MUA Primer

I mentioned recently that there were two products from MUA that I've been enjoying and this is the second of the two. Say hello to MUA's primer!

I wanted to pick this up when it first launched quite a while ago but I couldn't find it anywhere and at that time MUA did not have their own online store. The two primers I've been using most in that time were the Rimmel Fix & Perfect and the Make Up For Ever HD (which I just finished up yesterday) and this little £4 wonder really holds its own in that company. 

There are two types of primers I like to use; ones that fill in pores and leave my skin feeling smoother or ones that help my foundation go on more easily last comfortably. The MUA primer does a little bit of both. It doesn't fill in pores to the extent of something like BeneFit's PoreFessional but it does make my skin feel smooth. It helps my foundation go on more easily and keeps it there a little longer because it hydrates dry areas and controls oil in the oily areas. I make it sound like a bit of a wonder product! I wouldn't say it's the best thing since sliced bread but I do think it's a nice primer that does a bit of everything. I think it would work best for normal/combination skin types.

The packaging is simple and functional to a point. The little nozzle that controls the amount of product that's dispensed keeps coming loose which is frustrating as I end up with too much product. The primer itself is a lightweight white gel-cream. I apply it with my Real Techniques Buffing brush (which I also use for my foundation) and away I go.

The MUA Primer is available online (link) and in selected Superdrug stores. It is priced at £4.00 for 27ml.

Have you tried this? Let me know what you thought!

Stace xx

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I've been meaning to write a blog post about this product for the longest time. I bought it back before Christmas and I always use it if I'm going somewhere special or if I just want to perk up my skin. It's one of those products I always want to have in my collection.

I bought this on a whim because I'd read so many rave reviews about it but I wasn't sure how it would work on my oilier skin. I didn't know if it was supposed to be a moisturiser or a primer or something in between. Considering its price tag of £28, it was definitely an impulse buy. 

I know the price can be off putting so I thought it would be useful to let you all know how I use my Beauty Flash Balm and why I love it. 

The instructions say to apply it in sweeping motions over a clean face before make up. Don't be tempted to rub it in too much! I only use a little (see the above photo) and I apply my foundation immediately. I find that my skin instantly looks brighter without looking shimmery or greasy. It leaves a nice fresh feeling on my skin. I don't find that Beauty Flash Balm extends the wear of my foundation or that it controls oil but I don't find that it reduces wear time or increases oiliness either. 

It's so difficult to describe how this product works! It's one of those things you have to try for yourself  to see if you like it or not. I think one of the biggest mistakes people make when using this is rubbing it into their skin too much. It feels a bit unnatural to apply a cream product without buffing it in so that's probably why. I have combination skin but this product is recommended for all skin types. Basically, if you think your skin is looking a little dull and tired it might be worth giving Beauty Flash Balm a go. 

If you've tried it, please let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Stace xx

Ps - I'm sorry for the lack of posts! I had two important exams yesterday.