Benefit Operation Pore-Proof £28.50


I don't know about you but my skin is seriously struggling with this hot and humid weather, my trusted regular primers and foundations aren't keeping the oil at bay and for the first time ever I've purchased a setting powder! I'm a huge fan of Benefit's makeup and some of their skincare (It's Potent I'm looking at you) so with their release of this kit promising to smooth pores and control shine it seemed like an answer to my current skin woes. As I haven't struggled as much as current with controlling my shine I'd never considered a few of the older products in this kit such as Dr Feelgood or The POREfessional Agent Shine, I have a few sample sized The POREfessional Primers in my drawer and I was intrigued to try their new Shy Beam and The POREfessional licence to blot. So how did it fare?

So lets start with the one product I know a load of people swear by, The POREfessional pore minimizing balm. When I first tried this primer many years ago I didn't like it, it made my skin feel dry and didn't sit well under my foundation. Fast forward to last year and I received it in a Birchbox, thought I'd give it another shot and really enjoyed it! I don't suffer from overly huge pores but as I mentioned I do get a little oily, unfortunately I don't find this primer helps with either of those issues, it does initially create a smooth matte base but I don't find it lasts past lunch.

Next up we have Dr Feelgood complexion balm - this one I'm still trying to come to grips with as it's a quite firm, waxy type texture. It's designed to work above or under makeup, smoothing pores and fine lines and managing excess oil. I applied it with the accompanying sponge after POREfessional primer, I couldn't really see that it did reduce pores or shine, when I have a day at home I will try it over my foundation, the morning I tried it I had work and didn't want to mess my base up.

Once I'd got my primer and foundation on I decided to try Shy Beam, Benefit's new matte nude pink highlighter (not available on it's own until 2016). I'm a bit puzzled by this one, my skintone is medium at the moment (NC20 if we're talking MAC) and you couldn't see I had it on. It doesn't have any apparent 'highlight' to it, I'm not sure if this is aimed at darker skintones than mine but it just doesn't work on me.

After I'd applied bronzer and blusher I moved on to POREfessional Agent Zero Shine, I really like this powder, it has a kinda mineral powder feeling to it in the respect that it is light and fluffy. The only pain with this sample is the packaging, the instructions advise to tap the pot in to the lid and then swirl product with a brush and apply to your face. How do you tip the product in to the lid without then spilling the powder from the pot as you lift it? I'm guessing the full size product has a better method of application.

Lastly we have POREfessional Licence to blot, I'm sure you can't have missed this one when it launched. Unlike the full size version the sample sized in this kit is small and rounded, much like a lip balm. This is another one I'm trying to get the hang of, I've tried applying it lightly in a blotting motion, to avoid moving the makeup underneath, to areas with shine and I can't see any obvious removal of excess oil. The instructions state to apply the product in short swift strokes, I can't see how this can be done without disturbing your base?

I'm still on the fence with this kit. I think I need to get to grips with a couple of the products before I finally pass the verdict on it. If like me you've not really delved in to Benefit's more core products then this is a great place to start.

Trial-Sized Tuesday's | Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer Review

Another week, another delve into the sample drawer and another primer review. I'd wanted to try Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer ever since it was released but at £28 I didn't want to purchase it and not like it (like I did with their Photo Finish Primer) and low and behold with a recent ASOS order there was a sample. So how did it fare?

The texture of this primer is quite like Benefit's Porefessional, in that it's quite like a balm. I was amazed at how well it smoothed pores and mattified my skin, initially it was love at first use. My foundation sat perfectly over the top and the primer managed to keep oil at bay from my t-zone practically all day. My skin looked flawless, that was until I checked my face after around 8 hours of wear, my foundation had gone all patchy and separated on my chin and around my nose. Huge disappointment! I've never used a primer that had actually separated and gone blotchy, I hear others talking about that issue all the time but this is the first primer I have actually experienced that with.

