Showing posts with label primer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label primer. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Prime Time

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I only recently discovered primers and made them a part of my daily routine. Since incorporating primers into my routine I have found that my pores look smaller, my foundation goes on smoother, and it lasts longer. Using primers are the best way to hide wrinkles and pores. Most primers fill in these wrinkles and pores with silicone, which gives you a smoother, more even base to apply foundation to. There are some primers that even have more benefits, like moisture renewal, anti-aging, highlighting, and colour correcting.

My go-to primer is Benefit's The Porefessional. I find that a pea size amount leaves the larger pores on my nose and forehead looking smaller. On hotter days, when my T-zone becomes oily, I like to re-apply a little to the oiliest areas to mattify the shine. I then top this with some translucent powder, and I am good to go. Another perk of this primer is that it contains Vitamin E, which helps protect against free radicals. Although I haven't seen any indication of this on my own skin, I like that it includes Vitamin E because that is something I like to apply to my skin regularly. Even on days when I don't wear foundation I like to apply this primer just to even out my skin tone and mattify my T-zone.

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How to Apply

After applying moisturizer and sunscreen it is best to give it time to sink into your skin. After a couple minutes, you can apply primer to your whole face or problem areas, before any other makeup is applied. You need to make sure that you don't use too much primer, or it will ball up under your foundation. Every website you visit is different in telling you how much primer you really need. Some say a pea size, some say a raisin, nonetheless, it is really trial and error until you find the right amount for you. If you only apply to your T-zone then you will need less then someone who uses it on their whole face. The best way, in my opinion, to apply primer is by using your fingers. The heat from your body will warm the product and help melt it into your skin. However, if you are opposed to using your fingers to apply makeup, for hygienic reasons, then a sponge or brush could be used to apply it. However, I think that using a brush or sponge will cause you to use more product then necessary.
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Did You Know?

  • Primer isn't just for your face. You can put some on your neck, hands, chest, etc., and your skin will look younger all day.
  • Buy a yellow toned primer to help hide bruises. Yellow will neutralize the blue tones in bruises.
  • Buy a brightening primer and use it as a highlighter after you have applied your foundation. I like to use Benefit's That Gal as a light glowy highlighter on most days.
  • Primers, even waterproof primers, do not make your other makeup waterproof. So if you sweat your makeup will run or wash away. If you want waterproof makeup then everything you buy must be waterproof.
  • Using an eyeshadow primer under your eyes will make your concealer last longer. It will help eliminate creasing, and redness.
  • Lash primers are great for making your lashes longer and thicker, however, using a lash primer limits the amount of mascara you can apply to your lashes. Too many coats and you will be left with clumpy lashes.
  • Green primers will reduce the redness in your skin. Great for when you get a sunburn.
  • Pink and lilac primers will help give your skin a natural glow.

What are your favourite primers? If you have oily skin like me I would love to hear some of your recommendations, leave them in a comment below!


Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Colours of the Rainbow Tag!

I first saw this tag going around YouTube a few weeks ago, and knew that I wanted to get in on this tag action. No one specifically tagged me, but MissGlamorazzi did say that she tagged anyone watching her video so I'm taking that as I was. :)

I am going to tag a few specific people, however, if you are reading this and want to do this tag go ahead! Leave me you link in the comments, so that I can see your colourful picks!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

I've always been wary about wearing a red lip. I'm afraid that the colour will bleed and I'll have it all over my face or all over my teeth. This was my first red lip product and it has been love ever since. This lip butter is very pigmented, I only need one layer for adequate colour payoff. It is moisturizing, especially when you put on a few layers, and the colour just intensifies with each swipe. It is a bright and vibrant red that can be worn everyday. Lately, I have been wearing this paired with black eyeliner and mascara, for a minimal, yet classic look.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

This has been my go to mascara since I started wearing makeup, years and years ago. Although I have tried many others, I always seem to go back to this one. The brush separates my lashes and makes it so each lash is coated from root to tip. The formula isn't overly wet so application is easy. After using this I am always left with a perfect fan of lashes.

