Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer Review

The newest Dermalogica Primer (Hydrablur) I have been testing had a hard act to follow as the previous one I have tried I described as the Rolls Royce of Primers - Skinperfect Primer SPF30 so how could this latest one possibly compare?

Dermalogica say 

Hydrating, smoothing primer

Lightweight, non-greasy primer minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mattifies against oily shine and imparts a silky, luminous finish to skin.

My thoughts 

Well Hydrablur doesn't disappoint. It has a lovely lightweight texture that leaves skin feeling soft and silky, blurring everything in its wake. Skin looks younger and smoother instantly which is great for this thirty eight year old, pores are blurred and skin basically looks and feels great. It provides a fantastic canvas for foundation as it literally glides on after this primer application. I found it locked my makeup into place and kept it there all day, with no tell tale shine on the nose after a few hours.

A fabulous primer and one that I reach for every day. It may be fairly pricey but based on the previous primer I used it really lasts a long time so in my mind is well worth it.

Ooh yes I forget to mention... there is a handy little tool that comes with it to squeeze out every last bit of your product from the tube. Handy.

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer costs £38 

*PR Sample

November Glossybox - What's Inside Mine - Lips & Lashes Edition

November's edition of Glossybox has the theme of Lipsticks to Lashes so as you would expect it contains items for both purposes...

What's inside ?

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick £7.99 

This month there is a full size lipstick from Revlon promising one of their best selling shades - As I already have the very popular red 'Fire & Ice' I was hoping for another shade to try, however I was sent the red. It is a gorgeous and full impact shade and I have worn it for Christmas Day in previous years as it is such a lovely festive red.

MUA Eyeshadow Palette £4 

This cute palette from MUA is called 'Undressed' and features 12 wearable shades of nudes and metallics. Perfect to adorn your eyes.

Eylure Natural Lashes £5 

These lashes do look luscious, voluminous and flutterworthy but personally I don't wear lashes so I shall be gifting these to my lucky sister.

Emite Diamond Heart Primer full size £25.90

I have got the 15ml travel size version of the primer. I love trying new primers so will be trying this shortly. It smells nice, has a peachy tone to it which promises to boost radiance and create a smooth finish. It also has a cream rather than silicone texture.

Royal Apothetic Body Lotion full size £14.50 

Once again this is a travel size version but it is a rather generous tube. I absolutely love the scent of this - Venetian Grove. Lactic acid will gently smooth skin and milk proteins will hydrate the skin. I am looking forward to applying this to my skin after bathing this winter... Gorgeous and light!

Final thoughts 

Although there are a couple of  items I won't be using, I think this month's box is really quite good. Makeup lovers will adore it and those who like to focus on skincare will appreciate it. I personally enjoy discovering new brands so this box gets a thumbs up from me.

What did you think?

Holiday Makeup By Day With SEVENTEEN

I recently spent a fabulous week holidaying in Ibiza, the week consisted mainly of lounging by the pool, the waterpark and a few brilliant day trips out and of course visits to the beach. I know it is known as the party capital of the world but seriously there is so much more to Ibiza than just the club scene. If you haven't been I highly recommend making a visit.

As a beauty lover I do tend to travel heavy when it comes to make up despite trying very hard to narrow down some faves, I just like to have options!  This time however, I was sent a few bits by the lovely team at SEVENTEEN to try, so I pretty much pushed aside/emptied out my usual faves and those tried and tested to take a leap of faith in these products....

During the day by the pool I like to keep things simple (I have a son aged 7 and we spend A LOT of time in the pool!) so I just went with my really high sun protection, a light coverage of the SEVENTEEN CC Cream which has SPF25 to just even out my skintone and hide those pesky blemishes.. I must say this CC Cream is a fantastic product, a little went a long way and it was the perfect shade for me (medium) but more on this in my next post - Holiday Makeup For Evening. 

I also opted for some highlighting magic from the SEVENTEEN Skin Wow Primer, this gave a beautiful dewy and super healthy appearance to my skin. Described as a 3 way HIGHLIGHTER GLOW & PRIMER, I used it all three ways and loved the way it lit up my skin, blended well so that its cool tone looked completely natural and just gave a wonderful glow and all round pick me up.

The biggest leap of faith by far was the SEVENTEEN Waterproof Mascara which promised the following - Both waterproof and smudge resistant this non clogging mascara lengthens lashes and lasts all day. As I mentioned, I spent a lot of time in the pool and we also had an adjacent water park that featured a HUGE bucket that tips its entire contents of water on to you if you stand under it. My son thought this was hilarious and made me stand directly under it, the cheeky thing!