So initial finish is amazing but it just didn't stand the test of time with me, I tried the primer for a further 2 days and unfortunately found the same problem again. I'm just glad I didn't part with my cash for the full-size product.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot | Soft Ochre | Swatch & Review

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot £15.50

After reading what feels like a thousand posts on MAC's paint pots and almost daily donning a barely-there-eye I decided to purchase Soft Ochre last week and it really is one of those products that has left me wondering why the hell I didn't buy it before!

I wear MAC's Studio Fix Fluid foundation in the shade NC15 and Soft Ochre matches my base perfectly, covering any darkness on my eyelids and leaving the perfect nude base. 

MAC claim their Paint Pots to be 'a highly pigmented colour that goes on creamy and dries to a vibrant, intense finish' and I'll second that! Soft Ochre has a completely matte finish which lasts and lasts, I have quite oily eyelids and this cream eyeshadow doesn't crease or fade, it also works as a great base for eyeshadows to help longevity and intenseness.

I've definitely got the bug for MAC's Paint Pots, which are your favourites?

Trial-Sized Tuesday's | Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer

It's that time of the week again, where I have a did around in my ever growing stash of samples for something new that will hopefully blow me a way. So my MAC primer ran out a few weeks ago and I've been trying to work my way through some others before I repurchase it, unfortunately none of them compare so I figured I'd give this one a shot.

Pixi's Flawless and Poreless Primer claims to be 'a miracle in a tube' which is a bold claim to make and I had high expectations after reading this. So before I give you my verdict on the product after using it for a few days lets delve further in to what's in it. So, the primer claims to smooth lines and create a no-shine silky canvas for foundation. As well as smoothing pores and prepping skin the primer has active ingredients beneficial to skin which over time will improve skin texture and clarity - Willow Bark to control shine, Salicylic Acid to clear and unblock pores, Shea Butter to nourish skin and something I've never heard of before - Enantia Chlorantha which is medicinal and anti-viral.

So how did it perform? Well, there was enough in the sample for 3 uses so I can't comment on the long term benefits of using this primer but I can tell you that for me it didn't control shine very well nor did it make my pores appear smaller. If i had applied this primer blind I would have said the intended result was for a dewy finish as this is how it left my skin. This primer certainly isn't the worst I've tried how ever it is a way away from being the best I've tried. I'm interested in trying more Pixi products as I have been enjoying their infamous Glow Tonic for the last few weeks.

Do you have any Pixi favourites? 

Clinique Lash Building Primer Review

Clinique Lash Building Primer £13

Being a girl who favours a punchy pout over a bold eye I am always on the look out for something that will give my lashes a little more oomph. I've added Clinique's Lash Building Primer to my basket plenty of times when online shopping yet always removing it as I kind of considered it an unnecessary part of my routine, how wrong was I!

When I initially used this primer I was a little concerned as the formula looks quite a stark white on the brush however when you apply it it's noticeable enough to see where it has been applied yet not so bright you'd need 5 coats of mascara to cancel it out. After 2 coats of this primer and then 2 coats of mascara I am left with seriously thickened lashes! Clinique state this primer not only protects lashes but the formula conditions, which I can sort of agree with as my lashes don't feel dry or uncomfortable with it on. 

Have you tried a mascara primer? Which are your recommendations?

Lancome La Base Paupieres Pro | Beige Ivoire

Lancome La Base Paupieres Pro  | Beige Ivoire | RRP £21

I don't often wear eyeshadow, I tend to opt for a slick of liner and a bold lip, but lately I have been revisiting some of my treasured palettes and when I reached for my regular eyeshadows primer (Benefit's Stay Don't Stray) I found it to be quite drying so after a little research I opted for this offering from Lancome. 

La Base Paupieres Pro has a creamy waterproof formula that firstly creates a bare skin effect which means it can be worn alone or under eyeshadow and secondly smooths the eyelid and provides a crease free finish. 

