MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit in #128 Almond
We’ve all heard about the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD foundation from beauty junkies all over the world. It has made a permanent home in many a girl’s foundation arsenal. Many makeup artists have it in their professional kit. Now I am here to tell you that, well, I believe in the hype. I adore this foundation.
I guessed my shade to be #128 Almond using MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Shade Finder, and I am glad to say that it is a great match. For reference, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Barcelona is also a good match for my skin at the moment.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit in #128 Almond — Swatches
The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit ($89) really does make a difference with the performance of this foundation. The HD primer smooths out fine lines and big pores to prep the skin. I like that it doesn’t have that heavy silicone-y feel of other primers I’ve tried in the past. The foundation itself has a beautiful skin-like, semi-matte finish. It does an amazing job covering up any redness and evening out my skin tone, allowing me to walk around with really good looking skin. It doesn’t cover up everything; I have dark bumps on my upper lip area that I have developed from waxing (!!!) and they are still visible in my after photo. To finish off the base, the powder creates an angelic soft-focus effect to the skin. What’s not to like, eh? By the way, I took a photo with flash and the white powder was nowhere to be seen.
Here’s a before and after shot. In the before I wore brow powder, mascara and lipstick (absolute necessities for this kind of thing). That’s it. I did not wear under-eye concealer in either photos, which to be honest, I am really regretting. Anywho.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit in #128 Almond — Before and After (click to enlarge)
On its own, I like the foundation applied with a brush instead of my fingers. With the latter method, I find myself using more product. I do have one problem with the foundation though: who the heck came out with the numbering system? It is totally all over the place and definitely needs work. May I suggest breaking them up into undertones, i.e., pink #1, #2, #3, yellows, olives, and so on?
Oh yeah, for those who are celebrating, Happy Lunar New Year! Of course, I had to use the new year — the Year of the Dragon — as an excuse to pull out the amazing Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon ($42). In my opinion, it’s totally worth the kidney I sold to buy it. Why do I always get in some sort of trouble when I buy Chanel?
Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon — Swatch
Wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon
Along with a little kitten eye flick (YSL Shocking liquid liner) and a little blush (Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed), my Year of the Dragon look is complete! Oh, and the rumours are true: the size of my smile is directly proportional to how much I love a lipstick. 
Can you tell I love Dragon?
Have a great week, pretties!
P.S. If you fancy being a model, don’t forget to enter the MAKE UP FOR EVER open casting call.
Gosh darnit, even your before picture is glowing!! You have lovely skin
Thanks Aseya.
I think that’s my moisturizer bouncing off my skin. 
I absolutely adore this foundation. It IS worth the hype!
And I must get my hands on Dragon. What was Chanel thinking when they decided to discontinue this product
Go quick, Jeneille! Chanel Dragon is a must-have red. Just perfect.
I loooove this on you Arianne! Gorgeous! Also, your before skin is gorgeous, no need for foundation at all!
Thanks Danielle. This is too much for me to wear everyday… I think something sheerer is better for everyday use.
That Dragon looks FABULOUS. That’s it, I’m sold!
Wish MUFE HD worked as well on me as it seems to on almost everyone else, but alas. Looking great, Arianne!
Just go buy already, Liz!
What’s wrong with the foundation? Why don’t you like it?
Okay, that’s it. This is the umpteenth time I’ve heard about Chanel’s Dragon! I must have it! And if to celebrate year of the dragon is not reason enough, I don’t know what is!
The color looks fantastic on you…thanks for giving me the push to go grab one!
You’re welcome Lindsay.
Enjoy Dragon!
Ya totally jealous of your before picture! I have the HD primer which I love but haven’t tried their foundations. Since I’m on the hunt then perhaps this would be a good one to try?
Hey Elaine, yeah, this is a good one to try.
Oh my GOD, Arianne! Dragon looks amazing on you. Ah-mazing. It pairs perfectly with your (always-)flawless skin and perfect kitten flick!
Rae // theNotice’s last post … Marcelle BB Cream review
Isn’t it an incredible red? My camera was freaking out a little at how deep and vibrant Dragon is.
