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

Barry M: Gelly Hi Shine

Let me start off by saying I absolutely love Barry M nail varnishes. They are cheap, affordable and come in an array of different colours and finishes. With textured, matte, silk, confetti, glitter, magnetic, croc and even chameleon colour changing varnish effects, there isn't really anything this brand doesn't have covered when it comes to nails.

I have been eyeing up this gorgeous blue colour for a while now and comes in Gelly Hi Shine which is supposed to provide 'an extra glossy finish'.

The colour is Damson (GNP 27)

This bright and cheerful colour is perfect for the summer.

The only slight negative but nothing major, is that I would still apply a top coat to give a shinier, smoother, more polished look as it wasn't quite as 'glossy' a finish as I would have liked. Then again I would probably want to use a top coat anyway, even if it was just to make more chip resistant and have them last a little longer.

Do you have a favourite Barry M nail effect or colour this summer? Let me know.

xxx

My Top 5 Favourite MAC Products

I first started using MAC products just over 10 years ago and whilst I happily use other brands, I always find my way back to using their products. Here are my 5 favourite MAC make-up items I use on an almost daily basis.

1. STUDIO FINISH SPF35 CONCEALER (In shade NW20)

If I had to choose only one make-up item to use for the rest of my life, it would be this concealer. As someone who suffers from under-eye bags and dark circles, this water-resistant, lightweight product has been my saviour after many late and sleepless nights. It is also great for concealing any discolouration or blemishes I may have. Having only discovered a couple of years ago that it has an SPF in it means, that even in my early 20's when tanning was more important than looking after my skin, I had at least some protection from the sun. With its creamy consistency, a little goes a long way so I definitely get my moneys' worth out of it therefore, whilst being a bit more expensive than the average drugstore concealer, it lasts a whole lot longer than some at half the price.

2. FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION (In shade N2)

Nowadays, I am happy to go without foundation as long a my skin is behaving itself however there are days when I need a little something on there to act as my security blanket. That is where this fab, water-based foundation comes along to save the day. Providing a natural, sheer coverage, it is just enough to give me that little extra confidence without looking or feeling caked, making it perfect for the summer months when I want to look as natural as possible.

3. POWDER BLUSH (In shade Sincere)

Whilst preferring the minimal look, I am a fan of a little contouring to provide my face with some cheekbones. I had initially gone to Mac looking for a cream based product but was talked into buying this instead and I love it. It is highly pigmented so you only need a little and it stays put too.

4. CREMESHEEN LIPSTICK (In shade Creme Cup)

I'm not a major lipstick kind of girl, especially during the day so if I do want a slight pop of colour on the lips then this is my favourite. The consistency is quite thick, making it long lasting, so I apply a small amount with a light hand to begin with, leaving me the option to build it up depending on how I feel. I love the texture of this, along with the glossy finish.

5. MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH ( In shade Soft and Gentle)

Whilst I don't wear this all the time, its is my go to item when I'm looking for a bit of a glow. It acts as a great highlighter which I like to use just above my cheekbones and under the arch on my brow bone. It glides on smoothly, blends well and yet again, goes a long way. 

What are your favourite products, Mac or otherwise, that you just can't live without?

xxx