Mattifying Primer - How they rated!

If like me you are forever (and I mean FOREVER) searching for your ideal mattifying primer - I thought I would give you the low down on three recent primer purchases to help you make your decision,

I have three different brands to talk to you about... Firstly, L'Oreal and their Infallible Mattifying Base, then Benefit's brand new launch which is part of their POREfessional range - Matte Rescue and lastly the Make Up For Ever,Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer.

So let's get to it.

L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Base

Availability: Nationwide, Boots, Superdrug, Supermarkets, Online

Retail: £7.99

Claims

Instantly transforms skin texture, resulting in a matte finish and velvet soft touch.

Prepares and smoothes skin by minimising imperfections, pores and shine. Mattifying effect- Instantly transforms skins texture for an even surface with velvet-soft touch. Foundation glides seamlessly across it.

How Does It Perform?

The texture of this primer reminds me of the classic Smashbox Photoready primer - silicone like - the coverage is great, a small amount goes a long way and the finish creates a great base for your foundation. But does it really mattify your skin? Hmm not completely, not for the entire day anyway. I find that I still get my oily T zone and by around mid day I have a not so delightful sheen on my forehead. That said it does perform better when you use in conjunction with the Infallible foundation.

Overall Verdict?

For £7.99 this is a great primer and I have re-purchased it a few times based on the price and how conveniently I can pick it up - which is pretty much anywhere. That said, I would like it to keep my skin matte for a little longer.

3/5

Benefit POREfessional - Matte Rescue

Availability: Nationwide, Selected Boots Stores, Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Online

Retail: £21.50

Claims

Matte rescue instantly minimizes pore appearance. The lightweight, water-based gel overpowers shine and absorbs excess surface oil, leaving a natural-looking matte finish. Skin feels smooth and refreshed.

How Does It Perform?

This product has more of a gel like formula as opposed to the Silicone based one above, slightly more viscose, It also has a blue tint to it which is invisible once applied. This product has a greater mattifying effect compared with the L'Oreal one. You feel it instantly on your skin. Whilst it does smooth pores slightly it doesn't have the same effect as the usual POREfessional - so if you are particularly worried about your pores you will need both. My skin definately stays shine free for longer with this product and my foundation doesn't seem to slide as much.

Overall Verdict?

I am a big fan of this primer - the product itself works great and I love the cooling effect it has on my skin when it is applied. I cant help but think, as with the majority of Benefit products that if the packaging wasn't as elaborate the price could be trimmed slightly but I guess it's part of the whole fun of Benfit.

4/5

Make Up For Ever - Step 1 Skin Equalizer - Mattifying Primer

Availability: Debenhams Online or Selected Stores 

Retail: £24.00 (30ml) or £13.00 (15ml)

Claims

MATTIFYING PRIMER is the answer to unwanted shine, fighting against excess oil to ensure a matte makeup result. Formulated with our specific Sebustop Vegetal Complex, this first step equalizer instantly reduces pore size and controls shine for a flawless makeup all day long.

How Does It Perform?

I was so disappointed with this product - especially considering the cost. Another frustrating thing was the packaging, the product was too thick to come out of the tube so you really had to squeeze it out. It also doesn't spread as easily as the other two so more of the product was required. Again, if pores are a big issue for you - you would need an additional product to fill those in. I've used this one more in concentration around my T-zone as opposed to all over my face but again it falls short of the standard I have come to expect from other Make Up For Ever products.

Overall Verdict?

Unfortunately, really not worth the price tag, which is a shame cause I had high hopes. 

3/5

So the Winner? ** Drum Roll**

This one goes to Benefit's POREfessional Matte Rescue

Have you tried any of these primers? What are your thoughts?

Rhian Xx

Benefit - Roller Lash Mascara

We all love a new product launch! I particularly like a new Benefit product launch. Their creative marketing makes every new product super desireablre and the launch of Roller Lash has been no exception. 

