Daytime Skin Care Routine and Makeup

What's in my makeup bag?

After cleansing (Dr Jart Pore Refine Bubble), I go straight into applying my moisturizer followed by BB cream and concealer. On some occasions, I will use a toner (that's if only I'm not a hurry lol). I prefer a "no-makeup" makeup look for everyday wear. Below is a list of products I use almost everyday:

Skincare 

No matter what skin type you have, it is essential to use a moisturizer. I find that when I skip this step, my makeup doesn't go on as smoothly. I am currently using Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm (50ml). This is one of the best moisturizers that I have used so far! It doesn't break me out, it's very hydrating and has a delicate rosy smell. I purchased the moisturizer as part of a gift set, can't remember exactly how much I paid, but it came with a night cream, eye cream and a small sample of Lancome's Visionnaire.

Primer/Highlighter 

 I received this as a gift from my sister. I had initially used the beauty flash balm as a face mask, but didn't see any major differences apart from it being very moisturizing. So after reading about this product in magazines and online, I used it as a primer to prep myWhen I read online and in magazines that the beauty flash balm is a great applicator for prep skin before applying makeup. It has a lovely smooth texture and does make my makeup last longer without looking overly greasy. However, I don't think I will be repurchasing this product. Simple because of the price and there are other products out there such as Lancome Le Base Pro that works equally, if not better, than the beauty flash balm. 

I purchased this from boots for £12.00 (originally £18.00). I have been using it everyday and I love how it is so similar to Lancome's Le Base Pro. After use, it definitely creates a smooth, matte surface when applying my BB Cream. One down side is that it doesn't help to control the oiliness in the T-zone, so I will use a blotting tissue to blot once in a while. 

When I ran out of the Lancome Le Base Pro primer, I wanted to try the new Lancome Eclat Miracle primer/highlighter. I purchased this from boots for £21.00. This can used underneath your makeup as a primer or on top of your makeup as a highlighter. Personally, I prefer using this as a highlighter. I love the natural effect that it gives and doesn't look greasy either.  

I purchased the Lancome Effet Miracle, shade 2, from Boots for £26.00. I do not use this very often because it's simply is too expensive to use on a daily basis. I only wear this on special occasions to help my make up last even longer. 

After applying my moisturizer, I will use this primer followed by Dr Jart's Recover Primer. I love how it makes my pores look less visible! 

BB Cream

 When I heard a Dr Jart line was being launched in the UK, I was very excited. This meant I didn't have to order my BB creams from Asia lol. I purchased the Dr Jart Regenerating Beauty Balm, from Boots, when it was on promotion for half the price (originally £21.00). Honestly, I'm really impressed. It has a medium to full coverage and perfect for everyday use. It only comes in one tone, however after a few minutes it oxides to match my skin tone. I will definitely be repurchasing this sometime in the future, but I personally won't be buying it for the full price. 

I purchased this from a Hong Kong website called Sasa. It was equivalent to £16.00 here? However as a warning, if you're ordering from Sasa you are expected to pay import tax. I didn't realise and so I was charged an additional £8.00 for import tax and handling fees. After this experience, I will definitely not order from Sasa again. 

I purchased Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in shade 21. I love how gentle the BB cream is! However, it doesn't give me as much coverage as I want so I would only use this on days when I'm not going to work. 

Concealer 

This is an all in one concealer from Sephora. I purchased this when I was in Paris for the New Year's. I've been using it everyday since January 2013. It works well to hide post acne scarring, but I don't like using it to hide my dark circles. It somehow makes it look more cakey? Instead I use the purple shade as a highlighter. 

I recently bought this from ELF when I was ordering my clear eyebrow gel. I purchased the colour is Ivory. After the first use, I didn't like it very much to be honest because it doesn't cover my post acne scarring. I've also used it as an under eye concealer and it works okay. I may use this as a highlighter, but we'll see. 

Eyeliner 

 I LOVE this eyeliner! I randomly purchased it from Boots for £6.00 and didn't really have high expectations for it to be honest. If you're a beginner, you have got to try this! It's so easy to use and you can create the cat eye look in just 3 seconds. I use this when I'm in a hurry in the mornings. Without hesitating, I will definitely repurchase this eyeliner. 

When I was looking to buy a new eyeliner, I bought it because of the gold packaging. I can't remember exactly the price, but I think it was £6.99(?) from boots. Unlike Soap and Glory's Supercat eyeliner, you will need slightly more time to draw your eyeliner. It doesn't smudge and I love how subtle it is.  

Mascara 

 I purchased this from Debenhams for £23.00. I can express in words how much I love it!!! When removing my eye makeup, I've noticed a fewer of my lashes have fallen out. It also enhances my lashes after applying mascara. It is a little pricey, but for what it does, it's totally worth it! I will DEFINITELY repurchase this! 

  

 I purchased the Lancome Hypnose Mascara from Boots for £22.00. I don't love it, but I like it. It's a good mascara that doesn't clump your lashes and is very natural looking. However, I personally prefer Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara because it's cheaper and gives more definition.

