looking for a new primer? I've got you covered.

There are a lot of people who don’t find primers effective. I’m on the other side of that spectrum. I find that using a base before foundation helps smoothen skin, masks skin imperfection and helps control natural skin oils. There are a variety of different primers out there, so today I thought I would share my top 6 primers that I always have within arms-reach.

josie maran pure argan oil | the must haves

It's been a full year, but I'm happy to be back online and blogging again! As the cold winter weather is slowly approaching, I've started adding Josie Maran's Argan Oil (here too) (15ml, $20 cdn) to my nighttime skincare routine and it's been a life changer. Argan oil isn't a new product and I've always had a bottle at home, however, I mainly used this for my hair and as a spot treatment for seriously dry areas (hey, nostrils!). Throughout the winter months, I'm constantly battling against dry patches around my nose and mouth area while trying to control the oils on my t-zone. Applying an oil all over my face was never an option that crossed my mind.

A few weeks back, while preparing for bed, my skin was so unbelievably dry, I decided to do something I never thought I would do. I reached for my bottle of argan oil, warmed a few droplets between my fingers and pressed the oil into my face. I woke up the next morning wondering why I hadn't thought to do this sooner! Since that night, I've been applying oil to my face after cleansing and before moisturizing. It's been a great addition to my routine and if you're struggling with ultra-dry skin, I would suggest incorporating a face oil into your skincare regiment. Josie Maran's argan oil is a light-weight, quick-absorbing oil, making it a great companion for all skin types.

Bonus: Sephora's holiday sets have launched and Josie Maran has come out with the Pure Argan Duo that makes a perfect stocking stuffer for those skincare fans! Two travel sized bottles in a cute little package? What more can you ask for from Santa!

Read more about Argan Oil and my trip to Morocco here!

Have you tried or do you use face oils? If so, which one(s) do you recommend?

the everyday foundation for a natural look

The Ultra HD Invisible Cover Liquid Foundation (1.01oz, $52 cdn) by Make Up For Ever launched last year as a revamp of their original HD liquid foundation. The Ultra HD foundation claims to provide flawless coverage under a 4k lens with an incredible lasting power, so naturally, I had to see what this foundation was all about. If this foundation could keep skin looking flawless under a 4k lens, then it had to be good enough for my everyday routine, right? Absolutely, right. I literally reach for this everyday and I’m going to tell you my top 3 reasons why it has been awarded a holy grail status in foundations for me. 

1. It looks natural. I am a light-medium coverage type person. I cannot stand feeling makeup on my face and need a lightweight, hydrating foundation that stays in place while looking as natural as possible. I’m not asking for too much, am I? This foundation does it all. It doesn’t oxidize or dry out my skin and the lasting ability truly is incredible! I apply Ultra HD with a beauty blender at 6:00 AM each morning and take it off 12 hours later, looking just as fresh as it did in the morning. If you prefer a medium coverage, I’d suggest using a brush to apply the foundation and layer up. For my everyday routine, I opt for a beauty blender and one layer.
2. Shade selection. It is so difficult to find a perfect shade. There are some foundations I own that are either slightly too light or too dark for my complexion, so mixing and combining shades like I’m some kind of chemist adds time to my makeup routine. (#aintnobodygottimeforthat) With over 40 shades to choose from, your chances of finding a perfect colour match is high. I love that I can use one pump of one shade! It’s the simple things in life.
3. Works well with Combination Skin. The struggle is real if you have combo skin. Ultra HD controls the oils on my t-zone while keeping my dry areas hydrated. Throughout the years of using MUFE foundations, I’ve tried using all types of setting powders and found that MUFE’s HD Pressed Powder works beautifully with this foundation. It keeps me looking matte all day, although I do use one blotting paper each afternoon due to my own paranoia; it really isn’t necessary. During the cooler months, I sometimes leave without a setting spray/powder and the foundation holds up just as well.

Shade in 125 = Y315

If you’re looking for a water based liquid foundation that does it all, definitely pick up a bottle or sample at your local Sephora.

Have you tried Ultra HD foundation yet? If so, let me know your thoughts below!

the must haves | laura mercier secret brightening powder

Goodbye to the days where I would do a quick sweep of concealer under my eyes and head out the door – hello to those annoying fine lines that now cause my concealer to crease only a few hours into the day. Although I have always preferred refreshing setting sprays over setting powders, I figured it was time to try something new.

