Before we get into the thick of things, today's post is a collaboration with lovely Anjelique. Anjelique and I met eachother around a year ago at a Lancome event and that night we clicked like besties. We've only seen each other a couple times since, but let me tell you, she's definitely one of the nicest and bubbliest people I've met through blogging. Definitely head over to her blog here. But in particular, click here to see her Five Drugstore Makeup Gems. Here's a sneak peak into Anjelique's favourites.

To start off with my favourites let's be a bit different and begin with eyes because I feel like I always leave eyes to the end of my posts. Oh and a bit of background information, I have extremely oily eyelids so 99% of products do not work for me, but these two are magical.


The best Setting / Translucent powder I have ever used is the Nude by Nature Mineral Finishing Veil*. By no means is it the cheapest powder from the drugstore, but wow is it great. I've been using this almost since I began wearing makeup and I have tried many alternatives, but always go back. It's one of those products that gives your makeup a veil or an amazing photoshop screen and sets everything in place. It is completely underrated and I don't know why people don't talk about it? It feels like I'm the only one who ever mentions it. It's so accessible and amazing for my oily skin. If you have dry skin you'd be glad to know it doesn't cling to dry spots either.

There's a bit of urgency about these next two products. If they sound like they're for you, try get into Priceline as soon as possible to pick them up because their brands are being chopped out of Priceline stores. Yes, sadly, Face of Australia and Maxfactor are leaving Priceline to make room for NYX and a few other brands.

Maxfactor Face Finity All Day Primer is another product that isn't new to you. In fact, I'm certain that you've seen all of these products on my blog before. Anyhoo, this primers fantastic. I have oily skin and it feels quite moisturising which might make some of you other oily skinned makeup lovers worried, but don't be. It's an incredible base and every foundation that I use on top makes my skin look really healthy. There is a slight SPF so that's always a great thing for the day time. I have also used this at night time many times and have had no problems at all when it comes to flashback. A few of my friends with dry and normal skin also love this primer. It's definitely suitable for all skin types.



The Face Of Australia Glamazon Duo* has been a favourite of mine for years. As you can see, I've used it a lot. This is one of the first products I've decently hit pan on. The contour shade is stunning. It's perfect for anyone with a medium skin tone because it isn't orange, too light, or too dark. I'm in love with the highlighter side too because it reminds me of Mac Soft and Gentle, but the formula is much smoother. I love using Benefit Watts Up and then this highlighter on top. I recently wore it to a L'Oreal event and got compliments for my poppin' highlight. You 100% need this in your life.

What are a couple of your drugstore makeup gems?
Have you used any of these products before?

*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Having oily skin is definitely no walk in the park. Even after using a 'matte' foundation I can look like a shiny disco ball hours later. One particular makeup 'struggle' that I go through is the creasing of eyeshadows because so many eye primers or bases just simply do not work for oily lids. 
Around September last year, I put together a post of my then ultimate eyeshadow bases for oily lids which you can read here. This post is a bit of a continuation or update if you will, with my now five holy grail eyelid primers and bases. 
Starting off with the newest of the bunch, My absolutely beloved Rimmel Magnif'eyes Eyeshadow and Kohl Liners*. I recently did an entire review and swatch post, which you can see here. In summary, this product is dual ended. One side is an eyeshadow whilst the other is an eyeliner. But in reality, both sides are incredibly smooth and can be used as an eyeshadow base. These can be worn alone or with eyeshadows on top. I can get around 5 hours without my shadows creasing. Out of all the products in this post, I'd say that these are the best for a really pigmented start to the eyeshadow look you're trying to create. 
The Body Shop Instablur Eye Primer*. It is a little bit on the pricier side at $23.95 AUD for a 10ml tube, but I think it's worth it. This isn't a miracle worker in terms of covering up redness or too many veins on the eyes for example, but it is a really great base for smoothing the eyelid for easy application. It also doesn't slide all over the place or get oily, which is a plus. The texture is also a little bit unique because it begins quite dry and then becomes smooth afterwards. Out of all of the primers in this post, I'd say it feels the most similar on the lids to an Urban Decay Primer Potion. 
Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol* is still a product I don't see much talk about here online and it's quite sad, because it's a great product! I received it around October last year and have used it very often since. It's a thin, light foundation colour formula that dries instantly. When I first swatched it for my post here, I had to redo the swatch because it honestly dried so quickly before I could take a photo and smudge it out. This stuff, does not budge. Out of all of the primers, I'd say this is the best for longevity. 
Last up, two old favourites. The Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks* and Maybelline Colour Tattoos. These two are more like creamy, pigmented eyeshadows which are great at not only increasing the impact of your eyeshadow, but also help with the longevity. Many types of coloured bases are problematic for my eyelids and create creasing, but not these two. They both go on the lids incredibly smooth and make a huge difference to my overall makeup look. For swatches of the LM Caviar Sticks click here and click here to see my colour tattoos swatched.
What eyelid primers do you love? What eyelid primers have you tried before that were absolutely horrible on your lids?
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.

