Review - Givenchy Mister Mat

Givenchy Mister Mat (MM) - Mattifying Foundation Primer

$34 @ Sephora

This review is coming from someone with very oily skin. I have been on the hunt for a fantastic primer that would keep my face shine-free and my makeup in place - ALL DAY. Is that too much to ask? I've tried tons of different primers but I'm never completely satisfied. After a MUA at Sephora recommended MM to me, I thought I would give it a try. And now, a few months into my test I can say that this primer is pretty good (I used it with MUFE HD Foundation). I'd rate it a 7/10. I say so because I still need to blot throughout the day but it does keep me fairly matte. It doesn't make me break out, and it makes for a smooth foundation application over top. The application of the primer itself is incredibly silky, and a little goes a long way. I love the sleek packaging but all in all, I think I'll keep on searching for the perfect primer. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

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How to Stretch Your Makeup Collection

I feel like there's a lot of us out there who have more than enough makeup in our collection, yet we still go out and buy more. I am a thrifty gal and while I think that quality makeup is worth splurging on, it's silly to buy more than you know what to do with. So if you find yourself in this situation here are my tips on how to use up what you already have, before you buy anymore!

1. Use what you already have!

 It's very simple. Take a look at what you already have, play around with swatches and products. Chances are there's something great that you've been overlooking or have forgotten about. Its important to look past the products that you use daily, and see what else is in your collection.

2. Multitask

Hey, instead of buying a new eyeshadow, try out some of your bronzer, highlighter or blush on your lids (but be careful with the blush, you don't want to look like you have pink eye!). Lipsticks can be applied to the cheeks for a beautiful flush, and mascara can be used as gel eyeliner (using a different brush, of course). Clean mascara wands can be used as a brush to comb through brows.

3. Mix up your own products

Here's some of the easiest math you'll ever do.

Eyeshadow + Water = Liquid Eyeliner

Foundation + Daily Moisturizer = Tinted Moisturizer

Toner + Empty Spritz Bottle = Setting Spray

Voila, 3 new products you probably already have!

4. LAYER COLOURS!!

It is incredible how your collection will seem to expand if you start to layer colours.

This is especially wonderful with lip products. Two different lipsticks can be layered to create a whole new hue. Same goes for two glosses or one of each. This phenomenon blew me away when I started to experiment with layering. Colours that don't seem compatible somehow are, and the results are endless. My favourite gloss for transforming other glosses or lipsticks is MAC's C-Thru $17 (See below). Its a light champagne colour that adds a milkiness to your lips, beautiful alone or layered.

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3 Makeup Essentials

Just getting started with makeup? Here's a list of 3 must-have products for your new collection.

1. Concealer

Your skin is your canvas, and unless it's already flawless, concealer will be your best friend. A great base will make all the difference with the rest of your makeup. Just a touch can be used to correct dark circles, discolorations, blemishes, or any other imperfections. Concealer will take your complexion to a whole new level, no foundation required!

Try: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer $34

2. Blush

Peach! Pink! Coral! Bronze! Everyone could use a little colour. Blush is the perfect way to enhance your beauty. By faking a natural glow, blush adds radiance and dimension to the face. It's important to go for a colour and formula (powder, cream, gel, etc.)  that suits you. To find your perfect match, lightly pinch your cheeks and see what colour they naturally flush. Voila, there's you're ideal colour! Swirl over the apples of the cheeks with a fluffy blush, apply sparingly.

Try: Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance $29

3. Mascara 

Mascara adds depth to the face by creating the illusion of fuller, longer lashes. It opens up the eye area and makes you look more awake, instantly. Apply 1 - 2 coats to upper lashes, focusing on the outer corners for a wide-eyed look. Brown looks most natural on most girls, but black is classically gorgeous too.

Try: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black $9

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