An Ideal Guide to Makeup Primer

Primer is a product which is a godsend, believe me!  Priming the face is an important step to add to your makeup routine.  Whether you are a person who wears a full face of makeup on a daily basis or a person who would like to keep it simple with just a BB/CC cream and a tinted lip balm, adding primer to your makeup routine works wonders.

However, priming the face is the step that people often miss out on or just skip it.  In one of my recent post, I have recommended to “always use a primer before applying your makeup” and I have received a few quires on the same as if it is really necessary to use the primer always, so my answer to your question is definitely YES!  It is essential to use a primer always if you are applying the makeup in the monsoon because your makeup can wash off with the rains and primer is a life saver.  And even if it’s not rainy, one should use a primer in all the seasons out there because using a primer underneath your makeup makes a world of a difference.  You will never completely understand this until you’ve tried it on your own.

Primers have numerous benefits to your skin.  It is a base for foundation and/or face makeup which is applied after your moisturizer and before your foundation (BB/CC cream).  It gives you a smooth canvas to work with, it covers facial defects, it ensures a more natural finish, it helps your makeup last longer.  Some primers also contain SPF so it protects your skin from harmful UV rays.  Also, primers help to create an extra layer between your skin and your makeup which protects your skin from any damage that makeup can cause to your skin.  You may know about the face primer, but there are a variety of primers which are available.  There is one for each stage of your makeup, be it for your eye (eyelids and upper eye area), eyelashes, eyebrows, lips, and nails too.

    Related Post:  The Face Toners Manual     

Primers are of different types, they come in different formulas and shades.  The formulas that are available are gel/silicon-based, water-based and cream based.  And the shades in which they come are green, purple/blue, yellow, peach, and pink.

So do you wondering if the primer comes in so many forms then which one is the right choice for your skin?

Did you say yes?

Well, don’t worry.  Just keep reading and find it out.

If you have excessive red or yellow tones in your skin, you should go for a color-correcting type of primer.  They are the best choice for you.  There are other primers that add luminosity to your skin.  Another primer comes with skincare properties which correct the dark spots or any pigmentation.

• A green colored primer conceals the areas of redness.  Use this if you have acne prone skin.
• A light purple/lavender or blue tinted primer brightens the skin tone.  Use this if your skin is sallow.
• A yellow hue primer evens out a ruddy (pink/light reddish) tone and erases tiredness of skin.  Use this if you have ruddiness in your skin.
• A peach shade helps to conceal bruising or pigmentation.  Use this if you are looking to conceal the discoloration such as sunburn, veins, under eye circles.
• A pink shade primer adds radiance to the skin and makes the complexion look healthier.  Use this if you are dealing with a dull complexion.  Brightening/illuminating primer are great options too.
• If you have oily skin and you are looking for something that will control the oil then you should use a mattifying primer.
• If you have dry skin and you are looking for something that will nourish your skin then you should go for a hydrating primer.
• If you are someone who has large open pores and wants to minimize then you should use pore minimizing primer.
• And if you don’t have any major skin issues and are looking for something that extends the wear time of your makeup, then you should opt for a smoothening primer.

Primers Available in India

There are two main different types of primers; one is silicone-based and the other is water-based.

• 1.  Silicone-based:
  
  A Silicone-based primer is very popular in the beauty market as it smooths out the texture of the skin.  It has ultra smoothing effects because it contains dimethicone (silicone-based polymers),  The main function of the silicone-based primer is to minimize the pores and fine lines along with increasing the longevity of the makeup.
  
  
• 2.  Water-based:
  
  A water-based primer also extends your makeup wear but it won't cover the fine lines or minimize the pores.  And a water-based primer is best for those who have oilier or acne prone skin or has other skin conditions because sometimes the silicone can clog your pores and you may have slight irritation and/or allergic reaction.

So, if you are not using makeup primer, then you are really missing out on an amazing product because it really makes a huge difference if you do apply it.

Disclaimer:  Always do a patch test first, or check with your medical professional, to see if your skin is allergic to a silicone-based polymer that's present in the primers (the dimethicone).  Everyone's skin is different so results can vary from person to person.  Please discontinue use if your skin does not react well to it.

What's your makeup routine? Do you wear a full face of makeup every day or prefer to keep it simple? Do you use a primer; if yes which one suits you the best? Let me know in the comment section below.  I would love to know.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)

Preeti.

ElenBlu High Volume Waterproof Mascara Review

Hello Everyone,

How are you from the last time you read my blog?

