MissElle12
Well-known member
Hello Everyone!
I was chosen to be part of the panel of ladies to review some offerings from Black Up Cosmetics, a French high-end make up line created specifically for Women of Color. Currently Black Up is only available in the United States online, but can be found worldwide in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. I received some products to test and review exclusively for Specktra.net!
Full Coverage Cream Foundation ($42)
The Full Coverage Cream Foundation comes in 15 shades, all formulated to cater to the different complexions and undertones of women of color. I was sent sample cards of the Full Coverage Cream Foundation in shades 7, 8, 9 and a full size tube in shade 8 (HC 08). I had previously purchased a sample card with shades 10, 11, 12 from the Black Up website ($3.50 each), which I included in this review for comparison.
The color sent for me was a touch too light for my complexion, with very strong yellow undertones. I was able to balance it out with a setting powder (I used MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Dark).
Product was lightweight and applied evenly, didn’t feel greasy or heavy on my face yet provided enough coverage. I applied this with my fingers to achieve medium coverage, but it can easily be built up to achieve full coverage. Product had a creamy consistency, not too watery or thin. I really liked the finished result; it was very smooth and natural and did not look cakey at all. I did find that it had a tendency to cling to any dry areas, so I would recommend exfoliating first!
Foundation did hold up well after a full day of work and other activities. After about 4-5 hours though, I did notice some shininess—nothing that couldn’t be fixed with some blot papers or powder.
Overall, I was very happy with this product! However, finding a perfect match to one’s complexion can be challenging since the products are only available online. Sample cards in all 15 shades can be purchased on Black Up’s website (www.BlackUpCosmetics.com)
CC Cream ($39.50)
The CC Cream comes in 5 shades. I was sent sample packs of shade CC03. This shade was a touch too light for my complexion, and it had neutral undertones. I was able to correct this with my setting powder. The CC cream also had a tendency to cling to dry areas, so yes—exfoliate!
It had light to medium coverage, and can be used alone or under foundation. Product does exactly as the description says: minimizes pores and evens out the complexion. Perfect for a quick “out the door in a hurry” face. The CC cream applied evenly, had a lightweight feel and good consistency. It performed as well as the foundation throughout the day, but I did again notice some shininess after a few hours. A quick touch up with some powder and it was good to go again!
Sublime Powder in PS 02 ($35.50)
The Sublime Powder is described as a “silky shimmering pressed powder” which can be used to as an all over highlight or bronzer, which comes in 6 shades. It is a large product, and it comes with a chic puff for application. It was so beautifully packaged, I didn’t want to use it at first! After I set my foundation, I used the Sublime Powder to accentuate the high points of my face. It has just enough shimmer to give an overall “glow” that looked healthy and natural. However, after a few hours when the oil started to peak through—it was Shine City!! The highlight did hold up after I blotted and touched up with some powder.
Waterproof Smoky Khol Pencil KS 02 ($18.50)
This was my favorite product out of the whole bunch! This shade was gorgeous silver that applied like a dream! Creamy, highly pigmented, no pulling or tugging on the skin and it lasted allllllllll day (and all night)! No smudging or creasing, this thing did not budge!!
I can’t wait to check out the other colors offered!
Lipstick 07 ($22.50) and 2 in 1 Lip Pencil in JUM 06 ($39.50)
I love a red lip. Hands down, it’s my favorite lipstick shade, especially for WOC. So I was pleasantly surprised to receive this beautiful red lipstick and lip pencil! The lipstick is creamy, with a subtle frost. It applied very evenly, didn’t drag or pull on the lips at all. It felt very moisturizing, and wore well for a few hours. I lined it with the 2 in 1 lip pencil in JUM 06, which blended very well! The lip pencil can be used as a liner or a lipstick, and it performs beautifully as both. It didn’t feather at all, and didn’t move around on my lips. Both lipstick and lip pencil were creamy and had a semi matte finish. I didn’t notice much of a scent for either product. Overall, I really liked these!
Lipshine in LPS 02 ($18.50)
This beautiful taupe colored shimmery gloss will definitely get lots of use from me! It’s not sticky at all, and it applies very sheer. It can be used to on its own or layered over a lipstick to add a little dimension. It applied very well and didn’t settle into the lip lines. I did have to reapply often, which is typical for a gloss.
Check out the foundation swatches and the looks I created below!
ompom:
