3 products the summer of 2020

This month’s blog comes to you from a puddle in Landsdale…. I mean how hot has it been! I’m sure there are many of you who like me, hate wearing layers of product on your skin when it’s 103 degrees outside so this month I thought I’d focus on some products that are lightweight and/or help to keep the makeup we are wearing where we have put it.

Smashbox Photo Finish Mattify Primer Stick

I originally purchased this product for my kit to help those clients with super oily skin. It definitely does the trick as far as that is concerned but in the last few weeks, I feel it’s come into its own in keeping that sweaty, clammy look at bay. The product goes on really smoothly and I find it sits well under lightweight and fuller coverage foundations. It has a slightly blurring consistency and I find that when I leave it for a few minutes after applying it, it kinda sets on the skin… if that makes sense! It definitely mattifies without drying the skin and reduces shine on oily skin types but those who I’ve used it on recently have said it really held the makeup in place and helped reduce any beading or sweating. It also works particularly well if you want to apply it over makeup for a touch up later in the day to reduce any shine that may have appeared. This product is great under foundation or simply on its own for a fuss free no shine look.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

I know, I know banging on about Drunk Elephant again! Well maybe you’ll start listening and go and check these products out because they are the real deal. This serum is no exception. You may recall me mentioning I have dry sensitive skin so whilst the humidity is going a long way to help me with my skin issues it’s not doing my rich moisturisers any favours! This hydration serum is perfect for my skin type AND this abhorrent weather. It’s water based formula absorbs quickly and seamlessly into skin without feeling heavy or sweaty. It’s uber hydrating but would also be perfect for oily skin types as it doesn’t clog or add shine to the surface of your skin. I mix it with the virgin marula oil because, duh, that’s what you do with the DE products but you wouldn’t need to if you don’t like using oils. (But seriously you would love the virgin marula oil too). It leaves skin looking plump and radiant on its own but it also wears perfectly under foundation. You only require the smallest amount so it lasts for ages and you most definitely can pair it with your daily moisturiser if you so choose. This summertime skin treat is now a staple in my bathroom cupboard.

Urban Decay De-slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Right. There are few things in a makeup artists kit that are truly brand driven. I have to say that when it comes to setting sprays Urban Decay hold pole position in my box of tricks. I always carry the All-nighter and I do my best to get it in their special edition scented versions because I believe it adds to the experience my clients have with me. However, today I am going to sing the praises of the De-Slick version. This setting spray is specially formulated to cope with even the oiliest of skin types. Its vegan formula locks down makeup and stops that 3pm (or 3am) shine and prevents makeup from budging…. ALL.NIGHT.LONG. It actually boasts temperature control technology which regulates the temperature of your makeup to ensure it lasts the distance. What an age we live in! I can’t comment on the technological properties of the product but what I can tell you is that it bloody works! It’s my go to setting spray for anyone with oily skin or those who find their makeup just does not go the distance and lately I’ve been using it on my brides and bridal parties to help with that sweaty betty appearance this humidity brings. And the results have been overwhelming. My brides have all commented about how well their makeup has lasted despite the sticky weather and of the photos of seen their faces were looking fresh well into the evening. No touch ups required. If you are someone who regularly says they don’t bother with makeup because it just slides off their face I can well and truly recommend this product, it’s worth every penny!

If you are a returning reader, thanks for sticking around. I hope that some of my product reviews have inspired you to update your beauty routine or try something new. If you are a newbie around here, thanks for joining me. I’m not a beauty therapist but I know what I like and I am not paid or sponsored in anyway. If you’d like to be the first to receive these blogs make sure you sign up to my mailing list here and if you have any questions or comments or would just like to see me review a product you are interested in, get in touch here. Until March, happy beauty buying.