Basic Contouring Technique with Maskcara IIID Foundation

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A Minted giveaway!!

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When Cara, of Maskcara, gave me a custom compact after creating a dramatic makeover on me I truly wasn’t sure if I’d like it. The idea of contouring seemed tedious and the cream aspect of the products made me nervous. I also knew that my face was a round oval, and I wasn’t sure if contouring would even work on me without looking like too much of a stretch.

Anytime I looked up contouring tips on Pinterest, I was bombarded with photos of women with lines and dots all over their face. And sometimes they ended up looking a little muddy afterwards, as if the product hadn’t blended well.

But, despite my skepticism, I tried the IIID foundation a few times and genuinely surprised myself by liking it. The biggest difference I see is in my face looking slimmer and a natural looking glow. My friend Kacia came to visit a few weeks ago and told me she loves it and it’s all she uses now!

Today, I’m sharing a tutorial showing you my basic technique using the IIID foundation! It’s how I use the foundation when I’m wearing it for day or night, because I’m not a huge, strong, dramatic contour kind of gal.

So here is a straight on before shot with only my eyes made up:

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And the after! DRAMATIC difference, am I right?

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The shades in my palette are Linen, Walnut, Dahlia, and Pearl.

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After I was finished with the makeup, I looked at Jordan (my supremely talented friend who shot this video + photos) and said,”SEE! Doesn’t this makeup look amazing?” And she agreed. I’m pretty sure I’ll find her with a palette here shortly.

So if you are apprehensive about trying it because it’s unfamiliar and new, I hope this tutorial and review helped give you a little bit more information!

I also have a coupon code for you to use at Maskcara Cosmetics! Enter “k8smallthings” to get 20% off your order from now until midnight on 10/2/2015.

I’d love to hear your experience with it! Were you skeptical like I was but then became a believer, or did you know you were going to love it from the start?

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Christen says · 09.28.15

LOVE the look and will definitely try the palette. So glad you were able to show a nice everyday look rather than the over countering that is out there right now

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Sarah Matulewicz says · 09.28.15

Hey Kate, How did you find out what colours you needed?

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Kate says · 09.28.15

Use the color finder at the top of the website maskcaracosmetics.com!

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Kara says · 09.28.15

Love this! We have very similar coloring….you have given me no choice. I must finally try this!

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Katie M says · 09.30.15

Haha I’m buying it now! Just need brushes now too

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beauty barrister says · 09.28.15

Looks like a great product, but unfortunately the pearl illuminator is sold out on the Maskcara Cosmetics website! Hopefully it’ll be back in stock before October 2, 2015 when the code expires, so I can still order a palette 🙂

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auntsarie81 says · 09.28.15

The illuminator for the palette is sold out, but you can also buy the original version, just as good, in a wand.

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Stephanie says · 09.28.15

And I just noticed after I created the palette she is giving a free sample of the pearl illuminator…. so you can choose a different option for your 4th color and still get the pearl to try out.

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Michelle says · 09.28.15

Thank you for your review and turning me on onto Kara with that amazing makeover she did for you! I’m going to try it!!!

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Val says · 09.28.15

I was one of the winners of the palette on the Maskcara site earlier this year and have been using it pretty much every day since I received it. I love it! I have very dark hair and fair/medium complexion with blue eyes. I have the same color palette that you have with the exception of the blush – I have pink grapefruit. The colors work really well with my coloring. I really want the newer double ended brush (the one you used for contour), but I promised my daughter that she could give it to me for Christmas 🙂

You did a great job with the tutorial – thank you! Just an FYI about contouring different face shapes, Cara has tutorials on her site showing where to put the contour/highlight for pretty much each: oval, heart, diamond, round, etc.

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Jennifer Peer says · 09.28.15

Looks great, Kate! I think many women find contouring intimidating and this was such a great example that it can be simple.
http://www.jenniferpeer.com

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Alyssa says · 09.28.15

I was totally skeptical, especially since I bought her first generation product and the “light” shade was way too yellow on me. Now I use the linen shade and it’s perfect. I don’t think I could ever use any type of makeup again. It’s perfect! The blush is so perfect and stays on forever!

Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

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Judy @ Judy Saves the Day says · 09.28.15

Your comment made me think I should probably get a different color as well. I used the color finder she has on her page and the light shade was also so yellow on me. I kept wondering why I didn’t like it, but that might be it. Thanks!

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Kristine D says · 09.28.15

How does this wear? I feel like some of the cream formulas like this that I’ve used in the past have sort of broken down on my skin after a few hours.

