So okay before I forget to post my review on the Neutrogena makeup that landed in my vanity kit recently, I thought I’d do it today. I decided to do my makeup earlier when I went on an afternoon walk with Anika for an FOTD (I’ll be posting this shortly) so I reckon what’s the best time to try them out and finally finish the review, yes?

First up is the liquid foundation, Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup in Natural Beige (60).

Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about this one. Like I’ve previously mentioned, I’ve been using Intervene Liquid Makeup by Elizabeth Arden and I’m pretty darn happy with it so the idea of switching is totally far from my mind. But since I got this one for free and it is from Neutrogena, I was hopeful that it can serve as a good alternate.

I’ve never tried it before this afternoon. You should have seen me fiddling with the thing, trying to figure out how to make the makeup come out. I know you’re supposed to twist the bottle and it’ll come out of the brush on top but I’ve already been twisting it several times and nothing’s happening. I was scared that if I twist it more than I already have, it’ll come pouring out in uncontrollably massive amounts. Which it did. Heh.

Since I had to clean off the excess, I wasn’t able to use the built in brush as an applicator. I ended up using my fingers but I don’t mind since I’m used to that. I prefer using my fingers than brushes or sponges esp when it comes to foundations. I find it easier to blend. Speaking of blending, I found the blend-factor of this particular liquid makeup alarming at first. I really had to make sure that I maximised the coverage and that it’s balanced. The shade started out three times lighter than my own but as I spread the makeup over the skin and patiently took my time in blending, the finish was luminous. I realised that I actually like the finish. My skin ended up looking radiant and fresh.

I found the Natural Beige shade was unattractive at first. I was worried that I’ll end up looking like someone who has jaundice. But surprisingly, it was just right. It’s very light on the skin (it did say that it’ll feel weightless) and there’s no sign of irritation (which is good). I’m still wearing the makeup I had put on this afternoon (going 6 hours now) and it still feels alright. None of the icky, itchy, I-want-to-wash-my-face-now feeling, know what I mean? So far, staying power is impressive.

I reckon I can postpone buying something to replace my Intervene. It’s a darn shame that it’s not available here in Manila but I’m hoping my generous brother will indulge his sister’s makeup whims and buy her a bottle before he heads back home. Hehe. Meanwhile, I’ll have fun with this Liquid Makeup from Neutrogena. I do find it a good alternate, after all.

Important note: you don’t need to apply a huge amount for full coverage so go easy on the twisting. You can easily build up to your desired coverage level by applying more amounts of the makeup gradually.

Also available in Buff (30), Classic Ivory (10), Fresh Beige (70), Natural Ivory (20), Natural Tan (100), and Nude (40) over at TameraOnline.com for Php 1,243.39.

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel