pores Archives - Irish Beauty Blog Beautynook

Daytime Skincare Routine

I love skincare, but I’m always a bit hesitant to talk about it too in depth. Just because I think it’s such a personal, specific thing. I do review products, but generally it’s because I really really love them or I really really hate them 🙂 I’m definitely no expert either, so that comes into play too. But, I figured I would just go through another updated daytime skincare routine. It’s less committal and just shows you what I am using right now and why.

My daytime skincare routine is quite basic. I like to keep it pretty simple. I have oily skin overall, but the older I get the more dehydration I get too. The two ailments are conflicting completely, luckily nowadays there’s products out there that will help with both skin concerns at the same time.

I am obviously chatting about what I use and why I use it in video form. You can watch above or click here to go directly to my YouTube channel here.

Blogging and having to research products and of course being sent product to trial has for sure helped me on my skincare journey. I have to learn what works for me and why so I can talk about and hopefully point readers in the right skincare direction. What I am using right now is my summer daytime skincare routine, things would vary a bit in the colder weather.

For toner I am using the Pixi Rose Tonic.

It’s gentle, minimises redness and also helps balance the skin’s PH balance.

Eye cream is the Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour.

This is a brand I wouldn’t have gotten to try if I didn’t blog, but I really enjoy this eye cream. Exuviance is created by the people at Neostrata. They say it reduces puffiness and smoothes wrinkles. I like it because it’s a thin formula that absorbs quickly, but still leaves my under eyes hydrated and smooth. A lot of eye creams can be too rich for me, this one does the job perfectly.

For moisturiser, I use the Vichy Minéral 89 Serum.

It’s created with mineral water and hyaluronic acid. A lot of people would use just as a serum as it’s more a gel formula. For me it works brilliantly as a daytime moisturiser. It plumps my skin and skins in really quickly without leaving a residue that might interfere with makeup application.

As it is Summer, I am using a hefty SPF. This one is new to me, but it’s literally been love at first application. This is the Eucerin SPF 50+ Oil Control. Yep oil control.

This is the first Summer I think that I’ve been confident enough to use a stand alone SPF on my face. Usually the formula is oily and would have me a shiny mess within the hour. Not this though, and it actually feels really nice going on too. I apply this in the morning and then I’ll use a spray something like the Ambre Solaire Sensitive Mist over my makeup if I’m outdoors throughout the day.

Last but not least I always apply a lip balm before I do my makeup. What one it is does vary, but as the weather is so darn nice I’m using one with a high SPF at the minute. I am really liking the Shiseido UV Lip Color Splash with SPF 30.

The tinted ones are nice too, but I use the clear one on most days. It’s not sticky and lip colour applies nicely over top of it.

And there you have my current daytime skincare routine. Have you tried any of the products?

xxx

*PR SAMPLES INCLUDED****

July 1, 2018/1 Comment/by Gem

Makeup

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

I’ve heard and read a lot of mixed reviews about the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. I swatched it a while back at an Urban Decay masterclass. And from then, I was super intrigued, so I took the hit and picked it up from Debenhams.

First up, I really like the packaging of these UD primers (they come in different finishes). I always appreciate a pump when I’m spending a few bob on a product. I like that you can see how much product is in the bottle too. You get 28 mls for on average €29. So you’re getting a ml of product per euro. It contains rosehip and argan oil.

So what does the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer claim to do? Well pretty much that. They say it blurs pores and fine lines. As well giving a velvet like texture to the skin to help foundation go on smoother. It gives the skin a bit of a pink tint. UD say this helps illuminate the skin. I think if you’re my skin tone or lighter that might be the case. But, if you’re darker, it could give a white cast to the skin, that might not be so flattering.

I really like this primer, it works really well for me. I do tend to use it only in my t-zone though. It’s thick in consistency and takes a bit of working in to the skin. I press it into my skin with the tips of my fingers.

The big no no that people say about it is that it balls up as you apply. That definitely can happen with a silicone heavy product like this if you use too much, or use it over a thicker moisturiser. They’re two things I tend to avoid on a daily basis so for the most part it blends out smoothly on my skin. It definitely glides over my enlarged pores and helps fill in my more prominent forehead lines. It gives a smooth base and foundation blends well over top. I find it does help with longevity too. I do always set my makeup with powder as well though.

It reminds me of a thicker Benefit Porefessional, with a drier finish on the skin. I find that as it is thicker, it goes further than Porefessional.

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

June 27, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

I have been using the Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer since just after Christmas on and off. It’s definitely been a hot minute. I’ve put off writing about it for ages, just because it took me this long to formulate a logical opinion on it.

I bought this along with the Bomb Baby Mini Lip And Face Set. I really like the gloss, I can understand the hype. Although I will say loads of brands have jumped on the pretty sparkly non sticky gloss band wagon now. So there’s many a lovely gloss out there to choose from now.