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For those of you that know me, I am one oily skinned girl. I find it really difficult to find some products that actually work at preventing oil from occurring as well as hiding oil that does sneak its way through during the day.
I am so happy to share these two products today from Benefit Cosmetics. Their already popular Porefessional Agent Zero Shine Powder and their newly released Porefessional Matte Rescue.
 
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.

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Throughout this year I have been very lucky to finally stumble upon great primers that keep makeup on my face all day,  I know right? Before Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer* however, my eyelids did not stay intact! 



This product is interesting in many different ways and they became apart virtually as soon as I looked at and opened the packaging.
Firstly, it is a BB Cream Eyelid Primer. Who would have thought that BB Cream + Eyelid Primer would be such a winning combo. Something about this formula just balances redness and creates such a smooth base for whatever I place on top.
Secondly, the applicator. How incredibly unique does it look? The texture of it is similar to a tough jelly and to get the product out you do some twisting, similar to the They're Real Eyeliner range. The twisting capabilities of this product is however much more precise. The lid itself also has a stopper which helps prevent wastage.
The formulation itself is incredible. When I was trying to take photos for this post, I had to swatch the product twice. The first time I swatched it, I had to take the swatch photo. By the time I finished taking the photo, it had already set and dried! It wasn't instant, so you definitely have some time to blend it in but I would say a good 10 seconds or so later, this baby is set. 
Shadows that I've placed on top of this base have looked more pigmented and after hours, I barely had any creases. Removal is easy with any waterproof makeup remover, so don't worry it wont stay on you forever.
I have not been this impressed with a Benefit Cosmetics product, in a very long time! My ultimate wish is that they created a Air Patrol all over the face primer. I can tell that it would be super incredible for oily skin too.
Having said all of this, this eyelid primer would be fantastic for all skin types. Just EXTREMELY fantastic if you are oily like me and sick of your eyeshadows creasing like no other. Is this product something that you'd like to try?
What's your favourite eyelid primer?  *Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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As someone who has completely oily skin and enlarged pores, hearing of an all in one kit to combat both of these problems is heaven sent. Behold, the Benefit Cosmetics Operation Pore-Proof Kit*, which has been kindly gifted from Luxola*.



The Operation Pore-Proof Kit contains cute sized:

• The Porefessional
• The Porefessional: Agent Zero Shine
• The Porefessional: License to Blot
• DR. Feelgood
• Shy Beam 

Starting off with the porefessional goodies. The original Porefessional Primer is of a silicone texture, which is intended to smooth onto the skin, filling in the pores for smooth makeup application. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with this stuff. Sometimes it works wonderfully on me and sometimes it actually makes my base a little slippery, so I usually opt for it during the cooler months. One thing that is a definite positive of this primer is that my pores do look less noticeable. If you are anything but on the extreme side of oily, you'd love this all year round.  It's super easy to use because you just dot a bit on your face and rub it in.

The Porefessional License to Blot is an incredible product that I discovered earlier this year. You lightly dab this product on your oily areas and before you know it you look all matte and lovely again.

The next product is probably my favourite of the bunch. The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine has been on my wishlist radar for so so long. This powder is a miracle powder that just appears to soak up all of the shine and oiliness, without leaving a white cast. You can swipe this on straight after makeup application or keep it with you during the day like I do. 
Dr. Feel Good comes in what looks like lip balm packaging, but it is definitely not lip balm! This product is a 'weightless balm' that you put on top of your makeup or wear alone to help keep you looking matte. After a bit of online investigation, it also looks like some people use this underneath foundation too as a primer. It's definitely an interesting texture because it is a balm, so it feels quite moisturising and smooth. I was a bit worried thinking that it would make me oilier, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. I've tried this both on top and underneath my make up and I personally prefer it underneath. I find that it makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and whatever I put on top stays matte just that little bit longer. I would also probably have to say that I prefer Dr Feel Good more than the original Porefessional Primer. 
Last but not least, Shy Beam. Years ago for my debutante I remember having my makeup done and this highlighter was used. I loved how my face looked overall, but honestly back then I knew absolutely nothing about makeup so that's probably why I haven't considered this product since. Wow I am happy that it is in this kit. This highlighter is a gorgeous pearl colour that honestly makes my cheekbones look lovely. At the same time, this is a matte highlighter so it is probably perfection for all of us oily skinned make up lovers. I'm usually not one for liquid highlighters but I can definitely see myself reaching for this product quite a lot now. 
Something that I also really like about this kit is the Tips and Tricks booklet which is really helpful, especially if you're a makeup beginner. 
If you're curious to see more amazing Benefit goodies that Luxola is now stocking exclusively on their website, have a wander over to their online store by clicking here.  I think that if you haven't tried many Benefit Cosmetics products before, if you're new to makeup or if you have enlarged pores / oily skin, this kit is definitely for you! 
Have you tried this kit before? What do you love using for your oily skin or enlarged pores?
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.


