Lusting Over....Estee Lauder's Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Sometimes the world can be so magical a place that radiant, illuminated skin can come from a bottle.

According to Estee Lauder, that day has come.

I realize this product has been out for a couple months but for some reason it's just made its way to my "want" list today.  The reason for my sudden desire you ask?  Well, with the wedding coming up in 7 months, I'm on a quest to find the best radiance in a bottle.  For those that know me quite well, I'm always on the hunt for the perfect product that creates a dewy, glowing complexion.  Of course, there are always my tried and true illuminators, which I love, BUT my all-time favorite has been discontinued.  This, of course, means I must continue searching to find the perfect replacement.  Enter Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.

I've been using Estee Lauder's original Idealist for years now and adore it.  Honestly, it not only makes my pores smaller but it smooths all my fine lines, creates an even skintone and makes my skin feel silky smooth.  In terms of primers go, this is my go-to.  The only thing lacking with this product is the non-existent shimmer.  Yes, I know that not everyone wants to be a shimmery pixie (like I do) but it would be nice if this product had a radiant addition.  Which, I'm sure could be the reason Estee Lauder created the Idealist Illuminator.

This product not only does everything the regular Idealist does but also gives your skin that slight glow.  Plus, when used daily you'll notice that your puffy eyes and dark circles will dissipate.  On that alone this product is worth it.

Bad news is the price.  Yes, it is rather expensive but it does work.  Prices are as follows: 3.4 oz $135 (USD), 1.7 oz $85 (USD) and 1.0 oz $58 (USD).  I'm definitely going to be saving my pennies for this product that's for sure.

Have you tried any of the Idealist products before?  What are your thoughts?

The Perfect Non-Red Complexion: What Works?

As much as I love being fair-skinned, I sometimes curse it too.  Not only do I have an awful time trying to find powders and foundations that actually MATCH my skin tone but every single facial flaw is always visible. 

See, my issue is that when I break out, I'm always left with a slight red scar, even when there are no bumps or irritation left over.  I know that most people have this issue, in some form or another, but because I am soooooo abnormally pale (ladies, I mean PALE.....even the lightest foundations are too dark for me) every single imperfection shows very vividly.  So, last weekend I decided I was sick of it.  I purchased two products, one expensive and one not-so, to see if these "redness relief" products really work.

Smashbox Photo Finishing Color Correcting Primer VS. e.l.f. Studio Complexion Perfection

I lucked out with the primer; instead of paying the standard $45 CAN, I snatched it up at a Duty-Free shop for only $32.  (A much better price.)  As you can see, the primer is green-toned which is designed to reduce redness.  (If you didn't know this, the color wheel shows that red and green are across from each other.  This means that their colors "cancel each other out".)

The primer is a very nice product.  Like most primers, this one goes on silky-smooth and makeup adheres very nice to it.  Plus, it's oil-free which is a really nice benefit.  However, in terms of redness relief, it does nothing.  I wanted to love this product, I really did, but in terms of red coverage, I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever.  So, on that note, it's a thumbs down from me.

I ordered the e.l.f Studio Complexion Perfection on a whim.  I mean, how can you go wrong when it's only $3????  This product is really cool because it combines four different shades that do four different things: the blue neutralizes orange, the green covers red, pink neutralizes grey and the yellow brightens and covers red.  

This powder is amazing.  I apply mine after foundation/concealer, almost like a setting powder and it gives my skin a fantastic flawless finish.  Not only does it cover any stubborn redness BUT it also absorbs excess oil, making my skin look perfect.  The only down side is that the product itself can be a bit "flakey".  (When you've swirled your brush in the compact, you'll notice that excess product is always sitting on top of the powder.  I always feel like I'm going through it too quickly.)  But, it's only $3....I have just placed another order (3 more coming) just to have backup. 

So, sometimes, the less expensive option will come out on top.  Ladies, if you have the same issue as I do, try out the e.l.f Studio Complexion Perfection, you won't be disappointed.