I was really impressed with Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara so I wanted to try the Illegal Length mascara when it was first launched in the UK last year 2012. My friends bought this for me as my birthday gift because they knew I really really wanted to try it! After the first use, I didn't like it and was slightly disappointed. It didn't live up to the advert's expectation of giving you longer lashes. 

Eyebrow Gel 

This has got to be my favourite eyebrow gel! I've recently ordered 9 more of these Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara from ELF. Although one end is for the eyelashes, I use both ends for my eyebrows.

Blusher 

I love cream blushes! When I ran out of Benefit's cheek tint, I purchased Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks in the colour Pale Pink. Original Price was £18.00, but I think I bought it when House of Fraser was having a 10% discount deal going on. I use it every day on both my cheeks and lips. The colour is buildable and very natural looking. 

After applying Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge to my lips, I will occasionally add a bit of Clarin's pink lipgloss. As I have quite a few lip glosses and lipsicks in my handbag, I left this one in my makeup bag so that I don't have to rage my handbag in the morning lol.  

Face mask

I put this in my makeup bag to remind myself to use a face mask once every week. I bought Dr Jart's Re-Tighten Mask from boots for £12.67 (original price £19.00). It works just like the cleanser and leaves my skin feeling squeakily clean :D 

That's all for today guys, hope you're enjoying your bank holiday weekend! xxx 

Look Beauty Double Hit Lipstick

When I first came across this in store (Superdrugs) I knew I just had to get one! Initially, the colour (pink) I had wanted sold out. After a few weeks I went to check if it was back in stock and guess what? It was back in stock and was selling for half the price (£8.00 to £4.00). So it's true, good things happen to those who wait.. haha! 

I love the colour and how innovative the product is: lipstick and lip gloss combined. I personally don't like scented lipsticks/lip glosses, however, the smell is bearable and isn't too overpowering. 

Origins Super Spot Remover

Having tried many over the counter spot treatments. I'd say Origin's Super Spot Remover is by far the best spot treatment I've used in 2012. I purchased it from House of Fraser for £13.00. There isn't anything bad to say about it, apart from the price. After cleansing and toning, I will apply this on to certain areas of my face. The following morning, I noticed that it dries out the spot and redness is significantly reduced. This product is a life saver and I will definitely repurchase it. 

Benefit's benetint

One word: Brilliant! I used it nearly every single day. I can't express in words, how much I love Benefit's benetint. I purchased it from Boots (£24.50). Initially I thought it was rather expensive for a lip and cheek tint. However considering that I used it on a daily basis, for almost a year, it was well worth the price.

I applied one stroke on each side of my cheeks and then using my ring finger, I would gently pat it upwards. Depending on the occasion, I may add a few more dots for a deeper colour. It lasts all day and looks good when taking pictures too.

Amie

I love this product line, Amie. It is free from harsh chemicals and specifically designed for young teenagers and adults with problematic skin. I was looking literally everywhere for the moisturiser because Boots stopped selling them, last summer 2012. After much hunting around, I bought the moisturiser from Superdrugs (can't remember how much I purchased it for, but was definitely under £10.00). I liked how it absorbs quickly into my skin and helps even out my skin tone when applying makeup too. Only downside is that there is no SPF in the moisturiser. Nonetheless, it is one of the best moisturisers I've used, compared to the higher end/premium brands.

Whilst I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Tescos, there was a promotion on all Amie products (Tesco was just introducing this product range in store last summer 2012). I was super excited and purchased everything: the cleanser, clay mask and moisturiser (again). 

The cleanser lathers well and works nicely in conjuction with the moisturiser. The smell of both the cleansers and mositurisers were not too overpowering at all- it actually helped to brighten up my day lol. As for the clay mask, it was a strong minted smell. It cools down my skin, but I felt as though it was too harsh for my sensitive skin and didn't control the oil well.

If anyone is looking for an afforable yet simple cleanser and lotion, I'd highly recommend Amie! It's natural ingredients really helps to soften and brighten up my skin.  

Avene Triacneal

Alongside using Avene’s Cleanance cleanser, I also used Avene Triacneal to diminish pigmentation and post scarring caused by blemishes. The product itself is rather expensive, retailing at £23.00, however I decided to give it ago based on positive reviews. The product itself is a yellowy creamy formula- be careful as it may stain your pillow cases. It must be used only in the evenings, after cleansing and toning, and not forgetting to use a sunscreen during the day as it does make your skin rather sensitive to the sun (plus you don’t want your pigmentations/dark spots to get any darker).

I used this product nearly every night, for up to two months. I like how it absorbs into the skin very quickly. However, like the cleanser, my face felt greasy afterwards. Unfortunately, I did not notice a big difference and I breakout a lot more too. I’m not sure if that’s meant to happen. But I’ve stopped using it since last summer 2012 and I am giving it another go this month. 

Avene Cleanance Cleanser

This was one of the cleansers I had used during summer 2012. It was on a promotion at the Garden Pharmacy website, so I thought I’d give it a go after hearing so many good reviews. The bottle itself lasted very long- I finished the bottle in 3 months. It lathers nicely on to the face and cleans off makeup well. However, my face still felt slightly greasy after.

I’d definitely recommend it for those with dry and sensitive skin, it’s a lovely gentle gel cleanser. But personally, it did not control the oil on my face.