THE PRIMER COLLECTION

Using a primer is often a step that I miss out in my makeup routine, because I have struggled for a while now trying to find the perfect one, and sometimes I'm just too lazy. I do however have quite the compilation of primers so I thought I would categorize them and ramble.

BRIGHTENING: So, we all have dull skin days at times and on those of mine I quite enjoy the Bourjois Luminous Serum Primer, which doesn't have any shimmer in, but just seems to make the face look radiant. It really is glowy skin in a bottle, and although it doesn't help with longevity it is worth it for the glow.

SMOOTHING: Smoothing primers tend to be quite heavily silicon based at times so I do often experience breakouts after using them. The first is a love hate relationship primer; the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which is really smoothing, and keeps makeup on all day (I like to use it just on oily areas when I am using BB Cream or glowier bases), and I have just got back into using it so I will report back if I get any breakouts. I also have the Proactiv Smoothing Primer but I don't use it too often as it smooths but doesn't help with longevity all that much.

BRONZING: In the summer when you want to rack up the tan or in the winter when you are fed up of your pale skin, a bronzing primer is always a good'un to have in your stash. My personal favourite is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer which I also like to use over foundation around the outer areas of the face and on the cheekbones for an extra glow. I also like the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Tinted Primer as it is almost a mix of the Bourjois and Smashbox primers in one.

This post has actually inspired me to use my primers more often, we'll see how it goes tomorrow morning aye?

NEW SKINCARE ADDITIONS

I think it's safe to say that I have an addiction to buying new skincare products. The amount of cleaners I have is unhealthy, and my eye cream collection is overflowing, but I always see myself buying more, and trialling more. Some have been good, some have made my skin go absolutely cray, but these are the products I have recently added to my stash. 

As the weather is warming up I decided it would be wise to incorporate a facial SPF into my routine. I have the Proactiv Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF30* which I have only tried once but it isn't too bad. I feel like it could sink in a little better, but other than that it worked well under my makeup, so we'll see how it goes. 

A few days back I popped into Boots with my No7 voucher in hand, and I came out with the Melting Cleansing Gel. Don't be fooled by 'gel' - this is more like a balmy texture which once you massage it into the skin transforms into an oil, and rinses off as a milk. On first impressions, I really like this. 

As you know, I have troubled skin. I got the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ from Escentual in the hope that it would clear up some of the problems, as the original formula did good for me. After using this for a few days I have already noticed that my skin is looking clearer, so I am hoping it'll keep working further. 

If you are a regular reader, you will know that I got these two products in my 'Post-Spending Ban Buys' post. They belong to the Boots Botanics All Bright range, and they are the Night Cream and the Cleansing Toner. I think these work towards that whole 'chemical exfoliant' thang, and so I have been using these almost every night I think. 

What has your skincare routine included recently?

OIL FREE SKIN WITH PROACTIV

Having an oily/combo skin type isn't all about being matte, more so just preventing shine. That doesn't mean you can't go for a dewy look, it is simply a trial of testing out what looks best. Proactiv's makeup range, is said to allow us to do just that.

The Oil Free Smoothing Primer*, smooths the skin, and preps for the next step, whether you want to go in with Tinted Moisturiser, BB Cream, Foundation or Concealer. I am not one for primer, as most of the ones I try, like this one, is silicone based, and with a collection of water based products, they don't mix. If this is the case, you canwear it alone on no makeup, or light makeup days, and it will slightly perfect the skin. I like this, but I never wear it, as explained above.

Then we have the Sheer Finish Mineral Pressed Foundation Powder*,  a mattifying pressed powder, but wears off to a really nice gentle dewyness throughout the day. I am not sure why this is called 'foundation' and then 'sheer'... as it definitely drifts more towards the latter - not much coverage is involved with this. Another thing...it smells a bit like sherbet, and I am not sure how I feel about that.

I could imagine that this would be a great duo for those with extremely oily skin, or even combination skin, to banish any excess shine on the face all day.