Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Canada has finally released Maybelline's Baby Skin.  I scooped up this product weeks ago when I visited New York and was ecstatic when I finally got my hands on it.  I have heard many great things about this product, one of which was to compare it to Benefit's Porefessional (which I cannot do a comparison on because I have never continuously used that product).  This product retails for $6.99/ $9.96 (USD/CDN) for 20 ml of product.  The product can be found in CVS, Walgreens and Walmart in the States and so far I have only seen this product in Walmart Canada.

Maybelline describes this product as being a lightweight and transparent gel that has a cherry extract which will transform your skin into a youthfully smooth and matte base for makeup wearers and non makeup wearers on the go.

When using this product you will notice your pores looking blurred instantly, this is due to the silicon elastomer, silicia and emollient formula.  The high silicone content in this product encourages foundation to glide onto your skin without leaving any patches or streaks.

Pros: This product definitely smooths skin, prevents some shine- blotting is still required (great for combination to oily skin) and is suitable for sensitive acne prone skin.  I love the fact that Maybelline took the extra step to add a beneficial addictive (cherry extract) to this product.  After doing some research, cherry extract is great as an antioxidant, it boosts production of collagen, elastin and it encourages the skin to retain moisture.  This product is clear, therefore on my deeper skin tone there is no tint.

Cons: Though this product claims to be fragrance free it does have a slight alcohol smell (that eventually fades).  Upon application, the gel like product will seem to be oily but after the product settles onto the skin, the product just feels smooth and silky to the touch.

Tips:  Since this product does not claim to help with oil control (though all the ingredients lends to implying that is does), I applied it as such and the results were great on my skin (please note I am reviewing this in colder temperatures).  I found even with my very oily skin, this product didn't make my skin appear oilier.  Less is definitely more with this product due to the texture.

Texture Shot

Before and After

Overall, I loved this product and will be a repurchasing it!  Have you tried it?

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 + Wearable Autumn Beauty Trends 2013

Welcome back Autumn, though I must be honest and say I am not happy with you being back so soon.  However, with your presence comes my favourite season beauty trends.  With this chilly weather we are now embarking upon bold lips and simple eyes seem to be in, and I must say effortless makeup is always good makeup.  From gurus to beginners, everyone can wear this look and feel comfortable and of course be in style.

Below are my favourite Autumn beauty trends.

Burgundy Lips

Left to Right: Revlon Va Va Violet , MAC Yung Rupunzel (limited edition), Black Radiance Plum Orchid (5117), Revlon Black Cherry & MAC Rebel

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Dark Nails

Left to Right: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Oxblood & Revlon Crushed Crimson.

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Dirty Nudes Nails

Left to Right: Loreal Walk on the Beach & Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Without a Stitch.

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Head Bands

A melody of head bands from black to metal; thick and thin; day to night and everything in between.

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Bold Feliner (Cat Eye)

Top to Bottom: Loreal Intense Brush Tip in Carbon Black, Sephora Long Lasting liquid liner in black, MAC Smolder & Jordana cosmetics12 hr made to last in black point.

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Matte Skin

Left to Right: Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder (translucent), Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, Makeup forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation & Makeup forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation.

Check out some of my Fall Looks.

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.