Nude by Nature Complexion Essentials Starter Kit in W2 Ivory

I recently received a lovely box full of Nude by Nature items and I figured I'd start off the reviews with the Complexion Essentials Starter Kit. Aside from this kit, I have the finishing brush and a highlighter to review. They also sent along a full size of the translucent setting powder but I am not sure that I will give that it's own post, since I'm touching on it in this review.

I love when brands do little kits like this. You get a lot of bang for your buck and you get to try it extensively before deciding if buying the full-sized version is the right move for you. With this Complexion Essentials kit coming in at $50 CA at Shoppers Drug Mart, it's a great deal considering the amount of products you are getting. Bonus points for the makeup pouch and travel-sized brush. When given the option, I usually go with the lightest shade available. In this instance, that would be W2 Ivory. With only five selections available, I will say I wish there were more to choose from. Let's get to the products and swatches!

The pouch comes with a little plastic divider to showcase the products when you first open it. You get a Perfecting Primer, Perfecting Concealer, Radiant Loose Powder Foundation, Natural Glow Loose Bronzer, Translucent Loose Finishing Powder, Flawless Travel Brush, and a makeup case.

Perfecting Primer
Let's not beat around the bush. I've previously reviewed this and my thoughts still stand. I'm still allergic to something in it because this time my face turned red and itchy. It's a great primer and I'm still bummed that my skin just won't accept it.

Perfecting Concealer
I'm on the fence. It's darker than I would like, but it had decent coverage. I do find that it settles into lines and flakes under my eyes a bit by the end of the day. The W2 Ivory kit offers this in the shade 03 and I think I would have been better off with the 01 or 02.

Radiant Loose Powder Foundation
I do wish there were something a little lighter, but I make it work. They say it is buildable sheer to medium coverage and I would say that is correct. I think sheer is going to work really well as the warmer months come. I have dry skin and I noticed a few areas where it would cling to, but using a moisturizer and primer does make a difference. Some powders can look caked on, but I think you'd really have to go heavy-handed before you suffered through that with this one.

Natural Glow Loose Bronzer
I can't say I recall using a loose bronzer. I'm usually a pan or compact type of gal. When I even bother to use a bronzer. I was a little intimidated at first, but it's actually an easy learning curve. It's a little too much on the orange and warm side for my liking, but applied with a very light hand does make it work better for my skin tone. Not sure that I will reach for this that often just based on the shade (maybe in the summer), but it did open my eyes to loose bronzers and I would not be opposed to trying one again in the future.

Translucent Loose Finishing Powder
Ahhh, the gem of the kit, if you ask me. If you scroll down to my swatches, I did swatch this a bit heavily so that it would show up. You can see the satin finish and it just picks up light so beautifully when it is on the skin. They say it controls shine, but I have dry skin so I can't comment on that aspect. And if you scroll to my ol' face below, it looks nice and flattering in photos. My makeup lasts all day when I use this and I quickly became a fan. I think I prefer it to the Make Up For Ever one.

Left: Perfecting Concealer // Right: Foundation, bronzer, and finishing powder.

Flawless Travel Brush
Having been sent the full-sized finishing brush, this feels similar in quality. I appreciate when a brand doesn't cut corners on their smaller and sample sized offerings. Because it is smaller, it is easy enough to use the lid of the powders to buff them into the brush. The bristles are so soft and the handle is substantial enough that you feel like you're holding a regular sized brush. I also appreciate the addition of the makeup pouch and the fact that it has elastics at the top to hold brushes! This kit is perfect for traveling!

I'm wearing the entire kit, as well as the Sheer Light Pressed Illuminator (review coming!). Eyes are Joe Fresh Beauty's Rose Neutral palette, Urban Decay Bourbon 24/7 eyeliner, and Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Volume mascara. Blush is Tarte's Paaarty. Lips are ColourPop's Viper (discontinued...boooo) and topped with Buxom White Russian gloss.

I hope you found these short and sweet reviews and swatches of this kit helpful! I won't be back with another post until later next week. Monday is my 13th wedding anniversary so I'll be celebrating! I hope you all have a great weekend.

**I did receive this kit for testing and reviewing purposes. All pictures and opinions are my own and there are no affiliate links in this post.