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

Tick! Tock! I Must Beat The Clock Pt1

I'm wearing less make-up products these days, not as a result of any careful planning, but through necessity.  I'm always trying to beat the clock but I usually end up losing.  Well I decided that it was time for me to win.  I have reached the point where I'm tired of running out of time when doing my make-up.  I want to complete all of my tasks before I leave home; instead of having to skip some of them.

Here is my everyday make-up routine:

Step 1  Eyeshadow
Step 2  Brows
Step 3  Foundation
Step 4  Powder
Step 5  Lots of blending
Step 6  Setting Spray
Step 7  Lipbalm, Lip Colour and Lipgloss

Seems simple enough, but Steps 1 and 2 do take quite a bit time.  By the time I finish Step 1; I have to rush through the other Steps, and then I have to rush through all of the other non-makeup tasks that need to be done.  To make a bad situation worse,  the Sleek BB Cream that I am currently using (which I love), has a better finish with foundation primer.  This means there are now 8 Steps instead of  7,  which I have to finish in the same amount of time.

The reality is my eyeshadow application requires too much effort, and the results do not equate to the time spent.  I have to apply multiple layers because the colour barely shows up on my dark skin tone. Plus I have a sizeable eyelid so a quick sweep of the brush never works for me.

Check out these shots of the make-up I wore to work.  You can't even see the eyeshadow.

From L-R
1,2 and 6 = red eyeshadow,
3 and 5 = navy blue eyeshadow
4 = purple eyeshadow

 (http://instagram.com/beautifulandunspoilt)

Here's my typical eyeshadow application process:

Step 1  Primer or base
Step 2  Two layers of skintone eyeshadow
Step 3  At least 3 layers of the eyeshadow colour for the day
Step 4  Lots of blending to make it flawless

For each layer of eyeshadow I have to swirl the brush in the eyeshadow 8 times  to get maximum colour payoff.

All of this takes time...

Too much time...

Time that I do not have to spare.

I'm a girl that loves to see colour on my eyelids, it lifts my spirits and makes me happy.  But the time/effort needed vs the final result was frustrating me. (CLICK HERE for the details)

I have tried various brands - Fash Professional 120 Palette, Sugarpill, Maybelline Colour Tattoos, but the results are the same.  I do have Naked and Makeup Doll Cosmetics eyeshadows which are vibrant, but I prefer to wear those at night. ( CLICK HERE to find out why)

I needed to find a solution to my problem and I needed to find it fast.

Click here for Part 2.


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

Don't Dew Me

I prefer a matte finish for my make-up.  So even though I love my Sleek BB Cream,  I had to find a way to tone down it's dewy finish.

Initially I tried using my Iman Luxury Pressed Powder after applying the Sleek BB Cream, but the results did not last very long.

Next I applied NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer before applying the Sleek BB Cream, and I applied the Iman Powder last, still not enough.

I decided to mist my face with Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray after applying the Iman Powder and I knew I had hit the jackpot.  This gave me a noticeable and lasting result.

I wondered how my recently purchased MAC Fix+ would fare, so I misted my face with it after applying the Sleek BB Cream and again after applying the Iman Powder.  I then misted my face with the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and this combination also gave a noticeable and lasting result..

I had to so how MAC Fix+ would perform without the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray. The results were also noticeable and lasting, but the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray was the clear champion of this battle.

Here's the winning combination:

Step 1 Primer
Step 2  BB Cream
Step 3 Finishing Spray
Step 4 Powder
Step 5 Finishing Spray
Step 6 Setting Spray

(If you don't have both Finishing Spray and Setting Spray you would just skip the relevant Steps i.e 3 and 5, OR 6)







Results may vary according to skin type and product type, so be sure to use the correct products for your skin type to get the best results, because each skin type has different needs.  Most product labels specify which skin type they are for, so choosing the right ones shouldn't be too difficult.






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

Swatch Me - Hoochie OCC Lip Tar

I remember my reaction when I first heard about OCC Lip Tars.  I was very confused as visions of lips covered in asphalt danced through my mind. Thankfully I was totally wrong.

If you are unfamiliar with this product; you can find out more about this breakthrough in the Make-Up Industry.

Presenting 'Hoochie' (I'm not a fan of the name)-

What do I love about it? - It is VERY pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.

What don't I like about it? - The product separates in the tube, but a quick shake solves this.



Depending on my outfit and the occasion, I sometimes wear a coloured gloss over it.

I bought the Lip Tars here in Barbados from Dee Blackett/Essential Trends.  (I also bought my Sleek BB Cream and Sleek Blush by 3 from her, see the swatch and review for them here) and  I won Meta in a Lip Factory Inc giveaway.

Next on the 'Swatch List' are OCC Lip Tar Stalker and OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Meta.  See Stalker and meet Meta.


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