Face Primers

Glow

Soap & Glory Hocus Focus

This primer from Soap & Glory is a little multi-tasking gem. Wear under foundation as an illuminating primer, mix a drop with your foundation for a subtle glow or use as a spot highlighter on cheek bones, cupids bow and bridge of the nose to add light to certain areas of the face. It has a pearl finish that blends so seamlessly to suit all skin tones. Gives a beautiful yet subtle glow, suitable for day or night. Perfect for lacklustre, tired skin. For more oomph try the Nars Copacabana liquid illuminator. 

Hydrate

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer

I put this primer under the hydrating category, however, it is really a good all-rounder. I first discovered this when my skin was really dehydrated and it worked a trick. It leaves skin slightly tacky so make up adheres better and doesn't budge. On first squeeze it looks like quite a heavy consistency, but, fear not, it sinks in quickly and feels very comfortable on the skin.

Mattify

L'Oreal infallible

This primer is one for oily/combination skin types looking to mattify their skin and extend make up wear. Coming out of Winter my combination skin definitely needed something to combat make up breaking up on my t zone. To be honest, I was actually looking to avoid a silicone based primer. Although I don't particularly enjoy the slippy consistency, I can't deny how effective it is. It preps skin for smoother make up application that stays put for longer.

Bronze

Bourjois Bronzing Primer

This is one of my favourite make up products that, in my opinion, is rather underrated in the beauty blogging world. Again, it's a bit of a multi-tasker. I love using this as an all over base on days when I need to deepen my foundation shade rather than having to purchase another bottle. It can also be used to contour and bronze below or on top of make up. Plus, it smells so good I could happily live in this little pot.

Fresh Spring Make Up

Base

In the Spring and Summer months sometimes it's nice to ditch heavy foundations in favour of a lighter base. Recently I've been using my normal day moisturiser and SPF then adding a touch of a tinted face gel. Having ghostly pale skin, most tinted gels on the market are way too dark but this Clinque Bronzing Gel Tint works perfectly on fair complexions. It has a natural bronzing effect that gives your skin a healthy glow. I can detect the slightest bit of shimmer in this product but even in natural day light it is undetectable. I also like the Bourjois CC cream for light and natural coverage. For those of you with problem areas whether they're dark circles, spots or hyper pigmentation fear not, ditching the foundation doesn't have to mean baring your blemishes. By spot concealing areas where you need more coverage you get a flawless base without looking cakey. I've recently been enjoying the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer. Even though it isn't the highest coverage I find it to be one of the most natural and hydrating concealers I've used. It has a light texture which makes it very comfortable to wear and great for touch ups during the day. Then there's the cult classic Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, an obvious all rounder with good coverage at a great price.

Colour

Cream or liquid blushes are a great way of adding life back onto your face in the most natural way possible. This Rimmel liquid cheek tint in Sunkissed Cherry gives a very healthy flush of colour to the cheeks. I keep my eyes quite simple in the spring/summer months. A quick swipe of bronzer in the crease and lashings of mascara (preferably waterproof) are enough to define and shape your eyes. For brows, a quick swipe of Benefit Gimme Brow fills in sparse areas in a flash. For lips I opt for something hydrating and comfortable like the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant or for a hint of colour and shine the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (elaborate names, simple products). Revlon Color Burst balms are also nicely pigmented and comfortable on the lips.

Set

Recently I have been avoiding powders in an attempt to make my skin look more natural and radiant. If you want to set your base try MAC Fix + or  a cheaper alternative is The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist. Face sprays are a great way of giving your make up a much needed umph during the day. If you see your make up cracking or separating (particularly the tip of your nose where make up will tend to slip off first) give yourself a good spriz and you're all set.