Airbrush Away.

No7 -

Airbrush Away Pore Minimising Primer

“Instantly achieve smooth poreless skin that appears flawless, as if airbrushed. The primer creates an effective barrier to shield your complexion from shine breakthrough, leaving your skin perfectly smooth and even all day long. Instantly achieve smooth poreless skin that appears flawless, as if airbrushed.”

I have been testing this product out now daily for quite a while and wanted to share my thoughts with you of what I thought about it.

The primer is white and creamy, much like my moisturizers but that’s where the similarities end. It is like silk on my face, I can’t express how soft it makes my skin! You only need a pea-sized amount and this will cover your whole face. So the tube should last you a while. I find it is best to leave it a good few minutes (If not 5) before applying anything on top of the primer (I often put it on and get dressed or do my hair).

It doesn’t look to make that much of a difference on your skin at first, however I have used this under both bb cream and foundation and I cant rave about it enough. Now I’m not saying it makes my pores disappear because we all know that’s never going to happen, no matter how many primers claim to do so. However what it does do is allow my base to glide over my skin, not sinking into my pores and creates a beautiful finish. You can see a few pores; however you have to look really close to see them.

Lasting wise its really great, my t-zone does become slightly oily after 4/5 hours, maybe longer however this is no big issue as I always have power on hand.

It does retail for £16.50 from boots, however with the usual £5 off voucher you seem to receive all the time it makes it £11.50 which I think is great price, and a great price if your wanting to test it. I hate when you pay £20+ for a all amazing pore disappearing primer and it doesn’t work!

Perfectly Shine Free.

No7 -

Stay Perfect Shine Free Primer

+ a mini No7 Airbrush Away Primer update

Not long ago I did a review of the No7 Airbrush Away Primer. As I have used it up, I thought I would give you an update first, before reviewing the next Primer from No7. So for those of you who didn’t read that post, No7 Airbrush Away Primer claimed to be an innovative primer is the first of its kind, reducing the appearance of all the signs of ageing instantly. The unique complex combines filling properties with light-diffusing particles to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and put uneven skin tone and pores into soft focus. Proven results can be seen in just ten minutes and last for up to eight hours. Now that I have used the whole tube up, and seen how it lasts for a range of different times, weather, skin condition etc. I have to say; I don’t think I would by this primer again (as you can no doubt tell as I'm about to review another primer). Anyway…first of all texture wise it feels like a nice light cream and it absorbs well into the skin drying to a matte finish and it does have a pleasant scent. I have tied this primer many ways, with a BB on top then my foundation, just my foundation on top and also waiting 10+ minutes before applying my foundation or BB cream. Even though when I wrote my first review I was pleasantly surprised I have to say, compared to other primers it didn’t really do anything for my pores, which is the main concern I have. In terms of lasting power, it does keep foundation on quite a while, however its not a put on in the morning and look just as good when you get home primer, you do have to powder ever few hours (if you have combination skin like me). Overall, it provides an OK base for makeup but then so do other primers I have tried and I wasn't convinced that it made applying foundation any easier. It was a real shame as I was looking forward to seeing a real difference. I wonder if this primer is better suited to people with more pronounced lines and wrinkles?

Anyway. Onto the new, shiny and fantastic primer! I have tried this for a few weeks, as I didn’t want to be like OMG ITS AMAZING, and then in a week’s time be like OMG ITS JUST OK.

So...“No7 Stay Perfect Shine Free Primer keeps shiny skin under control all day long, with its mattifying oil-free base. Light reflecting particles help disguise fine lines and flaws, while oil absorbing Biopol helps minimise blemishes and blot away shine without blocking pores. Contains watermelon and cucumber extracts to help soothe and cool your skin. Formulated to be non pore blocking and hypo-allergenic.”