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is said to be ‘A shine-stopping, pore-diffusing primer that smooths the way for better foundation application and longer wear with an instant retouch effect’. This description is basically what confuses me. Hear me out 🙂

This is obviously a description that would hook me with my skin being on the oiler side and having pores like craters in my t zone. I’ll start with the pros of this primer. The packaging is so lovely and the matte glass bottle feels so fancy in your hands. The pump is really easy to control. It has a really delicate , sweet scent. The formula is really light, blends really nicely and applies nearly like an extra layer of skincare. It dries down and leaves your skin feeling really soft.

Ok, this is where I get confused. For me, it doesn’t really control oil. I generally use it in conjunction with another more hardy primer like Benefit Porefessional. I apply the the Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer all over and the other primer in my t zone where I know it just won’t cut the mustard. Just because I like how it feels and, well I have it and spent a decent amount of money on it. It also doesn’t do anything for my enlarged pores either, so that were Porefessional comes too.

If they had of marketed this primer towards drier skin types, I could completely concur with the consistency and how it feels. But saying it’s a pore diffusing, shine stopping primer doesn’t really make any sense to me.

Overall, I think it’s nice and it doesn’t put me off the brand at all, this was just a kind of a miss because it doesn’t do what it says on the tin.

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is available from Harvey Nichols in store and online here now.

Have you tried anything from the Fenty range yet? I’d love to know your thoughts.

xxx

May 2, 2018/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Makeup

LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation

The LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation landed here in Ireland before you could even get your hands on it anywhere else in Europe. I was lucky enough to go to the launch of it here in Dublin, so I got to bring a bottle of it home to try out.

According to the brand, the LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation gives a ‘suede like finish to the skin’. ‘Has buildable coverage for both day and night’. And is a ‘paraben free formula’.

I have the shade Natural.

Looking at the shades at the event, Ivory was too light and the other shades after that were a bit too yellow for my skin. Natural is a bit too dark, but it was the most suited out of the lighter colours. We have 14 shades to choose from here in Ireland.

It comes in a glass bottle and have a pump, that alone impresses me, I won’t lie 🙂

On me, the LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation definitely has a more medium to full coverage. It’s not super thick though like some more full coverage foundations can be. The formula definitely does dry down to a suede like finish as the brand suggests. So although it’s more matte, it’s not gonna crack if you smile matte 🙂

I have oily skin. I know I say it constantly, but especially for foundation reviews it’s really important to note. Generally, I use a more silicone heavy primer, as I find they are the ones that work best for my skin type. I actually used the LA Girl one here which I really like.

I use a synthetic kabuki brush to apply it and again that works well for me too. The formula is pretty pigmented so you really have to work it into the skin, so a more dense brush makes things easier. I find the formula can cling to more drier skinned areas so that is something to note. That’s why I think the more silicone heavy primers work better with it. It gives it a bit more of a slippy base. Once I use one though it glides over enlarged pores and doesn’t sit in fine lines either. I don’t apply foundation on or around my eyes.

On me, the coverage is medium, but I can amp it up to more full where I want it. It covers redness and slight pigmentation. My darker freckles come through but I am completely ok with that. I love that the finish, although matte, has a satin feel and look to it. It’s not just completely flat. I think it photographs really well too. It lasts well on my skin once I prime and lightly powder. I can get 6-8 hours out of it, with minimal shine or breakdown. It honestly competes with my very favourite L’Oréal Infallible 24 HR Matte in that department!

Overall, I am a big fan of the LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation. It has made it’s way into my everyday foundation rotation. Yes I have one of those 🙂 You can find it now in store from LA Girl stockists. Online from TRNDbeauty, and Beauty Bay. Have you picked it up yet?

xxx

PR SAMPLE

March 23, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying Base Review

I have been using the L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying Base for a good chunk of time now.

Actually probably more time than I would usually before I would review a product. I am like a broken record when I say I am big fan of L’Oréal base products generally. My latest review of their Total Cover foundation here wasn’t particularly glowing though, I know. I have been holding out talking about the L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying Base because, if I am being honest I couldn’t make my mind up about it.

There are two ingredients in this primer. Both are derivatives of silicone. I was fully aware of this when I bought it. For my oily skin and large pores, silicone seems to work well as a base. I always moisturise before applying it, so I like to think there’s a barrier between my skin and the makeup anyways.

The L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying primer is what you would expect from a silicone primer. It has a clear, gel like consistency.

It makes textured skin a smoother surface to apply makeup on top of. A little goes a long way with it. It spreads really easily and does glide over any pores or fine lines you might have.

