The Power of Primer..Face Primers

Now lets talk about one of my favourite cosmetic products ever invented..I'm talking PRIMERS. I love primers, for the face to minimise pores, lines and keep foundation on longer. For the eyes to cover veins and discolouration, keep shadows vibrant, uncreased and lasting through out the day. The last (that I own) is eye lash primers, used before apply your mascara to make your lashes look fuller or/and longer . I like buying primers Ive never tried before in travel size first to test my sensitive skins reaction to it and its staying power before I buy a full size..its a lucky thing for me most primers do come in smaller sizes. I will be breaking this into 2 different posts,  this the first talking about face primers i own, have used and want to try next. If your interested in reading my eye shadow/lash primer post will going up soon.

              Face Primers  

* That Girl Primer by benefit- this brightening primer is a pearly pink colour with a creamy consistency and has fairly good staying power under foundation. I don't use this one as often as I should.
* Quo Total Perfecting Face Primer- This primer is a clear silicone based primers enriched with vitamins and nutrients to minimize pores and keep foundations lasting all day. I really like this one, I tend to use this one on its own to make my skin look great on those days I don't want to wear makeup.
* The Pore-fessional by Benefit- This one comes out looking like a tinted cream but as soon as you start smoothing it over your face it has a smooth silicone feeling. This is my most used primer right now and I would definitely consider buying the full size.
* Smash box Photo Finish - I only have a sample of this product right now and I don't think I would buy the full size..because I love the way this primer makes my pores completely disappear but it makes my skin break out.

  Ive owned.........
* Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation primer- i would fore sure repurchase this cream based primer. This one hydrates and smooths my dry skin before applying and blending my foundation.

  I want to try.....
* Laura Mercier Radiance Primer
* Korres Face Primer

If you Beauties have any primers your loving these days please let me know :)

I Keep Coming Back-My Review on Marcelles lines of Facial Cleansing Products

Sorry i missed my daily Blog post yesterday but my head was in the clouds. I spent yesterday relaxing with my boyfriend well now fiance trying to fight this nasty cold that's started in on me..did you catch that, my fiance. Sounds so weird to say, yes he asked me last night and of course my answer was yes. He and my children mean the world to me. I will be posting wedding stuff as I plan but for now I wanted to tell you about a a company that i always go back to for my face cleansing routine but I never hear anyone mention ever.

I'm talking about MARCELLE  this brand can be found at shoppers and at http://shop.marcelle.com/ and its wonderful. Before I talk more about this brand i will tell you what kind of skin type I have, it may help you in deciding if these products may work for you. I have very dry, sensitive skin. I'm not prone to breakouts but do get spots during a certain week each month. About a year ago my breakouts during that week were getting worse and worse and no product I could find worked for my skin since they all catered to oily acne prone skin.  Then I found MARCELLE.  I have 2 different routines using this company. The first one I'm going to talk about is for when my skin isn't behaving and the second is my everyday routine Ive gone back to.

      MARCELLE AC-SOLUTIONS For Acne-Prone Skin

This is the first brand that Ive used that didn't dry out my already seriously parched skin and actually takes care of any spots i have and super fast, sometimes as fast as 24 hours. Here are the products in order that I use from this line.

* Daily Purifying Exfoliating Gel : A gentle exfoliant

*Purifying Foaming Cleanser: This self foaming cleanser has a light refreshing smell that I'm quite fond of.

* Purifying Toner (Not pictured sorry I ran out): Even after I use this routine or my clairisonic I run this toner over my face and it takes off everything I didnt know was left behind.

*Oil Free Moisturizing Balancing Lotion: Controls shine by reducing sebum, refines skins texture and tightens pores..i do need to mention I put my lotion on top of this before bed because of my skins level of dryness.

*Imperfection Corrector: A spot treatment that works miracles but does sting for a few seconds if put on any broken skin..the fast acting non drying product is worth a little sting to me.

           MARCELLE HYDRA-C RADIANCE For All Skin Types

The other 3 weeks during the month I use this line. The Hydra C line of products contains Vitamins C + E and is hypo-allergenic just like the AC Solutions line I mentioned above. 

* Facial Exfoliating Gel : Very gentle but this product is pretty watery in texture so you need to be careful when you squeeze it out.