So was the waterproof mascara up for the water challenge? I can confidently give this a massive thumbs up and resounding yes. It passed the water test with flying colours. Only the teeniest tiniest of smudging and no panda eyes in sight. I wore this mascara all day everyday. As a waterproof mascara this gave great definition and length to my lashes, was light and the formula wasn't thick or gloopy.

SEVENTEEN CC Cream £ 6.99
SEVENTEEN Waterproof Mascara £4.69
SEVENTEEN Skin Wow Primer £5.99

*Sponsored post 

Estee Lauder Little Black Primer Review

Kicking off Mascara Week on BeautySwot.com is Estee Lauder's latest release - the Little Black Primer. Whilst technically not a mascara I wanted to try it out and see if it, like denim is with fashion, would become an essential part of my makeup routine...

Estee Lauder's Little Black Primer £20 

Estee Lauder are asking us to think of it as a Little Black Dress for the lashes - another perennial and wardrobe essential.

It can be used in three ways

- Tint: Colours and lifts bare lashes so they stay silky black throughout the day and even overnight.
- Amplify: As a primer, it’s the optimal mascara base for volume, lift and length.
- Set: Brush over mascara for a long-wearing, water-resistant topcoat that helps reduce smudging and flaking.

My thoughts 

Tint - I already have dark lashes so for me the first use as a tint was pretty ineffective. This would be fantastic for those with lighter lashes but made little or no difference to my lashes when worn alone. 

Amplify - As a primer this is just fantastic, unlike traditional lash primers which are white this is a black one and one single coat helps improve a mascara immensely. You need less of your usual mascara, it thickens lashes (something I personally am looking for in a mascara), it lifts and lengthens beautifully. Full marks as a primer. 

Set - Once again I was suitably impressed. The Little Black Primer when used over your usual mascara sets mascara beautifully for no smudging or flaking at all. It also holds the lashes in the uplifted position and so the result is that mascara looks as fresh as the time you applied it (for me this lasts from day to night). For me is the bonus that I can make any of my mascaras waterproof by applying this over the top. Excellent!

Final thoughts.. 

I love the curved thin brush as it allows a non messy application and coats every single lash. I won't use any mascara now without setting it. 

*PR Sample

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primers Reviewed

Regular readers of BeautySwot will know that I am a convert to the benefits of a good primer and having heard particularly good things about the infamous Smashbox primer I was keen to put them to the test.

Today I have two versions from Smashbox to tell you about.

The first is the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - oil free £25 for 30ml

Smashbox say

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. The totally unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. Wear under foundation to increase its longevity, or alone for a velvety-smooth finish. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean or moisturised skin using fingertips for complexion perfection.

My thoughts 

This primer is really light to wear, it barely feels like anything on the skin but it is quite magical in how it performs. It is clear and has that silicone feel finish to it so if you don't like that you won't be a fan of this... however, it smooths onto the skin and foundation quite literally glides across the skin. It does smooth lines and reduces the appearance of pores but not quite as much as the primer specifically for pore minimizing. This would be great for people with smaller pores to disguise. It mattifies the skin and literally works like an adhesive for foundation and makeup. My foundation remains perfect the entire day as does my makeup - like my blusher that by the end of the day looks as fresh as when I had applied it at 7am which I am incredibly impressed with. I can see the affection that people have for this primer. It is excellent.

The second is the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - Pore Minimizing £28 30ml

Smashbox say 

Say goodbye to visible pores! Primer to perfection, plus dramatically reduce the appearance of pores instantly and for up to 8 hours. This non-drying formula also absorbs oil all day for flawlessly smooth, shine-free skin. Wear alone, over/under makeup, or dab on for touch-ups.

My thoughts

This primer as you can see from the picture above has a light colour to it and is a little bit thicker, this helps to 'fill in' the pores and smooth them to provide the perfect base for foundation. Once again foundation glides onto the skin and really does look flawless. As my pores are quite large I prefer this primer over the other for achieving a beautifully smooth and flawless finish to my skin. True to its word this does keep shine completely at bay from the usual places that it normally creeps onto (the t-zone) and skin looks perfect the whole day. As it absorbs oil it does have a slight mattifying effect to my foundations but not as much as the Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

A great primer to hide the pores, I have tended to use this almost every day.

*PR Samples

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer - Review

Ooh I love a good primer, I don't know if it is an age thing (those ever increasing pores) or I am more aware of how much better my foundation can look thing but I wear a primer most days now.. so when a new primer landed on my desk I of course had to put it to the test.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer SPF20 

Max Factor say

The Secret to one of our best-selling foundations is now a product in its own right. Simply apply Facefinity Primer under your favourite foundation to prime, mattify and hold your flawless beauty look in place for longer.

Mattifies skin
Contains Micro Correctors to banish excess oils
Uses Flexi-hold Technology
Contains SPF 20

My thoughts 

It comes in a pump bottle. I do appreciate the pump.