For the first time Benefit has launched a product via Elle magazine. Meaning that Elle readers get a trial size Roller Lash mascara with this months issue. Now I may be a cynic but in no other circumstance would I pay £5 for a magazine full of handbags and shoes that I really cannot afford and in all honesty not much substance (my opinion) but £5 for a sneak peek of this new mascara? Hell yeah! 

I'm a huge fan of They're Real in terms of lengthening but as someone who can rarely find her eyelash curler this product seemed ideal. Was I sceptical? Yes. Was I proved wrong? Yes. 

I actually love this mascara... It does  a great job of curling lashes without the need of eyelash curlers at all. It also lengthens lashes considerably. 

It's not the first mascara to use an arched brush to create lift but it is the best one I've used! 

You can also layer up this mascara with no clumping - great news! 

For me and my needs when putting this mascara next to They're Real this one gets my vote. 

Bravo. Benefit. Bravo! 

Rhian Xx

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This post is a little late in the day as this product is not at all new... But I wanted to write about it as a number of people may not spend £19.50 for a mascara... So why should you pay more? Does it make that much difference?

I can honestly say I have bought this mascara inbetween purchasing others (I do like the try a new one every now and again) So why do I keep coming back to this one? Well... I thought the easiest way to break this down would be via a series of pros and cons rather than a long description of random ramblings so here goes. 

Pros

Substantial increase in the appearance of the length of my lashes

Black, which is the affect that I like 

More volume 

The brush manages to capture smaller inner corner lashes

The brush isn't so large that it causes the mascara on an eyelid disaster

Reduces the need for false lashes

Cons

It's a bitch to remove! Saying that... My Garnier water manages to remove it in a couple of goes but if you do not remove this before bed you will inevitably end up with sticky lashes and the shower will defo give you panda eyes! 

Saying that I'm sure you're all so good that you always remove your mascara before bed even after one too many cocktails ;) 

That's really the only con that I can think of. I do love this mascara and I don't feel naked without false lashes even if out. 

I would recommend this if you are wanting a more premium mascara than your usual drug store and supermarket brands - I have other favourites too but They're Real is probably in my top 3. Pics below are an example of eye make up you can acheive without lashes by just using this mascara! 

Rhian Xx

Benefit - They're Real! Push Up Liner

I'm a gel liner convert - but I am the first to admit that applying it takes a little bit more practise. Usually you have the fuss of your separate brush ( a good quality one is essential ) and also some have a tendency to dry out *boo*

 

Now on occasion I can be a little bit dubious of Benefit products. Some are great (They're Real Mascara and Porefessional for example) but some are a little faddy and gimicky. 

I will be the first to admit I didn't rush out and buy this liner - I heard lots of great things from various other bloggers but having only recently bought a new gel liner and from practise now being quite nifty and precise with my brush I couldn't really justify the investment. 

That said, a single tweet from House of Fraser tempted me into buying a bundle pack including Mascara, a small Liner (still a substantial size) and a sachet of the new eye make up remover all for £19.50 I couldn't really say no! 

So is it Benefit to the rescue? Is it as good as all the hype? I have to say... I love it. 

The tip is flexible silicone (accuflex) in it's make up and you twist the bottom the excrete the gel from the tip. You get the control of those handy felt tip liquid liners but the nicer finish of a gel liner. It's also much easier to get precise flicks. 

The idea is also that is hugs your lashes to make sure you don't get any gaps between your liner and your lashes. 

 

You can check out a video here; 

http://m.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/theyre-real-push-up-liner 

Finally a gel liner that not only is easy to apply but also won't dry out. 

If you've been cautious of gel liners before - look no further and get your mitts on this beauty! 

They're Real Push Up Liner retails for £18.50 

I quickly snapped these pics before work today. 

Rhian Xx

Lollitint by Benefit

Benefit released a new candy-orchid lip/cheek tint a few months back, and despite having it shortly after launch I am only now finding time to write about it. Oops... Better late than never I guess. 

