L'oréal Studio Secrets Primer Review

Sadly, I suffer from uneven skin and extreme open pores. Having tried endless amounts of scrubs and creams to try and combat this, I am now of the opinion that camouflaging the issue is a much more practical solution than trying to deal with the underlying problems. As such, a good primer is an essential in my morning regime.

Enter L'Oreals 'Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer'. Promising to 'mask uneven textures in the skin' and make the 'complexion feel smooth and soft, with a remarkable velvety touch', I decided it was worth a try. At around £14 for 15ml of product, this is quite an expensive purchase for a high street brand. However, most high end primers are at least double this, so it is one of the cheaper options.

The packaging reflects the price point of the product, keeping it nice and simple in a weighted glass pot, giving it a more expensive feel than a plastic tube. This might cause hygiene issues for those who dislike products in pots, but as long as you apply this with clean hands, I don't see this as an issue.

I apply this product where it is most needed (t-zone and chin) with my hands, and blend outwards using circular motions, as directed. It is a thick, mousse like texture which blends well and does leave skin feeling 'velvety soft' as promised, although it can take quite a while to set on the skin. I found that when worn on its own, this primer does smooth the skin, leaving it 'resurfaced' with almost invisible pores! However, when foundation is applied on top, my pores showed through - a huge disappointment after seeing the effects on bare skin. My pores are less visible with this primer underneath, but definitely still there. I also didn't find it helped to prolong the wear of my foundation, despite the fact the product didn't claim to (logic caused me to believe using a primer would combat the issue of having to reapply foundation). It did keep my skin feeling soft though!

Staying ability: 4
Appearance: 3
Price: 2
Value for Money: 2
Would I recommend this: Yes to those who don't usually wear foundation, no to those looking for something to wear under foundation!

A Quick Update!

As we settle in, why not have a little look at what we'll soon be reviewing? These products & plenty of others (of course). 

What can we say?! It's just been Christmas, of course we're going to have received too many cosmetics than we actually need...

Clarins Everlasting Foundation Review

Having formed the belief Clarins was for the older generation, I strayed clear from their products before receiving a sample of one of their mascaras last year. With the mascara (I forget it’s name) being incredible, I decided I should trust my faith in French cosmetics and try out a foundation (or two). Whilst testing one on my hand in my local Debenhams, I was asked the age old question of whether I needed any help. Usually, I’d promise that I was “only looking” but the lady on the counter looked too friendly to deny so I asked if she knew which foundation would be suitable for my skin. As I have combination skin, which decides when it does and doesn’t want to co-operate with me, I declared I just wanted something that would cover my acne scars and stay on my face instead of sliding off within a seconds (where it even goes, I’ll never know). The lady produced a tester of Everlasting Foundation and Extra Firming Foundation and told me to let her know how I got on, whilst noting down the colours I would need if I were to purchase the product.

Before I begin reviewing Everlasting Foundation, let it be known that Extra Firming Foundation was a great foundation, but for winter I felt that Everlasting Foundation was more suitable for my face. On first application, I was wary of using this foundation on my nose as I have found it doesn’t take to foundation as well as the rest of my skin does (I tend to use a thicker foundation on this part of my face). However, this foundation was brilliant on said area, and along with covering my acne scars, it gave me a healthy glow (which also gave me several compliments). 15 hours later and the foundation was still fully on my face, as promised on the box. After using the foundation for several weeks, I have come to the decision that the foundation is possibly the best I have used. The only negative point I would have would be the price as it is usually around the £20 mark.

Coverage: 5

Fragrance: 5

Staying ability: 4

Appearance: 5

Price: 2

Value for Money: 4.5

Would I recommend This: Yes

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

As my friend’s just love to jet set, I tend to request an exotic gift upon their return and usually, it’s either cosmetic or food based! As a great friend of mine knew I longed to find a great lip balm, she returned from New York with a tin of Smith’s Rosebud Salve which states has use as an all purpose skin preparation. I’m not usually one for carrying around a tub of Vaseline as I find that it’s generally not moisturising enough for my lips or skin so was a little dubious. However, when using the product for the first time, I was over-enjoyed by its delicious scent and the fact it gave a slight sheen to my lips but did not change the colour of them. I then continued to reapply it every five minutes before telling myself to calm down and savour it as I probably wouldn’t be able to get hold of a tin for a while (I later found out that it is sold in House of Fraser, Anthropologie and some Urban Outfitter and American Apparel stores). In all honesty, this lip balm is probably my secret saviour. As it claims, it is fantastic for moisturising every part of the body, I sometimes find myself using it as a hand protector in the cold months, and boy, does it get rid of dry skin! I recommend it to all of my friends and although it does come at quite a price in England (usually around £8), it is definitely worth investing in. I have also tried it in ‘Mocha Rose’ and it is just as delicious!

Appearance: 5

Fragrance: 5

Price: 2

Value for money: 5

Would I recommend this: Yes

As all females will know...

There are cupboards and cupboards of unused products throughout the homes of the world. Products of which could have been left on the shelves, as they have made a notably negative impression on the consumer. However, fear not! With a love of cosmetics and an ever growing make up kit, the two of us behind A Care For Complexion will compel you to concentrate a little harder when making your next purchase at the beauty department of your local store!