This is a super light primer, feels almost lotion like and not thick like some primers can be. If you are looking for a product to hide the pores and even skin tone then this is probably not for you. However, if you want an excellent basic product that preps your skin with a smooth base before applying your foundation and then ensures it stays in place all day than you are looking at that product.

Face Finity All Day Primer mattifies the skin and keeps foundation in place. I would go so far as to say it keeps everything in place, even my blusher was as fresh as the morning that I had applied it.

I would say that this product will work best on combination/oily skin. I found it felt a little dry for me - normal/combination skin but it does a great job of keeping shine at bay.

Final thoughts - A great value product that does exactly what it claims to do.

Max Factor Face Finity All day Primer 30ml £10.99

*PR Sample

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting

Smashbox say 

A multi- benefit complexion correcting cream that reduces the appearance of dark spots and enhances the natural radiance of the skin. Developed to help you achieve a flawless, luminous and camera-ready complexion, this pioneering fusion of skincare and makeup represents the next level of treatment cosmetics.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting goes beyond priming, perfecting, hydrating and controlling oil in a single step to reduce the appearance of dark spots and effectively improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. It also offers SPF protection against UVA/UVB rays and leaves the complexion glowing.

My thoughts 

I am wearing shade Light and it is a perfect match for me. I have normal/combination skin and once again I find it ideal for it. Smashbox say that it is suitable for all skin types. I find it similar in consistency to the Estee Lauder BB Glow, so relatively thick but light as a feather applied and virtually undetectable when blended (easily) into the skin. It smooths the skin beautifully, hiding imperfections and leaving a nice bright finish and it is long lasting.

If you do need extra coverage this works wonderfully as a skin primer, I wore it under a Lancome foundation and it was amazing just how flawless I looked. Unsurprisingly, the double layer worked wonders. However I would say that I do like to see my freckles and so I am pretty happy to wear this as it is.

Scent wise it smells a bit of suncream and I put this down to its welcome high SPF.

As to its claims of reducing dark spots, I haven't worn it long enough to find out but I like the product a lot, this will get used to the end.

Here I am wearing it

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting 30ml costs £29 and is available in 5 shades

*PR Sample

MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Moisturising Face Base - Review

I picked up Seventh Heaven Enriched Moisturising Facebase quite a while ago from Superdrug and have only got round to properly using it, which is a shame as Superdrug are no longer stocking MeMeME Cosmetics. However all is not lost as you can still pick it up online from the MeMeMe website.

MeMeMe say 

A moisturising face base enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene to prep and prime skin

My thoughts 

As a primer this is superb. It has a lovely cream texture that feels so nice, soft and moisturising on the skin. For those of you who don't like the feeling of silicone primers this is ideal and it has the added bonus of not reacting to certain foundation resulting in that rolling effect that can sometimes happen. It has a lovely citrus lemon scent that is really refreshing. Once it is applied it feels like it coats the skin and has a smoothing effect that results in foundation just gliding onto the skin, filling in pores and lines so that foundation really does appear smooth and flawless.

Very nice indeed.

MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Enriched Moisturising Face Base costs £15 for 30ml although currently on the MeMeMe website it is on offer at £10.

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30 - The Rolls Royce Of Primers!

Keen readers of BeautySwot will know that I have reviewed Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer before - you can read the review here -http://www.beautyswot.com/2013/02/sample-sachet-sunday-dermalogica-sheer.html . It is making a reappearance as I just wanted to reaffirm everything I said then, I still think it now.

Dermalogica say 

Skinperfect Primer SPF30 is a three-in-one product which smooths, protects and conditions skin, whilst correcting surface irregularities and creating a luminous finish. Created to improve the overall health of the skin, Skinperfect Primer SPF30, contains powerful peptides to stimulate collagen production and ingredients, such as white tea, known to fight the biochemical triggers which lead to skin ageing, including ROS, MMPs and AGEs.

Velvety silicones help even out skin texture, creating an instantly smooth surface, whilst hydrolysed pearl (pearl powder), a fine powder rich in amino acids, calcium, sugars and peptides stimulates cell renewal, fights glycation and helps to fight pigmentation by imbibing tyrosinase and enhancing skin luminosity. Natural earth minerals, combined with the pearl powder, provide a neutral tint, suitable for all skin tones, to enhance luminosity and radiance.

Invisible sun protection is provided by the inclusion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which give broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without the intense chalky, whitening and drying effects so commonly associated with physical sunscreens.

My thoughts

Skin Perfect Primer really is the Rolls Royce of primers if you are looking for a flawless finish - It smooths EVERYTHING and covers pores providing a beautifully smooth base for applying Foundation/BB/CC Cream and it keeps makeup in place all day long. A primer with skin benefits.