Cake Beauty Lemon Cupcake Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

I can't tell you how much I love this shower gel! It is citrusy, and sugary, with a hint of vanilla. It awakens the senses and leaves me feeling clean, and smelling great. It reminds me of Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Lemon Vanilla. It lathers extremely well and leaves the skin clean, but not dry. I feel moisturized after using this, and rarely need to use extra cream after. The smell lingers on my skin for a little while after which is something I really like in my shower gels. I want to try and find a lotion that smells like this so that I can layer. At first I was kind of skeptical about this product because most lemon shower gels smell like Lemon Pledge to me. But this is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.

M. Asam Vino Gold Magic Fini

I couldn't really find a green product in my collection other than this one. I received this sample in a past Glymm bag, when they were still in business. I put off using it for the longest time, because it looks so dark and I'm always the palest shade when it comes to foundations. I've been using it for about a month now and only used half the pot. This feels like a primer when it goes on, but melts into your skin like a BB cream. It gives me light, even coverage, that on most days is enough. When I need more coverage I use this as a base and layer foundation on top. I am going to be really sad when this sample is empty. I would be willing to splurge on this product though, that's how much I love it.

Nivea Aqua Effect Refreshing Toner - Normal Skin

This is my Holy Grail toner. I was using Clean&Clear for the longest time, but found it so drying. This toner leaves me skin feeling clean, refreshed, and not dry. It smells really good too. I use this at night after I cleanse my skin, and in the morning to remove any excess oils. I have combination skin, but this toner for normal skin has been working so I am going to be sticking with it for now. I may switch to the one for combination skin in the future, however, I will continue to use Nivea for my toner needs from now on.

Marcelle Essentials Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover Lotion

Another Holy Grail product here! I love love love this stuff! It is so gentle on the eyes so I don't need a separate remover for face and eyes. It removes cream eye shadows, and waterproof mascara like a dream. There is no scent which I like and a little goes a long way. I really like that it says it is oil free and it really is. Most other makeup removers I've used that say oil free leave some sort of residue on my face, but not this one. I don't feel like I need to wash my face again after using this.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I didn't really have a violet or purple product I've really been loving right now. But I have been using this primer everyday, so in the tag it goes. I bought this because it is so hyped up in the beauty community. I can say it is worth the hype. My eyeshadow has never looked better and it stays on all day without fading or creasing. I bought the little sample bottle in case I didn't like it, but next time I go shopping in the USofA I am going to splurge and pick up the full size.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

I got on the bandwagon with this hyped up product as well. This stain is that "my lips but better" shade for me and I use it almost everyday. The pencil shape allows for easy application, and the twist up bottom eliminates the hassle of having to sharpen it. Honey is a dusty rose, light pink shade, that is mildly glossy. I usually put a gloss on top a few hours later when the initial glossiness is gone and just the stain is left. I will repurchase this stain again and again.


Hopefully you enjoyed reading this tag. I would love to see your picks, so leave a comment to your posts below. Have you tried any of my favourite colourful products? If so, what are your thoughts on them?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day to Me!! Benefit Topbox

Hey ladies I'm here today with an unboxing of the February Benefit Topbox. Now I know everyone and their mother, grandmother, and sister has reviewed this box on their blog, but I was so excited to be able to buy one that I just had to do a little post about it!

Now I am not a subscriber to Topbox, because I am trying to save money and use up the samples that I already have, but when I saw this Benefit Topbox I knew I wanted it. On Sunday February 10th I saw that Topbox was selling some "extra" boxes for $12 plus tax, so I quickly bought one as a Valentine's Day present to myself. I was really impressed with Topbox because they sent out a shipping notification on Monday the 11th and I received my purchase on Wednesday the 13th.

What really drew me to this box was that I got to try 5 deluxe Benefit samples of products I have never tried before. Benefit is becoming one of my favourite brands and I love to buy the sample sizes because they last for so long and really give you an idea if you are going to like it enough to buy the full size.

Once I have a chance to try out the products for a bit I am going to do a review about how I liked them.

I have to say the I am a sucker for packaging which is why I am so attracted to Benefit products. I mean these are just samples and Benefit takes the time to really create attractive and high quality packaging.

