Everyday Foundation Routine feat. Estee Lauder Double Wear

For the last few months I have stuck to the same 'face base' routine which is completely bizarre for me. Usually I'll swap between foundations each day, blend two types together, layer different foundations - anything in an attempt to achieve a perfect airbrushed finish.
When I first purchased Estee Lauder's Double Wear I was a bit unsure about whether I liked it but now, it's love. I've almost used up my first bottle and I've already purchased another as a back up which is almost unheard of for me. Of course, all products have their drawbacks and for me I do find that you need the right brush for application, you have blend it in well and the scent is slightly off putting. However, it is the best foundation I've tried so far.
I start off by applying the Good Things Miracle Mattifier moisturiser, then use my fingers to blend a thin layer of Maybelline's Pure Liquid Mineral foundation as a base/primer. I've got incredibly oily skin and have yet to find a primer that does the job, by applying this first it allows the Double Wear to apply smoothly and blend better. Next is the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, I buff this into the skin with the Sigma F80 then stipple all over the skin to achieve an airbrushed finish. If I need it I apply a small amount of the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer which I also pop on my eyelids as a base. Finally a light dusting of the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder with a large powder brush finishes everything off and my make-up doesn't move all day.
Although it might seem like a lot of work buffing, stippling, concealing I find that if you put the effort into making sure everything is blended and set properly then it really will last the whole day!
Oh, one other downside of Estee Lauder Double Wear - no pump!

Read More

Favourite Face Products

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in 'Golden Beige' - I didn't like this powder at first, I thought it was too tightly pressed and would be chalky and noticeable on the skin as it's a cheaper product. I was obviously very wrong seeing as it's now my favourite powder and I've even hit pan which is a rarity for me. I'm a big fan of the packaging as it's remained intact after being dropped numerous times, plus the fact it has a twist out mirror - perfect for on the go touch ups! I apply this lightly with a large powder brush and it almost gives the same effect as a Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. It lightly mattifies areas, keeping you shine free for longer yet doesn't look too flat or take away from the finish of the foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear in 'Tawny' - I've seen a few people on Twitter say they hate this foundation as it's too heavy and mask like but I haven't found this to be a problem. You should be aware though if your buying Double Wear it's because you want long wearing, full coverage. The main reasons I love it include; the great selection of colours, the coverage, the finish and when it's dried it's not going to budge. I have an oily t-zone that cannot be tamed with a primer, foundation or powder but, this lasts all day on my forehead and chin with only a slight amount of shine on my nose which can easily be fixed with a dab of powder. I apply with a flat foundation brush as it gives me a light, even application eliminating any 'cakeyness' or looking too heavy which can be the case if applied with a stippling brush.

Maybelline Pure Mineral Concealer - I've had this for ages and it's by far my favourite concealer as of yet. It offers a medium coverage, really brightens up the under eye area and is incredibly creamy meaning it melts into the skin.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - Yes, I jumped on the bandwagon and I'm glad I did. Although I don't like this for under eyes it's great for blemishes or areas you need to conceal as it offers great coverage and a really natural finish. Only downside is the terrible packaging, expect the writing to wear off almost instantly!

Left - Maybelline
Right - Collection 2000

Read More

Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara

Most of you have probably seen the Big False Lash Effect Mascara being featured on the PixiWoo's Youtube Channel. This is the main reason I picked it up, along with the fact it's only £4.99 and I've seen a ridiculous amount of rave reviews on this mascara!

First off, the wand is huge, I'm talking Benefit Bad Gal mascara wand huge which I really like. The packaging isn't too terrible, a bit cheap looking but it's something most people would overlook if the product is good. However this isn't.

I may of just been unlucky and picked up an old one because when I opened it up the wand had hardly any product on it. I tried to twist the brush round the inside of the tube to get something out it was just completely dried up and clumped onto the walls. Even though I was already dubious about the product I decided to give it a go and tried applying it anyway!
The result? Lightly coated lashes, it seperated them well when I applied it carefully however it didn't give me any length and hardly any volume which are the two things I look for in a good mascara.

I decided to apply another coat because there was barely anything on my lashes and just ended up with short, clumped eyelashes. I left it on though because I was in a last minute rush to get to work and by the end of the day it was flakes galore, the mascara literally chipped off my lashes and resulted in a crispy horrible mess.

If you're looking for a cheap natural looking mascara that seperates your lashes then it's worth trying, I may of just picked up an old one!




One carefully applied coat of mascara later..

Read More