Thanks Rae!
You look stunning! And your concealing IS very impressive! I save my MUFE 140 and NARS Punjab for when I’m quite tan.
Thanks Jamilla.
It’s a tried and true concealing process.
Look at you!!!! You look like a hot Arwen with red lips for sure! And your before pic!! Your skin is so flawless!!! And Dragon on you? PERFECTION. You better submit your photo lovely lady!
I can’t, Tracy! I’m shy. I’m no model.
Dragon is SO beautiful on you! It’s a bit deeper/darker on me. I totally have to wear it for Chinese New Year too!!
excellent idea
Do it Victoria! Rock that Dragon.
Oh gosh, Dragon is stuuuuunning! *thud*
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It’s such a good red!
Your skin looks stunning! And that lip color is gorgeous on you!
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Thanks Maggie! The foundation photographs really well.
Totally airbrushed.
You’re so right: Chanel is worth kidney selling, especially the Rouge Allure Laques. Remind me again why they’re discontinuing them?! They’re perfect. And you look perfect! *Runs to apply Dragon*
Can you comment on how the texture compares to the new YSL gloss/stains?
♥ Jessica
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Hiiii Jessica.
The YSL gloss stains are stickier and some of them apply kind of patchy on the lips. They are not super sticky like MAC Lipglass, but there is definitely a little bit of tackiness to them. I’m not the world’s biggest fan, actually. Anyways, those are still on my to-swatch list for you and Danielle!
You have really wonderful skin. Such great photos of you! Interesting to see you didn’t get a flash-photography effect from the powder. Do you know if MUFE has changed their formula?
Thanks Soha!
I think these people who get the white flash from the powder have applied way too much. Only a very small amount will set the foundation. Not sure if it’s a different formula or not.
Such a great red lip! Absolutely gorgeous. I’m a huge fan of the MUFE foundation, it creates such a great flawless base for my makeup.
Thanks Meg! What other foundations do you love? I also love FACE atelier’s. Have you tried it?
Beautiful! I’m way envious of the girls that can rock MUFE foundations. They sadly don’t have a match for me
No match? Really? They have so many shades to choose from. I’m surprised. Why can’t you find a match? Can’t find the right undertone?
yeah we can tell, if your gums are showing then it’s super great lol. you look super great btw.
i like ming and empire from the laque line. and thank the wallet gods there’s no counter where i live.
LOL thanks Lena.
I absolutely LOVE Ming. It’s my holy grail pale pink.
Best foundation ever! I use their foundation, concealer and powder. Highly recommend it, glad you did a post on it!!!
Hey Sabina! Do you wear it everyday? Your skin always looks so good! Which concealer do you use? The HD one, too?
I use it everyday! I swear by it, it stays put in the summer when its hot and humid, and it works well with all skin types. I use the HD concealer and powder as well, it’s worth the investment. I’ve tried all types of foundations, this one has been the best. You know how pale I am, so it’s hard to find a match…this one matches the best, wears the best and shows up amazing in pictures!!!
Dragon looks breathtaking on you, especially with the red top you’re wearing! This reminds me that I really need to take Dragon out for a spin soon.
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Do it Jenny.
Do it! I will support you 100%.
you are too funny about your undereye concealer- i think you look pretty smokin’!! that chanel dragon color is ri-di-culous- it’s amazing!!! and i’m constantly jealous of your perfectly shaped lips, no fair!!! but really, great post on both products, now i’ve got more products on my huge makeup wish list…
LOL you are too nice JennySue, thank you!
Do you know of any cheaper dupes for Dragon?
Hi Chris,
It’s hard to find a dupe because 1) it’s a liquid lipstick and brands rarely make these, and 2) the deep, rich colour is hard to come by.
I recently tried those Maybelline glossy stains and they have a red that comes close (but not exactly the same). Again, it’s a different formula though, so it’s not going to give you the same exact look.
Totally in love with Chanel’s dragon too! Also, lady, what the heck do you need foundation for? *sigh*