 
POREfessional - Sample Value: $11.59
 
Total Moisture Facial Cream - Sample Value: $7.76
 
Benetint - Sample Value: $7.20
 
Dandelion Gloss - Sample Value: $7.80
 
Dandelion Powder - Sample Value: $15.43
 
Total Value = $49.78
 
What I paid - $13.56

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

How Much Does My Face Cost?

I have seen posts like this on many beauty blogs and it sparked my interest. How much does my everyday face of makeup actually cost?? When buying products over months of time I think many of us really underestimate how much we actually spend on our beloved products. I decided to look into how much my daily makeup look actually cost me...with tax. In Canada tax is 13% which ended up being a lot on the makeup below.



Caryl Baker Visage Firming Eye Gel - $28.00
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel - $31.00
CoverGirl Trublend Foundation - $9.99
NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder - $3.99
MAC Sheertone Blush in Tenderling - $22.50
MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl - $20.00


L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base - $8.99
Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio - $28.00
MAC Painterly Paint Pot - $20.00
Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Sandstone - $22.00
Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller in Light - $12.99
MAC Select Cover Up in NW20 - $20.00
Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner in Black - $4.99


EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint - $4.99
Caryl Baker Visage Mineral Eyeshadow - $5.00
C.O. Bigelow My Favourite Lip Balm - $5.50
Annabelle Le BIG Show Mascara - $4.99
L'Oreal Carbon Black Liner Intense - $9.49


Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart - $8.99


Total w/o tax - $271.41
Total w/ tax - $306.69



How much does your face cost? If you do this type of post let me know in the comments below. I would love to see what products you use on a daily basis. : )

Saturday, October 08, 2011

ELF Cosmetics Mini Haul & Review

Eye Lips Face aka ELF Cosmetics is a brand that most people in the Beauty Community know about. With the majority of their products ringing in at only $1 they are affordable for everyone, and perfect for people looking to experiment with new colors, or for people just getting into makeup. I have found that their dollar line products are a little cheap and underwhelming, but I guess you get what you pay for. Their $3 Studio Line is way better and I prefer some of those products to more expensive alternatives.

My usual spots for buying ELF are Target, Zellers, and Winners. However, I have found that Winner's majorly jacks up the price. They are saying that the products are 50% off regular price but if you visit the ELF website the products are actually cheaper there. I'm thinking that from now on I am going to purchase strictly from the website.
My latest haul includes:


e.l.f. Studio Mineral Face Primer

Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish.

My Thoughts – I bought this primer because it was inexpensive and it said it would help with excess oil, making my foundation last longer. I have found that this primer does even out my skin so that my foundation goes on smoother, but I feel that on the days that I use it my skin gets oily very quickly. This is definitely a product I will not be buying again.




e.l.f. Studio Cream Blush

This amazing blush offers the best of both worlds! It smoothes on as a cream for great texture and then transforms into a velvety soft powder finish for long-lasting rich color that’s never greasy! The lightweight, refreshing oil-free formula looks natural and radiates a beautiful glow perfect for all skin types. The soft powder finish can be layered for desired intensity and dimension.

My Thoughts – This is the first cream blush I have ever bought or used. I was wary at first about the color but now this is my go to blush. It is so easy to apply and it gives the perfect flush to your cheeks. I have found that the best way to apply this for a sheerer finish is with a angled blush brush. For a deeper color applying it with your fingers works well. This will be a re-purchase product for sure.





e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color

This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact color application with twist up ease so you never have to sharpen. The pigment rich color glides on effortlessly and easily to provide long lasting matte color. The enriched Vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips.

My Thoughts – I love this product because of the ease of application. The form allows for the precise lining of the lips, followed by the filling in of the lips. The consistency is extremely creamy and the color is very opaque. Its not a bad consistency for a lipstick-like product, but its extremely far from the best. The color I bought is Coral. It is not what I was expecting. Alone its horrible with my skin complexion, but when I add a coral or rose-gold gloss over top, it looks a bit better. I probably wouldn't buy this color again but, if I found it in a different shade I would pick it up.



Disclaimer – All products were bought by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own. I am not being compensated for this review.