* Gentle Self-Foaming Cleanser: Leaves my skin radiant and refreshed

* Eye Contour Gel Cream: I pat this product gently under my eyes before bed to help diminished dark circles and help with future lines and winkles

* Hydra C  24 hr moisturizer + SPF 15 (not pictured): Great light non greasy moisturizer.

I highly recommend this line of Products if you can get your hands on them. The prices are really good for the results I have got from using this line. Prices here in Ontario range from $12-$25. I usually buy mine at Shoppers Drug mart where they have allot of sales, sets and free with purchase on the Marcelle lines of facial products.

Thanks again for stopping by Beauties:)

Today I May Be Wearing....

After yesterdays post I got some messages about my eye shadow so I decided I would show a few looks I like to create from some of my palettes. Im not a professional and my technique may  appear lacking but I really dont care. I just love being able to create and transform with a little imagination and a few beautiful colours. I love the endless looks you can create, combining colours you may think at first wouldn't go together!!



             URBAN DECAY MARIPOSA

I used Haight in the inner 3rd then Infamous on the outer half applying both with a flat packing brush then blending the 2 colours back and forth in the middle, placing Rockstar in the crease. Next i blending the 2 lid colours together and using a pencil brush I lined my lower lashes. I finished by lining, curling and putting mascara on my upper lashes.



                             NAKED 

I applied Half Baked all over the lid using the UD brush from the palette. I placed Smog and Dark Horse in the outer V. Using Virgin in the inner corner. I then used a bronze liner on the upper lashes followed by curling my lashes and applying mascara.



                    KAT VON D ..TRUTH

I started by placing Sugar Skull in the inner corner/third. Next I used Long Distance on the outer V. Placing Galeano in the middle blending the edges where the colours meet. Placing Snake Eyes in the the crease (using my fingers to apply all the shadow). Finishing this look with purple eyeliner and mascara on my top lashes.
   

                         MAC

In this look I used Satin Taupe all over the lid using a flat shadow brush. Using a fluffy crease brush I placed Cranberry in the crease and outer V. I went back over the crease with Antiqued. Last I lined my top lid and curled and applied mascara to my top lashes

The looks above are just a few looks I wear. I pretty much try something new every time I apply my eye makeup. For a night time weekend look I would use any of these looks adding thicker eye liner usually in a cat eye shape and adding false lashes to the outer corner.

Thanks for checking out today's post beauties:)

The Magic of Make-up:)

Good Morning Beauties..I awoke feeling brave today so I thought why not do a before and after face of the day using some of the products I hauled yesterday..and yes I say I'm feeling brave today because no one sees me with out make-up besides my children, boyfriend and family..I always at least have concealer, mascara and chap stick on...OK Sara take a deep breath..here we go!!

                                 BEFORE
First woke up after barely any sleep. Cleansed with Vichy 3in1 and used Clinique Moisture Surge 

                            FACE
*I first applied Benefits The POREfessional primer. Next I used MUFE HD Foundation in 118 ...love this foundation and so happy Sephora called today to tell me my colour is now in stalk..Yay!! I used MAC Select Cover-up in NW20 and finally i set it all with MAC MSF in medium..
After I applied PurMinerals Bronzer to my Cheeks, temples and My new MAC Dainty Blush (love it)

                                EYES
I first applied MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque. Next I pulled out my new Stila palette and swept Spontaneous over my lids, I used Glance & Improvise in the crease and a bit on the outer V. I Lined my upper eyelids with Stila's Smugde stick waterproof eyeliner in Tetra (another great product). After curling my lashes with my Tarte Eyelash Curler I used Buxom Lash Mascara on my upper and lower lashes followed by I sweep of MUFE Smoky Lash. Finally I fixed my brows with Quo's brow kit (really need to wax them this week end!!)......and finally..i MAC lipstick in Syrup

I envy all those women who have the confidence to go about there day naturally but being a Single mom and having some sleeping issues I feel like I need some help to look polished and awake. Maybe one day I will feel great leaving the house with out make-up but I cant see myself doing that often because I love the way make-up brings out my imagination and creativity...

Thanks for stopping by my beautiful friends:)

An Hour in the Mall Haul

Hi Beauties last night I had a super urge to go shopping so first thing this morning i was out the door with my son and off to the mall. I only shopped for about an hour so my very well behaved yet super bored 6 yr old son  could go home and play. Here are the items I purchased and swatches.