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We all know and want a gorgeous primer to help our foundation smooth on effortlessly onto our skin and hopefully keep everything from slipping off into a puddle. However, living the oily skin life can be quite difficult, especially in terms of primer. Most primers can actually make our skin even oilier or make everything slip around, even straight from the moment of application. I've now put many primers to the test and these two of these three are holy grail status, while one of them, I'm not fond of so much (and this could be a real shocker). 

Maxfactor Face Finity All Day Primer* is surely my #1 go to primer. I've done a much larger post on this product so if you want to read about it you can here. But to sum it all up, this stuff is incredible. People with all different skin types that I know of have used this and it seems like we all love it. For me, it makes my skin so baby smooth as if I've just gone in with a fine powder. It makes my face appear a little matte, but it's definitely moisturising and helps my makeup not stick to any dry patches or melt off during the day. I honestly LOVE this stuff and I went through my first one so quickly because I just couldn't stop using it really, so I have already repurchased it and guess what? Still in love.
Now this one is a little bit different for me, especially because I am oily. But the Innoxa Skin Perfecting CC Primer* comes out purple, has a teeny bit of a funky smell and makes my skin look fairly dewy. You're probably wondering what the heck, are you sure you like this!? Okay well the purple disappears as soon as you rub it into your skin, the smell is super faint and also disappears but now were stuck with dewy + oily skin. You still might be scratching your head, but oh my gosh. To all of my oily readers who do get dry patches, especially during the winter time, this stuff can be your saviour. Especially when you opt for matte foundations because you don't want oil seeping through, this primer with your normal foundations will honestly just transform your makeup. Your base is so smooth and dewy, but your foundation is still matte so you don't get oily. It's so hard to explain but it basically just makes your skin look amazing.
Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional is what I'm sure most of us beauty lovers think of when it comes to the world of priming. I first tried this product, way way back in 2011. I thought it was quite good but I did notice over time once I started to opt for more liquid foundations and heavier coverage, that this primer actually had the opposite effect  of what I wanted. When I tried applying foundation over the top, it was as if my skin was rejecting the product. It really wouldn't sink in at all and if anything it just kept moving around. This primer is good for making my pores appear smaller but when I try to use it I just feel like it never works with my oily skin plus whatever I want to put on top.
Have you tried any of these primers before? In particular, have you had difficulties with Benefit's Porefessional? What's your current fave primer? 
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Today I'm going to review Maxfactor's Excess Volume Mascara* & Face Finity All Day Primer*.  As someone who is personally quite picky about mascaras and primers, this should be quite interesting. 

Firstly we have The Excess Volume Mascara. As you can see, it has two sides which look very promising as both of the brushes appear clearly different from one another. 
When applying this mascara, what I noticed is that this formula is very wet and as with most dual sided mascaras I find it difficult to find the benefits to both sides. As in, I didn't notice a significant difference on my lashes before or after the second side. Straight away the wetness of the formula made the product move to other areas around my eyes - not cute. This formula is also a little too heavy for my short stubby lashes and as a result I don't get much lift.
Sadly, this mascara made my lashes fairly clumpy. Overall, this mascara isn't for me. But if you have long, strong lashes and not an oily skin type this product might be worth trying as I've heard many other positive reviews about this product.
On the other hand, I've discovered a holy grail in the Face Finity All Day Primer. It is INCREDIBLE. The primer goes on feeling slightly wet and it made me quite worried that it wouldn't sink in. But it actually did and very quickly. It wasn't dewy and felt very smooth. When I touch my face, it feels a if I just applied a really fine setting powder. This primer is an amazing base for both powder and liquid foundations. Usually primers are a waste of time for me, but honestly since using this product once, I haven't stopped! This primer has joined my everyday makeup routine and I have noticed a significant difference in how smooth and easily my makeup applies because of it. Also note (to my new readers), my skin is very oily and this primer actually adds longevity to my foundation, rather than making it look like an oily mess. Cannot recommend it enough.
Have you tried either of these Maxfactor products before? What is your current favourite mascara & primer? 
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
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