As I am quite pale I opted for the lightest shade in the range which just so happens to be perfect for me whether I'm wearing it alone or with an eyeshadow on top. The formula has a subtle shimmer in it that is not at all obvious when you are wearing a matte eyeshadow on top. I apply with a concealer brush and then gently pat on to my eyelids and apply eyeshadow once dry and I can honestly say my eye makeup doesn't budge all day! 

B. Rescued Energising Balm

I don't know why I haven't done a post on this little miracle worker before as I have been using it daily for a few months now and I honestly couldn't be without it!

After the horrible results of using Clarins Beauty Flash Balm I was a bit apprehensive of using a similar product again but after falling in love with the B Micellar Water I thought I'd give it a shot and boy am I glad I did!

B. Rescued Energising Balm rrp £10.99 is designed to prep tired skin for the day with an energy boost. You can use it morning/evening after cleansing and it can even be used as a mask 2 or 3 times a week. What I absolutely love about this product is the finish it gives my skin when worn beneath foundation. With having oily/combination skin some of the products I use to treat it can leave my skin looking a little dull and lacklustre but this gives my skin a dewy finish and a healthy sheen.

I've tried a lot of the B range and I really should get some posts up on my favourites as Superdrug's own brand B has some seriously impressive offerings.

Have you tried any of the B range? What are your favourites?

This Works In Transit Camera Close Up Primer Review

With the likes of Victoria Beckham favouriting this product and the amazing sounding ingredients and skin benefits I had high, high hopes for this primer. So what is it about this primer that had VB herself in a spin about it I hear you ask? 

This Works In Transit Camera Close Up  rrp £30 heralds itself as a portable pick-me-up that evens, plumps and brightens skin instantly by being a moisturiser, mask and primer all in one. This primer most appealed to me because of it's natural ingredients including a powerful blend of repairing plant oils, Hyaluronic Acid and added caffeine for its revitalising benefits. The primer promises to rapidly erase signs of fatigue, boost hydration and leave skin with a slightly dewy photo perfect finish. So did it deliver I hear you ask?

Kind of. It didn't leave me with the dewy finish that I like and expected. It left my skin feeling moisturised but not overly so, which is great if you have oily skin like myself. Some people have claimed this primer 'erased fine-lines' in photos, I have a few fine lines on my forehead and I can't say that I saw the same results myself. I wouldn't say the primer aided the longevity nor shortened the staying power of my foundation, it was just ok really. 

I'm on the fence with this product, for me it didn't deliver the results I was expecting, now I know I'm not going to get model dewy skin and a completely photo flawless finish but I was expecting it to perk my skin up a bit more. For £30 I can think of a few primers that admittedly don't contain the same amount of natural ingredients but do deliver a smoother finish. 

Dr Jart+ Pore Refine Recover Primer Review

Over the last few days I have been testing out a primer which I received in my November Birchbox, Dr Jart+ Pore Refine Recover Primer. With the promise of helping to disguise pores with Witch Hazel extract and regulate oiliness I couldn't wait to give this primer a shot. So what's in it? Well there's a little something called Hyaluronic Acid which improves moisture levels in the skin and a Dr Jart's 'Art Skin Film' which helps cover fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth base for your makeup. As well as creating a smooth base the primer also helps calm and soothe red and irritated skin with Sage and Rosemary extract.

I was a little concerned that this primer would give me a flat matte base as it states it helps with keeping oiliness at bay, however my skin had just the right amount of dewiness to it without getting that glaring oiliness to my nose and forehead after a few hours of wear like I do with some other primers. The formula isn't what I expected, it's quite a thick gel like consistency that I found need a little more attention when smoothing on to skin, but when my foundation went on top the finish is quite lovely. Although it has all the skin loving ingredients in it it's practically odourless and colourless, giving it more of a feel of using skincare rather than makeup.