Try it.

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer 22ml costs £37.50

*PR Sample

Kiko City Filter Sunscreen Primer & Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream

On my recent four day trip to Rome I included a few products from the Kiko range. I had been using these prior to going and liked them enough to treat them to a trip ;-)

Kiko Makeup Milano Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10

This cream is from the "colours in the world" collection.

Kiko say

Ideal for all skin types, it reawakens the complexion from its winter pallor and restores a healthy, radiant look. Thanks to the presence of sophisticated brightening particles, Skin Glow melts onto skin, evening the complexion and giving an immediate sublime light effect.

The selected active ingredients stimulate cellular renewal and contribute to the increase in collagen production, giving moisture and suppleness to the skin.

Protected from the sun's rays and from the formation of free radicals, the face regains a youthful, vital look. Ideal for applying before make up to give smoothness to the face, neck, shoulders and décolletage.

My thoughts 

I love the pump dispenser packaging. The cream is really light in consistency like a lotion. I find the level of moisturisation is adequate for my needs and the scent is nice and fresh. The product provides a lovely radiant finish which makes my skin look really bright. 

Swatches of the City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50 & Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10

Kiko Makeup Milano City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50

Kiko say

SPF 50 Face Primer. City Filter Sunscreen creates an invisible shield on the skin, protecting it against the first signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots and dullness. Its smooth and silky texture softens and brightens the complexion.

This smooth emulsion glides on easily and its texture is light and easily absorbed, leaving the skin silky and pleasant smelling. An easy to apply formula with a velvety touch immediately comforts the face and leaves it with a feeling of weightlessness.

City Filter Sunscreen facial primer provides a base for make-up, improving the appearance of the complexion with incredibly natural results.

My thoughts

The City Filter Sunscreen Primer, once again, has a runny consistency. It is yellow in colour and has a delicate vanilla scent which appeals to me. It blends in easily and provides a nice base for my bb cream/foundation. Smooths pores. If you don't like the feel of silicon based primers this is a good alternative and the high SPF is a real plus point (although Kiko recommend you use separate sun protection)

I didn't use a separate sunscreen but I did use Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream  which contains SPF30 as my base and this was perfectly fine for the time I was out in the sun in Italy. The temp was 34 degrees.

Kiko Makeup Milano Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10 40ml is currently on offer at £6.40

Kiko Makeup Milano City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50 30ml £12.90

*PR Samples

Sampar Paris Skincare Products Review - Essentials & Cosmakeup

A fair few weeks ago I was sent three products from Sampar Paris to review, I hadn't heard of this brand before it dropped through my letterbox so I was intrigued to find out more and test them out.

About Sampar Paris

Sampar: Smart Skin in the City

SAMPAR claim to be the pioneer of urban skincare. The SAMPAR mission is to reset the skin's intelligent response system and to support its natural healing actions. All Sampar products are enriched with the exclusive Urban Advance Complex. The innovative formulations act at the heart of cells to "wake up" and reactivate the skin's vital functions, helping to recover a state of equilibrium.  Not only does the Sampar philosophy believe in high quality formulations, importance is also placed on the sleek innovative packaging. Airless packs are used to guarantee efficiency of formulas without risk of contamination. It also means that you will be able to use the 100% of the product.

From the Essentials collection

So Much to Dew Midnight Mask 50ml, £34

Sampar say 

Overnight hydrating and replenishing mask. Day after day, restores ideal moisture levels and improves skin hydration, starting from the first application. Provides comfortable, supple and toned skin 24/7. Contains a Smart Hydrating Complex and Hyaluronic Acid Capsules. Suitable for all skint types.

My thoughts 

This moisturising mask has a gorgeous fresh scent, a beautifully light texture and is very comfortable to wear overnight. It feels really hydrating and refreshing, skin looks plumped in the morning. I like this a lot as an overnight treatment.

To use - apply after cleansing, which you do by twisting the lid so that the product comes through the brush, and rinse off in the morning.

Equalizing Foam Peel 50ml, £48

Sampar say

A granule free exfoliator. A uniquely formulated peel with no grains and no colourants suitable for all skin types. It gently and efficiently exfoliates, freeing the skin of deeply rooted pollutants and toxins for replenished skin and a complexion in just 2 minutes. Contains Probiotic Enzymes and a blend of essential oils including Lavender, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary and Geranium.

My thoughts 

Texture wise this is really runny, scent wise it is herby and slightly medicinal. This is a real hero product. Readers of will BeautySwot know that I am a huge fan of products that are time saving and work in a short time frame. I absolutely love that in 2 minutes the look of my skin improves. Brighter, softer, smoother skin in just 2 minutes. Brilliant.

