Review: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch - £25

I have quite a collection of primers now, I really think they are essential and there's definitely something out there for everyone - whether you're looking for a flawless base, longer lasting makeup, a matte finish or a radiant glow. 

I recently bought Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch after hearing about it from Danyelle. I had been using Benefits Pore-Fessional but wanted to try something different, and the Hourglass Veil Primer was a little out of budget at the time. I'm a big fan of Clarins, their products are always great so I knew this would be a winner. 

Instant Smooth aims to smooth over pores and create a flawless base. It's a product that really helps to give the illusion of a perfectly smooth finish and I'm so pleased with the results. 

I use this after moisturising in the morning to smooth over pores, it also helps to calm blemishes by reducing the redness. I find it similar to Pore-Fessional but better quality and not as greasy, this doesn't leave any sort of tacky feeling on my skin and you only need the smallest amount to leave skin looking amazing. I have combination skin type, a bit oily on my T-Zone and dry on my cheeks, so it can be hard to find a primer which helps to smooth over pores without feeling oily, whilst also not making dry areas look flakey and feel tight.
This is great for all over and I find it moisturises where I need it, smooths over my skin without leaving product sitting on top of my skin whilst also helping to create a flawless base for my makeup. 

I've since seen this on Pixiwoos blog, which is always a good sign! They think it's a great primer for acne sufferers, which is so true - it's definitely one for those who need to cater for a combination skin type or those with oversized pores or blemishes.
This product is quickly becoming my go to primer and I love how easy it is to make my skin look lovely, without the hassle of using a handful of products. You will love this if you have a similar skin type to me, or suffer from blemishes. If you haven't got on with Benefit's Pore-fessional, give this a whirl! 

What do you think of Clarins products? I am literally obsessed at the moment! Any recommendations? 

Video: Shopping the Stash.

I thought I'd do a little Shopping the Stash video this week as I have found a lot of unloved products recently.
As usual, open in YouTube to see full description and to subscribe!

Thanks for watching. xo.

Review: Laura Mercier Foundation Powder in 01.

Laura Mercier Foundation Powder in 01 - £31

After purchasing Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (review coming soon), which is rather sheer and water-based, I wanted a good powder to keep my makeup in check all day, whilst also keeping me matte.
I have recently found some gems from Laura Mercier and it's been a brand I've used a lot over the years so naturally, I picked up the Foundation Powder in the lightest shade. 

The Foundation Powder is a wet/dry formula which comes with a puff and a sponge, the puff allows you to apply the powder dry as a touch up over foundation and to help shine or you can apply it wet with the sponge which offers more coverage. 

At first I applied this using a stippling brush, and then changed to a powder brush but it made my skin look dry and caked. This is usually how I would apply a powder, rather than a sponge or puff (which I find can wipe makeup off) but eventually I followed instructions and I have seen much better results with the sponge and puff. 

My skin is clear overall, so I can wear a sheer foundation with a powder, but I am prone to blemishes on my cheeks and chin, so these need a little bit more coverage. I don't want my whole face to be covered in makeup as it's not necessary, so I usually apply a bit of powder using the sponge around the blemish-prone areas and then use the puff during the day to keep my foundation matte and touch up any other areas if needed. 

At first I wasn't too impressed with this powder, but once I'd mastered the puff and sponge, I was really impressed. It's almost a multi-use product and it leaves my skin looking flawless and matte in all the right places. 

It's great to travel with as it cuts down on the products I'd usually need and the quality is great. I find it helps to keep makeup lasting as long as possible, which is essential in Summer. Of course, you can also use this as foundation, rather than a top up powder but personally I prefer liquid foundations. 

What's your favourite Laura Mercier product?