All in all I really like this primer, it kept my makeup in place for a good 10 hours and it feels weightless to wear. 

My Little Box Parisienne

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last couple of months you can't have missed My Little Box launching in the UK. My Little Box doesn't just contain must-have beauty products, it also contains at least one beauty product from their in-house beauty range, fashion and lifestyle products all wrapped up in a beautifully illustrated box by their designer Kanako. So take a peek at what I excitedly received in my first ever box...

Each month you receive a beautiful inspirational quote in-keeping with the theme of the box, as you may have guessed this months Parisienne box was Paris themed!

Next up is a cute little post card with some gorgeous stickers that you could either stick on to the card itself or on your laptop or phone, the possibilities are endless...

Next we have an A5 notebook which includes more information on My Little Box in the first few pages...

Now comes the good stuff for us beauty lovers...a gorgeous little re-usable fabric bag containing 3 beauty products...

I was delighted to find a very generous 30ml sample of my favorite Primer by Laura Mercier, a sample of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse oil and an in-house pen style illuminator.

Lastly we have a laptop sleeve and I'm thrilled to say it fits my MacBook Pro perfectly!

Last month I decided to cancel my Birchbox and Pink Parcel subscriptions, Birchbox because I was just getting a little fed up with receiving skincare samples month after month and Pink Parcel as I have got an overflow of tampax in my bathroom! My Little Box is a subscription I will definitely be sticking with, it has the perfect balance of beauty and lifestyle products all wrapped up in gorgeously themed boxes. If you fancy subscribing to this fabulous concept it's only £14.95 per month (inc p&p) or £13.95 (inc p&p) if you have it delivered to your work place (don't ask me why?!).

Trial-Sized Tuesday's - Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

On my quest to get through my ever increasing sample stash yesterday I tested Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. I know this product has achieved cult status by make-up artists and beauty fanatics alike so I was really excited to try it and had high expectations for the results.

Beauty Flash Balm is said to be the ultimate pick-me-up for tried and dull skin, helping to eliminate fatigue resulting in a radiant complexion. Containing Olive and Witch Hazel reputed to help smooth the skins surface and Bisabolol to restore a youthful glow. Sounds too good to be true right?

Although this product has a balm like texture it is said to be suitable for normal, dry, combination and oily skin so with mine being combination/oily I thought it would be suitable for me, however after a few hours of wear my t-zone turned into an oil slick! Rather than rub the product in like a moisturiser you smooth a small amount over your skin and either wear alone or apply make-up directly over the top. The initial finish of my foundation over it looked dewy and my skin looked well rested, however like I said before after around 4/5 hours my t-zone was really, really oily (way beyond the help of powder) and by the time I got home from work my skin felt congested and I couldn't wait to wash my make-up off.

I really think this product would be suitable for dry/normal skin types...it certainly didn't bode well with my combination skin. Such a disappointing product for me as I know loads of people that have raved about it for years.

Trial- Sized Tuesday's - Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

A couple of weeks ago I did a post on the fabulous Glamour Beauty Power List Box from Latest In Beauty and one of the products in it (one of the reasons I purchased it) was Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer (30ml). I know that Laura Mercier's primer, among a few other of her products, have achieved cult status in the beauty world so I really couldn't wait to get my hands on it and give it a go!  This primer is a gel consistency that absorbs into skin really well, not leaving an oil slick on the skin (which is a god send for me with my oily/combination skin!). One thing I like about this primer is that fact that it is undetectable under your make-up and it smells really fresh, kind of like baby wipes! The gel contains vitamins A, C and E which are said to shield skin from environmental damages that can age skin. Because of it's gel-like consistency I have found the advice of keeping it in the fridge great as it makes it more refreshing to apply in the morning and reduces any puffiness. I've been using this primer since Monday and can honestly say I'm really enjoying it. I wouldn't say it completely changes the finish of my foundation (MAC Studio Fix Fluid) but it does give me a little more of a dewy finish when worn underneath. I can't say it aids the longevity of my base any more than my regular primer (MAC Prep+Prime Skin) but it certainly doesn't shorten it.  As this sample from the Glamour Beauty Power List Box is 30ml (the same volume as most other primers) it will last a good amount of time, making that box well worth the £15.99 I paid for it! 

