Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30

Hey beautiful peeps everywhere  :-h   Here’s another post for you to check out, quite in depth, but I was very passionate about this product and wanted everyone to know  ;)  I’m a big fan of Dermalogica and personally use several of their skin care products, so I was keen to learn about this product when I first heard about it’s upcoming launch.  I got a sent a sample sachet at time, but I was literally doing the happy dance   \:D/  when Darren from The Facial Company asked me if I was interested in test driving it and sharing the experience on my blog.  Yes please!   >:/  I was ecstatic to say the least and I think you will find my review reflects that general feeling. :D

The SkinPerfect Primer, belongs to the Dermalogica professional skin care family and has been introduced as a new addition to the widely popular AGE Smart, anti-ageing collection.  The multi-use wonder product clearly closes the gap between skin care and cosmetics.  Boasting the ability to not only prime the skin, so it’s ready for makeup application and to ensure durability, it also includes a subtle tint that promotes radiance and a more even skin tone.  Along with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun defence and protection against free radical damage, moreover, it acts as a skin care treatment to control the signs of premature ageing, featuring a superior blend of peptides and active ingredients that combine to achieve a firmer, younger-looking complexion.  (*)

The Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 comes in a 22ml long, slimline, squeezable plastic tube with a screw-off lid and is easily recognised as an AGE Smart product by the maroon coloured stripe stamped on each item in the range.  Like all Dermalogica products, it’s mildly scented with an aromatic herbal fragrance  @};-  that is calming, non-offensive and smells nothing like a typical sunscreen product.  The ultra lightweight, silicone based formula has a velvety texture that glides on like silk to instantly transforms my appearance,  >-)  ;))  smoothing the texture, filling in lines, minimising pores and hiding minor imperfections, whilst absorbing surface oils for a non-greasy, flawless finish.  The primer is quite pigmented with a neutral, colour correcting tint that evens out and brightens my complexion and improves the overall look of my skin.  :)>-

I am thrilled to have found an anti-ageing product/primer combination that compliments my oily skin to perfection. Not to mention the fact that includes decent sun protection as well, which is a mere miracle in my eyes, with my longstanding dilemma of forever trying to find a suitable daily SPF product that doesn’t leave my skin feeling like it was suffocated by a thick greasy film, waiting to slide straight off anyway within the first few hours of the day - taking my made up face with it, NOOOOO!!!  Why Me!   :(  So, based on my own little beauty crisis (yes the joys of having oily skin – oops joys??? No let’s scrap that – it’s mostly been a fully blown nightmare, EEK!  ~X(   ) I admit, finding a product that works been a constant battle my whole life, especially adding to the fact that I live in the stinking hot tropics, which is difficult at the best of times, but even worse when the temperature rises, during summer (which I hate – did I mention I hate summer??  Well I’m sure you worked that out, but I really do coz my skin goes all crazy and my facial products turn into my worst enemy  :-<  ) but it’s a great relief to finally say that all changed this season; since introducing this new primer to my daily routine, I have gotten through the summertime blues, virtually unscathed.  #:-S

I consider this product as multi-tasking at it’s best!  =D>  After completing my usual morning skin care regime, instead of applying my usual moisturiser (generally an SPF version during for daytime wear, to avoid using yet another product) I’ve been skipping it altogether and opting for the primer in its place.  I normally wouldn’t consider neglecting the important moisturising step, as I’m very well aware that oily skin gets dehydrated too, however the powerful anti-ageing formulation has done justice, providing more than enough hydration, without feeling like a heavy mask and I love knowing that it won’t eventually just slip-slide away!  :x  By using fewer products, the lighter option has proven unbeatable and super effective during the humidity and my skin is looking better than ever!  ;;)  I never would have thought that I would be blessed enough to step out in public wearing minimal makeup, but the slight tint in the primer, along with the smooth canvas it creates, leaves my complexion uniform and perfectly polished.  :)  Now, all I do is apply a tiny bit of concealer on any noticeable imperfections, followed by a light dusting of powder and I am good to go.  :-*  Unlike other primers, this one doesn’t ball up when I layer on powdered cosmetics, nope regardless of what I use, it still works wonders and has the staying power to last all throughout the day. 