To use - Apply twice a week to lightly moistened face, avoiding the eye contour. Leave on for 2 minutes. Add water and rub into skin with fingertips. Rinse thoroughly.

Cosmakeup - blurring the lines between skincare and make-up

Glamour Shot 30ml, £34

Sampar say

Minimises wrinkles & imperfections in 1 min. A universal transparent foundation suitable for every skin type and colour that has both instant and long term effects. HQA microlens technology erases imperfections and illuminates the skin, instantly evening out the complexion, masking redness and and minimising fine lines and wrinkles. It smoothes and mattifies whilst reducing enlarged pores. Contains Oat Extract and Encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid.

My thoughts

Out of the three products this was the one that I was most excited about trying. Seduced by the product name and its claims of fast action and perfect skin with a transparent foundation. I wasn't overly taken by the smell, texture wise the product was creamy and felt nice to apply. There is no denying the fact that this calms redness down and blurs fine lines and mattifies the skin making it appear smoother, so far so good. However, I am afraid I just couldn't get past the fact that I couldn't apply a foundation over the top. I tried, it clumped. Personally I just felt too naked without the coverage and warmth of a foundation on my skin. I think the place that needs it is the most is my nose area and this wasn't concealed enough by the Glamour Shot product.

All products are available to purchase from Marks & Spencer Your Beauty, www.marksandspencer.com and from www.feelunique.com 

*PR Samples

Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 001 Make Up Base - Review

I have mentioned previously that I have been using primers to smooth my pores and give that overall 'flawless finish' and when I find a really good one I just have to share it. I absolutely love this one from Paul & Joe which is from their limited edition Summer 'Beach Baby Collection'. Let's hope that it is NOT ltd edit!

Paul & Joe Beaute Smoothing Base Make Up Base in 001 

Paul & Joe say

Smoothing Base is a foundation primer with a pore minimizing formula that instantly erases discolouration and dark spots. Contains Apricot, Jojoba oils and  White Lily Extract supplying skin with hydration. The result is smooth, even toned skin. Oil-free finish.

This picture isn't blurred, this is the effect of the primer on the skin. You can see the difference from where I haven't applied it on my wrist.

My thoughts

Cute packaging with an apricot coloured lid, this small cream coloured tube contains an excellent foundation primer. It smells wonderful but is delicately scented. It is silicone based so it has that texture but it doesn't feel like it sits on the skin like some can do, it feels moisturising and leaves skin soft and silky.

Just as its name suggests it smooths everything in its path, my pores are filled in and the look of my skin is blurred. Foundation glides on evenly and you are truly left with smooth, flawless skin. What impressed me the most is that make up doesn't move, the product doesn't sink in (like some can do and you feel like you need to top up) but the flawless look achieved really lasts and there is no shine appearing as the day goes on either.

Perfect. Highly recommended.

Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 20ml costs £26 

Collection available now from Harrods, Fenwick (New Bond Street), Selfridges and Asos.com and from the 1st June from beautybay.com.

*PR Sample

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Balm - Review

Elemis say 

Exude health and vitality with this energising skin radiance balm that instantly brightens and tightens for a smooth, even and dewy luminosity.

Formulated with a powerful vitamin complex that protects against moisture loss whilst exquisite purple orchid, noni and acai help defend against the early signs of ageing.

My thoughts 

This was a strange one for me as I didn't really think that the Illuminating Flash Balm did much at all, nothing that I could detect at first. I wore it around the house on various days and kept looking but couldn't see a difference ...

However, 3 people commented on my radiance when I was wearing this that I felt I couldn't actually ignore this product. I also think that the sunlight enhances the effect.

My husband had no idea I was wearing it and whilst sat in traffic mentioned that my face looked more glowy than usual.

When I saw my mum she mentioned that my skin looked lovely and radiant.

A mum at school pick up said that I looked glowy and radiant and asked me if I was using anything different.

So back to the product - It is slightly creamy in texture and has a soapy citrus scent, it absorbs instantly.

I tried using it as my main moisturiser but it just wasn't moisturising enough for me, it worked much better used as a primer over my moisturiser and under my base. It smoothed and blurred lines but I didn't feel any tightening effect, it felt nice on the skin.

It is not at all greasy, but you won't want to apply too much as you can end up looking oily rather than radiant.

For a blast of instant radiance I think this is great.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 50ml costs £32.00

*PR Sample

New CID I-Prime Foundation Primer - Review

I am not sure if it is an age thing but I never used primers until a few years ago and now I mostly prefer wearing them.. I suspect I like the way they fill the pores in (the pores are more noticeable as I am getting older..unfortunately) to give a lovely smooth appearance to my skin before applying my foundation.

New CID i-prime Foundation Primer is one of my favourites for smoothing the skin, leaving it silky soft and is a fantastic prep base for my foundation.

