Sunday 10 April 2011

Lancome La Base Pro makeup primer

Hey guys, right so i've been looking for a primer that would help keep my skin feeling nourished and most importantly keep my makeup looking the same all day. I wen't home recently and my mom had purchased the Lancome La Base Pro primer so i said i'd give it a go and see what its like, i was amazed with the results, it feels so soft and silky on your skin and the makeup goes on your face more evenly and stayed in place all day, its also very good for your eye area, i put it on as an eye primer and it didn't irritate my eyes or anything and i've very sensitive eyes, it picked up the pigments in my eye shadows and kept it from creasing throughout the day. The one thing i'd say about this primer is use it sparingly, (less is definitely more) and leave it dry into your skin before you put on your foundation, a lot of people have been saying it leaves there skin feeling oily, this is because your foundation is mixing in with the primer before its set. The product itself is oil free and has silicone in it, which tightens pores and uplifts your skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.  I have dry skin so i liked this product because it gave my skin a fresh look without leaving it looking oily or dull. It also works very well for oily skin because its oil free and it significantly tightens your pores. Below is a picture of the amount i used, this is one pump full, its spreads really easily, so i don't think you'd need more than this amount.




Its very similar to the smashbox primer, except its cheaper which is definitely a plus :)

It comes in a glass bottle and is $42, £26, €29 which is a bit expensive for a primer but you literally only need the tiniest amount and it will last you a long time. I'm in love with this product and i definitely recommend it if you're looking for an effective primer. i give it a 9 out of 10! :)
xx

Monday 4 April 2011

false tan- favorite gradual and instant tan! :)


Hey guys, i've a ball coming up in the next two weeks so i've been busy finding a dress, getting my makeup organized and so on. i'm going to fill you in more on that closer to the date with reviews and pictures from the actual ball.

 One of the main things i couldn't go without for an event is false tan. I am naturally very pale and while i don't think the pale look isn't nice,  i just prefer to have a bit of a color for a special occasions like a ball or wedding etc. I don't wan't the orange look that a lot of false tans seem to give you though. I prefer gradual tans that you can build up until you get a color you are happy with.

 The one i've been using for the past few years and love is the St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan Body Lotion in light-medium. I love how natural this looks, and because it combines both moisturizing agents and aloe vera along with a touch of bronze it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth with a subtle glow. I recommend this tan if your looking for a natural, moisturizing and streak free tan.

I put this tan on with a tan mitt, although my friend applies it with a glove and finds that works best for her, so its really down to what you prefer and find easier.



St Tropez also produce a tan thats specifically for the face, as the skin on your face is a lot more sensitive, this is the perfect choice. I noticed a few years ago how difficult it is to get your makeup to match the tan on your neck, but since i've started using the St Tropez face lotion, it has rectified this problem and they now match up perfectly, its a gradual tan as well, so what i do is the night before an event i'll put it on my face and let it dry in, you don't need to reapply this more than once if your just looking for a light glow,  however I usually touch it up the next morning before i put my makeup on,  then by the time the event starts the tan has developed into a nice skin kissed color.

I've used numerous other gradual tans before such as Johnson's Holiday Skin and Doves Summer Glow Body Tanning Lotion but i wasn't happy with them, i know a girl in college who swears by the Johnson's tan, she wears it every single day and it looks flawless on her, not a single streak and you'd never think the tan was fake, so i guess it depends on your skin type. I have sensitive skin thats quite pale, so any streaks on me show up way more than on other people. Below is a picture of one arm with the st tropez tan on it and the other without any tan.









As for instant tans, they are great too if you are looking for something for one night, i usually put tan on my legs if i'm going out at night and the tan i think is the best is Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tan in medium glow. This stuff is amazing, its long lasting and even if u spill a drink on it as long as u pat it dry it wont come off, yet it comes off easily with soap and water. Whats great about this tan is its like a foundation, it covers any blemishes you have and makes your legs look smooth and toned. I always have a bottle of it at home, i haven't needed it over the winter months because i've been wearing tights, but now as the weather is starting to improve i'm going to have to say goodbye to the comfort of tights and hello again to my trusty fake tan! Below is a picture of Sally Hansen medium glow tan on one leg and no tan on the other.



So what tan do you guys think is the best?
Let me know! :) xx