You may be disgruntled that tube is small and leans toward the expensive side,  :-S  but the key is not to use too much,  *-:)  because a little really does go a long way, with a pea-sized amount being sufficient for my whole face, using any more is not only wasteful, it could totally wreck the outcome and its intended finish.  I consider it worth every cent and fortunately I’ve found myself a new favourite primer - the dynamic, skin-loving Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 is all I need to disguise my flaws, prepare my skin and extend the life of my makeup look.  I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone, despite their age, you don’t need to have ageing skin to enjoy the numerous benefits it proffers, so don’t hesitate just give it a try, because once you’ve discovered its magic you will be singing its praises right along with me.  <:-P

Have you tried this primer or have you sussed it out and given it some thought?  :-/ Does it sound like something that would appeal to you or do you have a special primer that you already swear by?  :-?  I'd be honoured if you could fill us in on what you think and leave a comment below.  :)

The images in this post are generic.

Eye of Horus - Natural Mascara

Howdy once again guys  :-h  I’m still with you and this time I am sharing my experience with a mascara that has quickly become a firm favourite of mine and to be honest, I’ve never used a mascara that even comes close to being as perfect as this one.  :-O   So, believe me when I tell you that you will want to read on and find out why!  ;;) This product was sent to me by Darren at The Facial Company, to try out and review.

Eye of Horus is a natural eye makeup brand that has non-irritating, Paraben and Cruelty Free eye makeup for those with even the most sensitive eyes.  It’s an Australia bases brand who is committed in Awakening the Goddess in EVERY women.  (*)  The Natural Mascara is formulated in the style of ancient Egyptians, featuring plant based ingredients, natural waxes and oils to enhance the natural beauty of your lashes. 

The mascara is presented in a classy black box with gold print and the ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus symbol, based on the famous sky god, which is adorned throughout the entire product range.  The inner tube is sturdy and screams high quality, boasting the same exotic-looking colour scheme as the outer packaging.  Attached to the screw-off lid is the wand, a large, flexible brush with firm, plastic bristles that separate and define my lashes to perfection.  \:D/  The formula is thick and completely covers every single lash from root to tip with just one coat.  It’s well pigmented and produces the blackest black colour, while providing a natural clump-free finish that looks soft and natural and lasts, without fail, all day long.  Despite it not being ‘waterproof’ as such, I’ve never noticed any flaking, running or fading, so no need to fear the dreaded panda-eyes, because it seriously doesn’t budge, no matter what, stays on all day until it’s physically removed.  #:-S   I admit it can be a bit stubborn to get off,  :-S   but I’ve found that because it’s an oil based formula, a cleansing oil is the best way to get it off.  I prefer using my jojoba oil (takes off eye makeup like a rubber erases pencil) but any cleansing oil would do the trick.  :D

I use this particular mascara every day and after having tried it, I can’t imagine using anything else. It makes my lashes appear instantly longer, curlier and more voluptuous.  <:-P   If I want to plump my eyelashes up to another level, it’s easy to amp it up for a more dramatic night time effect, simply by adding additional layers, but you need to make sure each layer is dried before attempting the next.  I love how this mascara doesn’t only look fantastic; it’s actually fantastic for my lashes too.  :x   It helps with lash growth, whilst conditioning and strengthening the lash structure, meaning it’s basically a treatment mascara that cares for your lashes.  How good is that!  =D>  I have tried so many mascara’s over the years but this one is without a doubt, my holy grail.  Yep, you heard it here first, the Natural Mascara from Eye of Horus is the BEST of the BEST, and so you can forget the rest!  ;)  Seriously though, if you want a decent mascara that lives up to its claims of achieving flutter worthy lashes and would rather avoid all those nasty chemical versions, then this is absolutely the mascara for you!  I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. (Even shout about it from the rooftops if I could, hehe  ;))  )   You really must try it out! 

