Round 3 | Battle Of The Primers

Last week, I battled Maybelline against the renowned Benefit 'Porefessional'. So many people have claimed that Benefit's primer is a Godsend. It's ultimately, one of the most coveted primers on the market. Want to know my opinion of the product? You can read all about it here!

But what about if this primer is set against another this week?

This time, you'll see if Benefit can hold out against one of my very favourite High Street brands… 

L'Oreal - Lumi Magique Primer (£ )

Well, of course it was going to be L'Oreal…

I've had this primer for the longest time. Probably (definitely) way longer than I care to admit. Yet, whenever I use it, it never fails to impress me. Most primers look to cover or hide pores. But what if that's actually not an issue to the consumer? Personally, I don't believe I have very big pores. I'm almost certain I would know if I did, as this frequently comes with other skin issues.

As such, I've debated whether to battle these out for a long time. They have very different purposes, so I believe you can take my opinions with a pinch of salt, as everyone likes different things!

Round 2 | Battle Of The Primers

Last week I compared Maybelline's 'Dream Smooth Primer' against their 'Baby Skin Primer'. You can read all about my pros and cons of both products here. This week I'm going to compare the winner, Dream Smooth, with a new contender. 

And in the right corner weighing at… (I'm kidding). But in all seriousness, this week I'll be comparing it with:

Benefit - The Porefessional (£24.99)

Shopping the Makeup Sales | Tips & Tricks

1. Sealed, opened or tested?

Make sure the items are 100% sealed. Has anyone opened the product? Have others hands touched it? If so, chances are, you don't want it. The bacteria on others hands will contaminate the product and let's be honest… it's just plain nasty. While there are many who are courteous to not damage stock, there are just as many (if not more) who do. 

Sometimes you might be able to get away with opened products providing you're sure in the knowledge that they haven't been tried. 

2. Then and now?

What was the original price of the product? Is this a good bargain, is it worth the money? If you've had your eye on a certain product and it appears in the clearance, go for it! You wanted it, now it's even cheaper. 

Often stores like Boots and Superdrug reduce stock which is no longer sold off in the store and will sell it off for cheap. The typical going rate is half price, so you're sure to get a good deal most of the time.

3. Do you need it?

If you're hard up on cash the clearance can be a really great way to get the essentials you've been running low on (i.e. mascara or the ever expensive foundation), but if you're low on cash and you don't need to buy it - don't. 

4. Check out the other deals!

If 3 for 2 is happening on a brand, or even across all makeup, it'll be on the sale section too (more often than not - certainly in Boots). If, for example, Maybelline are promoting the offer, any Maybelline products in the sale will also be on 3 for 2. This is a great way to stock up on mascaras and other things you consider essential. Can't be without new nail varnishes? They are frequently dropped into the sale too. Which brings me onto my next point… 

5. Ask!

If you're not sure if it's on a deal, so long as you're polite, most people will be happy to help you. Be a nice shopper and you'll have a nice retailer response. 

6. Check the date!

While this isn't the case with makeup, other items (such as creams, food, medicines, etc.) are reduced because they are nearing their expiry date. Keep track of what you're buy and when it expires. For those who like dieting bars or protein bars, these are often reduced a month in advance of them expiring - keep your eyes out!

7. Browse often

New items are always being added and sold, what was there one day won't be the next and new items will take their place. The sale section might not have what you're looking for this week, but that doesn't mean it won't next.

8. Have fun!

The sales are a great way to try that shade you weren't sure of, or that brand you didn't know if you liked. If you don't want to splash out loads of money to find you don't enjoy a product, this is a great way to do it. 

What are your top tips with makeup sales? I'd love to know! Share with me in the comments below~

xx

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Round 1 | Battle Of The Primers

Overtime, I've accumulated a few primers, though it's an item I've never really felt much need to use. That was until this summer and how face-meltingly hot it's been. I've posted about a couple of these primers before (I've even posted a review on one of them), but this is to decide which I feel comes out on top.


This weeks battle: Maybelline vs… Maybelline! (Well, this is awkward).


[Before I begin I would like to mention that my opinions are my own and this is just my experience with the product. What didn't work for me might work for you and vice versa.]

Summer Style | Three Ways To Wear Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Someone once told me that I couldn't wear blue eyeshadow because my eyes are blue, apparently, it's the 'rules'. But I say that pretty much any rule can be successfully broken if you put your mind to it. So what is one of my favourite styles to wear? Blue. Liner, eyeshadow - I'll make it work.

These looks can all be buildable and I have focused very much on using the cream shadow as an eyeliner this time. I do use it as an actual shadow, but I adore using this as an eyeliner. It's so long-lasting and getting it off requires some seriously strong makeup remover! Ps. My eyelashes look a little on the terrible side because they've all been falling out. D: My sister took the photos for me, however, I'm pretty sure my eyes look like they're focusing on different directions (she wouldn't tell me where to look - haha!)

Just as a disclaimer, I have not filtered these photos as I want to keep the colouring accurate. The lighting did, however, change some of the images to look lighter/darker, so please keep this in mind. :)