I popped into a Sephora hoping someone would be able to assist me on finding something to prevent concealer creasing. Out I came with a little container holding the most precious powder on the market: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder (0.14 oz, $30 cdn).

The powder is described as a translucent, weightless powder that sets under-eye concealer to brighten dark circles and diminish signs of visible fine lines. There are light reflecting pigments that aim to deliver a radiant finish.

Packaging

The powder comes in a simple standard plastic container. When you open the initial lid there is a sticker that prevents the powder from spilling. I would recommend keeping the sticker on and peeling it back when you need more powder to prevent messy accidents (I learnt this the hard way!).

Product

The product is true to its word; a finely milled, light reflecting powder that helps reduce dark circles and fine lines. I noticed an instant difference when I first applied the powder. I have tried this product with a few different concealers but definitely have noticed the best results with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. There is no more creasing and my under eyes look much brighter. You can use either a beauty blender or brush to apply, myself choosing a small brush to gently tap the powder under my eye.

Verdict

Personally, this is a game changer for me. After trying many different products and different ways of application, I’m so happy I have finally found something that works to brighten my under eyes while reducing fine line visibility. If you don’t have fine lines, you could probably use a translucent setting powder combined with a brightening cream instead, however, if you have fine lines – you need this in your life. It’s on a holy grail status for me.

  

Repurchase?

Yes – a little goes a long way with this product so I don’t think I will need to repurchase for a long time. I’m going on almost half a year with this product and even on daily use, I haven’t put a dent in it yet!

[Shop Here]

the must haves | le blanc de chanel

While out for dinner with a friend one night, I noticed that her makeup looked exceptionally flawless (we're talking Beyonce flawless). I asked her what she was wearing and she said four words that would change my makeup game forever - Le Blanc De Chanel* (1oz, $48). Not too long after that discussion, I caved and picked up a bottle. Le Blanc De Chanel is a multi use illuminating base that acts like a primer (for best results, wear this product under your foundation). Don't be afraid of the milky white consistency as this oil-free liquid applies smoothly onto skin as a sheer base. 

The glass bottle is luxurious but not practical for travel. The new bottles now come with a pump which keeps things less messy and more controlled. A little goes a long way with this base; I use half a pump to cover my cheeks and chin as I prefer a more mattified look without illumination on my super oily nose and forehead (Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector* is a great option). 

This has instantly become one of my Holy Grail products. Once applied onto my face, I feel like I'm having a great skin day. Since purchasing this base, I consistently reach for this above all other primers. It gives off a wonderfully radiant, dewy glow without being too shimmery or oily. If you haven't had a chance to try this base out yet, I highly recommend you should! You won't be disappointed!

Quick tip: blend this multi use base with your foundation to lighten up the coverage while giving you a healthy, radiant glow. 

*Shop Le Blanc De Chanel Here
*Shop Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector Here

the must haves: laneige water sleeping mask

Last year was all about skincare. I did a complete overhaul of my skincare products as I scoured the beauty aisles on a mission for the most hydrating, light weight and non-greasy formula money can buy. The hunt is over, friends. I transitioned entirely to the Laneige line and haven't looked back since! Everything I've tried from Laneige has been incredible, however, I can't rave enough about their Water Sleeping Mask (2.7 oz, $30 cdn). 

This revitalizing gel mask absorbs quickly and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the night. Although the product should be used once or twice a week, I tend to dip into the jar more frequently during the winter season. When my skin begins to feel dehydrated, I literally create a small layer over my face and let it soak in overnight. My skin receives an instant boost of hydration and the next morning my skin feels fantastic. I have never had so many great skin days in a row. 

Growing up with combination skin was pretty annoying. Every product I used would either work for my t-zone but not the rest of my face or vice versa. Hydrating gels and creams would make my t-zone super oily. This mask has a gel like consistency, making it super light weight and non-greasy, thus, making my skin look much less oily than it used to without sacrificing hydration. 

Needless to say, this is one product that is a must have for me. It works wonders and is currently one of the least expensive masks on the market. Laneige has began to expand their line; which now includes hydrating, repairing and brightening products. Moving into 2016, the Korean skincare game is continuing to remain strong.

Have you tried any of the brightening products by Laneige? That's next on my list to try!
Click here to read my review on the hydrating trial set by Laneige!