Have I mentioned that I’ve been very self-conscious about my looks these past few months?

Only about a dozen or so times!

Along with the almost-20 lbs I’ve stacked on, pregnancy has also changed my body chemistry so much to a point where my old tried-and-true beauty products just have not been cutting it.

My regular facewash has become too drying. My moisturizer seems too light. I have even (embarrassingly) developed a case of bacne.

The problems above didn’t bother me too much. I am supposed to be on the hunt for a new facewash anyway because the line has been discontinued. I can always try another moisturizer from Clarins (my go-to skincare company) once my current bottle of lotion runs out. I have been diligently using Neutrogena body wash and taking care to keep my shoulders and upper back blemish-free.

Then the unthinkable happened.

My HG (that’s “holy grail” in makeup junkie talk) foundation stopped working for me.

The same one that I had been using for two straight years without a problem.

It sat on top of my skin instead of being absorbed. It slid around throughout the day. It also broke me out. Badly.

I pleaded with it. I tried using less, then more to see if that helped. I tried various acne products. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

So I set out to Sephora one dreary morning to find a replacement foundation.

I think I spent about an hour and a half just trying out various foundations. I was almost set on purchasing the popular DiorSkin Forever…then my eyes landed on the TEMPTU display case.

I had been intrigued by TEMPTU ever since Sephora announced that it will begin carrying the line earlier this year. I was tempted to try it, but brushed off the idea because I already had a foundation that I loved.

But this time, I had a good excuse.

Plus, I had gotten a taste of airbrush foundation at my wedding and loved that it lasts all day.

I flagged down a salesperson who gave me a rundown of the system. She explained how to set up the airbrush foundation machine, and demonstrated the application process.

I loved it.

The only thing that put me off was the price — at $225 for the machine and $55 for two AIR pod™ Foundation cartridges, it certainly isn’t cheap.

However, J knew how down I had been feeling about my looks so he encouraged me to buy it. He offered it as an early anniversary present.

So I purchased the TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System, the AIR pod™ Foundation in Natural (I later ended up exchanging it for Sand which was a much better shade for me), and the AIR pod™ Blush in Soft Peach.

I have been using the Temptu Airbrush Makeup for almost a month now. I purposely waited this long to write this review because I wanted to make sure that the sparkling new feeling had worn off.

The verdict: It is SO worth it!

I love that the airbrush system allows me buildable coverage via two ways: (1) the dial setting on the machine itself; and (2) how long you apply.

Both the foundation and blush leave a silky, dewy finish. You can also choose to purchase the AIR pod™ Highlighter, but I opted out because I usually have very oily skin by the end of the day.

The makeup literally lasts all day. It has the best lasting power of any foundation I’ve ever used (and believe me — this product junkie has tried many over the years), even as I go on my sweaty 1½-hour walks with Comang. Does my skin look greasy by the end of the day? A bit, yes. But I just blot with a piece of tissue and then I’m good as new again!

And just because I love my readers so much, here are some “before” and “after” photos I took this morning:

(Please excuse the messy background and the poor quality of the pictures. I am currently staying at my parents’ and took the pictures in my sister’s room — which has the best lighting — with one arm extended. I also did not have my DSLR on me.)

I admit that I applied the foundation with a heavier hand today because I was afraid that the difference wouldn’t be noticeable in pictures…but as you can see I was wrong! Usually I prefer a lighter coverage.

The best part? No more breakouts! The pimples that had surfaced from my old foundation are gone, and I have not gotten any bad reactions from the TEMPTU makeup at all. I also love that the airbrush system is so much more sanitary than using your fingers, a brush, or a sponge to apply makeup.

The only “con” I can list about the system is that the machine seems a bit cheaply-made in person. However, it seems durable enough, as I’ve already traveled with the system a few times with no problems.

I highly recommend to all my readers that you stop by your nearest Sephora and try out the TEMPTU AIRbrush system for yourself! And if you have any questions about TEMPTU, leave a comment and I’ll try my best to answer them!