If you are new, welcome to my blog! :-)

The beauty market is flooded with a whole lot of makeup products that transform your looks in the blink of an eye and one of such thing is eye makeup.  There exist a million ways to enhance the eyes and good eye makeup makes you stand out among others. Whether it’s applying the kajal, eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadow; eye makeup speaks volumes about a person's style.  So today I am going to talk about one of such eye makeup products which is a new product in my vanity and that is High Volume Waterproof Mascara, by the brand “ElenBlu.”

ElenBlu is quite a new brand in India which is launched last year in December 2017.  ElenBlu High Volume Waterproof Mascara is made in Germany with a weightless formula to accentuate your lashes.

Let’s get right into the review.

Product Description:

What it claims?

The company claims that the product’s creamy formulation keeps your lashes hydrated both above and below sea-level.  This also claims to be waterproof, clump-proof, smudge-proof and spontaneity-friendly.

How to use it?

Start off at the roots of your eyelashes; place the wand for a few seconds there and then sweep the applicator upwards to the tip.  Keep applying the product until you reach your desired effect/look.  Repeat the process for the lower lashes.

Composition:

The product is merged with rice wax and bamboo.  The full list of ingredients is not mentioned though.

First Look:

This mascara is cleverly packed and comes handy in a squeezable round pen like packaging that has a fine applicator brush which provides good control for working on the corners of the lashes.  It is convenient for travel purposes.

    Related Post:  L’Oreal Paris Kajal Magique - Supreme Black Review     

Texture and Consistency:

The product has creamy texture and consistency that makes it glides smoothly on your lashes.

Pigmentation:

The mascara is well pigmented and rich in color.

My Take:

I have received this “ElenBlu High Volume Waterproof Mascara” in one of my subscription boxes a few days back and I was really excited since then to use and review this product as this is not tested in animals.  Yeah, you heard it right.  This is a cruelty-free product and I really like it.

To apply the product I wiggle the applicator gently from the roots to the tip of my lashes.  It provides volume immediately, but I would need three to four strokes to get my desired look.  The wand of this mascara is thin and identical to most of the normal mascara wands out there.  It goes on smooth and it doesn’t smudge not even it get clumpy throughout the day.  It doesn’t bother my eyes at all.  I must say this mascara is simply amazing that enhances the beauty of your eyes.  This mascara has right consistency.  The formula of the product is really good, lightweight, pigmented and what to say about its staying power, it lasts forever; trust me!  You might have a hard time removing this mascara and you need a good eye makeup remover to wipe off this product from your lashes.  I feel that this is one of those products that perform well as the company claims it does.

Pros of ElenBlu High Volume Waterproof Mascara:

• Vegan/ cruelty-free.
• Paraben free.
• Waterproof.
• Clump-proof.
• Smudge-proof.
• Dries quickly..
• Travel-friendly.
• Easy application.
• Intense black color.
• Stays for really long.
• Doesn’t irritate my eyes..
• Feels very light on lashes.
• Adds length to the lashes.
• Gives a boost of volume to the lashes.
• Perfect mascara for this monsoon season.

Cons of ElenBlu High Volume Waterproof Mascara:

• The full ingredient list is missing.

Will I purchase it again?

Yes, I am looking forward to buying this in future for sure.  I love that it is vegan, waterproof, smudge-proof and clump-proof at the same time.

Will I recommend it?

Yes, I will.  If you are looking for a waterproof mascara this monsoon season that adds volume to your lashes then this mascara is definitely for you.  I would say that this waterproof mascara is at its best and I would certainly recommend this to anyone.

Price:

It retails for Rs. 599 for 8 mL.

Availability:

You can find it online easily (Nykaa, Amazon, Flipkart for eg.).

Have you tried this product yet? What do you feel about this product?  Let me know your inputs in the comment section below.  I would love to hear from you.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)

Preeti

Look Your Best This Monsoon Season

After the months of scorching summer, a magical monsoon is here again!  It’s the time to enjoy the lush greenery around.  A cool breeze has already set in with the rains of monsoon.  Everyone got relief from the blazing heat and getting a refreshed, clean look which soothes the eyes and brings a smile to our faces.  And my mind……ahhhh!! It dances to the melodious tune of drizzle in a ballroom of nature.

Walking and roaming around in the rains might sound crazy to some of you, but trust me it’s fun to take a stroll during a rain shower and feel the raindrops on your skin.  It’s just okay if you skip and/or forget to take care of your skin and body for quite some time while cherishing the lovely season in full swing.  But you cannot dare to skip and/or forget for the whole season because your skin could not always be ready for the monsoon fun and it requires some extra care in this season.  Your skin and hair both suffer due to high humidity and dampness that is present in the atmosphere and they tend to look dull, thus you need to pay more attention and adjust your skin and hair care routine as per the season.