Basically this Stay perfect face primer isn’t anything new from No7, it was first released in 2011 (so I may be a little late to the party…but anyway). It promises all day Perfection. Beautifully soft to apply and easily blendable, this oil-free formula creates a perfect canvas for foundation to keep skin flawless all day. Contains Burdock extract to help prevent blemishes and Vitamins A and E to help condition and revitalise skin. Microsponges help balance oil product to give flawless finish. Texture wise it dispenses looking a bit frothy/foamy but isn’t really sticky like some primers. Applied to the skin it feels very silky and soft, it does sits on top of the skin like a silky film but it is not oily or wet. I saw an instant difference in my skin from the moment of application. The redness in my cheeks was lessened, the pores barely visible and the skin smoothed. Foundation glided over the skin and I had a perfect canvas just like promised and it lasted. I put this on today at 8 o’clock in the morning, worked all day in a shopping centre, haven’t had time to touch up my make up or powder my t-zone (trust me I expected a serious state when I got home), got home at 6 o’clock, looked in the mirror and other then the slightest, tiniest bit of shine on my t-zone, my foundation looked amazing (especially after a full day of work).

Overall, I really love this primer and reach for it on a daily basis. It is priced at a rather reasonable £12.50.

Fresh Glow.

Burberry –

Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base

“Discover Fresh Glow, our iconic Luminous Fluid Base. The effortless formula gives a spectrum of skin benefits and multiple effects – from instant radiance to moisturisation – while gently protecting against the elements. Ultra-fine illuminators give natural luminosity and light diffusion, anti-agers help restore skin elasticity and wild rose extracts increase hydration levels. The multi-effect formula can be used in a multitude of ways: On nude skin for moisturising illumination, as a hydrating and luminising primer under foundation or blended into foundation for a fresh radiance boost. To add highlights to nude or made-up skin – use it on cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, Cupid's bow and chin.”

-       Burberry

Prime Time.

bareMinerals -

Prime Time Foundation Primer

I apologies for the bareMinerals review overload. However, recently I have really loved bareMinerals products. I wasn’t planning on buying a new primer, however after the consultant used it using my trail, when it came to applying it using my current primer it just didn’t seem to work as well. I personally believe this is because of this primer being made primarily for bareMinerals mineral foundations.  

Wish List.

I know I haven’t done one of these in a long time, but over the past few weeks during placement I haven’t been browsing round the shops as much as normal. However, there are a few things that have really caught my eye, and that I may even indulge in when I go to Manchester soon.

So lets begin...

Nars Kauai Duo Eye Shadow

This duo is part of NARS' High Seize Collection, the Kauai Duo Eye shadow is a highly pigmented pair of eye shadows in the shades Gold Lame and the purple-toned Iridescent Smokey Orchid. There are super pretty and incredibly pigmented. I really love that they can be used separately or together to create the must beautiful new shade.

Nars Malacca Eye Shadow

This eye shadow is described as an iridescent peacock colour. From the swatches I have seen of it, it’s a medium dark plummy brown with cool toned green shimmer-sheen and a frosted finish. I was worried it would be that bluish-teal-brown duo chrome that every brand has been rolling out recently but from what I can gather it’s a very beautiful mauve-plum-brown base that gets more mauve-y as you blend it out and apply more. I have seen so many swatches of this and it looks really pretty and something I don’t think (…) I have in my collections (I don’t think…) (Its definitely times like these I wish Nars Eyes shadows weren't so expensive...sadface)

Dior Addict Lip Maximize in Shade 3

I already own this in the original shade, which is a clear pink. However, they recently released it in a very pretty blossom pink shade, which give just the right touch of pink to the lips. Personally from trying them both I really think they have done something to this new shade because the maximizing properties in it seemed a little more intense and powerful and you could really feel it working, which I love.

The Body Shops All in One Instablur

Recently, I’ve really loved the new Kiehls blurring primer at the minute, however this has also had some amazing reviews. Its only just been released however it claims to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, hide blemishes and extend make up. It’s a lot of high power claims, however I may have to nip in next time I need a new toner and ask for a nice little tester to see how ‘intrablurring’ it actually is.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Loved this little cleanser ever since I tried it, however the only problem is finding it to buy it. I have had to stick to the Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Balm, which is good, but I prefer this little beauty. Its super lightweight and cleanses my face super well without leaving an oily residue behind. I really wish Clinique would get more of these in stock to shops because its really hard to find both in store and online, and its such a fantastic product.

