My Simple No Make Up Make Up

by Karen Blanchard
22 August 2013

clinique super city block

clinique super city block

Afterglow powder foundation in Fawn, Kabuki brush, Clinique Super City Block + Afterglow under eye treatment in Toffee
My make up prayers are answered!  I’ve found an alternative to MAC foundation.  I’ve been after something lighter for a while now and it turns up as a frigging powder. 
I’ve never heard of Afterglow cosmetics but two weeks in I’m converted.  This is a build-able powder, yes it’s only powder.  Think of it as transparent coverage that covers.

How I apply it (as told by a facialist who tried it on me):   
1.  Dot the under eye treatment under eyes. I like this.  It does conceal and highlight. I use my finger.
2.  Use a kabuki brush which has short densely packed bristles (blusher or face brushes aren’t dense enough to hold the powder).  I’ll keep the kabuki forever so to me it’s worth getting one.
3.  Swirl the brush around the powder lid and bang the handle 3 or 4 times on a flat surface to let the powder sink into the bristles.  Apparently this step is key since many swish the powder straight on the face which makes the coverage uneven.  I wasn’t convinced on any of this until after step 4.
4.   Use the brush in small circular motions all over the face.  Repeat for more coverage.  Done.  Evened out skin. 
From last month I’ve been using Clinique Super City Block SPF 40. It was an emergency purchase in St. Lucia after forgetting my face cream in New York and I’ve kept using it. It blends in well, it’s matte and the SPF is very high.  
So these are the new 3 things I’m using.

ps. I’m not being paid for this. I found something that works and am sharing it here.
pps. I tried Bare Minerals powder once (another brand) and was underwhelmed. 

Category: beauty

10 comments

  3. Laura Michaud says:

    Is that under eye concealer universal? I am having so much trouble with concealers lately….
    Great post though! I have never heard of Afterglo make-up. I am going to have to do some research!

  4. little t says:

    Great post – love to hear about people’s beauty routines.

  5. PinkCheetahVintage says:

    The City Block stuff is almost too thick for me… But I have used it. Def going to have to give that powder a try.

  8. Sinead says:

    Thank You!!!
    I have been looking for a sunblock for my face forever. Everything I’ve tried leaves a white, ashen cast on my skin except for NARS Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer. But it’s only SPF30. I’ll try the Clinique.

    I, too, was unimpressed with Bare Minerals. And allergic to it, as well. I’ll probably stick with my NARS foundations as the color match is perfect.

  9. Karolina B-H says:

    I’m using the Clinique City Block as well and so far loving it!

    xxo

  10. Nimo says:

    I currently use bare minerals too and I am definetely not impressed with the coverage. I might try Afterglow!

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