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auntsarie81 says · 09.28.15

I’ve worn it for months now and it goes on like silk, and wears beautifully throughout the day. Depending on your skin type, you may need to use a primer or setting powder/spray.

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Kara Williams says · 09.28.15

I worry about that too because I have really oily skin, especially my t-zone. Even with a primer do you think this would hold up on oily skin?

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Kate says · 09.28.15

It’s hard to say without seeing your skin but a primer would definitely help!

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Hannah says · 09.28.15

I bought it and was so excited to use it. I was very skeptical at first, but it goes on so smooth and is easy to use. It looks great. I have combination skin and I get greasy towards the end of the day. The make up stays on very well, but I have noticed that on my nose and forehead especially (where I get greasiest) the make up gets splotchy. I can reapply, but it caked on. I have tried using primer, but I find that it works better without it. I have also tried it with IT finishing powder and it sets it at first, but again doesn’t look right if you reapply. I break it out every now and then on the weekend when I am just running earneds and am not going out, but it definitely won’t be an everyday wear.

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Judy @ Judy Saves the Day says · 09.28.15

This look is beautiful on you! I am now convinced it was harsh on me because the colors didn’t match me quiet well enough. With your discount though I am definitely going to take the plunge and try a different shade. …and maybe (definitely) buy the brush and blender. 🙂 Thanks!

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Kate says · 09.28.15

the brush makes a huge difference!

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Cooper says · 09.29.15

Is it ok to use just the big brush for all 4 colors? Does it mix the colors or mess up the palette? I’m going to try the product, but deciding if I need both brushes.

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Madison says · 09.28.15

But what if you can’t afford the brush? The palette is pricey enough as it is! ?

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auntsarie81 says · 09.28.15

If you consider that you’re getting foundation, highlighter, contour, blush, and illuminator, it’s actually a sweet deal. Definitely splurge on the brush, though. It’s lovely & really makes all the difference.

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Jordan says · 09.29.15

I am a student so there was no way I was going to spend that much on a brush. I’ve been using this makeup for months and I just apply it with my (clean!) fingers and blend it with my fingers as well. I have found that it works best if you exfoliate first, and then use a moisturizer and then I also use Maybelline Baby Skin. It makes the makeup go on so smooth and silky. I really don’t think you need a brush to apply this. As a side note, I also dab on a setting powder, and a setting spray after I apply the foundation. It makes the makeup stay put all day! Hope this helps!

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Julia says · 09.30.15

I also use this makeup without a brush. Clean fingers are great at blending the makeup!

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Marina says · 09.28.15

I love your posts! I have been thinking about trying out Maskara’s IIID foundation, so thank you!

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Marina says · 09.28.15

I love your posts! I have been thinking about trying out Maskara’s IIID foundation, so thank you! It doesn’t look like there is a *ton* of product in the palette, do you think that it would last long with daily wear before needing to repurchase? Thanks again!

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auntsarie81 says · 09.28.15

I’ve used it for about 6 months now. I’ve had to replace the highlighter & contour each once, but looks as if the blush & illuminator are going to last me several more months.

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Candace says · 09.28.15

I was skeptical but hoping so bad it would work for me. I’m a stay at home mom and wanted something quick but looked great. LOVE the glow it gives and it’s all I use now. I wore it for a week and knew I wouldn’t go back to anything else… So I cleaned out my make up drawer! Love love love it.

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Caroline says · 09.28.15

How do you store 2 sided brushes? Is that a dumb question? Haha. I love using containers/jars but feel like I smooth 1 side of my double sided brush.

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Caroline says · 09.28.15

How do you store 2 sided brushes? Is that a dumb question? Haha. I love using containers/jars but feel like I smoosh 1 side of my double sided brush.

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Caroline says · 09.28.15

Sorry about the double comment. I tried to fix my “smoosh” typo at the last second.

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Stephanie says · 09.28.15

I’m attempting to place an order and I would like “pearl” included in my compact… but when I try to custom create, pearl isn’t an on option at all…. am I doing something wrong, or is she completely out of pearl? I didn’t see a way to contact her to ask this question, so I’m asking it here. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give. 🙂

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auntsarie81 says · 09.28.15

The Pearl for the palette is out, but you can buy the original tube of it, which works equally well.

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Amber says · 09.28.15

I saw that you used this in something recently and I knew I wanted to try it. I checked out their IG account and saw someone who had redness and freckles like myself and I loved how it covered her redness but allowed her freckles to come through. I am so excited to try this! (I know pearl is out, but I got the liquid one so hey!)