The Glamour Beauty Power List 2014 Box From Latest In Beauty

I absolutely adore Latest In Beauty's collaboration boxes with Glamour magazine, they are always excellent value and packed with a great variation of branded products that would each get used. Needless to say when they emailed me two weeks ago releasing a new box 'The Glamour Beauty Power List 2014' I ordered it straight away and waited impatiently for it to be delivered. When it arrived on Thursday although I already knew what the contents were I still let out a little shriek as I unboxed it. With a whopping value of over £80 but yours for £15.99 here's the contents...

• Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish  (30ml with muslin cloth) rrp £5.50
• Eyeko Mascara Off Wipes (10 wipes) rrp £6
• Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense  (60ml) rrp £7.50
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (30ml) rrp £19
• James Read Sleep Mask Tan (25ml sample) rrp £12.50
• Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara (fullsize) rrp £9.99
• Maybelline Coloursensational Lipstick (fullsize) rrp £6.99
• Annual subscription to Glamour magazine (digital version for iphone/ipad) discounted by 62%

I'm already a huge fan of Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish (although I can't use it everyday due to my temperamental skin prone to hormonal break-out's) and I adore everything by Eyeko. The products I've most wanted to try from this box were the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and James Read Sleep Mask Tan, the concept of an overnight mask that gives you a gorgeous glow in the morning is a winner for me.

I've purchased a few of the Glamour collaborations with Latest In Beauty and this has to be my absolute favorite as I genuinely will use every product! I imagine these boxes will go quite quickly so head on over to Latest In Beauty and buy yours today...you wont be disappointed!

  

September's Pink Parcel - Contents And Review

You may have caught my post last month on my first Pink Parcel and it's contents. In case you didn't catch my post and don't know what Pink Parcel have to offer here's a little info on the fab subscription service tailored to your monthly cycle.

Pink Parcel is a monthly subscription service for your monthly! You can choose your brand, type and absorbency of either tampons or towels and they are conveniently delivered to your door a few days before your period with some lovely little extra's to cheer you up!

My weapon of choice is Tampax Compact. As I did last month I received an ample amount of (5x) Tampax Light, (7x) Tampax Regular, (7x) Tampax Super and (7x) Tampax Super-Plus to see me through. 

There was an issue with Pink Parcel's supplier this month which meant subscribers received their extra goodies a few days late. I did email their customer services about the missing items and they were quick to reply and just lovely. The wait for my extra goodies was well worth it as there were some fantastic items! 

• Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Mascara £21 rrp
• Garnier 5 Second Blur  £9.99 rrp
• Witch Redness Relief Moisturiser (product discontinued from high st stores)
• Doisy & Dam Goji & Orange Dark Chocolate 40g
• Tea Pigs Chai Tea x 1 bag

If you like the look of Pink Parcel your first month is only £5.95 and every subsequent month is £9.95, not only convenient and a joy to receive but an absolute bargain! 

Trial-Sized Tuesday - Paul And Joe Moisturising Foundation Primer

Over the weekend I ordered a new make-up bag from Asos by Paul and Joe. What I didn't actually realize until after purchasing was that I was actually purchasing a lip balm and the cosmetic bag and 10ml primer came as free extras...either way the whole package is gorgeous!

