​I recently had the opportunity to try out COVERGIRL’s new Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation, thanks to BzzAgent. Thanks for the free sample, by the way!

​I used this foundation under the rest of my makeup for a photo shoot, to see how it holds up in front of the camera, and then as my only makeup every day for two weeks to get an idea of how well it works as a regular, day-to-day option.
 
Now, I will preface this by admitting I have limited experience with makeup. I usually go about my daily life with a bare face, getting made-up mostly just for special occasions, and sometimes when visiting with friends and family, and for photo shoots.
 
One of the reasons I don’t often wear makeup is because it feels so heavy on my face. I feel like I shouldn’t smile because it might crack (it never does; it just feels that way). And I’m less inclined to let my husband and kids touch my face (so sad) because I don’t want them getting makeup all over themselves, and I don’t want it to smudge all over my face, leaving me looking like I got stood up on prom night.
 
If you’re interested in this foundation for a photo shoot, I would recommend it (based on my limited experience and exposure to different brands). I found the coverage great; it really evened out my skin tone and covered my dark spots, which is incredibly important to me when I’m in front of the camera. 

​A few minutes after applying the foundation to my skin, it felt virtually weightless, which is a huge bonus when the camera is on you and you’re trying to be very expressive with your face. You don’t want to feel like it’s caked on. I felt free to express myself, to move and laugh, which is essential.

When not in front of the camera, I loved how weightless it felt because I would forget I was even wearing it. And my incredibly dry, sensitive skin didn’t react badly to it at all. I felt comfortable letting my baby boy grab my cheeks and slobber all over me, while my toddler worked me into a sweat from chasing her around the house all day.
 
The only downside I found is that it does not last all day. At least not for me, what with the two kids, the running, the slobber and the face-pulling. I’ve never had a day off from my kids, so I have no way of knowing how long this foundation would last for you if your day consists of Starbucks, a comfy office chair and a relaxed evening of wine-sipping and movie-watching (what is that like, anyways?).
 
Overall I give this product a four out of five stars.
 
Have you tried out COVERGIRL’s new Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation? If so, leave a comment and let me know what you thought! ​​

​One of the greatest perks of being a photographer is the opportunity to meet a myriad of individuals who are truly unique, both inside and out. Greater still, is seeing their faces light up when I show them just how beautiful they are, especially when they doubted it was possible.
 
Too often I hear my clients lament that they’re “so not photogenic.” My heart breaks to hear this. I honestly believe everyone is beautiful, and everyone is photogenic. Even--especially—you.
 
“But Julie, you’ve never seen me,” you might be thinking to yourself. And that may be true. But I know with 100% certainty that you are beautiful. Every imperfection, every bit of asymmetry, every line, every dark spot. You’re gorgeous.
 
It’s no secret that we’ve all spent our lives surrounded by images of impossibly perfect-looking women, women who aren’t nearly as perfect-looking in reality as they are in that magazine, or on that billboard. They’re often Photoshopped to the point where they become unrecognizable.  
 
You don’t have to, can’t be expected to, and really shouldn’t look like that. I mean, come on, how long could a human really survive without pores? Just be yourself. Your imperfectly, perfect self.
 
I know it can be easier said than done. I’ve been there.
 
I spent most of my life feeling like an ugly duckling.