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Kim says · 09.28.15

gorgeous makeup look! I love contouring and anything that makes it easier is great 🙂 thanks for the coupon!

Kim

http://trendkeeper.me .. Keep those lace shorts!

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Debbie m says · 09.28.15

My makeup never stays put, I woukd also like to know the staying power of this? Will it last all day?

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Tahrer says · 09.28.15

I have this compact and its great! I was in the same position you were. I would either see videos of contouring that had amazing results but seemed too complicated for me to try or either I would see videos that seemed simple but ended up making me look weird (for lack of a better word). I bought this product and thought the results were too good. I even showed my sisters and they couldn’t believe how easy it was. Thanks for the tutorial :)))

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Jamie says · 09.28.15

I love Maskcara’s blog! I’ve been anticipating ordering some of her cosmetics for myself, yet hesitant because I have a VERY very low, casual attire… But now that I see how you used the highlight/contour look for a simple, casual, every day look, I am more open to the idea.

Is your pallet older? I looked on Maskcara’s website for the option to use “Pearl” in my pallet, but there is no selection.

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Leslee says · 09.28.15

I LOVE Maskcara! You guys are my two favorite beauty bloggers. 🙂 I bit the bullet and bought her pallet too- it is amazing. I’m not typically a cream makeup person either, but these have been so long-lasting and not oily at all!

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Summer says · 09.28.15

I just bought a palette the other day and I’m so happy to see you use this in a tutorial! I always think you give such honest opinions and I really appreciate it! Looking forward to getting my product in the mail even more now!

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Stacy says · 09.28.15

This is a wonderful tutorial! I have been browsing the website for a few weeks now but I always get stuck on the fact that I wouldn’t be using my normal liquid foundation. I don’t need a full coverage foundation, but it’s what I prefer. Do you feel like this works well, as someone who usually uses a foundation as well?

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Kate says · 09.28.15

You could always use liquid foundation but then just use the contour + blush shades over top of that?!

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Melissa M says · 09.30.15

I normally use Japonesque foundation applied with a BB.. I’ve found that IIID Foundation has essentially the same amount of coverage. There have been a couple of times that I’ve opted to use my foundation (for various reasons) and then topped it off with the IIID (especially under my eyes to brighten them up) and it’s layered nicely!

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Sarah says · 09.28.15

Hey Kate!

Did you use any concealer prior to applying the foundation? I still need an additional something for good coverage under my eyes.

Sarah

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Kristen says · 10.02.15

Yes, wondering the same thing about undereye concealer.

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Alyssa says · 09.28.15

Hey Kate! Just wondering if you know how long a typical palette should last if you’re using it daily. Thanks! 🙂

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Nicole says · 09.28.15

Whenever I use the blush on my lips, I get a weird white line on my lips about 2 hrs later. Does this happen when you use the blush on your lips? Any tips on how to make it last on your lips longer? It happens even if I exfoliate my lips first, so I don’t think that’s the problem.

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Marcela says · 09.28.15

I’ve been wanting to try it but I’m really not sure about it because I have very dark under eye circles. Do you think this would provide good enough coverage or can I use concealer with it as well?

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Kate says · 09.28.15

you can definitely use concealer with it if you need it!

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Heather says · 09.28.15

Has anyone tried this vs the Becca cream contour? My favorite contouring product is actually a nyx powder blush (taupe) because it is not yellow but it doesn’t seem to have the pigmentation of my higher end products so I recently bought the Becca, it is a cream also, and it is right on the line of being too yellow…dang my pale pale skin!

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Colleen says · 09.28.15

Just ordered the “light” palette and am excited to try it!! I’m wondering about the under eye area as well though, as I am always looking tired because of my 3 year old waking up super early an another baby on the way!!

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Dominique says · 09.28.15

It looks pretty! I don’t like changing my makeup routine though, I get scared my face my breakout! You look great though!

http://www.writingmotherfashionista.com

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sahara says · 09.28.15

I love how you did more subtle contouring!

http://www.sahara-desert.com

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Beverly says · 09.28.15

Love this tutorial, Kate!… Makes me feel brave enough to try HACing… Can you tell us the color of the nail polish you are wearing?… Just gorgeous!

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Carla says · 09.28.15

OMG! So excited, I’ve just started dabbling in HAC and feel like I’m a colossal failure. I’ve got the technique down but struggle to find the right products that work for me. I’m absolutely buying one of these pallets! Thanks so much for the code! 🙂

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says · 09.28.15

You look beautiful!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

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Alicia says · 09.28.15

I love this! I went to buy a palette but the Pearl illuminator is sold out. 🙁 i will wait till its back. I’m so excited to have it.