So, here I mention some of the important skin and hair care tips that should be followed during this season to fight off all the monsoon-specific skin and hair woes and to maintain your skin and hair healthy.  Stay beautiful this monsoon by following these skin and hair care tips:

Clean your face:

Rainy days usually tend to cause a plenty of dirt, grime, and pollutants to accumulate on the surface of the skin that may further clog the pores which could lead to the development of acne or bumps on the skin.  So in order to keep your skin clear, regardless of your skin type, you should wash your face at least thrice a day and definitely after staying out for a long period of time to remove the dirt and grime from the surface of your skin that can clog your pores.  Also, don’t forget to clean your face before going to bed.

Exfoliate your skin:

Dead skin blocks your pores making your skin looks dull and lifeless.  So the best way to avoid having this is to exfoliate.  Exfoliating your skin helps in removing the dead skin cells thus promoting a smooth and supple skin.  Use a face scrub twice a week to exfoliate your skin.

Use a Toner:

Toning is another process that helps in keeping your skin healthy.  Toners not only balance the ph levels of your skin, but it also provides antioxidant benefits, it allows your skin to breathe while keeping it refreshed, soothed, and hydrated.  I would suggest you opt for an alcohol-free toner and yeah a flower based toner is ideal.  Even rose water can be used; this is a natural and powerful toner.

    Related Post:  The Face Toners Manual     

Use Moisturizer:

One needs to keep the skin hydrated in all the climates and monsoon season is not an exception. So make sure to use a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin flake free, soft, and supple.  Also, you can even add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil to your moisturizer.  It helps to pamper your skin and thus promoting a healthy skin.

Wear your Sunscreen:

One of the most common mistakes people commit is ditching their sunscreen in monsoon.  Beat the misconception that sunscreen should only be used in summers.  It doesn’t matter if its cloudy outside or raining heavily, you need to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays because it is still there, so it's important to wear your sunscreen every time you step out.  Use a reliable sunscreen that has a good SPF.  And yeah one should opt for a gel based or water-resistant sunscreen in monsoon or the sunscreen that is specially formulated for swimming.

Say “NO” to heavy makeup - “Less is More”:

Flaunt your natural look in monsoon.  And if you can’t step out without your makeup then go minimal because sometimes going minimal is the key to look at your best and there is no better season than monsoon for a “minimal makeup” look.

Avoid letting the rain to cast a shadow on your makeup by following these steps:

1.  Primer: Always, and I mean ALWAYS, use a primer before you apply your makeup.  It will give you a smooth canvas to work with and will help your makeup last longer.  Invest in a good, lightweight, and oil-free primer that last longer.

2.  Foundation:  Avoid using foundation; it will make your skin look patchy.  Instead, you could go for a light-textured BB cream for a natural finish look and you can even use a face powder but make sure that you only use it enough to remove the grease off your face.

3.  Blush:  Choose depending on how your skin behaves.  If your skin behaves normally, use cream-based formula and if it gets oilier in the humidity and dampness then choose a powder blush.  While applying your blush, do not overdo it, apply minimally and blend it well for the natural look.  Dusty pinks and peaches are the great shades to choose from.

4.  Eye:  Avoid heavy and dramatic eye makeup.  Make sure to use waterproof cosmetics -- kajal, mascara, eyeliner to survive in the rains.  Transparent mascara is my personal favorite.  Say no to smokey eyes.  As far as the eyeshadow goes, use powder based for oily lids and creamy for normal skins.  Shades like creamy pink, champagne, beige, light brown, pastel, and nude complement the season.

5.  Lip Color:  Lipstick can add glamour to your monsoon look.  So invest in the best quality lipstick that will survive the monsoon spell and look ravishing on you.  Avoid lip gloss and cream finish lipsticks as it will get sticky when you get wet in the rains, hence opt for matte ones instead.

Tangle-free Hair:

-- Wash your hair more often during this season with a good cleansing shampoo and never wash it with water alone as it’ll dry and become frizzy.  Don’t forget to wash your hair every time you get drenched in rain to avoid bacteria to breed on the scalp.

-- Make sure to use a leave-in conditioner to keep the frizz at bay.  Henna is also a good natural conditioner and is actually very cooling.

-- During the monsoon, nothing is as good as hair oil massage for your hair.  It naturally boosts the moisture in your hair which revitalizes dry stands and offers deep conditioning too.

Avoid using serums and mousse.

Follow these tips and keep enjoying rains.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)

Preeti