Top Primer Picks:

Primers are an essential step in my makeup routine, I would NEVER apply my foundation without it. My current combination is the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer all over the face with an extra helping of the Benefit POREfessional through my T Zone. Unfortunately my nose has a bizarre texture and one primer just won’t do, think the Sahara Desert meets an oil slick then you’re half way there! Here’s a rundown of my four favourite primers:

Benefit the POREfessional:

So as I said, my nose is weird. I think it’s the combination of dry skin and large pores that make applying makeup to my nose an absolute nightmare. However Benefit’s the POREfessional seems to be the only thing that can hold the makeup applied to my nose in place and, even after a days’ worth of wear, I can happily confirm that my foundation does not move when I use this primer. It’s an odd consistency, very similar to the Too Faced Primed & Poreless which I also love, both of which have a very soft, balm like feel and I think this is why I love it so much. As you apply the primer you can literally see it filling in your pores, smoothing out the texture of the skin as you go leaving a balanced, even base behind, perfect for both dry and oily skin types alike. 

Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer:

This is a relatively new discovery for me, I purchased it from Sephora about 4 months ago, and I have been addicted ever since. Incorporating five types of coconut into its nutrient rich formula this primer provides a lovely cooling sensation when applied to the skin and keeps my dry cheeks and forehead nourished for hours. It has a very lightweight, silky feel and also works wonderfully when worn alone for those makeup free days. In all honesty though, the smell alone is enough to make me repurchase this primer again and again.

Stila One Step Correct:

This is the primer I reach for when my skin is especially flushed and I bear a similar resemblance to Elmo. Luckily, this doesn’t happen often, but when it does this is the only primer that can help neutralize my skin thanks to the colour correcting, brightening and moisturising ‘colours’ within the formula. Like the Marc Jacobs primer it is very lightweight and glides effortlessly onto the skin, keeping me hydrated and my redness at bay throughout the day. 

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer:

This primer is incredibly similar to the Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer, maybe that is why I like it so much! The texture, the feel, the tropical scent, it’s like the Marc Jacobs Coconut Face Primer’s cheaper twin. Once applied you can feel that familiar cooling sensation right away and my skin feels instantly hydrated leaving a fresh and flawless base for my foundation. This is the primer I will opt for when I want my foundation to last and don’t want to worry about having to touch up throughout the day/night. 

What are your favourite primers?

Take care x

April 2016 Favourites:

How is April nearly over already? It seems like only yesterday that I was stuffing my face with chocolate and drinking too much champagne whilst waving goodbye to 2015 and seeing in the New Year in style. But without paying too much attention to how quickly this year is progressing, I thought I would share with you a few products that I have been loving throughout the month of April.

Mac ‘Camel Coat’ Pro Longwear Paint Pot: Upon opening my MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot to find what can only be described as a shrivelled up mess inside I thought it was about time I found a comparative replacement and Camel Coat is just that. It’s a lovely cool toned beige shade with a slight hint of grey that would serve beautifully as a base for subsequent powder eye products or run along the lower lash line to create a subtle shadow. It has a very soft, creamy texture and is easily blended with both a brush and finger. A great item to have in your collection.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara: This mascara has become a staple product in my collection over the past few weeks, it lifts my lashes like no other and leaves me with long, separated lashes that won’t transfer, flake or become brittle throughout the day. If you’re lazy, like me, you will love this mascara and you can certainly say goodbye to your eyelash curlers!

Hugo Boss Orange Woman Eau de Parfum: This is my ultimate Spring/Summer scent. Its light, its floral, its sweet, what more could you want? The top note of apple and middle notes of orange blossom and white flower certainly pack a punch but aren’t too overbearing for the warmer months, they provide just the right amount carefree femininity that will get you noticed this season. 

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette: Forget about an April favourite, this palette has to be one of my favourite discoveries of the entire year so far. As you would expect with any Urban Decay palette these eye shadows apply and blend like a dream, there is only one let down for me in there and that’s ‘POP’ which is a bit crumbly for my liking, but don’t let that put you off, there are 14 other superb shadows to keep you busy. ‘Steady,’ ‘Baby’ and ‘Stark’ are three of my favourites.

Topshop Matte Liner: I don’t think I will ever find at liquid liner that ticks all the boxes. I’ve tried high end, low end and everything in between and this Topshop Matte Liner is the only thing that really comes close to what I’m looking for. It has a relatively small lid which is easy to grip allowing for maximum control when applying the liner and it has a neat, precise nib which makes creating that perfect, sleek wing a walking in the park. The product itself is extremely pigmented, a beautiful deep black to compliment any eye look, and I can’t complain about the staying power either.

Origins GinZing Moisturiser: Origins is without a doubt one of my favourite skincare brands. It caters for all different skin types, skin conditions and it has an extensive array of products per skin concern, so if you have dry or dehydrated skin like me, oily or combination skin there will be something on the site for you. Whilst the GinZing moisturiser isn’t specifically targeted to dry skin alone (the website suggests it’s suitable for both dry, normal and oily skin) it really does make my skin feel thoroughly refreshed and hydrated and the lightweight gel like consistency leaves my skin feeling cool and calm. 

What products have you been loving this month?

Take care x