I am really broken out and need to even out my skin and 2) for a fancy look for a special occasion.
It definitely didn't convert me to a full on foundation wearer. Mostly I couldn't wait to get home and wash my face after wearing it out to dinner.

Do you guys wear foundation? Have any tricks for making it less cakey? Or are you a tinted moisturizer kinda lady like myself?

*I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

My Review of Ribbed Waist Short

Originally submitted at Maurices

These comfy shorts are a great casual option for t-shirt or tank top day, or at the beach to cover your suit. The stretch ribbed waistband is comfortable and the drawstring lets you cinch. Cute side ties add detail. Imported.

Ribbed Waist Short

OBSESSED w/this for comfy spring/summer!

By KathrynLaine from Tri-Cities, WA on 4/5/2012

4out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size
Pros: Well Made, Quality Materials, Figure Flattering, Comfortable, Practical
Best Uses: Date Night/Night Out, Casual Wear
Describe Yourself: Trendy/Stylish Dresser
Was this an online or in store purchase?: in store
Do you have a maurices store in or near your town?: Yes
Comfort vs Style: Style Driven
Was this a gift?: No

I picked these up in black because that was the only neutral color in my size in-store, but Im actually really glad I did! They are really casual, however, when I paired them with a dressier black and white patterned shirt in my closet, it made for a dressy summer date night outfit!
Excellent Maurices! Ordering in 2 more colors!

(legalese)