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Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products

My Favourite Facial Primers for 2013

Following on from My Favourite Fragrances for 2013, I thought I would share My Favourite Facial Primers for 2013.

I only started using a facial primer at the beginning of last year and when I asked around for advice on which ones to try, most everyone I asked, recommended MAC primers! I have been using MAC since then but recently discovered the Smashbox Photo Finish Primers, at a beauty event I attended.

MAC Stobe Liquid Lotion

The MAC Stobe Liquid Lotion was the first primer I bought, which is technically more of a light diffuser, as it contains iridescent pigments. These pigments produce a soft, radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural-looking glow.

I have enjoyed using it and love the silky finish it gives my skin! I did however find that it made my pigmentation more exaggerated! I actually stopped using it for a while but recently discovered that if I use it over my MAC Prep+Prime Natural Radiance Primer, it works really well and gives my skin a lovely luminous glow, without making my pigmentation appear darker. Retail price R335.

MAC Prep+Prime Natural Radiance

The MAC Prep+Prime Natural Radiance primer is definitely my favourite-favourite! I have found that no matter how much product I have on my skin, this primer stops my skin from breaking out. It forms an invisible barrier between my skin and any product I apply afterwards, protecting it from any harsh chemicals. The formula is a silky gel emulsion, rich in natural ingredients, which hydrate and prime the skin, to improve foundation or powder application. It also controls oil buildup on the skin and promotes a smooth texture. It contains Vitamins E and C to protect the skin and caffeine to calm the skin.

As I mentioned above I have been applying the MAC Prep+Prime and following that with the MAC Strobe Liquid Lotion, before I apply my foundation. I usually use this combination if I am going out and want my makeup to last that bit longer. For everyday makeup application I usually use either the MAC Prep+Prime or the Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control. Retail price R380.

Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control

The Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control is a more recent addition to my beauty regime, I was introduced to it at a Smashbox beauty event I attended last year. Smashbox has quite an extensive range of facial primers, with the recent introduction of the Blemish Control and Dark Spot Correcting Primers.

The Blemish Control Primer which I received to try out, treats breakouts, provides oil-free hydration and keeps skin clearer over time. It contains 2% salicylic acid which helps treat breakouts. I was advised to use this primer before I apply my face cream, whereas the other primers I apply after my face cream and sunscreen. I have enjoyed using this primer but after I recently changed my facial sunscreen and have found that using the two products together causes a strange reaction when I apply my foundation. I have taken to only using this primer at night, when I do not use a sunscreen and if I am going out and need to apply makeup. Smashbox Photo Finish Primers range from R350 – R380.

I would really like to try the Smashbox Dark Spot Correcting Primer and see if it makes any difference to the appearance of my pigmentation. I have added this to my list of new products I would like to try. I am also trying out a primer from Dermologica at the moment.

Do you use a facial primer? If so which one works for you? Please leave a comment below the post letting me know.

Beauty, Competitions, Winner

Winner of the Inspired Living Summer Makeover

The moment you have all been waiting for ~ The Winner of the Inspired Living Summer Makeover has been chosen! The winner of this awesome Summer Makeover Competition is Emy-Lou Clarke. [Read more…]

Beauty, Beauty Products

My Favourite Fragrances for 2013

Wow what a busy end to the year! Here we are slowly easing into 2014 ~ a New Year brings with it many new and wonderful possibilities! It also gives us a chance to reflect on the year gone by and the things that worked for us and the things that did not.

I thought I would reflect on some of the things that I loved in 2013 and share them with you, starting off with my favourite fragrances for 2013:

Modern Muse

Modern Muse by Esteé Lauder, is a “Chic New Vision of Femininity”. It embraces the “duality” of the modern woman, who are both strong and confident, as well as soft and feminine. The definition of a “muse” is – “a woman, or a force personified as a woman, who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist”. Modern Muse captures the essence of the modern woman – your style, your confidence and your creative spirit. It is an alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods.

