MURAD HYBRID SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER BLEMISH AND SHINE CONTROL REVIEW

I've always been on the hunt for the perfect face primer. I've had GOSH and Mac in the past, but this baby really is a new found favourite of mine. But what does this claim to do? And does it do what it says on the bottle?

This Skin Perfecting Primer reduces and prevents breakouts with Salicylic Acid while evening and refining skin texture. Used under or in place of foundation, this dual-functioning cosmetic treatment minimises the appearance of pores and eliminates shine, leaving the skin with a smooth, matte finish.

Skin Perfecting Primer Blemish and Shine Control is part of Murad's award-winning Hybrids line of cosmetic treatments, designed for individuals who want to disguise flaws, enhance skin texture and improve overall skin health.

Two things I've always had problem with, shiny skin and break outs. As it's exam season, I'm prone to a bunch of spots due to stress, so I was delighted to try this when Baobella contacted me asking if I wanted to try it out.

This 30ml bottle comes with a handy pump which doesn't dispense too much of the product, and one to two pumps covers my whole face. My first impression when I first pumped this creamy liquid out was 'Oh my gosh it's too dark for my skin!' and I was really unsure how it was going to sit on my ghostly complexion. To my surprise, the primer seemed to melt into my skin leaving no residue or colour behind which I really loved and really surprised me!

Above, pumped.

Above, blended.

I tested this primer out everyday for the a whole week so I could give it a good trial. It battled cold weathers, hot weathers, sweating in dance class, and I even wore it in place of foundation as it stated you can do. Now let's test its theory.

Blemishes - I had no break outs at all when wearing this, and I was so thankful. With exams going on this was a saviour, and I even noticed a difference in my redness in my skin, and could see an improvement in my skin tone. I simply love that this primer prevents break outs, and it's a real winner for me.

Shine - I have such a shiny nose, and this little bottle of magic mattified my nose perfectly. It seemed to even out my skin texture and made my skin ready for its foundation. It gave my skin a really lovely fresh look which I loved.

Pores - I find pore minimising products so hit and miss, and this really did the job beautifully. It smoothed out my skin and made my pores appear smaller. I've never had a massive problem with pores, but I have a few around my nose that I can see when I'm looking up close, but I was glad that this disguised the ones I can see. 

Foundation - I love using this in place of foundation. I only use this in place of foundation for dance as if gives my skin a mattified look which is exactly what I need when I'm in a sweaty dance class! The Science of Cellular Water, which is in the formula helps keep skin hydrated which I love as I do have dry skin. I love that this doesn't stick to my dry skin either, like I know some primers/foundation do have a habit of. As a base for my foundation it keeps my foundation in place through the morning all the way through to the evening which I think is amazing, and keeps my skin looking fresh and 'glowy'.

This is an absolute winner of a product and as soon as I run out, I will be repurchasing. However this is a slightly pricey primer for £29* from the Murad website or leading spa's, but for me I really love how it works with my skin and I believe is an investment if you're willing to give up £30 for a primer. Overall a great primer and I doubt I'll go back to another!

MAC LIPSTICK IN SHEER SEDUCTION DAZZLE FINISH FROM THE TEMPERATURE RISING COLLECTION

Sheer Seduction is the name of this golden beauty from the Temperature Rising collection from Mac. The finish of this shimmering shade isn't the usual, but in fact a Dazzle finish, which had me wanting to buy it more. The lipstick is a pretty golden bronze packed with miniature sparkles. Among the bronze shimmer are a few small violet and pink iridescent shimmer which really makes this shade unique. I adore this shade, and I just love how different it is. I'm very pale and I can still wear it, but it looks gorgeous on a tan. I used this shade recently in a photoshoot with Nicole which you can see here. The glittery lipstick really suited her tanned skin. When on my lips it still looks a bit pinky, but I think that's due to the slight pink glitter and how pink my lips naturally are. 

Even though it's a bullet of glitter it's not scratchy at all. It's really buttery which I'm really impressed with. There's nothing I had more than a really glittery, scratchy lipstick. I usually shy away from glittery shades, but this was simply to beautiful and elegant to pass up - I needed to add it to my growing collection of Mac lipsticks. The wear on this is really good as well, but can need a few top ups after drinking or eating, but it still has better wear than a lot of other brands of lipsticks. 

See the rest of the collection here, and grab your lipstick in Sheer Seduction at your nearest Mac store for £15.50. Currently sold out online.

