Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer review

I've been on a quest for a new primer, and before I start delving into the abyss of high-end Sephora goodies, I figured I'd dip my toes into what the drugstore has to offer. 

Rimmel has a few different primers to choose from- Lasting Finish, Stay Matte, and Fix & Perfect. I've tried the latter, but ended up returning it; I found it to be too silicone-feeling and it burned my skin. Not exactly an attractive canvas for foundation. I don't consider my skin to be particularly oily, so the matte option didn't entice me. 

The Lasting Finish version feels more like a lotion; it's white, more of a thicker consistency, and doesn't feel too much like silicone. I prefer a primer that I can use on my whole face, not just a pore-minimizer that only goes on target areas. 

I spread it on like any moisturizer, then kind of press it in to the pores on my forehead, chin, and around my nose. It doesn't feel greasy or slippery, it just provides a nice base for my foundation, and allows for even coverage. Prior to using the primer, I found that even with my CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous, the redness of my cheeks would always show through; but my makeup goes on evenly when I use the primer, and I don't need to build up layers. VERY important during the summer, when less is definitely more. 

I did notice a slight change in the size of my pores, but where I was really impressed was the longevity it gave to my makeup. Foundation always breaks down on my nose first, and usually within a couple of hours. Not so when I use this. It looks freshly applied after a full 7-8 hour day, and I didn't feel the need to touch up anything. 

All in all I'm extremely happy with this primer. Now I need to test out even MORE! :)

L'Oreal La Palette Nude 2 review

I've been wanting this palette ever since NOT getting the Maybelline Nudes palette; every review/video showed disappointing and chalky shadows, and I never wanted to waste my money on it. So when I went to my local Rexall, and saw a new display with both of the "La Palettes" (I'm in a small town, we're  usually weeks behind on releases) and the price tag read $12.99, I grabbed the purple shades. It was a very convenient pricing mistake, to say the least. 

These shadows are phenomenal; pigmented, creamy, and blendable. There is some kick-up when you dip your brush in a couple of them, but tapping it off before application works fine. 

As someone who loves purple/neutral colours, I'm absolutely thrilled with the colour range; there are dark mattes, shimmery taupes, light creamy pinks, and muted brown/mauve shades for the crease. The one thing it's missing is a bright satin white/champagne for the inner corner, but I don't mind supplementing. 

The back of the packaging provides several different look options, with step-by-step instructions.

I created an easy, simple look using the first 3 shadows, first by using the matte taupe shade in the crease, the cream shade on the lid, and the satin soft-cranberry colour on the outer half, blended into the lid shade. 

The brush included is nice enough; the foam applicator side is actually very soft and smooth, and dense enough that it doesn't suck up all the colour. The brush is small, but soft, more of an outer-edge brush, good to blend a little. 

Basically, I love, and am really excited to use this palette. I don't think I'd ever pay $30 for it (when you get down to it, it's drugstore, and that's a lot of money for drugstore makeup). There are palettes at Sephora for not much more--Urban Decay Basics is something I've been eyeing, even though it has half the amount of shadows as the L'Oreal palette, they're amazing quality and I'd probably use it just much-- but since I got this on a fluke at a good price, it's a big winner. 

***Nik's Bits***

-Summer's here, and I'm dying to stock up on maxi dresses and jean jackets. I don't know why. 

-The local parade (you know how every town has their own 'festival' and centres an entire weekend around it?) is in a few weeks and I've decided to get involved. I look forward to being sunburned and pilfering free candy. 

-My nails are in a TERRIBLE state again; it must be the amount of handwashing and sanitizer I use at work. I have to get them back in shape soon, I just bought a macro lens to take swatch pictures. Fingers crossed! (Pun intended)

 

 

Julep "Long Weekend" Palette Swatches and Review

As soon as I found out that Julep had a new palette out, my heart soared. Luckily I took my May Maven box, because this was being featured in the 'Secret Store' (a selection of products available at a discounted price, first for the Mavens who take the monthly box. Anyone who skipped the month has access after a couple of days, but stock is usually depleted). 

The Long Weekend palette is full of lighter, more pastel shades than were in the Photogenic palette. It's absolutely stunning on green eyes (and I'm sure on any other eyes, but green's what I got, so I can only speak to that 😉). It ranges from cream to purples/mauve shades, and has some great transition shades. 

My favourite shades are Getaway (a satin champagne) Bonfire (beautiful above the crease) and Monday (I put this in the outer corner and work it in the crease. Stunning)

The formula is very similar to the first palette; very pigmented, but kicks up a lot of fallout. As long as you tap your brush, though, it's fine. And they blend like a dream! 💜

I am SO HAPPY that I grabbed this palette. I can see myself reaching for it a lot this summer, to create different glowing looks. 

I definitely recommend this palette to EVERYONE. The shades are incredibly complimentary. The Julep "Long Weekend" palette is $54 or $43.20 for Mavens. Monthly subscription is $19.99/ month, skip or cancel anytime (Julep's customer service is FANTASTIC) Sign up for a free box here: https://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/57952/

***Nik's Bits***

• I've finally started a nail-care regimen. It's based on applying cuticle oil like a junkie, and using Sally Hansen's Instant Cuticle Remover and OPI's Nail Envy (at $20 a bottle, I better be serious about this). I can definitely see results. And the benefits are showing up on my Instagram (@ohnikjommmblog) 

• The cold has finally left Southern Ontario. Which can only means one thing-- it's time for girls to use their bras as wallets. Yay. (Sarcasm. Uber sarcasm) 

• Within the next few weeks, I'll be renovating my closet and putting up shelves for my nail polish, as well as painting my bedroom. I haven't been this excited for physical labour in... Ever.