Company Tip -  *-:)  Prime your mascara!

The waxed based product can sometimes settle at the base of the container. If it appears dry move wand in and out slowly 3 times while still inside container, so no air gets to wand, and then bring up inside of container slowly, while twirling it around the barrel of the container. This will “prime” it.

What do you think peeps?  :-?  Does this sound like something you would be interested in?  I can’t rate it highly enough, this mascara rocks a zillion times over.  Have you heard of this brand or tried any of their products yet?  :-/  Please share your thoughts.  :)

The logo and packaging images are generic, the rest of the images are my own.

Lime Crime - Uniliner

Hi peeps  :-h  Things have been a little quiet on the review front since Xmas, but things are starting to pick up and by next month I’ll be overloaded with products to test drive and share with you all.  This review is actually one that I thought I had done ages ago, but when you look – no goes!!!  D’Oh!  #-o  So, at finally at long last, here are my thoughts on a liquid eyeliner that was sent to me by Jill at Makeupnet to try and then share my experience.

The Uniliner, comes to us from Lime Crime, a Cruelty Free and mostly Vegan makeup brand, known for it’s adorable packaging and the vivid and unique, stand-out colour variety that features throughout the collection of products.  =D>  The Uniliner is a liquid eyeliner that comes in an array of different and exciting hues, ranging from orange to yellow to silver to blue.  I received a blue shade called Lazuli, inspired by the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, which is an electric blue with purple undertones. :)

The packaging is typical Lime Crime style that is totally whimsical and instantly appealing.  <:-P   The purple cardboard box has printed detailing and is adorned with vines and spider webs, in white and lime green hues.  Inside the box is a compact tube that I initially thought was very small, but in comparison to many other brands on the market it’s probably about average and retails among the same category as numerous other high end brands – not the most expensive out there but not ultra cheap either, but in my opinion it gives plenty of bang for your buck!  #:-S  Attached to the screw-off lid is a small to medium length flexible brush with soft, fine bristles that is comfortable to hold and allows for complete control.  The colour looks kind of sparkly in the tube, but the formula actually has a matte finish and any sparkles don’t show up once applied.  The consistency is slightly runny and there is no noticeable fragrance, but it’s got brilliant colour payoff, so one swipe provides an opaque finish, however it layers well for maximum intensity.  \:D/

The Uniliner glides on with ease and dries fast, without smudging, streaking or flaking.  My lids are oily and I was surprised to find that it stays put all day with only very minimal fading.  But, for even better performance, I tried it using a primer, in this case the Lime Crime Candy Eyed Eyeshadow Helper (that appears to be no long available, however they do have a new version called Eyeshadow Helper, claiming ‘Up to 24 hours of crease-free wear, works even on the oiliest of eyelids!’ sounds pretty darn good too  ;) ), which really does boost the vibrancy and staying power.  It works well without an eyelid primer, but using the primer makes it even better.  :D  I was impressed with how long it lasted, considering the eyeliner is not waterproof, yet, it does come off easily with my regular eye makeup remover and a bit of warm water at the end of the day.

Swatch

Overall, I love using this product and the vivid effect that one bold line above my upper lashes can effortlessly deliver.  :x   The Uniliner is ultimate addition to any beauty kit and I would recommend it to those who desire a perfect pop of colour that will undoubtedly attract some serious attention, create a statement and enhance any makeup look.  (*)

Tip –   *-:)  It’s wise to apply each coat lightly, because using to much product increases the drying time.

What do you think, are these the sort of colours you are daring enough to wear?  :-/  What type of eyeliner do you prefer and how are your liquid eyeliner skills?  :-?  Any more tips of suggestions when it comes to coloured liquid liners?



All images in this post are my own.