Ulta Run

Oh my gosh, you guys, I finally made it to Ulta today on a mission! My oily skin has been acting up lately, and my current foundation just isn't cutting it anymore. I swear, by midday, I look like a grease slick, no matter what setting powder I use. So, I went in with a clear goal: find a new, reliable matte foundation that can really stand up to the shine. It's always a bit overwhelming walking into Ulta with so many options, but I knew I wanted something specifically designed for oily skin types. Matte foundations are usually my go-to because they're formulated to control oil and minimize shine throughout the day. The challenge is finding one that doesn't feel heavy or look too flat. I also want something that lasts without breaking down or getting cakey. After browsing and talking to a super helpful associate, I narrowed it down to two popular choices that kept popping up in my research: the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte and the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. I've heard amazing things about both, and honestly, picking just one was impossible, so I decided to grab both to properly test them out at home. First up, the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte. I've used their original CC cream before and loved the coverage, so I'm really excited about this matte version. It promises full coverage, a matte finish, and includes SPF 40, which is a huge bonus! I'm hoping it'll give me that flawless look without feeling like a mask and, most importantly, keep the oil at bay. Then there's the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. I've been eyeing this one forever! Rihanna really nailed it with the shade range, and I'm eager to see if the "soft matte" finish lives up to its hype. The packaging for the Fenty Beauty Foundation feels super sleek, and I'm hoping it gives me that natural, yet shine-free look I'm always after. I've heard it's incredibly long-wearing, which is exactly what my oily skin needs for those long days. While I was there, I also briefly looked at spray foundations. Sometimes, I consider them for quick touch-ups or a lighter application, but I decided to stick with traditional liquid formulas for my primary foundation search this time. However, Ulta does have some great spray foundation options, like the L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder Compact (which acts like a spray once applied) or even setting sprays that can give a 'spray foundation' feel. Maybe next time! My plan is to wear each foundation for a few days, testing them with different primers and setting powders to really see how they perform. For anyone else with oily skin struggling to find their perfect match, a few tips I've learned: always start with a good mattifying primer, apply foundation with a damp beauty sponge for a more natural finish, and don't forget to set your T-zone with a translucent powder. Layering light applications rather than one heavy one can also make a huge difference in longevity and preventing cakiness. I'm genuinely optimistic about these new additions to my makeup bag. Wish me luck on this matte foundation journey! I'll be sharing my full review and which one becomes my new holy grail very soon.