My Summer Base

This summer has been really experimental for me - I've taken more chances with makeup and mixing foundations and I think I've finally figured out my summer base. This is a little heavier than my everyday make up (ie, nothing) and I like how it looks and it's lasted well through the sweltering heat. Disclaimer, I have combination oily skin so the products I use are to mattify my skin. Proceed with caution if your skin is dry!

First off, I prime my face with my absolute favourite primer, Neutrogena's Shine Control Primer. I apply this bad boy on my t-zone as that's where I get the oiliest. I then go in with Benefit's Porefessional Primer on my cheeks to ensure my makeup lasts well. This combination has been a winner this summer and I'm very impressed.

Next I use Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation in Tan Deep - I've always had very mixed reviews on this since the formula is fantastic but the colour isn't the best. Thanks to my tan, this colour now suits me very well and so I've been really enjoying this foundation. It has good coverage and lasts hours without getting greasy - a summer winner.

I'm fairly fortunate to not need concealer under my eyes but I have been highlighting below my eyes, along the bridge of my nose and between my brows with a combination of two parts Covergirl's Ready Set Gorgeous Conceealer in Medium/Deep and one part Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Suntan. The concealer is a bit drying - great for me as my skin gets oily as the day goes by but it's not one one for dry-skinned people. The concealer is effective while the foundation is to ensure that the concealer highlights without looking too white on me - drugstores and their lack of testers and return policy are the bane(s) of my existence.

I don't powder as most of the products I use are mattifying/drying but I find that this base doesn't wear off or slip around too much. I can get a good 6 hours before looking a bit worn which is fine for me as this is my "I'm finally getting out of the house and going to an event" base.

Have you tried any of the products? What was your opinion on them? Comment below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe with your base products!

June Favourites

I'm honestly stunned that it's already June - this month was a busy whirlwind and I can't believe it's come to an end! I don't have very many favourites mainly because my May Favourites are holding strong but I did want to talk about a couple things because I can't just not.

Neutrogena Shine-Control Primer has been mentioned many times on this blog - a review dedicated to this product was a rave. It's still one of my favourite primers as it's so great at controlling oil/shine. I apply it to my T-Zone under my foundation and I feel confident that my face won't shine up during the day. It lasts for a good 5-7 hours, depending on the temperature and how active I am, before I need to powder so it's perfect for all-day events.

Buxom's True Nude Lip Foundation in Revealed was mentioned in my Nude Lips for Darker Skintones post and it's definitely been a favourite this month. It's a very creamy lipstick and it's not dehydrating and lasts ages on the lips. I love that there's no transfer on this and I absolutely love that it's a nude for my skin tone!

ASOS has possibly the best customer service of any store I know. I've been ordering off the site for years and I've never had any problems until this month - to which they efficiently fixed any mistakes. An order of mine was lost in the mail and their service was quick in sending me a replacement order. They also maintained good communication with me so I wasn't freaking out about my money possibly being wasted/lost and I was always kept in the loop!

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Oyster Glow Liner was mentioned in my Quick Day to Night Products post and I use it when I'm running from work to an event. Using it in the inner corners of my eyes adds a little brightness to my otherwise tired eyes. I love that it's a pencil so I can use it quickly and neatly - important for when I'm in a rush! It doesn't rub off easily which is an added bonus though I wish there were more shades for this product!

What have been your favourites this month? Comment or link them below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe!

May Favourites

May has been a great month so far - the warm weather has opened up weekends of adventure; I've gone hiking, to the beach, walking around downtown Toronto. All things that put  me in a great mood. I've (re)discovered quite a few favourites this month though not all beauty but what's life if it's only about makeup?

My Brother, My Brother and Me has become one of the high points of my day. I listen to this hilarious podcast on my commute to work since driving over an hour everyday has made me sick of the radio. These three brothers answer questions from listeners and on Yahoo Answers for an entertaining time.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara was an impulse purchase from Target when I went to Buffalo a couple months back and it's blown me away. The brush was interesting - the short stubby bristles intrigued me as I've never used something like that but the formula was fantastic. It was long lasting, didn't smudge and gave my lashes length and volume. Only thing was that it was a little stubborn to remove - my regular cleanser would take off majority but not all of it.

I rediscovered my Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation after needing a good foundation that wouldn't make me too greasy during warmer days. I've raved about it before and my feelings haven't changed much - a foundation with great coverage, it doesn't wipe off easily or slip around and it doesn't make you look greasy. Again, the fact that it doesn't have my exact shade really bothers me but the one I've got is close enough and will probably match better once I tan.

Hey Claire is a YouTuber I've recently started watching and she is fantastic. I love her style (though I could never pull it off), how she talks and her videos. She's easily one of the more talented YouTubers when it comes to ideas and editing and she puts in so much effort in all her videos. Definitely been binge-watching her!

Last but certainly not least is my favourite primer, Neutrogena Shine Control Primer. I've spoken about this and other Neutrogena products before and you'll know how much I love this. This is the perfect summer primer as it's so absorbent without making your skin look dry or cake-y. I put this on before my foundation and I've rarely had to powder after a few hours (I think I've had to powder on three separate occasions and that was after 8 hours).

What are your May favourites, beauty or otherwise? Leave your recommendations or links to your posts below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe!

Review: Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

It's no secret I'm a Neutrogena fan - for a drugstore brand, they're just so good! This past Autumn I picked up the Neutrogena Shine Control Primer from Chicago and I've been in love ever since.

If you're a shiny disco ball after a few hours of wearing foundation like I am, this product is your best friend. This primer claims 8 hour shine control, to extend the wear of make up, a matte finish and it won't over dry. While it definitely gives a matte finish without looking too dry, I would say I started getting a little oily after 6 or 7 hours of wear. 

It doesn't minimize pores or make it easier to apply foundation but it definitely mattifies and keeps your foundation lasting a good long while. This product is perfect for the summer when my skin displays the effects of heat and humidity. Yes, it's definitely a product I'll be repurchasing though I have yet to see it in Canada yet.

Have you tried this product? What is your favourite drugstore Primer? Comment below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe.

Neutrogena Mornings

My skincare routine in the mornings is very, very simple. I wash my face with cold water, spritz on some toner, apply moisturizer and I'm onto make up. When it comes to moisturizer, I believe a good one is crucial as it is something you leave on your face for hours at a time. I don't believe that the more expensive a product is, the better it is as Neutrogena is a drugstore brand that impresses me time and time again.

I've been using Neutrogena products for years, trying out their toners, face washes, and body washes and I always come back to their moisturizers. If you've been a consistent reader of this blog, you'll know that their Deep Moisture Night Cream was a game changer for me.

Another game changer is their Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen (SPF 55). Sunblock has the tendency to make you look ghostly, shiny and smell funny but all three problems have been solved in this miracle tube. This sunblock, while providing SPF 55, isn't shiny at all and you cannot detect it on your skin unless you use flash photography (as is the case with any SPF product). There is no smell and it is easy to apply as it isn't sticky. It also doesn't make me break out; I've been using it for the Summer and Winter months and I have no complaints.

Another product I use daily is their Oil Free Moisture (SPF 35). As you can see, I'm doing my best to be proactive against wrinkles and skin cancer. It is non-greasy and moisturizing while providing that ever important SPF. I use this for both winter and summer months but, with this harsh winter, I've been using the night cream during the day and saving this for warmer days.

Have you tried any Neutrogena products? What were your thoughts? What's your favourite sunblock/day cream? Leave a comment below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe!