YSL Touche Eclat Primer and Blur Perfector review

Hello, readers! I have an interesting post today regarding the NEW YSL Touche Eclat products. I got this free to review courtesy of Influenster. The first pictures show the beautiful packaging. I got the full size Blur Perfector ($55 at Sephora) and a deluxe sample of the primer (full size $52).  

Can we talk about the packaging?! The Blur Perfector is stunning! The outside box is the signature YSL gold with black writing. The compact is a feminine pink with the signature logo. It also comes with a black velvet purse to keep the compact safe. It's to the right of the compact. I. Was. Sold. 

This is the inside of the compact. The silicone/gel texture is a pale pink to help minimize imperfections. I do think the product follows through on the promises. I did see a difference in my pores on my nose when I applied the product. Unfortunately, the product also made me oily. Another downside is applicator. The compact does NOT have a space for the applicator. I assume this was an oversight/mistake that is inexcusable.

 The star for me was the primer. I like the doe foot applicator because I get just enough for my skin. It is a silicone based primer, which does not typically work for my skin. The gold glitter did not show up on my skin as glitter. Instead I got a decent glow from the gold and silicone. I used this just on my cheeks and forehead to fill in my fine lines and imperfections. I saw a different in my makeup application in both areas. I thought this gave me a strobing effect that is a trend right now. Both areas were luminous after applying the rest of my makeup.

The downside, I did not see my makeup lasting longer than normal. In fact, my makeup wore off sooner on my cheeks and forehead; the two areas where I used the YSL primer. However, I do not just fault the primer. It was 110 degrees when I tried the primer.

I have to say, I am still getting used to the strobing trend. It is not ideal for hot weather, as in 110 degrees, which was when I took this picture below. I took this after using both products and running errands for two hours. Again, I think this dewy look would be better for me in the fall/winter when I'm not as oily. I can't wait to report back when I revisit these products.

November trash and treasures

These are products I finished in November. Some of them I used for an extended period of time before finishing them. 

I will NOT repurchase the Aveeno lotion. It was not moisturizing whatsoever, definitely trash. Treasure- CeraVe is my go-to cream. My skin gets extremely dry from the Vegas weather conditions. This lotion does the trick and allows me to wear my perfumes since it's unscented. 

Treasure-The Coochy shave cream is another favorite. I got this from a former consultant for FREE! This is the only product that prevents razor burn and ingrown hairs for me. 

Treasure-The Living Proof Style Extender works well for my long hair to conditioner and prevent excess oil at my scalp. 

Trash-Carol's Daughter Marula hair mask didn't do anything for my hair. I am sticking to the Carol's Daughter Manoi mask.

Trash-The Beauty Protector in the red bottle smells amazing, but did nothing to treat my hair.

BBW's Sky had a beautiful, perfume scent, but it's discontinued.  

Treasure-The almond body wash was moisturizing without a heavy scent.

Treasure-I would/will buy Gucci Guilty, La Vie Est Belle, and Juicy Noir. These are very different from each other so I can build my perfume wardrobe.

Treasures- I love my Proactiv Plus skincare. This is the only line gentle enough to treat my skin. I never liked the original Proactiv, but this one is amazing. Another treasure is the Algenist eye cream; I just can't bring myself to spend $50 on an eye cream. Glamglow is my holy grail mask. Partnered with my Proactiv, my skin is pretty clear most of the time. Clinique's Take the Day Off Balm is my holy grail makeup remover. It is gentle, but extremely effective.
Trash- The Clarins moisturizer worked well on my dry areas like my cheeks. I don't think I'd spend the money for a moisturizer I can't use on my whole face. I was so let down by the Dr. Brandt Vacuum Pore treatment. This did absolutely nothing for my pores. While I liked the Epice exfoliator, my Proactiv Plus does the same thing. The Clarisonic Radiance AM cleanser and serum samples broke me out. I loved the PM cleanser because it removed dead skin and makeup without being harsh.

Treasures-Garnier BB cream is my go-to light foundation. I wish it didn't have so many unnatural ingredients, but the coverage is great. The Laura Mercier radiance primer added a glow to my skin without making me look more oily. I LOVE the Becca Ultimate for full coverage. This covers as well as Dermablend! I liked layering the Pur and Benefit mascaras. Unfortunately, I got a horrible eye infection shortly after starting these mascaras. I'm not sure if it was from these products or something else.

Trash-the Cover FX BB cream didn't provide enough coverage for me. I couldn't get the Stila bronze cream to ever look good on me. I tried it under foundation, over foundation, as a bb cream, and as a bronzer.    The Starlooks lip liner was a horrible pink color that never looked right on me. While I enjoyed both Benefit primers, I wouldn't pay the price for the full sized ones since they both contain Dimethecone-a serious skin irritant for me. Last, I like the Nyx powder, but I'm not overjoyed about it. The coverage is awesome and it never looks chalky. Again, I'm trying to get into more all-natural products to prevent skin irritations for me

Thanks for reading! What did you use up in November?

Holiday giveaway!

Happy holidays! I am beyond excited to partner with Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques and Erin K. from Jamberry for my first giveaway!

I'm in love with Lauren Brooke's line because they are the most naturally pigmented products I've ever tried. For the foundation the site states, "100% Natural Vitamins, Minerals & Pigments blended into a 97.5% Certified Organic Botanical Base. Our lightweight, all-natural foundation glides easily onto your skin, yet has incredible coverage and staying power." I'll say! I warmed up the samples of concealer in my hand and applied with my fingers on one side and a brush on the other. The lightest shade is for undereye brightening, and the darker for covering blemishes. 

 The darkest foundation I used as a contour (nothing goes to waste here!).  I used a different foundation shade for the rest of my face. 

I used a different foundation shade for the rest of my face. I blended the colors together using my Real Techniques sponge. I love that I get a natural look with awesome coverage. I finished the look with a natural lip colour from Lauren Brooke. 

As for Jamberry, I cannot say enough about these nail stickers. These aren't your drugstore stickers. They apply and remove easily with heat, but are heavy duty when it comes to chipping. I LOVE that Erin has an application video on her page here . As a teacher, I am constantly writing, typing, and interacting with students. I never have to worry about my Jamberry stickers coming off or chipping. Their fun designs make it hard to choose just one! I like to wear 1-2 different designs as accents. This gives me so much variety when it comes to my manicures. NOW is the time to buy because Jamberry is running holiday sales. 

Giveaway time! IF you want to win a Lauren Brooke full size lip colour, Jamberry products, and makeup products, go here now!