Archive for the ‘Primer’ Category
Once the idea of using a primer was unheard of. Now more brands have caught on it’s a staple part of wearing make-up and I am pleased to see the gap is closing tight.
Witch Anti-blemish Skin Clearing Primer works brilliantly for smooth make-up application and protects the skin from spots aggravated by some cosmetics with its witch hazel extract. As good as high-end primers it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin and it’s super good value for money too.
How it works is it preps the skin by mattifying and absorbing excess oils, providing a smooth, silky base for foundation or powder to set and last for longer. It can also be worn on its own. The primer has a pump-action dispensor so you only need as much as you will use. You just need to leave it for a minute or until the primer has dried before applying your foundation.
Witch is a much loved brand and this addition to their range is very much welcomed. Normally priced at £6.99 for 30ml, it is currently half price on Superdrug’s website for £3.49. If you’ve never tried a primer, this one is an ideal introduction and it won’t break the bank.
*PR sample*
As London gears up for Fashion Week, London Westfield had been getting into the swing of things with their own spectacular fashion weekend.
Those who managed to catch the action would have seen three packed days of catwalk shows and retailers discounts marking Westfield’s nod at Autumn/Winter 2012 fashion and beauty trends and it was with great pleasure to accept Westfield’s warm invitation to recreate a key look of my choice for this season with a beauty make-over at the NARS counter in House of Fraser. NARS, House of Fraser and Westfield London – this must have been the best Sunday afternoon I’ve had it in ages.
I was greeted by the beautiful NARS make-up artist Kasia and decided to go for plums, purples and blues with a metallic theme that’s just perfect for the autumn and wintery seasons.
Kasia got to work with stripping my face bare (so I looked like a child) and using NARS’ twinkly new skin care range before I told her to go wild with the make-up. Now I normally wouldn’t jump at the chance of wearing light metallic shades Kasia used but her clever artistic work opened my eyes. NARS’ emphasis is on the eyes but also the lips so a bold look was what Kasia pushed for and I am happy to say I am glad she did.
Experimenting with the vampish metallic burgundy of Rouge Tribal on the lips
Boom!
And here are the products Kasia used…
Skin prep:
Multi Action Hydrating Toner
Aqua Gel Moisturiser Oil-Free
Total Replenishing Eye Cream
Total Brightening Concentrate
Face:
Pro Primer, SPF30
Foundation in Sheer Glow Stromboli M3
Concealer in Ginger Medium 2
Bronzer in Laguna (for contouring)
Orgasm Illuminator (for the blusher)
Rouge Tribal for the lips (from Nars’ Fall 2012 Color Collection)
Eyes:
Melusine (silver for base)
Marie Galante duo (for the lids and outer creases)
Larger than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Rue Seint-Honoré
Beli eyeshadow (for the brows)
I have wanted to try NARS’ foundation and how the Sheer Glow felt and looked on me means I will be handing over my credit card at the NARS’ counter on the next pay day (as if I don’t have enough make-up as it is) but I also loved the Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner. It’s so soft and pigmented and it’s unbelievably difficult to budge. I’m glad I opted for navy blue instead of the conventional black – it’s far too easy to play it safe with the latter and the results are stunning. What do you think? Will you be reaching for the metallics this season?
To explore more on NARS, visit www.narscosmetics.co.uk and to find out about London Westfield’s key catwalk trends make sure you bookmark http://uk.westfield.com/london/fashion. To enquire about a free make-over at NARS at House of Fraser, call 020 8765 3290.
It’s fair to say I am hooked on primers. I can’t imagine not using one after I’ve seen what a difference it makes to your make-up. I’ve tried from high-end primers to more affordable ones and this new offering from Collection (who recently dropped the ’2000′) falls into the latter but by no means is inferior.
I must admit when I squeezed the tube, I took one look at the product and thought of Smashbox. You know, that clear, silicon-like gel which felt, well, silicon on your skin? Collection’s primer looks identical in appearance and consistency. I did think Smashbox’s face primer was overrated and overpriced but at the time of its arrival, it was one of the first products on sale. Since then, many more have thankfully leapt onto the bandwagon and come up with far more superior goods.
But any way, back to Collection and I wasn’t feeling confident about using this product but it wouldn’t be fair to write it off without trying it. And I have been for many weeks. Yes, many weeks because I’ve been happily using it. Yes, it is a silicon based product but once you apply it and allow it to absorb into your skin, you’re left with a silky smooth surface to apply your foundation onto - not a silicon feeling surface. Clever, eh? The coverage feels light and I am pleased that it didn’t react with my foundation (I use Illamasqua’s Skin Base).
Coming in at just £5.99 for 100ml, it’s a perfect travel size kit but most importantly it performs extremely well. So it would seem appearances can be deceiving…and Collection have come up with trumps with a superb primer. Now you can’t make excuses for not incorporating one into your make-up routine. Honestly, it’s a steal at under £6!
*PR sample*
Primers. Some reckon it’s not necessary, I am with the crowd that abides by it. Prepping your skin with a primer makes a huge difference – your make-up looks better, lasts longer – it’s probably one of the best creations. It takes no time to slip into your routine either. Dab a bit after moisturising, let it absorb into your skin for a few minutes before applying your foundation.
I was recently sent a 10ml sample pot of Me Me Me’s Seventh Heaven Enriched Facebase primer to try. The actual full sized pot is 30ml but does its magic really work wonders? For £15 it had better.
It’s also worth pointing out this product is a moisturising primer. Enriched with shea butter, vitamin A and Beta-Carotene to prep and prime skin, the scent actually reminds me of grapefruit (and it’s fabulous!)
How does it perform? Amazingly! It absorbs into the skin effortlessly and my foundation applies smoothly and evenly. A small dab is enough so although the pot might not contain much, it lasts the distance. I also feel like my make-up holds up much longer, there are no creases or a need to touch-up. In fact I’ll go as far as to say I prefer this primer than my Laura Mercier one (which is excellent).
At half the price of my usual choice of primer and a generous sized portion, I am impressed with MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Enriched Facebase and will certainly buy it.
MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Enriched Facebase costs £15.00 and is available from www.mememecosmetics.co.uk and Superdrug stores nationwide.
*PR sample*
