text: I love doing creative things with my kids and as they are very quickly getting older they are becoming more and more capable with different tools and substances.
  We have always played with play dough regularly. A while back I accidentally bought modelling clay instead and had put it on the top shelf for when they are older - I didn't think that little fingers would be strong enough to manage the tougher consistency of the modelling clay (plasticine).....
  OK, so it is no Michelangelo, but he was so darn proud of this thing ('Man' as he titled it) that he wouldn't move his hand any further away than this for the photo (maybe he thought I would want to steal it and sell it?).
  He worked at this by himself with no help from me for ages and really gave it a lot of time and concentration. Pretty impressive given that this was his last artistic effort:
  So I may be the only one who thought that modelling clay was for older kids but in case there are any others out there who have put it on the top shelf for later, don't! You may have a little Michelangelo on your hands (and end up with a plasticine 'Man' stored away in a plastic tub for eternity).
  
  Labels: bracelets, Canada, concrete, cuffs, dconstruct, earrings, eco jewelry, necklaces, recycled resin
  
  I really enjoy NARS' regular Skin Tint as a daily sheer base, so when I heard they were launching a Velvet Matte version that was really exciting for me.
  effortless application - yes, this does glide on and blend out beautifully. I always use fingers to test new foundations (it's the one universal tool most of us have), and this takes minimal effort to smooth out
  soft matte soft-focus finish - if by that you mean satin and non-greasy looking but not a flat powdery matte, then yes; this does leave the exact amount of sheen I like, and creates a very smooth and youthful glow without emphasizing pores, but I would class it as a satin rather than full-on matte finish. It might simply be due to the fact I live in the tropics, but a matte foundation isn't really matte if it only looks matte in dry climates, ya?
  soft-touch feel - yes, once it sets this leaves skin feeling velvety smooth, non-tacky, and does not transfer to your fingers when patted
  antioxidant defense - this contains vitamins C, and E, which is great for providing a bit of extra daily protection. The SPF30 PA+++ also helps if you live in a non-tropical climate without a lot of direct sun.
  shine and pore control - this does a fairly good job for dry and normal skins in hot weather, and I expect it will be pretty good on combination skins in cooler, drier climates as well. However if you are very oily AND live in a hot place, you will probably get some oil break-through in a few hours. Fair enough, because I always recommend you blot it away than try to find a product that absorbs 6-8 hours worth of oil, and leave it all sitting on top of your skin.
  With this skin tint, it does respond to what you use beneath so if you wear a matte primer it will take on a slightly more matte finish. And if you use a dewy product it will take on some sheen. Unlike some really matte formulas it will nor take down shine and change the finish of your skin dramatically.
  The coverage is medium-light, meaning you definitely cover a lot more than typical tinted moisturizers which barely even the skin out. It will even out mild discolorations. However if you want more coverage, you CAN build it up to almost a medium coverage by tapping on a bit more product where you need coverage. This is where I would suggest using fingers rather than a brush or sponge, which will just lift a lot of the product away.
  I am using Alaska (I'm MAC NC25) and didn't notice any oxidation or darkening over the day. However I do have to say I tend not to experience much oxidation in general so I would try out a sample if your skin chemistry tends to oxidize many foundations.