3 High-End Primers That Really Work

If you're into make-up and skincare, no doubt you've heard of and purchased multiple primers in your time. No doubt you've purchased some good ones and some terrible ones, that leave me looking like I applied my make-up with my eyes shut. I certainly have. And while I think some high-street cosmetic brands have great steals, I'm yet to find a primer that I love for under £20.

A good primer should help your foundation go on evenly, and last all day without caking, streaking or wearing off in patches.

Here's a round-up of my favourites from the last six months.

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up (£30.00) 
This definitely has my number one spot. It isn't strictly a primer: it's a mask, moisturiser and primer all in one, and does every job perfectly. I love This Works; they have so many beautiful things (you must try their deep sleep range, if you haven't already) and this is one product that I buy regularly and have been doing for a long time.

With argan oil and other plant extracts, it's a beautiful natural product which ticks all the boxes. As the name suggests: this works.



Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (£28.00)
I don't think any list of good primers is complete without a Smashbox mention. Possibly not good if you have naturally oily skin, but with combination skin this works a treat.

I think you get a lot for your money, and it lasted me ages. It made my skin exceptionally soft, and my foundation stayed put all day long. Definitely worth the splurge.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin (£21.00)
Surprisingly, since MAC are known for their price tags, this is the cheapest of the lot.

I wasn't blown away by this at first use, unlike the two above, but after about a week the difference in my skin was very noticeable. I goes on really smoothly, and lasted a long time since you only need a tiny amount. I found this one gave the best results for my skin overall, and the amount of dryness was visibly reduced after a couple of weeks. I use MAC's Fix+ spray to set my make-up, and the two work ideally together.

February Most Wanted: Topshop

While putting my entire wish list on my credit card and parading around in a new wardrobe seems like a wonderful idea, I'm not sure my bank manager would thank me for it. 

Until then, here's my Topshop Most Wanted for February. How gorgeous are those shoes?!

5 Lovely Things

I know most people hate Mondays, but I have to say I really love them, and I love Monday evenings. Perfect for curling up with a cuppa, reflecting on the previous week and weekend activities, and planning for the next 7 days. My normal Monday night consists of a quick hot yoga or Crossfit session, then home to cook dinner and meal plan for the coming days. And of course, this evening is going to be twice as great because The Walking Dead starts again (Daryl Dixon, anyone?) and I've been waiting what feels like forever for it.

01. This weekend saw the first wedding fair of my life, at a hotel in Harrogate, prefaced by breakfast at Betty's Tea Rooms with my mum. Family time is really important to me, so it was lovely to spend the day together and look at all the pretty things to choose from. I'm now a little confused, a little overwhelmed, and a lot excited!