Yesterday I decided to put the primer to the test, I've not tried may products by Paul and Joe so I was pretty excited to do so. Paul and Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer probably wouldn't have been my first choice if I was shopping for a primer as I don't suffer from dry skin, quite the opposite actually, my skin is oily/combination so if anything I tend to go for a mattifying primer. There are 3 shades of this primer available, I received shade 01 Dragee which is ideal for light to medium skintones. The primer is pretty much the same colour as my foundation (MAC Studio Fix NC15) and did a nice job of evening out my skin a little before applying my foundation. When applying it initially feels a little bit sticky but within a couple of minutes it drys to a nice glowy finish with a subtle shimmer. What really impressed me about this primer is the way it transforms your foundation, you still get the same colour and performance from your foundation but this primer really transforms the finish in to a gorgeous dewy one. The primer contains Secret D'Or (the secret of gold - apparently) and a subtle gold pearl shimmer creating a subtle dewy complexion. I'm really impressed with this primer, so much so I will definitely be purchasing the full size product when my sample runs out. Although I have oily/combination skin it held up all day (I had my face on for around 15 hours yesterday) and I didn't need to blot excess shine away at all. If you fancy giving this primer a go with the bonus extras of a lip balm and cute cosmetic bag you can buy it from ASOS for only £11.50!

MAC Prep+Prime Natural Radiance Primer in Radiant Yellow Review

I've been dying to get my hands on this primer since it came out...anything that claims to have radiance inducing properties has to be mine!

MAC Prep+Prime Radiance Primer is priced at £29 which I think is totally worth it, for a few reasons...I use MAC's Prep+Prime Skin which is priced at £20.50 for 30ml, whereas Prep+Prime Natural Radiance is a generous sized 50ml bottle. Much like the Prep+Prime Skin this has a gel-like formula that glides onto skin so just one pump will do my entire face...my 30ml bottle of Prep+Prime Skin has been going strong for around six months now...with daily use!

I went for the Radiant Yellow as I have quite alot of red on my face so I thought this would double up as a primer to counteract that issue. MAC claim that this primer is especially effective on fair skin tones as the formula disappears upon application, resulting in a beautiful glow...I couldn't have said it better myself! I use MAC'S Studio Fix Fluid Foundation which isn't a completely matte finish but wearing this primer underneath gives me a gorgeous dewy glow, like skin only healthier!

As well as aiding an easy application of your foundation and a luminous finish this primer has vitamins E and C as well as caffeine to calm skin. Prep+Prep Natural Radiance has definitely won me over from my current Prep+Prime Skin...I'm hooked!

Jodie

xoxo

My First Birchbox...

I'm sure Birchbox isn't new to many of you but after a few disappointing boxes from Glossybox I decided to give Birchbox a go...especially when I saw they were collaborating with one of my favorite handbag designers...Lulu Guinness! If you read one of my latest posts about Glossybox you will know I have cancelled my subscription, for me a beauty box should be more about the quality of the contents than the quantity. As I live in a rural part of Somerset and the nearest department store for high end products is 50 odd miles away I want to be able to try products out before I commit to buying and they end up in my ever expanding drawer of once-used products! My first Birchbox didn't dissapoint. The box felt it was put together with care, the products were good quality and the sample sizes were very generous. Lets take a look into my box...

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

I absolutely love this primer! So much so I went on to purchase the full size version. It can be used under eye-shadow or under-eye concealer. I was sent light/medium which compliments my skintone perfectly. I have found it gives me a lovely smooth base and keeps my concealer in place all day. A huge thumbs up from me!

Dr Brandt Pores No More

I'm a sucker for anything that claims to erase my huge pores and give me flawless results, other than the fact this box was a Lulu collaboration, this primer was one of the reasons I subscribed. I hate to say it does nothing for my pores, but it does give me lovely base for my foundation. When you squeeze it out of the tube it's a quite intimidating red/brown colour, but this is not at all apparent when your foundation is applied over it. I also want to mention it has quite a strong fragrance, a nice spicy, floral fragrance. I have enjoyed using the sample but probably wouldn't purchase the full size for £39.

