My MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Routine ~ Review + Swatches

It's no secret that MAKE UP FOR EVER is one of my favourite brands (see here, here, here and here) so naturally I had to try their foundation. I'm late to the party here (which is a shame because this line is really, really good!) but as they say; it's better late than never!

Skincare is very important when it comes to creating your perfect canvas. I start off by applying MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Skin Booster (12ml, $51) as the final step in my skincare routine. The HD Skin Booster is a hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid and argan oil extract to hydrate skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines. This booster illuminates the skin and makes your makeup work harder and last longer.

This hydrating face serum has a nice, silky texture and absorbs quickly into my skin. It illuminates my skin immediately on contact, imparting a healthy glow and it leaves my face feeling hydrated.

After allowing the HD Skin Booster to set, I apply MAKE UP FOR EVER's Step 1 Equalizer Primer (30ml, $45). The Step 1 Equalizer Primer is available in 11 different formulas/finishes to suit your skins needs. In the cooler months I like to use the Hydrating Primer to combat dry patches and add a little extra hydration to my skin. It's very light-weight and is perfect for normal to dry skin-types; hence the reason it's considered the universal primer in the line.

I've recently discovered the Smoothing Primer and I absolutely love it! If you have enlarged pores and fine lines, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Smoothing Primer is perfect for you. It's similar in texture to Benefit's POREfessional, perhaps a little bit thicker, but it applies much smoother and feels way lighter. It helps to fill in my pores and minimize the appearance of the few fine lines I'm developing. The Smoothing Primer helps to create the perfect canvas for my foundation and it helps to ensure my makeup lasts all day (a major must-have for me). An added bonus is that it smells great! It has a delicate botanical scent that I love.

With hydrated and primed skin, I move on to MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick (12.5g, $52). With 20 shades to choose from, it's easy to find your perfect match. Ultra HD foundation is divided into 2 categories; R (red or cool undertone) and Y (yellow or warm undertone). The finish is described as natural, it provides medium to full coverage and is formulated with hyaluronic acid spheres for time-released hydration. This foundation is geared towards normal to dry skin types and thanks to advanced technology, it's invisible to the 4K lens. If you like to take selfies or make videos (whatever kind, no shade here 😝) you need this in your makeup bag!

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD stick is portable which makes it great for touch-ups and travelling. You can use it as a foundation, highlight or contour depending on the shade you choose. I have the shade Y225 Marble and it suits my light, warm-toned complexion perfectly.

Heavy swatches of the conceler (top) and foundation (bottom) in direct sunlight

Concealer (top) and Foundation (bottom) blended out. See how they're not visible? That's how you know you have the perfect match! And all that redness is gone 

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD stick is probably the easiest (and cleanest) foundation I've ever used. I basically draw a line on each section of my face and blend it in with a buffing brush. If my skin is looking good that day (not a lot of redness or active breakouts) one layer is enough to give me medium, natural coverage. If my skin isn't looking so great, I'll build the coverage up to full by adding another layer (after letting the first one set for a minute or so). I love that I can layer and blend to my desired level of coverage without looking cakey. The finish is perfect - not matte, not dewy, just natural. Like my skin but better. And it looks amazing on camera, perfect for those Instagram selfies!

Once I'm satisfied with my foundation, I move on to concealer. I like to use MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Invisible Cover Concealer (7ml, $34) under my eyes to hide the fact that I don't get enough sleep. This formula features an anti-dark circle complex with radiance boosters , pure focus pigments that reflect light to erase shadows and hyaluronic spheres to prevent moisture loss. There are 6 colour correcting shades and 8 concealer shades available.

I use the shade Y23 and it's perfect! If you have light to medium skin with yellow undertones, this is the shade for you. This concealer has a great consistency - not too thick and not too thin. A little goes a looong way (seriously) and it doesn't crease when set with powder. I didn't find that it creased that bad without the powder, but still, better safe than sorry. I like to put a small drop on the back of my hand and use a concealer brush to apply it to my eye area. Once it's on, I lightly tap it in to blend.

I also use it to highlight and clean up my brows (prior to applying foundation). This is a great way to hide those baby hairs in between plucking or waxing. Plus it really looks good! Hello Instagram brows 🙌

The final step in my MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD routine is setting it with the Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder (8.5g, $44). This is a very important step if you want your makeup to last all day or if you have combo/oily skin. The Microfinishing Loose Powder has been revamped for more optical blurring and to be even more transparent. The silica and silicon-based formula delivers a naturally matte finish, light-diffusing effect all while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. This HD powder is translucent, suitable for all skintones and is invisible under a 4K lens. Pretty impressive, right?

The first thing that caught my eye was the unique mesh top. It's not only cool to look at, it's practical and efficient. Inside of the lid there's a stopper thing that covers the mesh opening. This prevents the powder from coming out while travelling or getting knocked around in vanity drawers. In order to get the powder out, you need to either push the mesh down gently with your finger, a sponge or a brush. What I love about this (and I'm not using the word love lightly) is that it's virtually impossible to apply too much powder. You get just enough on your brush to set your face without looking like Casper. Plus, when you swirl your brush you clean the powder off of the sides of the container. The OCD in me appreciates that.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder feels super soft and silky and is very much transparent. It doesn't look powdery on and it keeps my t-zone shine free. It also prolongs the wear of my foundation by 2 to 3 times. When I wear all of the products above, not only does my face look flawless, it stays that way for the better part of the day.

I'm seriously impressed with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD line. It works and it works well. I highly recommend getting colour matched and asking for a sample the next time you visit Sephora, you won't be disappointed!

You can find MAKE UP FOR EVER both in-store and online at http://www.sephora.com

Are you a fan of the Ultra HD line? What's your favourite product from MAKE UP FOR EVER? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇

*PR samples were sent to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!