New CID claims 

i - prime helps to blur imperfections, giving the skin a smoother and more radiant appearance. i - prime contains ATP (andenison tri-peptide) a skin care ingredient that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function and also adds the bounce and radiance back to the skin that we lose as we age.

This lightweight serum gives a gorgeous, smooth texture and appearance to the skin. It allows foundation to glide on easily and create a a long lasting flawless finish.

My thoughts 

I like the smart packaging and the pump action bottle. 2 pumps provides enough product to use. The actual product is a lightweight gel/cream texture which I absolutely love and feels lovely applied to the skin. If you don't like the strong silicon textures and feel of other primers I think you will love this.

I-prime does exactly what it sets out to to do - smooths and preps skin and does a good job of keeping foundation in place. It smells good too!

New CID i-prime Foundation Primer costs £28 for 30ml

*PR Sample

Sisley Instant Perfect and Global Perfect Pore Minimizer Review

In the second post of my week long skincare routine posts I share with you skincare from Sisley. I like to call these two products The Dream Team as used together they combat some issues that I have with my face - mainly fine lines, pores and the dreaded t-zone shine.. once I apply my foundation my skin is truly flawless.

I have been using both these products for over a month now.

Sisley Global Perfect Pore Minimizer 

Sisley say 

A pore-minimizing skin perfector.

Global Perfect is a powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-around corrective, preventative and treatment action.

At any age, it tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin's surface and ensures flawless skin texture day after day. 

Active Ingredients: 
Java tea extract: regulates sebum production
Lentil extract: combats parakeratosis responsible for deformed pores over time
Ratanhy extract: instant astringent action
Natural Alpha-bisabolol: soothes

Directions for Use:
Apply morning and/or evening to perfectly cleansed skin, alone or under your usual skincare. Non comedogenic.

Results:

Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Pores are tightened.
Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even.
The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed.

My thoughts 

A pleasant herbal scented light cream that is magnolia in colour. I find this to be excellent at disgusing pores and makes the skin appeal smoother and refined. I was applying this before my moisturiser but since changing my moisturiser and finding that it clashed with it and made the product roll, it works better when applied after.

A great skin prep product.

Left Instant Perfect and Right Pore Minimizer

Sisley Global Instant Perfect

A corrective and skin-enhancing product for an instant beauty boost.

Instant Perfect is a siliconated gel emulsion with an ultra-soft touch, which acts instantly to erase skin imperfections and highlight the eyes.
Its formula combines specific active ingredients for a targeted treatment and highly effective and yet imperceptible corrective foundation.

Peptidic soya extract stimulates collagen synthesis for a long term filling and smoothing effect on wrinkles,
Frangipani blossom extract minimises the appearance of dilated pores and improves skin texture,Vegetable Glycerine provides comfort.

Silicone polymers give the texture its “velvety effect”, improve make-up hold, fill in wrinkles and fine lines through an optical effect, and have shine-control properties,a soft-focus powder improves optical light diffusion on the skin surface for a unified complexion and soft-focus wrinkles and imperfections.

Directions for Use

Using light, smoothing strokes with the fingertips, apply locally to the T-zone, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark areas, after day cream and before make-up to optimise its hold.

Instant Perfect can also be used for quick and easy retouches during the day on areas that tend to shine or need brightening up. 

Results:

Fine lines and wrinkles are instantly smoothed and filled in.
Shine, dilated pores, imperfections and dark areas are reduced.
The complexion is radiant and even, the eye area is rested.

My thoughts 

This is a silicone based and velvety textured primer to be applied before foundation, once again this product does exactly what it promises - foundation glides on and lasts, fine lines are smoothed away and not a hint of shine all day.

As these are not just products for instant results but also 'treatment' products with continued use I am noticing an overall improvement in my pores and general condition of the skin with the result that I am actually needing less product to do the same job.

 *PR Samples

Sample Sachet Sunday - Dermalogica Sheer Tint, Cover Tint, Skin Perfect Primer

Three sample sachets today from skincare brand Dermalogica.

Sheer Tint, Skin Perfect Primer and Cover Tint swatched

Sheer Tint Medium SPF20

Dermalogica say

Lightly-tinted moisturizer provides an all-day sheer wash of color.
Natural, light-diffusing Iron Oxides provide translucent color for radiant skin, while Broad Spectrum sunscreens shield against damaging UV rays. Hydrolyzed Pearl amino acids, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant Walnut Seed extracts help improve 
skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine dehydration lines. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

My thoughts

This tinted moisturizer is available in 3 shade, the medium was perfect for my skin tone. Reading on the Dermalogica website I saw that this is a replacement product for a previous one that was well regarded. Having no experience of the previous Sheet Tint I can only tell you of my experience.