IN FOR A TREAT MAC PEARLMATTE FACE POWDER FROM THE BAKING BEAUTIES COLLECTION

The other day, when needing a pick me up I obviously went on a massive splurge on Mac and spent way more money than I have. When the Baking Beauties collection came out in Mac I was completely sold by the pretty muted shades and gorgeous products. This is In For A Treat, a pretty named Pearlmatte Face Powder. You can look at the Mac Archie's Girls Veronica's Pearlmatte Blush here, which is slightly more pale and pink toned in comparison to this. I was first captured by the pretty floral print on the pan. Yes I am guilty of buying things because they're pretty! They do two Pearlmatte Face Powders in the Baking Beauties collection, this one and Pink Buttercream. Personally I preferred how that Pink Buttercream looked, but its virtually the same as the Veronica's Blush. A Pearlmatte Face Powder is very subtle on the cheeks, and to some users barely noticeable. It adds a very natural glow and brightens up the face without it being too much. Personally I think Mac have aced the natural glow with this product, but the reviews have been very varied.

Because of my pale complexion and near to matte skin, most products show up on my skin. It leaves a pretty light beige/champagne hue on my cheeks when applied, with a pretty soft shimmery sheen. It's so easy to apply, but it's possible to over do the shimmer, so I advise to apply it softly and build up, instead of bunging a load on the brush! It shows up really nicely on my skin, and I really love using it. It doesn't give much colour to my cheeks, so I do have to use this along side another blusher.

The floral print on the pan is so pretty and delicate - I almost didn't want to use it! The flower in the middle continues throughout use, but the white around the edges is just on the top layer, adding a little more highlight that's really noticeable. I wish they'd kept the white throughout the pan. For anyone who is scared, the green has hardly any pigmentation and makes no difference on the blush as a whole.

Grab your cute and good enough to eat Pearlmatte Powder from Mac for £21.50, you'll be in for a treat! 

Swatched.

Blended.

NICOLE JEBELI PHOTOSHOOT

1-2 weeks ago now I did the make up for the beautiful Nicole. We had an Arabian/grunge theme, and she was so stunning I didn't want to over do it, and kept the make up natural. 

Products used:

• L'oreal True Match Fondation
• Urban Decay Glinda Palette
• Urban Decay Anniversary Palette
• Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
• BareMinerals Foundation
• Mac Eyeshadow in Handwritten and Urban Decay Black out for the eyebrows.
• Mac Lipstick in Sheer Seduction
• Sleek Contour Kit in Medium
• Soap & Glory Mascara
• Urban Decay Rockstar Eyeliner
• Mac Cream Soda Blusher
• Urban Decay Vice Palette

What do you think of the shots of her? She's gorgeous! I can't wait to do her make up again at some point, she was a delight to work with.

RIRI WOO RETRO MATTE RIHANNA RUBY WOO INSPIRED LIPSTICK FROM MAC

When I checked on the Mac website last Thursday I saw that they were releasing the anticipated Riri Woo on Friday at 11am. I squealed with delight as I've been wanting a new red for a while. Because of exams my lovely boyfriend bought the lipstick for me and told me he was in the queue for ten minutes - Must have been a lot of you! Mac collaborated with Rihanna to make a red lipstick, with more of Rihanna inspired make up to follow in the summer. Riri Woo, inspired by the famous shade Ruby Woo, was on sale for a few hours on the Friday, and will be released again some point next month.

Riri Woo is very similar to Ruby Woo. There's virtually no difference, only Riri Woo is slightly darker and bluer toned. This lipstick is a traditional red colour that is very heavily blue toned, and the joys of that is that it makes your teeth so much whiter! I also love that this lipstick is matte, my favourite finish, so I will be wearing this a lot. This limited edition shade comes in the traditional Mac packaging, a sleek slate gray/black plastic casing with flecks of silver. The only difference is the additional Ri Ri signature on the bullet which is a really nice added feature.

One thing that I just couldn't get to grips was applying the lipstick. I found that it seemed to drag on the lips, my other Mac matte lippies have never had that problem. I'm not sure if it's just because it's new and needs a little using, but I've never had that problem. I found it so difficult to apply, but once I'd done it I really loved how it looked on the lips. A gorgeous velvety looking blue toned red that suits any skin tone. 

This is sold out at the moment, but the price is £14 and will be released again in June. What do you think of this lip colour, too much hype for a red lipstick, or do you love it?

