STILA - ONE STEP CORRECT

Every now and then my skin becomes a little redder than usual due to many different factors, and the only thing that seems to prevent it from becoming as visible  through my foundation as a lighthouse on a dark night is a redness corrector.

Thank goodness I've just finished up my current Clinique Redness Corrector and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, both of which I was sorely disappointed with, and am now able to check out what other products are on the market to target my redness and primer needs. 

After trolling Mecca looking for brilliant reviews for both primers and colour corrector, I decided to try out Stila's One Colour Correct as it promised to prime my face and offered to colour correct not just redness but sallowness and increase brightness. Win, right? One Step Correct contains a green tone to reduce redness and cover blemishes, a purple tone to correct sallowness, and a peach tone to reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

 

'This innovative, all-in-one serum instantly colour corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections for a flawless complexion'.

Packaging

I really like the packaging that Stila have chosen for this product. The cardboard packaging lets the colourful product do all of the talking, through the peep hole that allows you to see the full product. It's pretty eye-grabbing in a store full of cosmetics, particularly how they've managed to make the red, green and yellow colour correcting products swirl around one another.

The bottle itself is a pump which allows you to distribute product straight into your hand or onto your brush, to allow for quick application. All-in-all, I really like the packaging.

'This weightless, gel formula blends seamlessly into skin and won't clog pores or settle into fine lines, leaving skin smooth and ready for an even makeup application'.

Texture & Finish

I found One Step Correct to apply smoothly to my skin and that it had some sheen to it prior to foundation application. As for texture, it felt like most primers that I've used: just like silicon. If you don't like the feeling of silicon on your skin then avoid this product.

Formula & Pigmentation

Unfortunately I didn't get an opportunity to check out the product formula and pigmentation. While I was applying my foundation my face became heated and broke out into something resembling a red rash. I was instantly on the phone to Mecca customer service who arranged for me to return the product for a refund and offered advice on how to treat and care for my skin following my reaction to the product. On a positive note, I did find Mecca customer service to be extremely helpful in coming to my aid and arranging a refund on my behalf since I literally could not use the product. 

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase One Step Correct from Mecca in either a 15ml bottle for $32.00 AUD or 30ml for $54.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

I really wanted to like One Step Correct and give it the chance that it deserved, however there's something in that particular product that my skin doesn't like. I think that having a product that is both a primer and a colour corrector is such a great buy, if your skin agrees with it, and I imagine would cut down on the amount of time spent getting ready.

Proceed with caution if you want to try out One Step Correct and remember to try out products in an inconspicuous area before lathering it on your face!

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. 

-beautyreporterb

HOURGLASS - VEIL MINERAL PRIMER

The online beauty communities that I am a part of are in love with the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Beauties around the world, including one of my besties, absolutely swear by it! I've been on a primer journey these past twelve months, trying various primers in search of my own personal holy grail. Alas, I'm yet to find it so I figured I'd give Hourglass a go. 

The Veil Mineral Primer is a promoted as a oil free, weightless and multi-purpose mineral-based primer that claims to neutralise redness and rosacea, minimise wrinkles and fine lines, and create a uniform smooth matte base for a flawless makeup application. The Veil Mineral Primer works by absorbing excess oils and minimises the appearance of pores by distributing light to help soften and blur the look of the skins imperfections. And just in case that wasn't enough, it's main purpose is to extend the durability of your foundation and/or powder.  No pressure. 

'This satin-finish, oil-free mineral primer creates a porcelain-smooth complexion, that will give your foundation longevity like no other whilst minimising shine and protecting against sun damage' - Mecca

Packaging

I adore this packaging. No one uses brown's anymore and it's such a pity because Hourglass have nailed it. As you can see, I purchased the smallest primer bottle available because I wasn't one-hundred percent sold on the product at the time of purchase. Regardless, the brown reflective cardboard packaging with that beautiful gold font is a 10/10. I love beautiful packaging. 

The 8.95ml bottle is a small pump bottle and makes the perfect travel companion. I, myself took this bottle over to Africa recently because of it's small size. 

'Existing at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury, Hourglass is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations, and unwavering commitment to reinvention. This state-of-the-art brand is distinguished by sensorial textures, modern colour collections, and sleek custom packaging' - Hourglass.

Formula & Pigmentation

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has a really unique texture. The product when dispensed is a white serum and has a smooth non-greasy silicone feel to it. It applied easily to my skin and quickly absorbed. 

I didn't find that it did a whole lot when it came to covering up redness, and in the future I would probably use a green stick in conjunction with this primer. 

'This lightweight mineral primer melts into the skin, restoring moisture and imparting a silky-smooth finish' - Mecca

Ingredients & Accolades

The Mineral Veil Primer does not contain:

-Parabens

-Sulfates

-Phthalates

-Nanoparticles

-Synthetic Dye

-Gluten

-Fragrance

-Oil

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Veil Mineral Primer won the InStyle Best Beauty Buy award. You can't argue with that! Furthermore the Veil Mineral Primer is vegan and is considered to be waterproof. 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has an SPF 15 rating offering protection from UVA/UVB rays, and claims to use naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

And for you babes with sensitive skin, Hourglass recommend their Veil Mineral Primer for babes prone to sensitivity.

