Iman Time Control- Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer

This is a good everyday primer, especially if you have combination to oily skin.  The consistency of this product is that of a thick serum.  It is easy to spread and therefore blend. The staying power of this primer is fantastic even on oily skin (I blotted once throughout the day in cooler temperatures). For $15/$24 (USD/CDN) you will get 40 ml of product presented  in a sleek  squeeze tube that has a pump attached.

Tips: Ensure that primer is fully dried before proceeding with liquid foundation/pressed powder. This will ensure a smooth and flawless application.

Pros: The primer feels lightweight and smooth upon application.  Perfect for an everyday primer (keeps shine away while it slightly fill pores for a somewhat flawless look).

Cons: Product has a slight scent.  Does not last all day (12 hrs on the go).  I found I personally had to blot my T-zone once (within Canada we are experiencing cooler temperatures).  The price is a bit high for a primer that is not considered highend.

Final thoughts: This product creates a matte base for your makeup application. After doing some research it came to my attention that the product also contains peppermint and chamomile extracts which is said to soothe skin (no noticeable peppermint scent found in product). The formula of the product is color-free, therefore it won't alter your foundation shade. Overall, I would suggest this product (especially for everyday use-not special events).

My Favourite High End Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara

I am sure we have all heard about this mascara, but for those of you who haven't (and can afford to splurge) this is a must have, especially if you have barely there lashes.  This mascara comes in one shade, jet black and with this colour it lenghtens, lifts, curls and seperate your lashes.  This mascara takes your lashes into hyper drive and creates a dramatic look featuring your lashes but will have people thinking, are 'they real'.  With a price point of $23/$29 (USD/CDN) for 0.3 oz (full size) of product, this isn't the cheapest price for a mascara, however it is well worth it.  Please note that you can find this product in full size and a sample size (0.14 oz) for the price of one full size (Sephora).  A fantastic buy at this point.

Tips:  Apply horizontally at the base and then follow my focusing vertically on the tips of your lashes, for best results.

Pros:  This mascara gives the illusion that my lashes are actually there (natural looking falsies for those of you who actually have lashes).  With a base to tip thickening and lengthening magical formula and wand, I am truly in love with this mascara.  This mascara is very long lasting even with my oily skin.

Cons:  The price isn't the greatest but if your struggle with your lashes it is honestly well worth it.  The lack of colour selection makes this product a one trick pony.  I wish it came in other colours such as dark brown and blue (yes I still wear blue mascara).

Final thoughts: After finally giving in to buying a mascara at this price point, this is truly my holy grail of mascaras.  Usually I have to use two mascaras for lengthening and thickening (none for curling since my lashes are naturally very curly) but this truly gives me all in one (without that cakey, lumpy and heavy feel and look to my lashes).  There is no looking back after using this, thank you Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer

This is an amazing primer, especially if you don't have oily skin (and you are willing to apply your foundation quickly.)   It acts like a double sided tape and HOLDS onto your makeup.  The staying power of this primer is fantastic even on oily skin (which tells you something!)  This primer does nothing to control oil throughout the day, however even with your skin glistening with oil, your makeup will not move.  For $32/$38 (USD/CDN) you will get 15.5 grams of product presented  in a cylindrical twist up container, which I must say is fantastic packaging.

Tips:  Ensure you follow with your foundation quickly since this product does dry fast.  As soon as your rub this stick primer onto your face proceed with your foundation and blend the two together for a flawless application.  I focus strictly on the problem areas (forehead and cheeks) to ensure a flawless yet natural look to my face.

Pros: This primer works fantastic to fill pores and fine lines-see picture below, therefore giving the appearance of flawless skin. Very cute girly packaging.  It does allow my makeup to last hours, approx. 9 hours on my oily skin.

Cons:  This product does not oil control, therefore I find that I have to layer my primers.  If you are of a deeper skin tone, you may find that this primer leaves a grey cast over your skin and therefore ensure your blend blend blend.  The drying time on this primer is quick, so you have to ensure that you work quickly when applying your foundation or it (the foundation) will not apply smoothly.

Final thoughts: Overall it does not work best on it's own with my skin tone (deep) or type (oily) and therefore forces me to layer primers.  If foundation is applied after primer has dried, your makeup will look cakey and will not blend well.  I like to take my time when doing my makeup so having to rush through applying foundation can be irritating.  For the price point on this product, it is good but not great.