My favourite accord of the fragrance is the “sleek wood” scent, with wonderful vanilla, which is one of my personal favourites when it comes to fragrance. I am not a lover of overly floral scents but Modern Muse is so beautifully balanced and I find the floral accord is subtle and pretty rather being over powering!

Elie Saab Le Parfum

Elie Saab Le Parfum had been on my wish-list for a while, when my hubby came to and surprised me with a bottle! I have to admit this is definitely my favourite-favourite for 2013! The bottle is jewel like and the rosey liquid inside is simply heavenly. The woody top notes, give way to zesty orange blossom and base notes reveal a deeply addictive cedar-honey rose accord. In simple terms it is both sensual and feminine and when I wear it my hubby cannot get enough of the smell 🙂

Catch Me by Cacharel

Catch Me by Cacharel, is a typically summery fragrance! It reminds me of holiday time, which is probably also because I bought on my way home, from my trip to Thailand. This is a wonderfully feminine perfume, which although floral, it has notes of citrus and almond, making it refreshingly youthful. It is such a pretty fragrance and one of my favourite bottles!

So those are my favourite fragrances for 2013 – what were yours, please share below!

Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products, Hair

November Favourites

I know that I said I would not be late with this post but here we are in December and I am only getting around to posting it now! I took these photographs ages ago but have just not had the time to edit and post them!

I also put together a video which goes into more depth on each of my November Favourites:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AadRRPZ8TW4&feature=share&list=UUW-Ptg2fpKFHowi0_J6Po_w[/youtube]

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control Primer ~ Woolworths
Smashbox Liquid halo Foundation Spf 15 Oil-free ~ Colour 3 ~ Woolworths
Dirty Works Vitamin C Brightening Mask ~ Clicks

Eyes:

Gosh Quattro Eye Shadow Palette ~ Driftwood ~ Edgars
Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Liner ~ Woolworths
Gosh Beyond Real Length’n Volume Mascara ~ Edgars

Lips:

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub ~ LUSH
Labello Lip Butter ~ Raspberry Rosé ~ Clicks
Gosh Lip Gloss ~ Colour 004 ~ Edgars

Hair:

VO5 Plump It Up Weightless Mousse ~ Clicks

Fragrance:

Elie Saab Le Parfum

So those are my November Favourites! If you have any stand out products which you have been using please share them in the comment section below or if there is anything more you would like to know, about these products then please leave me a comment!

Beauty, Beauty Spa, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

Wellness Essence Soy Massage Candles

Nothing beats a gorgeous fragrant candle, for setting the mood and ambience in any space. I love nothing more than a long soak in a hot bubble bath surrounded by candles!

I recently received two gorgeous Wellness Essence Soy Massage Candles, from Wellness Warehouse to try out. They are his and her’s candles, which I think is a lovely idea.

The candle for her contains 100% natural soybean wax, neroli oil, lemon grass oil and rose geranium and smells heavenly!

The candle for him contains 100% natural soybean wax, cedarwood and bergamot fruit oils, which is definitely more masculine.

Apart from looking good and smelling amazing ~ candles have became very versatile products, they can add style to any setting and bring about relaxation, by simply having them in a room. Candles are also used in various forms of relaxation therapies, one of my favourite being hot wax massage.

If you have never had a hot wax massage then do yourself a favour and try it – it is a truly sublime experience! If you cannot get to a beauty spa, to do the treatment, then why not do it yourself! The Wellness Essence Soy Massage Candles are perfect for the job.

With the growing concern on the health impacts of using paraffin or petroleum-based candles, soy candles were picked as the next best thing. The all-natural components of soy candles are the ideal way to complement massage therapies because of their heat and aromatic qualities.

If you would like to find out more about these Soy Massage Candles, then pop over to the Wellness Warehouse Website. You can do your shopping online ~ perfect for the festive season! You can also browse the Wellness Warehouse Christmas Gift Guide for great gift ideas.

The recommended retail price of the Wellness Essence Soy Massage Candles R199.99.