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

NARS ITA Brush Dupe

When it comes to makeup brushes I’m really not too fussy. As long as they're relatively soft, easy to work with, and don’t shed all over the shop then I’m happy. That’s not too much to ask right? In my collection I have a mixture of MAC, Eco Tools, Real Techniques, Crown Brush, and a whole host of others but I’ve never really experimented with any luxury brand brushes, I’m talking Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Marc Jacobs, By Terry, and that’s because I’ve never really had the need, not when I can purchase some pretty perfect dupes from the online market place we all know and love, eBay. 

Being the big fan of contouring that I am, the NARS ITA Kabuki brush was one of the higher end brushes that I would really love to try but, not willing to part with £43.00 for the privilege, I decided to buy a cheaper dupe on eBay (check it out here). The original NARS ITA brush is designed for ‘targeted contouring and creating strong, sculpted cheeks,’ something that seriously appeals to my inner Kimmy K. Now, I haven’t actually tried the original NARS ITA brush so I can’t really draw any comparisons BUT, if this bargain buy of a brush is anything to go by, then it must be pretty damn good. 

This eBay dupe is incredible. The bristles are super soft and the perfect density and shape for creating that precise, sharp contour. The brush itself is a nice weight and it has a large surface area allowing the user to gain a comfortable, strong hold on the handle, which is great for building confidence. When I want to add an effortless contour to my cheekbones, I wouldn’t use anything else. 

So if you are thinking about investing in the NARS ITA Kabuki brush, or any luxury branded beauty brush for that matter, maybe give eBay a go first.

Have you tried the original ITA brush or any dupes?

Take care x

I'm Back!

Oh goodness, where has the past year (or two) gone!? I can’t believe I haven’t sat down to even think about blogging for over a year now, naught naughty me. But, to be honest, I just really haven’t had the time, money or inspiration to crack open the laptop and write about the latest beauty, hair and skincare items that have hit the shelves. Plus, I have been really struggling with my eye health for the past year, so much so my confidence has really taken a hit and posting pictures of my puffy eyes for all the interweb to see isn’t exactly number one on my to do list. But the number one thing that has been taking up my time is a little Cocker Spaniel puppy named Dylan. Late nights, early mornings and constant play fighting has definitely taken its toll on my get up and go but, now that Dyl is over a year old, I feel like it’s finally time to get back to being me and not one of those crazy ‘all-I-can-talk-about-is-my-puppy’ women and get back on it with my beauty blogging. I really have missed it!

Anyway, now that the excuses are out of the way, let’s get down to business. I’m not going to say that I’m going to go back to posting everyday (unfortunately time still won’t allow me to do that!) but I have missed the interaction and sharing my views with you all so much that it’s come to a point where I just NEED to starting blogging again. I’m going to start with posting every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and I’ll see how things go from there, sound good?

Oh, I almost forgot to mention my new blogging name and layout! To go along with my new lease of blogging life, I thought I would give my blog a complete makeover including a whole new name – The Beauty Log, and a cleaner and crisp design to go with. Let me know what you think!

What have you all been up to? Don't forget to follow me on all  my new social media accounts!

Take care x