I wore this in place of a moisturiser after cleasning and toning as per the instructions. It was hydrating and my skin felt soft and comfortable all day.

I was expecting this to be runny but actually it was quite a thick cream which surprised me. I wore this over the Skin Perfect Primer and loved the result. I had really clear, perfectly natural looking skin that was bright. It didn't quite cover any blemishes but a concealer would be able to do this. Perfect for a light make up look with no hint of shine even after wearing it all day, I liked this a lot.

Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 £37.50 for 22ml

Dermalogica say 

Smooth away fine lines, brighten and prime for flawless skin and to prep for make-up application. Velvety silicones create an instantly smooth surface. Neutral tint helps balance tone and enhance luminosity and radiance. Peptides and AGE Smart® actives help firm and shield against MMP and free radical damage, as sunscreens shield against sun damage. Wear alone over your moisturizer for visible smoothness and luminosity, or after moisturizer application and before foundation to help fill fine lines for a lasting make-up finish. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

My thoughts 

I was blown away by the Skin Perfect Primer, it has a slightly herbal scent which is pleasant,  it is soft and easy to apply. Texture wise this reminds me of Benefit's Porefessional Primer. As you can see from the switch this has a slight colour to it but this was just ideal for my skin. It left my skin silky soft to the touch, evened out my skin tone, hid the pores and just made my skin look so nice and bright that I would have been happy to have left the house without anything else. It makes an excellent base for makeup, Ooh and I didn't suffer any shine ALL day! 

Amazing primer that does exactly what it promises to do and I love the fact that it contains SPF30. I have a few more applications of this in the sachet but I am sorely tempted now to purchase a tube.

Cover Tint Medium SPF20

Dermalogica say

Creamy foundation delivers full coverage that lasts.
 Natural, light-diffusing agents and Iron Oxides balance skin tone and soften fine lines while Broad Spectrum sunscreens help protect against damaging UV rays. Hydrolyzed Pearl and extracts of Ginseng, Purslane and Centella help firm and smooth the skin while marine extracts hydrate skin to minimize fine lines and provide an even finish. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

My thoughts

I wore Cover Tint after moisturising and with no primer. As you can see from the swatch, the medium in the Cover Tint is really dark and not my shade at all. Used sparingly I did manage to make it work for me (just!), the warmer shade providing a healthy sun-kissed glow. On application it has a slighty dewy finish but this soon settles down to a smooth, velvet finish. I wasn't entirely convinced by the coverage as I felt my pores were still visible. However, it could be that I just hadn't used enough product because the shade was so wrong. On the plus side it was long lasting and once again not a hint of shine.

The swatches smoothed out a bit 

Have you tried these products?

17 BB Blemish Balm All In One Magic Make Up - Review and Swatches

As part of the 17 Spring Beauty Challenge I was sent the two shades of 17 BB Blemish Balm All In One Magic Make Up.

I have to admit to being somewhat baffled originally as to why I would need a Blemish Balm, in my head it seems just like a tinted moisturiser or primer, or could it be both? See what I mean, I find it confusing. To be perfectly honest I still am not entirely sure..however simply put it is a product that should provide good coverage to provide flawless looking skin, be light enough in texture to look natural and offer skin benefits and protection. Using it over time you should find that your skin improves. Originating in Asia, some Asian brands also offer skin lightening and/or anti wrinkle benefits.

17 BB Blemish Balm claims -

The weightless all in one creamy formula blends seamlessly into skin; moisturising, concealing, smoothing and protecting.

Covers - conceals skin imperfections with full coverage and helps oil control.

Enhances - smooths and evens skin tone for a flawless finish.

Protects - promotes healthy skin with SPF25 protection.

My thoughts - 


I first used this when I had moments to spare before taking the little one to pre-school and it was pretty damn amazing. I used the light version and just a small amount gave me flawless skin. I was pleasantly surprised to be honest at the level of coverage as having never used a BB cream I had no expectation. It feel quite thick and creamy on the fingers, but once on the skin I couldn't feel it at all. My redness was covered and so were my pores. I was entirely happy to leave the house with just a bit of gloss and mascara.

When I returned home, as I was doing the beauty challenge, I applied the 17 Miracle Matte Foundation over the top of it, and the BB cream made an excellent base for a lasting finish.

Since then I have worn it with other foundations and have found it to be a fantastic primer, although if I need to get out in a hurry I use the Blemish Balm on its own and just apply a foundation later if I am going to be out the whole day. The redness is beautifully concealed, my pores are hidden and it keeps shine at bay. My skin looks and feels soft and smooth. Imperfections? What imperfections. If you are looking for a full coverage product, then you cannot go wrong with this.

With the addition of a SPF of 25 this is pretty much perfect, just one thing though. - on my box it says that it is SPF25 but on the Boots website it is stated as being SPF15. I am assured that it is SPF25.