                           SEPHORA
Nars Blush in Sin:
I did own and returned Sin in the past thinking it wasn't the right colour for me then recently I wore my friends on a night out and it looked really pretty..don't know why i originally returned it

Stila In The Moment Palette:
Fell in love with this palette. Nice neutrals and gorgeous purples, colours i always gravitate towards.

                               
                                    MAC
Eye Shadow in Contrast (velvet)
My first Navy shade :)

Mineralized Blush in Dainty:
I word GORGEOUS!!

Studio Moisture Tint in Medium:
I just ran out of Tinted moisturizer and running low on foundation so I decided I would give this one a go and I also ordered MUFE HD foundation today since they didn't have my colour in the store (118)

Lipstick from the Naturally Collection in a Perfect Day:
Beautiful Neutral pink (Lustre)

             
                    BATH & BODY WORKS

I went into bath and body works to buy candles, not thinking anything of it being right after the holidays..to my surprise the store was pretty much empty. Yes there was allot of sales including the candles being 50% off but there was only a few to choose from.

I will review these products once Ive used them for a bit. Was Hoping you Gorgeous people could comment below and tell me what your favourite Nars products are or ones you would like to have ..there is a reason for this:) the link below will take you there..take a look and let me know.http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000026781826&pubid=21000000000514972


Thanks for stopping Beauties:)

I Feel Naked Without....

I was always a clear polish on my fingers, coloured polish on my toes kind of girl...until maybe a year or so ago. Now I feel naked without my finger nails all colourful and pretty. This morning while staring at my nail polish racks indecisively I thought I would write this post on what I like and don't like about my most used  brands and current Sara approved colours.

                                                                    ESSIE

Essie has a great brush for me, its thin which allot of people don't like but its wonderful for people like me with slim/short nails. Great formula and gorgeous range of colours. I do tend to go more for the nudes..Ive never found better nudes to compliment my skin tone. Some of my winter fall faves are:

(in order) Jazz, Angora Cardi, Mink Muffs, Fiji and lady Like

                                             BUTTER LONDON   

Beautiful colours, great packaging but because of the high price of these polishes I only feel the need to buy this brand if the colour is unique. although its not an unusual shade I do find myself wearing: 

The Old Bill                                                                 

                                                                 OPI

I love the formula and the colour range for this brand as well but i do find it a bit difficult to paint my nails sometimes because of the large brush. Especially on my pinkie nails. 3 of my current OPI loves are:

Ate Berries in the Canaries, Lincoln park After Dark and Warm & Fozzie.

                                                               MISA

Misa is a nail polish brand I never hear anyone talking about but its one of my favourite brands these days. I find it has a very unique formula the seems to go on a bit sheer but as it dries it some how goes opaque, sometimes only needing one coat. They also have the most gorgeous range of bright colours. Because this is for my fall/winter favourites I didn't included any brights. Loving:

Toxic Seduction

Out here in Canada I do most of my nail polish shopping at Shoppers Drug mart (Essie), Trade Secrets (OPI & Misa), The Bay (Butter London) Winners (Seche Vite). I also love nailpolishcanada.com. for finding current and older collections and great deals.

Thanks For Stopping by Beauties:)

The Year ahead..My 2012 Resolutions!!

I had planned to post a few beauty DIY projects here on my Blog tonight but my camera has officially died this weekend so thats out of the question..  but I just couldnt stay away...

With 2012 now among us I decided to do some thing I havent done in years..a list of resolutions. I may have a hard time and I may even fail at some of them but Im putting my fear aside and working hard at every single thing on this list...I will be able to say I tried my best!!

1. Continue to break down my walls and let others into my life- 
Im way to closed off from the world in fear of being hurt and let down like in the past

2. Finish College- Even if I'm doubtful my degree will be used in the future..i would like to say I was able to get my degree while raising my children on my own and paying for it all by myself.

3. Keep writing My Beauty Blog- Anyone who has spent time with me knows I have a passion for anything beauty/fashion and being able to write about and share that passion with others is amazing

4. Learn to play a new instrument just for fun..not sure which one yet

5. Taking the time to take care of Me- Being a single mom I need to make the time to eat healthy and get enough sleep and have some down time to relax 

6. Stop worrying about the things i have no control over and taking charge of the things I do. Living life day by day and enjoying every minute.

Wish me luck:)