L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer Review

Since the arrival of baby number three 8 months ago, and surviving on around 5 hours broken sleep a night, my make-up has become more of a mask to hide behind rather than using it to enhance my face. So as someone who is more than happy simply to look human nowadays,  my main priority when searching for a primer, was finding one that would keep my make-up in place, making it long lasting. On my hunt for a new base, I came across the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer by chance as it was on special offer so the illuminating quality of the product was neither here nor there for me. Reading other reviews on this item, it has been described as a glow in a bottle. Until recently, the only glow I had considered from a bottle, was that of fake tan as, in my mind, products promising dewy, glowing skin were reserved for teenagers up to the twenty something's. Either that or those blessed with amazing skin. Now I have found that is not the case.

I love this product, not only for its illuminating qualities, as I also mentioned in my February Favourites, but as well as for the moisture it provides. This is great when tackling dull, tired skin as I also find a lack of sleep causes my skin to become dry as well.

Before applying, I shake the bottle then use one pump, putting the primer on the back of my hand and begin doting it around my face. It comes out looking pearlescent, this helps with it's application, making it easier to see where you have put the product and if it is rubbed into the the skin properly. I find it blends easly and absorbs well. On ocassion, I have also mixed in into my foundation which creates a nice effect however I prefer the first method.

Looks wise, the effect is subtle enough, given my fear of all things illuminating, yet brightens up my often lacklustre looking skin. In terms of longevity, my foundation stays put for the day for me allowing me to go about my day without touching up. I would definitely recommend the L'Oreal Magique Primer to anyone looking for a primer and illuminating product combined.

Lou xxx

Real Techniques Make-Up Brushes

I spent most of my make-up wearing life applying products with sponges and my fingers, until I came across an article stating that it isn't always the product that is important but what you use to apply the make-up that makes all the difference (I personally don't buy this 100% but  it did make me think). Since then,  I  began to take an interest in using make-up brushes, watching beauty tutorials on-line. I very quickly became familiar with the Real Techniques brushes, designed with the sister duo, Sam and Nic Chapman who front the No.1 beauty channel PixiWoo, on YouTube.

Admittedly I do use a couple of other brands of brushes but these are by far my favourite. These feel smooth to the touch, blending products to perfection, providing a flawless finish, all whilst using synthetic bristles made of taklon, making them ideal for anyone who likes to use cruelty-free brands. It doesn't hurt that their prices are reasonable and are available on the high street, having to look no further than your nearest Boots or Superdrug, for example.

Another thing I love about these brushes is the fact that if like me, you are no make-up expert and are unsure about what brushes should be used for what products then you need look no further than the brush handles. These state specifically what they are designed for, making life a whole lot simpler.

I first bought a pack of four brushes that came with a holder to store them which comes in handy when travelling.

It can be carried using a small handle

or as a stand which I find handy when applying my make-up

As I am slowly building up my brush collection, I will be sticking with Real Techniques. A brand that provides great quality at an affordable price is always a winner in my book. Do you have any favourite brushes/brands that you like to use? I would love to know.

xxx