Molton Brown Hand Cream

I love hand creams! The sample only lasted me day as I apply hand cream every time I'm done washing my hands. It had a lovely scent, Rhubarb and Rose and instantly absorbed into my skin (just as they claim). It was a pleasure to use but I don't think I'm swayed from my usual go-to hand cream.

English Laundry Signature EDP

I usually am not too phased when I receive a perfume sample...I have a drawer full of them but this perfume is going onto my birthday wishlist! Its a gorgeous sweet floral smell with a faint hint of toffee. It smells quite alike to Katy Perry's Killer Queen or Britney Spears' Fantasy. I was gutted when the sample ran out! Big thumbs up from me!

Korres Citrus Body Milk

I'm not usually too enthralled my citrus smells, they remind me of cheap air-fresheners for some reason?! This moisturizer is an exception. It has a very fresh, light citrus smell. Although it's a body milk, which in my experience are quite light, this is very moisturizing. Another thumbs up from me!



Also included in the box was a white and black striped stick of rock, very in-keeping with the theme of the box...I munched this on one of my lazy pj days! I'm really please with my first ever Birchbox...I'm wondering why I didn't cancel my Glossybox and sign up earlier! I also must say that their customer service is great, I had a query (being a new customer I wasn't familiar with some of the order processes) and their response was friendly and relatively fast. A huge new fan...

Jodie 

xoxo

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Review

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

If you follow my blog you will know I don't have perfect skin. Having PCOS I am prone to the occasional acne flare-up and I keep to a strict cleansing, toning and moisturising routine (Premae's Immaculate Collection) morning and evening to try and keep the oil build-up at bay and prevent those yucky little white pimples from rearing their ugly heads! So, as I don't have the best skin I am constantly searching for products to give me the effect of perfect skin. 

Before being diagnosed with PCOS I hadn't been so particular about what I put on my face, although I've always had quite wide pores on my cheeks and I had oily skin to battle with, I never sought the aid of a primer to help the finish or longevity of foundation as I never wore it! It's only since the acne flare-up's in the last couple of years and the subsequent scarring that I have been on the look out for that little bit of extra help. 

For the last year or so I have been using Mac Prep+Prime Skin. Its a more of a fluid primer that aids the lay down of your foundation and powder by calming and soothing the skin, thus evening out skin redness. I enjoy using this primer, it's very easy to apply, it really does help my foundation to blend and it causes no irritation to my skin whatsoever. As much as I love it, it does nothing in the way of disguising the large pores on my cheeks. 

A couple of weeks ago, after searching the internet for alternative primers I came across Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Now I know it's been out there for a while, I had seen it in department stores and online myself but as I said I am new-ish to primers and had never really been on a quest for one as I am now. Reading the reviews I was so excited to order it! Girls were referring to it as "Polyfiller for your face" a "Cult classic for a reason" and that they just couldn't live without it. I've found it, I've found what I've been searching for I thought and quickly added it to my basket and checked-out. The next couple of days were torture waiting for it to arrive in the post! I dreamt me and this "Polyfiller" primer would have a whirlwind affair, pore-less and totally flawless. I imagined sitting at my desk at work on Monday morning looking completely flawless even under the harsh artificial lighting. You can imagine my disappointment when this is not what I achieved....

The primer itself is easy and smooth to apply to the skin, it has a silicone feel like my Mac Prep+Prime. My foundation blended well over the top of it, there really was no trace of the primer being on. I can't say that it aided the longevity of my foundation nor did it keep me oil-free, after 4-5 hours I still needed to blot my face, the same as any other day. Unfortunately it did not give me a flawless look, nor was it Polyfiller to my lines or pores...instead after 2 days of using it I had an awful flare-up of nasty, sore spots over my chin and jawline. So into the drawer this primer goes....

I'm not giving this primer a bad review as you can quite clearly see from the tons of reviews it is a "Cult classic for a reason"...lots of girls love it. So while the dream of a whirlwind affair may have frazzled my quest for perfection continues....

Jodie 

xoxo