The Random Truths

I am actually very new to the world of face primers. I confuse them with moisturizers at first, and wonder what they actually do, what's the difference with foundations, etc.. but then I did some googling and learnt that face primer is what you use in between moisturizer and foundation, to get a more flawless result

Primers are meant to give you easier foundation application, as it smoothens your face and fills the lines on it, providing a better "canvas" for you to paint your make-up on

This is the Primer I currently use. Well actually, this is the only primer I've ever used v(^^) - Sephora Smoothing Primer. Bought it at Sephora ion Orchard. I was first attracted because of the small bottle size (I like smaller bottles because I can finish them faster), and when I tried the tester on my hand, it did give that instant smoothing effect. Price was also affordable, around SGD 20 - 25 (forgot the actual price), so I decided to give it a try.

After using primer, I know that I will never again use foundation without first applying primer. The effect was significant. Foundation becomes much easier to apply, it glides on more smoothly. Coverage of that annoying zit (if any) is also easier because the primer gives the concealer something to "cling on" to, unlike if you only use moisturizer. What I find lacking from this Sephora Primer is how the matifying effect doesn't last for very long, only a couple of hours max.

Sephora Smoothing Primer is only available in one size (15ml), and one color (transparent gel). It may look small, but it lasts quite long - if you're a moderate foundation user like me, that is. I use it once in two weeks (on average) and it lasted for around 6 months.

If you've never used a primer before and would like to try something affordable for your first experience, this could be your choice :)

With all the talk about BB Cream, I was super curious to give it a try. Am primarily appaled by its promise to give that Japanese/Korean stars look (yea I'm vain like that), and wanted to prove it myself. So I searched the web, asked around on my twitter timeline, and came across several recommended brands.

However, I did not want to risk spending too much - in case it doesn't work out, so I finally went for Maybelline's BB Cream. It's got some good reviews, one of which from @ditut, and it only costs IDR 35K! So I bought it last Sunday, and tried it yesterday.

First impression: I like it! After application, I can see a noticeable improvement in complexion, my skin tone looked more even and brighter. It also covers well, but doesn't feel heavy on my skin. It's like a step-up from tinted moisturizer, but not as heavy as foundation - so it's fine to use on a daily basis.

I applied the BB Cream after all my skin care regime. Even though it says on the packaging that it also moisturizes and has SPF 26/PA+++, I still use my moisturizer and sunblock beforehand - because one thing I believe is that you don't use make-up to do a skin care job. I read that people usually apply BB Cream using a brush, but since I don't have one, I applied using my finger tips - and I didn't have a problem, the texture makes it easy enough to spread all over your face & neck evenly.

Another plus point of the BB Cream is how it makes cream blush blends easier. I didn't use powder, applied the rest of my make-up straight after the BB cream, and it makes my Bobbi Brown cream blush blends easier and hence looks nicer compared to when I use my regular compact powder.

I was worried not using powder will make my face looks oily (I have slightly oily skin on the T-Zone), but, surprisingly, that wasn't the case. However, I was only out for 5 hour-ish and they were all spent in air conditioned situations, so the not-making-face-looks-oily thing may need to be revalidated.

Bottom line, that was a 35K well spent!