The text was followed by a lengthy email where Dani waxed poetic on the foundation. She told The Beauty Bug that she could “write a book” on Dream Smooth and the different ways to use it.  Finally, she had found a wonderfully blendable, easy cream foundation in a compact that  she could use with a sponge that gave her creamy, dewy coverage.

And easy it was. So easy. Apply-and-go easy. In fact, there was barely any blending needed, and that’s a tough feat to achieve with The Beauty Bug’s extremely fair, hard-to-match complexion.  With one swipe of the sponge, the foundation instantly melted/liquefied on to Her skin and formed an impeccably smooth, soft veil.  Yes, ladies, this cream-whipped wonder does it all.

Alas, the one and only “but” in this foundation fairly tale is its packaging.  The double-sided compact features a flip-top on one side (where the sponge is housed), and a twist-off top on another (where the foundation is). The first time the Beauty Bug used it, it baffled Her. She struggled with the foundation side and couldn’t open it because She kept trying flip it open. Only natural, right? Flip is to compact as twist is to gloss. But, no. Maybelline keeps us on our pedicured toes by changing it up. Annoying, maybe – but forgive the flawed packaging and focus on the flawless product.

Maybelline’s Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation is available at your local CVS for around $10.

Disclosure: The Beauty Bug paid $7.79 (She had a coupon for $2 off) for the foundation at CVS!

L’Oreal’s True Match Roller, to answer her question. Yes, a mini paint roller that applies foundation.

Gimmick? Maybe. But, The Beauty Bug is just going to come out and say it – She likes it because it’s….fun.  And simple. The creamy, smooth formulation and the buildability factor aren’t half bad either. With this product, L’Oreal combines a novelty applicator with a solid, matte,  foundation, and it works.

A few things to about the roller..

• Before going to purchase, make sure you know what color family you belong and about the undertones in your skin (warm vs cool). The display will help guide you by asking what color jewelry looks best on you, but for a quick refresher course, refer to the second paragraph here.
• Yes, it’s silly and it’s probably not the best choice if you apply your makeup in public, or on the subway while you’re going to work, but… the roller contraption just makes sense.
• Have tissues handy when you’re using it. They will help you roll off any access product and clean the roller.
• Don’t worry, the roller doesn’t leave any streaks or striations.
• Contrary to the claims, the roller isn’t bendy, but it is semi-flexible and you can maneuver it into the crevices around your nose.
• The roller is a great tool for those who suffer from “my face is darker than my neck” syndrome.
• It’s easy and quick! For those that have shied away from liquid or cream foundation due to fear of properly blending it, this is a welcome, affordable segway.
• The foundation and the roller yield seamless, smooth, beautiful coverage.
• It lasts throughout the work day.
• No, it’s not the best drugstore foundation, but all things considered (the unique, easy application experience paired with the better-than-average foundation) it’s a pretty good option.

Thanks, L’Oreal for adding some fun and enjoyment to The Beauty Bug’s morning makeup routine.

L’Oreal’s True Match Roller is available at CVS for $13.99.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug by CVS.

The Beauty Bug received a sample of this, but knew She needed a hands-on lesson. She headed to the Shu Uemura boutique on Newbury Street to visit Boston’s Best, and Shu Atelier Artist, Dani Wagener.

The math is really quite simple – one foundation stick = 2 ways to apply, 2 coverage options.

For sheer-medium buildable coverage with a hint of dewy-ness that’s great for everyday, Dani instructs:

• Using a sponge, prep skin with a moisturizer and primer.
• Apply the Nobara stick directly to the same sponge, and then repeatedly pat on face and blend, adding more foundation as needed.

Prepping the skin properly and using the slightly moist sponge to apply the foundation allows it to slip on to skin. The damp sponge also better holds on to the pigment in the foundation.

For full coverage, Dani instructs:

• Prep skin with moisturizer and primer.
• Using Shu brush #18, apply the Nobara stick to the brush and then tap/slightly swirl on skin.
• Set with Depsea Water Facial Mist

The brush application method reveals a smooth, matte finish that’s not cakey. Opt for this method if you’re going to an event, or will be taking photos.

The Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Foundation Stick is available at ShuUemura.com, and at Shu Uemura boutiques for $42.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.