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Complexion perfecting BB Crème SPF 35

Talk about a mouthful. OK I’m not going to lie, I swear by my amazing Dior Nude BB Crème, however its only an SPF10 and due to being pretty fair skinned, that means I end up spending the whole of summer with a super red burnt face…not a good look. Recently Estee Lauder fetched this little BB crème out which is aimed at people who have blemish prone skin, it claims to instantly neutralize redness, help to conceal blemish marks, pores and flaws and most importantly help treat blemishes. If that wasn’t enough it also states to hydrate, protect, perfect and sooth skin. Now, I don’t always believe what I read on the label because to be fair, they’re trying to sell a product at the end of the day. But seriously…this stuff is good! I went and got a cheeky little sample of this because the high SPF sometimes irritates my sensitive skin. It’s rich and creamy but lightweight at the same time, blending beautifully into the skin giving you just enough daytime summer coverage. The SPF being 35 is a great advantage because it means my face wont burn as much. Overall, I think when I run out of my Dior Nude BB crème I think I’m going to take a chance and purchase this, I haven’t experienced any improvements in my blemishes, but to be honest my skin is actually behaving and obviously I’m not going to get that many uses from a tiny sample pot. Trust me, when I do buy this bad boy and test it out properly, you can definitely expect a in-depth review of every inch of it.

Have any of you tried any of these products, if so whats your view on them?

Whats on your June Wish List?

Micro Blur.

Kiehls –

Micro Blur Skin Protector

It really seems that blur products are big business at the moment and the latest launch from Kiehl’s provides instant blurring and skin perfecting effects along with skincare benefits over time.

The line from Kiehl’s is that this is a lightweight, satin finish skin-perfecting formula that combines an instant blurring effect with long-lasting, visible skincare results. It contains: Lipo Hydroxy Acid, Lentil Extract and Bark Extract. These promise to refine the appearance of pores and improve the texture of skin over time, which I think it pretty interesting for an instant blur product. Kiehl’s advise using this as the last step in your skin care routine day and night (after sunscreen, or BB cream, should you use it, for day).

When applied it softly mattifies (?) and it greatly diminishes the appearance of pores and evens out skin texture. It works really nicely under foundation and the finish is very natural and not over made-up which is sometimes the case with primers.

It does contain silicone, which accounts for how beautifully it glides on to the skin, but it is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t have the heavy feel that some blurring products have at all. This is a big thumbs up from me – it’s a fabulous makeup primer and I love the fact that it can deliver skin improvement over time.

Overall, its really become my new favorite. However, The Body Shop have also just released a blur primer, which has also been receiving some amazing reviews, so I may have to take a look at that as well and compare the two.

Is This the Best Pore Primer Ever Created?

Dior -

Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matte Primer

Dior says; 'A skin-refining primer that mattifies and refines the skin, minimizes pores and smooths fine lines immediately upon application. Its formula evens out the complexion and erases blemishes with a sheer and weightless finish.'

Everyone who reads my blog often knows my pores are my biggest bug bare. Their massive and ruin any attempt at a flawless completion. Foundation either sets in them or doesn't cover them...on the odd occasion it actually accentuate them, which its even worse. I have tried many primers on the market which aim to cover and discuss pores, meaning foundation or BB creams go on more flawless and create a more seamless look. My one problem with primers is, that as time goes on the silicon feel just begins to annoy me, and I tend to become less and less impressed by them. Not long ago the blogging world went mad for the new Dior Pore Minimizing Primer, and as Dior is my go too and most loved brand on the market, I have always wanted to try it. However at £28 a pop its not the cheapest primer on the market. Never the less, with Dior I find paying that little bit extra really does pay off, and you do tend to get better products for your money...not always the case...but more often then not personally I find it to be true. 

So lets get on with the review!

