Review - NYX Studio Perfect Primer

I remember thinking that I didn't need Foundation Primer because I did not have any fine lines or visible pores and my make-up already had a smooth, flawless finish because my skin is naturally smooth. The Iman Cream to Powder Foundation and Iman Luxury Pressed Powder I was using worked well on their own, so Foundation Primer wasn't critical to my face prep routine.   

All of this changed when I stopped wearing Foundation and only wore Powder.  I could not believe it, the Powder was not lasting.  It would disappear during the course of the day even though I was using a make-up setting spray. I was not pleased at all because I was not accustomed to having this issue. 

I was chatting with Danielle from ColourCoded Makeup about my 'powder problem'  when I visited their booth at the BMEX Trade Show, and she advised that using a primer would make a huge difference.  I had nothing to loose, so the next morning I reached for my NYX Studio Perfect Primer (the Clear one), and I'm happy to say that my make-up stayed put until I cleansed my face.

Image Source www.nyx.cosmetics.com

While at BMEX I purchased a Sleek BB Cream from the Essential Trends Booth, but  unlike the Iman Cream to Powder Foundation, the BB Cream was not applying properly.  I decided to apply the NYX Studio Perfect Primer first and I no longer had that issue either.

NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a fantastic product, I say this because it did just what it promised.  What makes me love it even more is that it makes my skin feel like velvet, yes velvet and who woulldn't love velvety skin?  I must confess that every-time I apply it I keep touching my face in awe of how lovely it feels. None of the other Foundation Primers that I have used so far made my skin feel like velvet.

I have no complaints about this product, it has earned a well deserved place on my favourites list.  

I've also used elf Clear Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer,  click here for the review.

Do you use Foundation Primer? Which brand is our favourite?

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Don't Be A Victim - How to Choose the Right Shade of Foundation or Powder

I believe it was 2004 when a co-worker (who was a former make-up sales rep) said to me:

"Nakita your make-up is always applied flawlessly, but I don't think that shade of foundation is right for your skin-tone   Let's set a date to go shopping for a brand that I think will be a better match for you."




At that time I was wearing Revlon Colour Stay Liquid Foundation in Cappuccino, which had been tested and recommended by the Revlon sales rep.  I decided that I had nothing to loose and we went make-up shopping.

My co-worker tested Iman Cream to Powder Foundation in Earth 4 on my face and I noticed the difference immediately.  I looked and felt amazing.

It was a perfect match compared  to Revlon which had my skin looking slightly ashy.  The Iman sales rep  recommended Clay-Medium-Dark Pressed Powder to set the Foundation but that shade was out of stock.

 I went to another location and the sales rep there was shocked when I asked for that shade.  She told me that she wears Clay-Medium-Dark and it would be to light for me.  I believed her because her complexion was much lighter than mine and her make-up looked perfect.  She told me that Earth Dark would be a better match for me, and it was.




That was a near miss for me, I am thankful that it worked out in my favour in the end.  I received so many compliments it was unbelievable.

Everyone has not been that lucky; I wasn't when I was told to buy the Revlon product.

Unless you normally use a particular make-up product you will not know which shade to buy.  Make-up sales reps therefore have a critical role and enormous responsibility helping you to choose the correct shades and types of products.  But as you have seen here; sometimes they make mistakes.

Here are some tips when testing foundation/powder

1. It shouldn't stand out e.g be lighter or darker on your skin.
2. It should blend with you skin and make it look better.
3. It should enhance and look flawless and natural.

Here is an easy way to remember -

your foundation/powder should always BE (pronounced be) - Blend and Enhance .

Do you have any make-up questions that you would like me to answer or any topics that you would like me to write about?  Leave a comment below or email me at beautiful.unspoilt@gmail.com .


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires