Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion- Brightening

Purchase: Aprox $35 @ Sephora
Brightening: 6 out of 10

I really didn't enjoy wearing this stuff. It felt very sticky, kind of like I was putting aloe vera all over my face. I also didn't notice any instant brightening of my skin, other than it was a bit shiny because of the gel-like lotion. I really don't think this product is worth the money but you can always try it for yourself by asking for a tester.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15

Purchase: Aprox $55 @ Sephora
Oil Control: 9 out of 10
Makeup control: 8 out of 10

This stuff is fantastic--except for the price. This primer is mineral-based with SPF 15 so you can't get any better than that. It is suppose to create a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. It is also suppose to minimize the appearance of pores and soften skins imperfections and fine lines. It is formulated without Parabens (cancer causing ingredients), synthetic fragrances and dyes. Also, it is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical sun-blocking agents! So for all of you Natural Products Only people, this stuff is for you! Furthermore, it is oil free so those of you with acne-prone skin are in the clear!

This stuff helped my make up last ALL day long and it also prevented my face from getting slick and oily after an 8 1/2 hour shift running around at work! So far, this is THE best mattifying primer I have been able to find.

The only flaws are the fact that it dried out my under-eye area so I would not suggest using this for concealer application there and the price. Unfortunately, it only comes in a 1 oz size ( like most of my other primers) and it is very costly so I'm not sure if I will ever have the money to actually purchase this, but it might make the perfect Bday gift!

Urban Decay Complexion Primer- Pore Perfecting

Purchase: Aprox $34 @ Sephora
Priming Power: 7 out of 10
Consistency: 4 out of 10
Mattifying effect: 7 out of 10

This primer states that it minimizes the look of pores and fine lines to deliver a soft-matte, airbrushed complexion without the heavy, greasy feel.

I have to say that this is a complete and total lie. So far, this is the thickest primer I have used on my face and I didn't like the feel of it at all. My face was instantly mattified but the effect did not last long, unfortunately, I am still searching for that perfect mattifying primer. This product's price is comparable to most other primers but I would suggest getting a tester of it before purchasing. Once again, that is why I LOVE Sephora! Always ask for a tester before investing your hard-earned cashola!

Happy testing! And don't forget to enter our December Contest!

Urban Decay Primer Potion...YAY!

Staying Power: 10 out of 10
Colour: 10 out of 10 (nude)
Container: 2 out of 10
Price: $20-34 dollars @ Sephora

This stuff is a cult classic! Every blog I have ever read loves this stuff and I do to. The only catch is that I have sensitive eyes and the first few times I used it, it burned a bit! AHHH!! So if you have sensitive eyes I would not recommend this. Otherwise, voted by almost every makeup blog, it is the best stuff!

This potion is an eyeshadow primer so you put it all over your lid and some under the lid (if you are applying colour there). It makes the colour last all day long with no creases! Amazing! So if you are a very busy lady and are going to be out all day this stuff is for you! Or, if you are going out to the club this stuff is sweat resistant! Truly amazing!

The one I have is nude but you can actually get it in two new colours. One is a nude shimmer and the other is more of a gold shimmer so depending on what colours you wear you can get the appropriate colour. I like the nude the best as it works well with matts and shimmers and won't add shine.

One problem that everyone runs in to with this stuff is that, because of the shape, you end up missing out on a lot of product. I cut mine in half and scooped out all the excess and put it in a sephora sample jar. And I have now just bought the new PRO SIZE which is a much better container. The wand it comes with is completely unnecessary so the PRO SIZE is way better as I use my fingers to apply it instead.

Don't forget to enter our CONTEST for November!

M.A.C. Cosmetics Prep + Prime Loose Powder

Price: $27.00
Purchase: M.A.C. online

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

This is no miracle product but it does help a with shine a bit. Although it is called 'prep and prime' it is actually meant to be put on AFTER foundation and/or powder. However, I feel that putting on foundation, plus a face powder, plus this powder, is a bit much to put on your face. Especially if you are worrying about breaking out or looking cakey. I do like to use this product alone though, especially if I just put a little moisturizer on and then put the powder on after to keep my face from getting greasy--it definitely works better without having foundation/powder on first. Basically, the more product you put on your face the more likely it is to smudge off... often I will have foundation primer on, foundation, and a setting powder so adding the prime and prep is a LOT of stuff. If you are going to try this product, I suggest using it either just over moisturizer, or use it instead of a translucent or coloured pressed/loose powder. If you use it directly after your foundation it keeps a mattified look for longer!

Facial primer..

Bare Escentuals PRIME TIME


Price: $8 for a travel size at Sephora more for a larger size

I'm not really sure how much I believe in facial primers but this stuff definitely starts out great. It leaves my skin feeling and looking smooth and matt right after I apply it and gives my foundation a good base to cling to. However, it's mattifying effect doesn't last forever. I will often use this before I put on my bare escentuals foundation but by 3 hours in to school my face will start looking oily again.

But if you don't have oily skin this stuff might just work for you! Definitely try it out, it comes in a travel size as well to giver-a-test!

.Mary.

Don't bother with this one...

So awhile back I purchased
On A Clear Day Protection Cream 1oz


....and I haven't found any benefits of it!

I have read many reviews saying people liked it but in my opinion it is not worth the money. It claims that it will camouflage small skin imperfections. It also says that it can be used under makeup to help create a smooth flawless complexion. Furthermore, it contains silicone to help condition and protect the skin (but remember, silicone is a PLASTIC so if you are worried about that then this is not for you!). It also contains a natural enzyme to help reduce surface breakout.

Yes, it left my skin feeling soft and smooth, however, as soon as you try to put foundation on it cakes in certain spots and kind of slides around and creates an un-even look. If you are going to get this stuff, I would suggest waiting a bit before applying the make-up so that it has enough time to sink in to skin.

Also, it didn't irritate my skin at all which is always a plus but I really didn't feel that it was much better than anything else I have tried so far.

.Mary.