'It helps to visible diminish the appearance of large pores and fine lines, and preps the skin for even makeup application while extending its durability, meaning less touch-ups' - Mecca

Affordability & Retailers

One word: overpriced. Whether this product works for you or not, I think we can all agree that the markup on this primer is ridiciolous. Thankfully, Hourglass have several sizes to choose from which allows first-timers and babes on a budget to purchase this product without having to spend the big bucks.

Mecca has the following sizes available at the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $27.00 AUD

- 30ml for $79.00 AUD

- 57g for $108.00 AUD

Alternatively, you can purchase your primer directly from Hourglass in the following sizes available and for the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $19.00 USD

- 30ml for for $54.00 USD

- 57g for $75.00 USD

Final Verdict

I know this product works for lots of other girls, and it did do something for my combination oily skin however I still found my chin and upper lip to look patchy by the end of the day. For the amount of money that this product costs, I'd recommend that you try as many other primers as possible before resorting to purchasing this particular product or at least head to Mecca and pick yourself up a sample before committing to buy. On a positive note, the 8.95ml bottle goes quite a long way if you're not willing to fork out $108.00

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. 

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- B xo

SMASHBOX - PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER

I've only begun to take primers seriously within the last two years. I have no idea what I was thinking before then. I can only think about all of that wasted make-up with a twinge of guilt. I could have upped my make-up game years ago if only I had listened to my Clinique lady when she recommended that I use a primer to help pro-long the longevity of my make-up an assist with creating a perfect base. I'm a few years older now, and thankfully a little bit wiser. Primers are the life-blood of a perfect base. They are used to smooth out skin, reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles, and minimise pores. Some primers even assist with oil control (holy grail!).

After recently finishing a MAC primer that I was semi-impressed with, I decided to venture out and see what else was on the market. I'm all for trying new products and hadn't been overly satisfied with the oil control with my previous primer. So of course, I popped on over to the MECCA website and began reading some reviews from other make-up fanatics. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has some amazing reviews from other users. So amazing in fact that I had to try it myself.

Smashbox 'Photo Finish Foundation Primer' alongside some of my everyday flawless base products

'An award-winning primer that delivers a silky finish, creates a smooth base and increases the wear of your foundation'.

Packaging

The packaging is sleek and refined, so much so that when I received my order it was in a mini Mecca box. What you see on the packaging box is exactly what the product looks like in person. 

What I really enjoy how the product packaging in particular is that it is see-through,  which allows me to  visibly see the product and how much I've used.

That packaging! Much wow. So sleek. Very refined.

'The unique oil-free formula soothes and hydrates the skin whilst extending the wear of your makeup. An essential must have for a velvet smooth finish'.

Texture & Comfort   

You don't need to use very much product to cover your face. I've found that a pea-sized amount of primer covers my entire face. The product itself is clear (as pictured) and is easily spreadable. It does have however a slippery silicone texture to it when applied.. 

I generally allow my primers 10-15 minutes to soak in and do what they need to before I begin applying my foundation. You don't need to leave this primer for long though as it is absorbed very quickly. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer is very light-weight and can't be felt on the skin once absorbed.

And according to Smashbox, this particular primer can also be used to tame frizzy hair. 

'Infused with a silky, lightweight blend of vitamins and antioxidants, this best-selling primer works to inhibit the destruction of collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores'. 

Awards

As I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why I chose to try out this particular primer was because it had amazing reviews and apparently has won a tonne of awards!

• Martha Stewart Weddings Big-Day Beauty Awards Winner 2015 & 2013
• Brides - 2014 Beauty Awards winner
• New Beauty - The Best Beauty Essentials: The Best Makeup Primer 2014
• Winner of Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer
• One of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life"
• InStyle Best Beauty Buy
• Featured in Brides Magazine
• Winner of the Nylon Beauty Award
• Total Beauty Reader's Choice: Best Primer
• Redbook MVP Award
• Allure Best of Beauty Award
• QVC Customer Choice Beauty Awards: Best Primer
• Shecky's Beauty at its Best Award

'We developed a formula that diffuses the light hitting skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look'.

Affordability & Retailers

If you'd like to purchase your own Smashbox Primer you can do so, at my favourite store of all time, Mecca. The Photo finish Foundation primer is currently retailing for $54.00 AUD.

Mecca has EVERYTHING you need, and then some.

Final Verdict

My T-Zone can be particularly oily at times, so I was looking for a primer that would allow my make-up to stay put throughout the day. I generally trial the longevity of my beauty products by wearing them through a work day, where I spend a few hours both inside and outside, to see how effective the product really is.

What I found with this product is that it worked best when only minimal make-up was applied to my T-Zone. I experimented with my ABH Cream Contour on my nose and chin, using the primer as a base, however it wasn't able to hold the oil in my skin at bay and unfortunately  the heaviness of the cream contour with my oily skin had me looking less than fabulous. For me, less make-up is best when using this primer on my T-Zone.

Having said that, although it has the rest of my skin looking and feeling fabulous, this product doesn't do much more than my previous MAC primer did. It's okay, but I would consider trialling other primers in the future before returning to this one. My skin is not overly oily, so I was pretty disappointed.

On a positive note, the Photo Finish Primer did make my pores and fine lines practically disappear. If you're not prone to any kind of oily skin, I would still recommend this primer. Personally,  once this bad boy is all used up I'll be continue my search for the perfect primer to meet my skins needs. Until then!

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Saturday of each month. 

 - B xo