Before I start, I just want to highlight that I know a lot of people have done a review of this with the Benefit POREfessional. However, I personally didn't really get on with the POREfessional, I don't really know what it was, but we just didn't get on. I would happily try it again, as I haven't used it since I was about 16 maybe 17, as it was my first ever primer...maybe now I've tried a few other primers I might like it...then again maybe not. Therefore, I'm not going to do a comparison review, mainly because I don't have the POREfessional, and from reading other peoples comparison reviews, I don't find them personally to be much help. If you already have the POREfessional, and want to know how this compares to that, then google gives a billion reviews comparing the two.

I think this primer is fab. It doesn't leave a horrible silicon feeling to the skin, its super light weight and does a fantastic job of covering my pores. Some primers I have tried, depending how you put them on tend to roll, however this goes on fantastically and just sweeps on the skin. After testing it out for a month or so, I can definite say more is better, I tried the whole 'less is more' however I just didn't see the results I wanted, this might however depend on how big your pores are. I really love this primer and the tube makes it so easy to use!

If you have £28 to spare and want a fantastic primer to cover your pores, not look any further this is just incredible!

Dior Made Me Do It...

I just thought I would show you what I bought from Dior today, just because I haven't done a Dior post in a little while and I'm missing it!

I did plan on just going to the gym today...honest...however, I decided as I had a bit of time to kill before my Zumba class, I would have a nosy round the beauty area in Boots. 

Bad Idea!

I tend to never know when my Dior BB Creme is about to die on me. Due of the tube its in, its very hard to guess when your going to run out, until that horrible day when no matter how many times you press the pump...nothing comes out. I try and avoid this heart breaking moment, by buying on in advance, just when its starting to get empty. This was my reason behind loitering at the Dior counter for far too long! So obviously it was essential to buy it then and their...obviously!

Whilst at the Dior counter, the new Pore Minimizing Primer also caught my eye...as it has done every time I make my way past a Dior counter! As my Daniel Sandler one just isn't cutting it for me anymore, still really good just not concealing my pores enough for my liking, I thought I would treat myself to a new primer as well. 

This is all good and well...until you get to the counter and realise you've blown £60 on just two products. Come on, you've all been their where you get that little 'do you reallllllllllly need it' voice whispering to you. 

You all know my love for my Dior Nude BB Creme, however I'm very interested and excited about the primer. So many people have raved about it, so keep your eyes open for a review coming soon. Whilst their, I also thought I would smell their new Miss Dior fragrance...and can I just say, as someone who doesn't really do floral fragrances...its just AMAZING! Its super light and fresh, I think it would be the perfect Spring/Summer fragrance...cue trying to think of a good reason to treat myself to it.

Have you bought anything recently that was but wasn't essential?

#sorrynotsorry

Retexturizing Face Primer.

Daniel Sandler –

Retexturizing Face Primer SPF20

"Maximise your Base by preparing your skin first with Retexturising Face Primer. Colourless, weightless, light reflecting oil-free serum gel. Helps neutralise imperfections while giving foundation a fault-free base. Suitable for all skin types. This product is like having a mini face-lift, smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles giving you a younger complexion. Apply to eyes to stop eyeshadow creasing and to smooth out lips, for longer lasting colour."

The product comes in a compact, black tube with a small nozzle to easily dispense the right amount of product. I love the scent - it's very delicate and reminds me of days spent in the sun (this may be one of the sunscreen ingredients). It has a broad spectrum spf20, UVA/UVB protection against sun damage: personally, I think it's brilliant - definitely, one of the selling points of this base and that set it apart from the others on the market.

It feels silky and velvety on the skin and doesn't have any colour to it. In my opinion doesn’t at all leave a silicone feel on your skin. I've been using it everyday for a couple of weeks and I haven't experienced any clogged pore or blemish. It really does a good job at covering my pores, I wouldn’t say it comes them completely, but it definitely makes them less noticeable. In regards to the finish wouldn't say it's totally matte - but actually let the glow comes through - and doesn't make you greasy after few hours, which I really love.

Overall, this primer really delivers in ironing out imperfections and blurring pores. It really smooths out the complexion, bringing the best out of your foundation. Definitely one of the best primers I’ve tried.

What’s your favourite primer?