ABLAZE MATTE MAC LIPSTICK FROM THE FASHION SET COLLECTION

This bright little number is from the limited edition Fashion Sets collection from Mac which offers a range of lipsticks, nail varnishes, lip glass, lip liners and eye shadow in 4 colours. Each colour has its own name throughout the collection. The collection is full of bright purples and pinks and are summer ready! I needed some new bright lipsticks for summer and hopefully to team with a tan. Oh I wish I tanned. Fake tan is at the ready! The lipsticks caught my eye instantly, each colour arranged into groups. I love matte finishes the most from Mac and I was so happy that each lipstick had a matte finish. I picked up Ablaze and Silly, and today I'll be showing you Ablaze, a fiery coral with pink tones. 

The lipstick is super bright, and under the sun it looks as if it's glowing! This shade is on the same brightness as the Nicki Minaj Viva Glam 1, although it has a more redder, slightly darker tone to it. I find mattes from Mac slightly drying on my lips and unfortunately this one isn't an exception. It seemed to highlight my dry areas, so a good lip scrub and maybe a little lip balm before applying will do dry lips some good. If you love your coral lipstick, this will be one to try! I've been wearing this a lot recently, and I am loving it. It does lean slightly towards the pink in some lights as when I tried it in store it was very corally, but in the sunlight you can really notice the pink tones! Overall I love this shade and I can't wait to wear it more often on the beach or on holidays! It's going to be my summer shade that's for sure!
Pick it up from your Mac store for £14. Currently sold out online! What do you think of this shade?

MAC PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT IN ECLAIR AND MOONCAKE FROM THE BAKING BEAUTIES COLLECTION REVIEW AND SWATCH

I had never tried Mac's Paint Pots until they released 3 limited edition shades with their Baking Beauties collection. I was drawn to the gorgeous shades Eclair and Mooncake, the other in the collection named Fancy Frosting. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but so many people have loved and raved about the Paint Pots with how long they last.

This is the gorgeous Mooncake. A really pretty golden beige with a lot of light gold shimmer. This is a very light colour and looks gorgeous on the lids on its own. It packs a lot of glitter and a little goes a long way. It's easy to smooth onto your eyelids and is easy to blend with other Paint Pots. Once it's set, it's hard to budge. It's crease free - Hurrah - and does not move! There's no glitter fall out as it's more of a creamy shadow and just looks gorgeous on my skin. This would flatter any skin tone or eyes with it's soft gold shade and pretty glitter. It lasts ages on the lids, but not as long as Eclair did. Maybe it's because of its softer colour and amount of glitter in comparison to Eclair.

Eclair is a gorgeous dark red toned bronze with slight gold tones. Now I cannot stress how long it lasts on my eyes. Literally forever!! When I first swatched it a week back, it stayed on my arm all day, even when trying to wash it off! But with a decent make up wipe it comes off a breeze. I love this super pigmented metallic bronze and looks really lovely alongside Mooncake. I find both these paint pots a little tricky to blend to start with, but after a few applications you get to grips with how it works. Not quite a cream eyeshadow though, so don't expect it to be sticky or hard to put on. They both have a very smooth and silky feel to them and glide effortlessly onto the eyelid. You can apply with a brush, or sweep on a bit of colour with a finger - It's completely up to you.

Overall, I think these Mac Paint Pots are going to be my new obsession. Move over Mac Lipsticks, the Paint Pots have taken over. What's your favourite Paint Pot colour? I'd love to hear what you think! Grab these for £14.50 each, worth every penny! Limited edition shades from the Baking Beauties collection, pick yours up in store now.

NAILS INC FEATHERS DUPES - INVOGUE FEATHER EFFECT NAIL VARNISHES IN SUNSET, ON THE MONEY, PARAKEET AND JAYE BIRD.

I've had these for about a month now and was so excited to try them out after the hype of Nails Inc releasing the feather trend. I was tempted by the Nails Inc feather effect polishes but couldn't afford them at the time and found these on the shelves on Superdrug for £3.49. I was super excited to try them out! So no further ado, let's see the colours!

Sunset is one of my favourites, full of peach and white/cream small tall 

rectangular confetti. It glides on the nails lovely and 

makes a great topcoat.

Very much like York from Nails Inc.

Parakeet is a pretty shade full of pastel peach, yellow and blue.

It's a perfect spring shade and I was first drawn to

this in the shop.

Very much like Chester from Nails Inc.

Jaye Bird was my least favourite but thought it would look lovely over

white or gray with its electric blue and white pieces.