This product really lives up to its claims, it really is Magic Make Up and I love it. So much so it has been added to my beauty essentials page

17 BB Blemish Balm Swatches 

L-R Light and Medium

Although in the swatch the two shades do not appear too far apart in the spectrum, blended in, the medium is a fair bit darker.

17 BB Blemish Balm All In One Magic Make Up costs £6.99 for 30ml and is available from Boots in shades light and medium.

No7 Airbrush Away Primer And No7 Stay Perfect Primers Reviewed

The buzz at the moment in the beauty world is most definitely for products that can make you appear '10 years younger' without going under the surgeon's knife or having product injected into your skin..

I am reviewing two primers from the No7 range for reasons that will become apparent as you read on.

No7 Airbrush Away Primer - £19.50 for 30ml 


This is the latest Primer from No7


The claims - This 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.

My thoughts - I have a couple of fine lines on my forehead so although I did judge it on how it performed in that respect I was more interested in what it would do for my uneven skin tone and pores... I have tried this primer about 5 or 6 times to really get a feel for it.

Texture wise it feels like a nice light cream and it absorbs well into the skin drying to a matte finish. It has a pleasant scent that incidentally is identical to the Stay Perfect Primer. I applied my foundation both immediately after the primer and I also waited the ten minutes to judge the difference.

I am afraid that this primer just really didn't do anything for me, I didn't really notice any change in my skin tone, there was a slight coverage over the lines and the pores but nothing that really wowed me enough to love it and reach out to keep using it.

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.

Stay Perfect (L) Airbrush Away (R)

Above is a picture of the Stay Perfect Primer which is pinker in tone and on the right is Airbrush Away which is white.

No7 Stay Perfect Primer - £10.50 for 20ml 


This primer was part of the Autumn 2011 Collection and was Limited Edition.

Claims - 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.

My thoughts - It is an absolute shame that this was a limited edition product because I really, really like this primer.

Texture wise it dispenses looking a bit frothy/foamy but doesn't look that different in the photo above. Applied to the skin it feels much like the 17 Photo Flawless Primer and 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 mentioned on twitter the day before trying this primer that I had yet to find a primer that would convince me to go without wearing a tint or foundation but actually with this primer I might just have been convinced.

I was all set to rave about Stay Perfect Primer until I couldn't find it on sale online at Boots. I wonder if there is still some stock left in Boots. I must check.

*PR Samples

January 2012 GlossyBox - The Valentine's Edition

Yesterday the postman knocked on the door to deliver the latest Glossybox. This one was delayed a little as it was billed as the Valentine's Edition...

The box this month is a cute hot pink.

As always GlossyBox pays attention to the detail - 

Of course this all means nothing if the content's don't live up to expectation, however I am more than happy with the content's of my box.

A closer look and swatch of the Eye Liner 

What Is Inside -

Clarins - Extra Firming Day Cream - This is a rather generous 15ml sample and is apparently suitable for all skin types. I have already used this cream and it has left my skin feeling super soft. It is nice and rich but be aware it is heavily scented. This didn't have a little seal over the opening.

Clarins - Extra Firming Night Cream - Again, a generous 15ml sample (the type you would get in bonus gift packs when you make multiple purchases). This has a lighter, fresher scent and also leaves the skin feeling beautifully moistured. I think it is great that the day and night cream were in the box, brands often develop products to work in conjunction with each other and you get a good idea of how they would suit your skin with each other. This came sealed.

Clarins is an excellent inclusion in the box, I am going through a little love affair with the brand so was delighted to be able to try these.

Murad - Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish (5ml)

Murad is a brand that I have heard of but never tried any of their products. I am a big fan of using a primer under my foundation so look forward to giving this oil free primer a whirl.

FAB (First Aid Beauty) - Gentle Body Wash

This body wash is fragrance free, has a creamy texture and is free of Parabens and harsh chemicals. 

I haven't tried anything from FAB before so I think it is great that in this GlossyBox there are two brands that I am able to try for the very first time and both are generic enough to be suitable for my skin type.

Eyeko - Skinny Eyeliner in Emerald Green (other shades were sent out)

I have been really impressed with the products that I have tried from Eyeko previously,  although I haven't purchased anything since their relaunch and redesign. This item is full size and worth £9.50. I have green eyes and think this shade will make an excellent addition to my makeup bag. It is a really pretty metallic green shade, brighter than the Stila liner that was included in the October box.

I will use all of these products and as a box I think it is really rather fab,  fulfilling the brief of what it set out to do, the only thing I would say is that I cannot see what the link between Valentine's and this month's GlossyBox is apart from a heart sticker and a heart sweet! :-)

*PR Sample