Hourglass | Ambient Lighting Poweder in Ethereal

In dire need of some writing inspiration this has been, ironically enough, the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I swear, I had nothing to write about because I felt no product was worth writing about. So, when I first heard about this Hourglass product I was intrigued but knew my pocket would suffer for it. After some reviews I read, I decided to just get one and try it out. Boy, I regret getting this but not for bad reasons. After having used this for three weeks I'm trying to hold myself back from getting the other five. Why must it be so expensive?!

The shade I got is one out of six and it's called Ethereal. The purpose for these products is not to act as a highlighter (you will be disappointed if you get it for that purpose) but to strategically place a light effect around your face. This will add luminosity wherever you go, when used wisely. This is one of those products that is a bit more professional and has to be used by people who know what they're doing. Of course, this is so the product can be used to it's advantage and can be truly appreciated. If you buy this and don't know what you're doing you'll have wasted $45, which is sad.

I use a powder brush to dust this all over my T-zone with a light hand. This adds a lovely glow that gives the illusion of coming from within. Using this has helped me look not so tired on days where I could sleep like a Koala. The product is one that works in a subtle manner, but looks amazing if you can spot the difference. I'm seriously considering getting at least one more but only because I know I'll use it. So, to those who think they can wield this magical product I definitely suggest trying it out.

Korres | Antiageing Primer

"Powerful treatment and skin-perfecting face primer in one that instantly fills up wrinkles and provides a very smooth and perfected skin surface, ensuring long lasting make up application."

I got this Korres primer on a 500 point bag I got from Sephora and was eager to try it since I don't tend to buy face primer when I finish the ones I have. It's a tester that has 10mL of product and you truly don't need much to cover the whole face. The packaging, like most Korres products, is lovely and makes my inner graphic designer squeal. In all honesty, I'm not an all knowing Korres person, I have their tinted lip balm and that's it, so trying out the primer was pretty exciting. Now, on to the review.

The product application is simple and easy. It applies evenly and feels velvety soft. There's no distinct smell to the product which I greatly appreciate. For a primer, it does it's job. My make up stays in place for as long as I have it on (usually 4-6 hours) and I don't feel overly oily around my T zone. It's light weight on my skin which is also a plus. However, it didn't have anything that stood out to me making me want to purchase the full product which is $33. I find it expensive and it doesn't do anything that makes me justify that price. I mean, if it were an Hourglass primer I'd be the first to buy it since those primers are to die for, but this one just doesn't make me want to get up and get a full one. It's good but nothing special. I'm definitely grateful I have it, since I ran out of primer, but I'm not purchasing the full one. But, it's definitely a primer you can try out if you want something light weight and low maintenance. 

Hourglass | Skin Primer Tester

 I usually tend to ignore testers when they're given to me but for some reason I decided to try this one out. Although this review will be short, since I only got to use this once, I'll try to go into depth on how it worked for me. First off, I applied this at 7am before heading out to work and took it off at (and I kid you not) 10pm. My make-up was intact. I looked pretty much how I looked at 7am. My skin looked glowing and fresh. The make-up did not budge at all and that's saying a lot, considering how hot it is here. I truly was amazed at how great it worked and I cursed myself for throwing away the packet after opening it. Of course, I searched it online at Sephora and was hurt when I saw the price. You get 30mL for $52 which is way too much for me. I know now that this brand is not just any brand and I should tread their territory lightly and keep my wallet always away from them. Anyway, I hope I get another tester...

Sephora Haul + Shopping Advice

 I've been a bit over 2 years really falling deep into the cosmetics world, especially now that I'm really learning the ins and outs and I've picked up a few pointers along the way. Cosmetic prices vary and one has to be very conscious when committing to buy something and I have a bit of a ritual I do that I decided to share. I do speak about it in the video I will be sharing of mine but I do feel I'm never able to get into depth when I speak since I forget my point along the way so I try to get more into depth when I write.

 I don't do anything to complex before I buy something but since I started doing my little ritual I've avoided certain crappy products and saved a bit of money. Always research the product you're interested in before buying. When I see something I like, either in a magazine, blog or video, I start reading up on it and thinking it over. Always ask yourself if you will have to eat Ramen for a week so you can be able to buy it. If so, then just slowly store money away and don't rush into anything. Also, try the product out in the store: the texture, feel and durability while you walk around. If needed, ask for help on putting it on. You have to pick and choose what you'll buy and when. Sometimes buying a lot in one is okay but not always. These are all things that go without saying, but I do see people buying things they just heard about and later regretting it. Putting yourself in a budget also helps. Research and choose carefully. Hope that helped!