Very much like Cornwall by Nails Inc.

On The Money looks like a fresh £5 note! With pastel yellow and blue this looks

gorgeous and makes a pretty addition to a nail polish.

Very much like Brighton by Nails Inc.

So what do I think of them? They're a bargain and identical to the Nails Inc colours. However I find the feather effects a bit of a pain. Once applied as a top coat to a polish you have to file down the ends of the nails to stop those sharp pieces hurting! I reached to get something out of my eye and hurt myself, owch! Then I advise to pop on a clear coat as they tend to catch. Once those 2 things are out of the way you're good to go. Another thing is it layers really well on the nails just on it's own, but literally chips and peels off almost instantly, so I'll keep using it as a topcoat! I showed you the shades on their own for the purpose of the pictures. I really do love these colours and I really cannot wait to use them more. However I couldn't find these in my Colchester Superdrug but found these in my Norwich branch, so you might not be able to get them in store. Grab them online at OhBeauty with free first class delivery at the moment for £4.49. What do you think of the trend?

BAREMINERALS ADVANCED PROTECTION SPF20 MOISTURIZER FOR COMBINATION SKIN

I hadn't tried bareMinerals before, so I was really excited to try this out. I'm forever buying different skin products so you can see my excitement for trying this one! First thing that excites me is the chic packaging. Simple, clean, yet pretty to look at. You know exactly what you're getting just by reading the front, no information like some products claiming to do everything under the sun. The bareMinerals Advanced Production SPF20 Moisturizer for combination skin has 20SPF - Hurrah!! - With ActiveSoil Complex that provides essential nutrients to your skin. 

When using this the first thing I knew is how much like sun cream this looked, and surprisingly Holly Arabella said the same! There's a soft smell to it that isn't too overwhelming and smells quite natural. When rubbing it into my face I noticed that it feels slightly greasy. With combination skin,  shiny nose area and dry patches, I found that this left a residue on my face. I find that my skin doesn't absorb it overly well, so I struggle to use it before applying my make up. However, even though it left my skin rather greasy it does absorb after about 5-10 minutes but still leaves a slight shine, but easily fixed with powder. I really like using this as a night cream, but I don't think it really helps sort out the more shiny areas of my face. I do like this moisturizer but I feel that it doesn't work well with my skin. But what works for me might not for you! Everyone's skin is different. 

Overall I like this moisturizer. It sorts out my dry areas a treat and it has 20SPF which is great for the warmer days! It does leave a shiny residue on my face which I'm not too fond of, but its good to use before bed time!

Grab yours from bareMinerals online for £27. You can choose from a tinted one for more of a glow, or a clear one like that one I've reviewed. The lovely Holly Arabella gave me this to try.

SOAP & GLORY SMOULDER KOHL SUPERBLACK WATERPROOF EYELINER SWATCH AND REVIEW

I haven't bought a black eyeliner in years. Not for myself anyway. I never used it in my teen years and I hadn't used it at all until now. If I needed it I'd hop to my mum's room and steal hers for a bit. Recently I've been loving smokey eyes for daytime and nighttime, and I needed a black eyeliner to complete the look. When taking a browse in Boots to find one that I liked I wondered over to Soap & Glory to check out their lip balms - Which I also picked up! Naughty Hannah. Oh, and a liquid eyeliner (Which originally was the prime reason to go into town anyway!). I picked this up at it's great price tag at £5, not really sure what to expect. 

As soon as I got home I went to work on a smokey eyed look and sweeped this on my waterline. I don't know about you, but I have the worlds most watery eyes and I wasn't expecting this to last, even though this is waterproof. First I was pleasantly surprised by how it melted onto my lash line. I then noticed how black it looked too, and the shade is appropriately named Superblack. By that point I was already impressed, and for £5 I was pretty happy. 4 hours on after a show I looked in the mirror and was greeted with no black marks under my eyes. Really? I checked again to make sure. My eyeliner had stayed put. Thinking it was a fluke, I wore smokey eyes throughout the week and noticed that it still wouldn't budge! An absolute miracle. When playing around with the eyeliner I also noticed how easy it is to blend to create and effortless smokey eye. It's true to say that I have no idea why I never picked this up sooner. An added bonus is the sharper on the end, I'm always asking my flat mates for one as I'm constantly loosing mine, so this is just ideal.

Thank you Soap & Glory! I cannot wait to use this more often! Grab yours for £5 from Boots now. Choose from Superblack or Brown.