Alicia

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auntsarie says · 09.29.15

Did you see that the liquid illuminator is available? It’s just as good.

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Breanna says · 09.29.15

How do you use the liquid?

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Julia says · 09.30.15

The liquid is in a tube with a wand – you just dab it on your skin where you want to illuminate, and then rub it in. Really easy!

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Alicia says · 09.29.15

GHD 1 1/4″ from sephora is the one Kate uses in several of her tutorials.

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Sherry Lomax says · 09.28.15

I have the same palette. I absolutely love it!! It’s so easy to use and looks and feels so natural!

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Jessica says · 09.28.15

I just purchased the iiid foundation and it’s taken me a few tries but now that I have it down I LOVE IT!!!! I like the way you did the darker color in your nose after the foundation. So smart!

Kate what is the nail polish color/brand that you are wearing? It’s beautiful!

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Lucie says · 09.29.15

Am over 50 and a light complexioned latina . So tempted to try this, but am not a 30 something with smooth skin. LOL What do you or anyone else think?

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auntsarie says · 09.29.15

Cara does COUNTLESS makeovers w/her palette on her website, a good half I’d say are 40/50+. Check it out!

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Mary says · 09.29.15

I am unbelievably excited about this! I have been eyeing Cara’s palette for months, but haven’t done much contouring and have trouble figuring out my coloring, and I was nervous about using a cream foundation. Cara makes it so easy to figure out the colors to choose! And seeing a review like this has made me so much more confident of getting some good use out of it! Thank you Kate!

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Stephanie says · 09.29.15

Kate… Love your blog. You make me want put effort into my hair and makeup 🙂 Love to read about your house, boys, husband and recipes too! Anyway… I have thick, course wavy hair. It is very problematic—Especially on humid and rainy days. AWFUL! What are your thoughts on thinning hair of my nature? I’ve tried searching for that topic on your blog but haven’t been able to find much. Also… Can you give me advice on how to better control my thick, course hair? I’ve tried this and that but have never put anything in my hair that made me go, “that works!” Thanks bunches 🙂

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Stacy says · 09.29.15

Just ordered! Figured since she was out of the pearl, I went ahead and got 2 colors of the highlight: linen & sunlit to make sure one matches (or I can blend them). Thanks for the code Kate…can’t wait to try it! I must really trust your opinion to buy a whole new palette and 2 brushes after watching your tutorial. 😉

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Carol says · 09.29.15

Totally off-topic, but I’m hoping you see and can respond. I’m in desperate need of a new curling iron. I plan to follow my hairdresser’s (and your) recommendation of a Hot Tools iron. My hair is board-straight, very thick, but fine and does not hold curl well. Do you suggest the gold-plated or tourmaline Hot Tools iron? (I just might give the maskcara pallete a try, as well!).

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Meghan says · 09.29.15

I loved the idea and wanted to try her first generation of this, but didn’t order after reading many of the comments/reviews. But I just love Cara and her blog and I especially love supporting small businesses and want to see hers flourish; so I ordered a compact. I was skeptical but entirely surprised at how much I love this makeup! It is simple and quick yet you can make it more detailed and involved as you want. It lets my freckles show through (when I want them to) and it stays beautifully on my combination skin. Though I use a setting powder on my t-zone. Plus my skin hasn’t been this clear in a long time. I just ordered a second compact with a couple new colors to try and I am stalking my mailbox like a crazy person! I highly recommend this makeup and think anyone who is thinking of trying it should absolutely order it!!

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Alicia says · 09.29.15

I have trouble with cream products settling in my fine lines and makes me look way older than my 30 year old self. Anyone know if this is prone to that?

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Erika says · 09.29.15

Kinda off subject, but what lip color are you wearing in the after photo?

Thanks!

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Julia says · 09.30.15

She used to blush from the makeup pallet as her lip color! 🙂

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Julia says · 09.30.15

the blush*

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Cherenique says · 09.29.15

Thanks so much for the coupon to try this! I have been wanting to for a while now and this coupon made me decide it was time. Just ordered mine and can’t wait to try it.

Thanks again!!

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Courtney says · 09.29.15

Hey Kate! I know they may not be comparable, but do you prefer Maskcara’s foundation palate or Tarte’s foundcealer with regular blush/highlighter/bronzer? I have the foundcealer but I’m not in love with it… I know you’ve tried both (and I trust your opinion, haha) so I’d love it if you could refer one over the other.