For me, the part I find weird, is that it doesn’t seem to set. Usually, when I apply a base, I pat it in and then wait for it to settle a little before applying foundation. This just doesn’t seem to settle. It is slippery to the touch. I can still feel it on my skin minutes later. Saying all of this, makeup applies grand over top. Just for me, I find the texture a bit off putting. I feel like it is just mixing into the foundation then, rather than being a layer of product on it’s own.

The L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying Base is just ok in my book. I have used better primers in the past that have less silicone and are more beneficial to my oily skin. I will finish the tube for sure and use it knowing it will keep my makeup in tact ok. I don’t think I will be repurchasing it though. I’ll just stick to the foundation and the the fixing mist. Hey, two out of three ain’t bad at all 🙂

You can purchase it from Boots in store or online here for €11.99. Have you tried it?

xxx

March 10, 2017/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Makeup

L’Oréal Infallible Total Cover Foundation

It is no secret that I am a big fan of L’Oréal base products. Their Infallible 24HR Matte has become one of my holy grail products. I have a review of it here. As has the Fixing Mist. (Review here). When I saw the Infallible Total Cover Foundation being released, I needed to try it.

There has been alot of hype around the Infallible Total Cover Foundation. It claims to be full coverage, matte, long lasting be easy to blend and have a weightless feel!

When it was released in America first. Bloggers and vloggers feedback on it seemed very varied. Actually most people didn’t seem to like it. But, like the makeup addict that I am, I needed to experience it for myself 🙂

I am 11 Vanilla in the 24 HR Matte, so I picked up the shade 10 Porcelain in the Infallible Total Cover.

They are pretty similar shades, so it is a good match for me. It has a thick consistency, but it is deemed full coverage so that is completely OK, I think. You can see the product through the packaging and it seems to separate when it is left to settle.

I have seen claims online that it is meant to conceal tattoos. On the packaging however, it says it covers redness, marks and dark spots, I did put this to the test on my Snapchat, when I picked up the foundation first. I layered it up over the tattoo on my wrist three times. It did make the tattoo less noticeable, but you could definitely still see it through the product.

On my skin, the coverage is good. I find the formula a little harder to work, but you do get there with it and it does blend out. I personally prefer to use a brush over a damp sponge to apply it.

Just a little disclaimer. I picked the worst days to take these pics. I wasn’t going anywhere and I woke up with really sore eyes. So, I just added primer, foundation and powder. None of the other bells and whistles 🙂

Here is my skin before application. It’s been somewhat behaving itself of late:

Here is one layer of the foundation applied:

My skin after about two hours:

Then, after three hours of wear:

The formula is matte and sets quite quickly too. I don’t find it great if you have larger pores that you want to fill in. If you have dry patches too, it will cling. You also have to work the product quite hard into the skin, so that movement disrupts any dry patches aswell.

The longevity of this foundation is what really lets it down, in my humble opinion. I am fine with the application and with the coverage. But, it seems to break down really quickly on my skin. I have a super oily t zone. But, I use an oil free moisturiser, a good primer and then set everything with powder and setting spray. With the Infallible 24 HR Matte, I can get four hours before shine is a problem, sometimes even longer. With the Total Cover within an hour, the oil starts to break through. I can feel it on my skin too, it’s definitely not weightless like they suggest on the packaging. And on me, it gathers in pores and fine lines, which is not a good look either.

I think it’s safe to say the L’Oréal Infallible Total Cover Foundation just isn’t for me. It doesn’t perform or last how I want it too. Give me the Infallible 24HR Matte over it any day 🙂 You can find it instore or online here from Boots. It’s priced at €10.99 and comes in seven shades.

Have you tried it?

xxx

March 1, 2017/3 Comments/by Gem

Posts

For toner I am using the Pixi Rose Tonic.

Eye cream is the Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour.

And there you have my current daytime skincare routine. Have you tried any of the products?

xxx

*********PR SAMPLES INCLUDED************

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is available from Harvey Nichols in store and online here now.

Have you tried anything from the Fenty range yet? I’d love to know your thoughts.

xxx

Overall, I am a big fan of the LA Girl Pro Matte Foundation. It has made it’s way into my everyday foundation rotation. Yes I have one of those 🙂 You can find it now in store from LA Girl stockists. Online from TRNDbeauty, and Beauty Bay. Have you picked it up yet?

xxx

**********PR SAMPLE**********

I have been using the L’Oréal Infallible Mattifying Base for a good chunk of time now.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of L’Oréal base products. Their Infallible 24HR Matte has become one of my holy grail products. I have a review of it here. As has the Fixing Mist. (Review here). When I saw the Infallible Total Cover Foundation being released, I needed to try it.

*PR SAMPLES INCLUDED****

PR SAMPLE