Back To Basics

So lately I just haven't been impressed by my skin. Yes I may have an array of stunning blushers, bronzers and highlighters to try out every day, however with my dry(!) skin breaking into an oily T-zone only several hours after I had applied my makeup I just knew that a whole 'base' overhaul was required.

Maybe a month or so ago, the lovely Caroline Hirons (of beautymouth.com and founder of Give and Makeup) was good enough to take a look at my current skincare routine and help me understand where I was going wrong. Some of the noted problems were the lack of a good cleanser and moisturiser, amongst other brands 'La Roche Posay' was one that she recommended. When payday rolled around, off I went to Boots to buy myself a whole new facial routine!

Physiological Cleansing milk, Physiological soothing toner, Nutric moisturiser.

There was a little offer on in Boots at the time in which if you purchased a moisturiser, you got a cleanser for half price. In all the three products cost me about €40, an amount I really don't mind as there's no point in putting good foundation over bad skin, which brings me to my next 'basic'...

I popped into MAC that day too as the Studio Fix Fluid in NW35 that I was matched to in London just wasn't right for me. It was far too dark- unless I had on fully developed fake tan, which I don't always as sometimes it's developing, fading etc. Thankfully the MUA wasn't one of those that I had experienced that gave the old 'you shouldn't be wearing fake tan, it's impossible to match blah' lecture, and she was happy to sit me down and try out several foundations on me.

NC42, NC41

We decided that the NC's looked much better next to my false tan, and she gave me two samples. She was so lovely, especially since she spent at least 20 minutes with me and I didn't make a purchase! 

L-R NC42, NC41, NW35

I am sure you will agree that the NW35 is so not a good match. Today when I swatched these my tan was developing and as you can see the NC41 looks great next to it!

I aim to wear the NC41 and 42 in the next few days to test them out, so I will post a FOTD so you can tell me what you think.

Do you take care of your basics?

xxxx

I Need Your Help: Foundation

If any of you read my post about my HG No7 foundation being discontinued back in February, you will know that I stocked up on what was left in Boots at the time (all four pots!). Well today I came up to a sad realisation that I am almost half way through my final pot! :o(

I have decided that I will take the plunge into my new foundation routine when I am in London at the end of the month! This way I will have access to all the big brands (hello Harrods!) and of course it will work out cheaper for me paying in £££'s.

I am such a foundation novice, I have obviously heard about all of the big brands but I don't know what to look for. I have first hand experience with pushy MAC sales assistants so I don't want to go in and be railroaded into paying £30 for something thats so not right for me!

Ideally I would get samples and test them etc etc, but that just isn't possible as the closest high-end makeup counters are where I go to Uni, a two hour drive away.

I would really appreciate if you guys would help me choose a new foundation as I don't know where to look!

I don't mind paying for high-end as I figure I spend so much on blush, eyeshadow, lippie etc that I can afford to splurge on my 'base'.

source

This is what I need from my foundation:

~Full Coverage~

I suffer from more than occasional breakouts, and my face is blotchy and uneven coloured.

~Long Lasting~

I honestly think I would have a breakdown if my foundation started coming off during the day! Not asking for 48hr (lol) lasting, but that of a normal day, 8hr?

~Matte~

I don't have oily skin (dry, actually!) but I just cannot deal with 'dewy' skin. It looks fab on some people but just not me! I like my foundation to be completely matte and full coverage!

~NO SPF!~

I take a lot of pictures and I have seen the evidence of how SPF can make you look super pale! I appreciate the benefits of SPF, however I don't want it in my foundation! :o)

To achieve the matte, full coverage foundation that I am after, I understand that a concealer and/or powder will be necessary. I am looking for a full foundation routine overhaul so any suggestions for those will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

H xoxo