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Jesse says · 09.30.15

I just ordered! Unfortunately they are sold out of the pearl highlighting cream, but they included the highlighting liquid instead at no cost (not sure if this is typical or if they are doing that because they are sold out of the cream). Anyway, I have read in the other comments that you can use the liquid just the same at the cream. Kate, have you used the liquid highlighter and what are your thoughts?

Thanks so much – I just discovered your blog not too long ago and have loved your makeup tips and recos.

Jesse

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katie says · 09.30.15

Help! I’m confused. Is the “foundation” the same as the contour? In the video you said you are using the darker contour and the lighter one (so Walnut and Stone)?? And the blush, did you use that on your lips? Its hard to tell. I’m looking to simplify my makeup routine (I work from home so it can be verrrry simple), and this product just might do it for me! thanks!

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Blushed Away says · 09.30.15

Great look! I find your tips very helpful.

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Brunette says · 09.30.15

I love the look! It’s so fresh and natural!

Brunette-ish

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Leann says · 10.01.15

So bummed, I just saw this, have been wanting to try her foundations for like a year now, but now it’s all sold out 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 Well at least in the colors I need. I’m pretty fair skinned. Bummer. So disappointing. Cuz now I want to try it even more.

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Diana says · 10.02.15

Also disappointed that they’re sold out of the colors I need for fair skin…:(

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Julie says · 10.07.15

I would love to try this but sadly she doesn’t seem to ship to Canada.

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Cassie Owoc says · 10.15.15

She totally does ship to Canada! I ordered a palette, just received it today, and I’m in Toronto!
I’m very excited to try it out.

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Vivacious Cream says · 02.06.16

Great article. I am going through some of these issues as well..

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Sara says · 02.02.17

Do you still use this product sometimes? Would you reccomend it for sensitive skin?

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Jarita says · 04.05.17

Do you have a brush from Sephora that you would recommend as comparable to their 30 second HAC brush? I purchased the Maskcara foundation a few months ago but then when they changed to a multilevel company they no longer ship to Canada (for now I was told, but it has been several weeks and I still can’t) so I am unable to purchase the brush… and therefore the makeup is just sitting :-(. Any tips?

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Kate says · 04.05.17

I would actually use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (you can find on Amazon or at Ulta or Target)

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Jarita says · 04.06.17

Thank you so much for the brush suggestion! It’s already in my amazon cart. Should I purchase a second brush for the other end of their hac brush or just use this one for everything?

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Taylor says · 04.13.17

Will there be another time in the future (maybe for mother’s day?) you will add a discount code? I would love to try out this product and maybe a discount code would sway me to make the purchase!

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Amanda says · 09.29.18

Hi Kate! Do you still use MaskCara? I was trying to look through the archives, but didn’t see anything recent, so I wasn’t sure if you decided it wasn’t for you? Thanks!

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Michelle Wright says · 11.10.20

WOW, thank you so much for doing this (though I know I am years behind)! I recently saw someone on Instagram who swears by this makeup and it looks so simple. But then when looking at all the color options it just seemed a little overwhelming. While poking around on their website (before the revamp) I saw where she did a makeover on you. And if I am honest that actually deterred me from buying at the time. The looks she did for you was so dark and muddy and not natural like your makeup usually looks, so it scared me away. But I kept seeing people talk about how much they loved it, but since I can’t see it in a store I am just really nervous about spending that much money on an online-only make up that seems so dark and muddy. So, I decided to search your blog to see if you did your own review, and you never disappoint!!!! SO SO glad you did this!!! Not only did you show a much simpler/less scary application, but it was nice to see that you can achieve the very natural beauty look that you typically sport. (Cause to be honest, I was starting to worry it wouldn’t be possible with this makeup). So all that to say…I think I will give it a try!

I know it had been years since you did this, would you still recommend the make up? How quickly do the little color tins run out? Did the brushes hold up? Thanks for the review & tutorial! Any other tips?

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Jennifer Hand says · 02.02.22

I just want to know what colors you use! Our complexions are similar! I feel like my color match was too dark for me. Your makeup looks great.

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Megan says · 03.13.24

I know this post is really old. But I’m curious- why did you stop using this, and go to more “traditional ” makeup? I love the simplicity, of having everything in one compact. Seems it would be extra great as a busy mama. (I’ve never tried it.)

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Kate says · 03.14.24

I’m glad you like it! The makeup is really nice but it’s just not for me!

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