PS - I know this post is long but wanted to throw this out there.  If you do suffer from redness and scaring, try out Avon's Banishing Cream.  I am in love with this product!  I use it every night before bed and have to say that it's really done wonders with my redness.  I mean, it's not completely gone but it's definitely not as noticeable as it was before.  Plus, on sale, this cream will only set you back about $4.99

Surprisingly Smooth Skin from CoverGirl

The other day, while on my way inside, I actually remembered to check the mailbox and was greeted with a nice surprise...A free sample! Woohoo, I thought to myself, it must be my lucky day. Imagine getting a free beauty product sample in the mail. (Don't burst my bubble here people.....just let me assume I'm the only one who received this freebie!!!)

So, I opened the box and was greeted with a CoverGirl product. Now, I'll be honest. I don't actively buy CoverGirl. I recently tried a mascara of theirs, which I disliked, so I wasn't too keen on trying this baby BUT then I noticed another name in the title: CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer.

I put the sample to good use this morning after moisturizer. The primer goes on like a cream (and is actually white in color due to the addition of Titanium Dioxide) and is easily applied, but it does take some time to set (about five minutes or so.) Once absorbed, my skin was silky smooth, my fine lines had almost disappeared and my concealer held perfectly.

Now, over 12 hours after applying, my make-up still looks perfect and my skin's had no oily mishaps.

So, If you are on the hunt for a primer, and don't want to spend a lot, I highly recommend trying this product out.

Sephora Was Wrong....

I'm upset.

This is about to be the first negative post about a Sephora Brand product. As everyone knows, I am quite the advocate of the ENTIRE Sephora Collection until....well, now.

Don't get me wrong, I still like the line but I was completely unimpressed by the Smoothing Primer. Here's my beef...I don't like pumps OR gel-based products. Though the product does smooth away fine lines and soothes irritation, I found I was actually starting to break out.

I know, unheard of right? Just when I thought I was done waking up to new pimple invasions. I also found that though the product went on silky smooth, it did nothing to prevent shininess. All in all, this product would be fantastic for dry skin but if you are a combination gal like I am, steer clear.

Now, this means that I have a full bottle up for grabs.....Any takers????

It's Primerific

Can I just say that I actually found a L'Oreal product I like!!!

While snooping through London Drugs in Prince George I stumbled on a new primer/base from

L'Oreal called Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. I thought I would try

it since I'm always on the hunt for an inexpensive primer AND it was only $15.99. I took it home and opened the package immediately.

It's quite cute actually, since it's in a pot and the best part is NO PUMP. ( I know that pumps are more sanitary BUT I'm really not a fan.) This product is one of the first I found that isn't oily. It goes on like a cream, so you can add as much or as little as you want and, once set, it diminishes all of your skin's imperfections.

I will say it again, I am super impressed. Try it out ladies!!

Quel Est L'appret? Ummm, WHAT???

If this post title is completely foreign to you, have no fear my friends; all will be explained in due time. The title translates to "What is Primer?" and I was asked this quite some time ago by a great friend of mine (thanks Bronwen xoxo). Primers are a girl's secret weapon to smooth, silky, flawless skin.

Most of us women, me included, do not have picture-perfect skin. Common concerns are blemishes, redness, irritation, large pores and fine lines. (Almost of all of which I suffer from.) Back in the day we were stuck with using a moisturizer after our toner and then applying our make-up on a glistening face which cause runny-looking foundation and excess oil later during the day. Today your lives are going to change.

In addition to primer giving women the silky complexion we've always wanted, it also neutralizes your skin which minimizes the look of pores. Seriously, it's perfection in a bottle. Two brands I highly recommend are:

1. Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfection. Goes on a cream which then has a matte finish. This product does give you a flawless finish and can actually be worn alone (without makeup) for the au natural girl. Make sure to use this product after moisturizer. Also, there is no setting time with this product as it blends in right away. I highly recommend this product for the woman with oily/combination skin.

2. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Primer. It starts off a very lightweight gel which then becomes a silky powder once applied. Once applied, it does a fantastic job concealing fine lines and enlarged pores. (Note for my oily girls, this product, though great, will not be best for an oily complexion. If you have sensitive skin though, you will definitely love this.)

Ensure that you give ample time for your primer to set. Once applied after moisturizer, give it some time to blend in before you put on your make-up.