Now when it comes to the tints from Benefit (my first was the classic Benetint) I have tried all of them... I have even tried every variation of highlighter. (High Beam, Moon Beam, Sun Beam) but when it comes to tints I'm definitely more of a fan of these newer creamier style ones as opposed to the original Benetint as they are much easier to blend. 

The packaging is the same style as all the others - looking deceivingly like a nail polish. The product itself as with all Benefit tints has excellent staying power and for anyone wanting a quick flush of colour they are perfect. I also use them underneath a blusher for a night out to make sure my cheeks always stay nice and flushed with colour. 

The colour of lollitint is easy to wear all year round and perfect for all skin tones. You will see from the swatch that it has a purple undertone. 

It can be applied to both cheeks and lips and only a small amount is needed. 

At £24.50 it may appear a little pricey but you only need a small amount.

I prefer the shading of this tint over Benefits Posie Tint but Cha Cha tint is still my favourite. Especially when I have a tan. 

This colour does make for the perfect stank under a clear gloss if you're scared of too much colour. 

Have you tried any Benefit tints? Which one is your favourite? 

Rhian Xx

     

Benefit Stay Flawless - 15 Hour Primer

This is a slightly delayed post.... Unfortunately I missed the Stay Flawless blogging event in Bristol for the launch of this product as I was away sunning myself in Portugal.... Nevertheless I have finally got my hands on it.

Before I reviewed this product after one days wear, I thought it would be better to review after a few days, and it couldn't have gone through a tougher test because for the days I trialled it, I was in a sweltering hot office and then London town in 32 degree heat!

So how did it stack up?

Great! I have tried loads of primers, particularly because I have combination skin and I also do not reapply my make up throughout the day so I like to buy product that will last.

The product comes in a stick format, which is very handy for quick application, when applying I draw a number 3 on my face - starting at my forehead, round to my cheek and then back out to the chin. I then buff out using a brush to ensure an even coverage.
The product applies transparently to the skin and unlike other primers I have used it doesn't feel heavy or like a mask on my skin.
Using the primer means that I use a lot less foundation while still achieving the same level of coverage.

Now as I mentioned I wore this product on some of the hottest days we have seen for years and I was still impressed. My foundation stayed put and it improved the overall appearance of my skin. However I would say, that if you are looking to this primer to prep the skin and minimise pores you are looking in the wrong direction as the product does not target pores. For that I would recommend Benefits Porefessional. The two products combined together make for near perfect skin.

Being Benefit the Stay Flawless primer isn't the cheapest around at £24.50 (15.5g) but a little goes a long way.

Would this product be a regular feature to my make up collection? Yes, at the moment it is my favourite primer.

Do you wear a primer? If so what is your go to product?

Rhian Xx

Cha Cha Tint by Benefit.

Following the iconic Benetint and the newer but highly popular Posietint, Benefit have introduced a new mango coloured cheek stain which goes by the ever creative Benefit name of Cha Cha Tint... And it may be my favourite one yet.
Cha Cha Tint has the same consistency as Posietint, which is slightly creamier and more blend-able than the classic Benetint, and the mango colour is great for a summer look and looks especially good with a tan!
Cha Cha tint has the same staying power as the other tints and I find them perfect for nights out and also day/night work where you don't get chance to reapply your face make up.
Since I've had this product I've used it nearly every day, I can't get enough! Like the other Benefit tints it carries a pretty hefty price tag of £24.50 but it will last you ages as you only need to
apply a little for a great result.
Benefit is one of those brands for me that release a number of quirky and quite niche product that you don't necessarily NEED but it's nice to have. Unfortunately most products from Benefit are quite pricey so you need to make sure you invest your money in to the right products within their range in order to get the most out of your buck! They do however have a number of amazing products which I would definitely repurchase and recommend to friends.
My favourite Benefit products are listed below;
• They're Real Mascara
• Porefessional
• LemonAid
• Cha Cha Tint
• Hoola
• Browzings
• California Kissing
• High Beam
• High Brow
• Magic Ink

*I've also included a pic of me on a night out using the tint.

Rhian Xx