Prep+Prime Skin Brightening Serum | So Many Lovely Things

Yes, you read it right. It is 2012. I know, it is indeed a bit too late for this kind of post, I am still getting back to my blogging saddle after the holidays (yeah, maybe I am a bit lazy).

I use many beauty and make-up products on a daily basis. Foundation, eye shadow, mascara, face wash and moisturiser are staples I cannot think about living without.

However, I get really excited when I get a new product, something completely different that works for me. So for 2012 I have two highlights: face serum and pre-cleanse oil.

credit maccosmetics I will start with the serum. This thing goes on your face before your primer. Yes, before. And there was me, at some point, thinking foundation was the first thing. Then something before the foundation came into my life – the primer – and that was a game changer. Now, there is something before the primer (I thought the clue was on the name, but no. My primer shall be renamed “seconder”). Jokes aside, I really enjoy using the serum: it kinda prepares and protects your skin to receive all the rest. It is refreshing and light. And mine is also brightening. I have been using the MAC Prep+Prime Skin Brightening serum since July last year and love it. One little bottle lasted me all this time – I just purchased another one in January 2013. You can read my full review here.

image credit: dermalogica Now, a true revelation was the pre-cleanse. Seriously, I keep adding layers of complication to my beauty routines, and the trend for ’12 was to introduce steps in preparation… What really surprised me about it is this is an oil. Yes, oil. I never, ever in a zillion years considered slapping oil in my more than problematic skin. Oil. On acne skin. No. That shows I’ve suffered from this for too long, Technology is an amazing thing and it was love at first rub. I put it on my face and was sold. Applied to dry skin, it melts make-up with no need for vigorous rubbing or repeated washing, Those of you out there with sensitive (and often irritated skin by acne products, acne itself and other delights), know how much a difference no rubbing to remove heavy make up makes. Gentle circular motions sees all the slap coming off. Miracle. Delicate rubbing on the lashes removes most of mascara and liner, cutting the eye make up remover job in half at least. As it warms into the skin, you can almost feel it sinking in and removing the grub.

Once I am done massaging it in (and have grey, red and skin colour patches of molten make up all over my face), I wash it off with water and it turns into a milky consistency, washing away easily, not sticking as oil to your face. Trust me. I was scared I’d throw water in it and it would just slip away. That wasn’t the case. I then proceed to use my normal face wash and the work is quick and effortless. I use Dermalogica precleanse and love it – a bottle goes a long way, bought in September and it is probably still halfway. I use it, on average, 4 times a week.

So there you have it – those two were my best beauty discoveries of 2012. What are yours?

I went for a makeover at MAC last week; I do this quite often, every time I need to buy foundation of powder, as the £25 booking fee, redeemable against products, is just the right amount to get these two beauty staples. Obviously, being me, I can never stop at that amount and damage is always done!

On this occasion, I had a wedding to attend, so nothing better than to have your make done and your lashes put on for you!

I was introduced to another product from their Prep+Prime range. I am no stranger to them; I have used them for ages – from primers and fix+ (another saver) to the setting and fixing translucent powder. But this is different.

The Prep+Prime Skin Brightening Serum is described as a “serum formulated to instantly brighten, smooth, firm and hydrate the skin while providing a plumper, more evenly toned finish to the skin. Natural anti-oxidants help to strengthen the skin against UV-related damage while MAC charged water ensures deep, long lasting hydration.”

At a first glance, what really appealed to me was the serum consistency – it is quickly absorbed by the skin and leaves a lovely sensation. It spreads well and you don’t need a lot to cover the whole face. The make-up artist described it as a treatment as well, as it will contribute to general skin brightening over time, with constant use. Another thing that drew me to it is that you use it before your primer.

However, what really made me fall in love with it were the visible results: used in conjunction with another new discovery (yeah, I may have gone a bit overboard), the Fortified Skin Enhancer in adjust, which works as a primer and has SPF 35, my skin looks more radiant, brighter, and the make up definitely lasts longer, looking good, hydrated and fresh.

So, I am sold. I have already incorporated it into my daily make up routine!

And just for the sake of it, here is the whole lot purchased; yes, I need to start exercising self-control!