I thought that I’d share with you my current foundation “routine”. Obviously it varies a little from time to time; I adapt it to suit the weather, how my skin’s looking and the products that I want to test out, but this is the general gist of it. I’ve used a radiance primer (Laura Mercier’s) beneath Dior’s Forever foundation and I think that the glow does really gleam on through. I find the Laura Mercier a little too gleamy if it’s not tempered down with something a little more velvety or heavy over the top, though. I once used it underneath a sheer tinted moisturiser and it was very, very shiny. Got to love an effective product, though, eh? Laura Mercier have the most brilliant primers – they really grip on tight to the foundation but don’t feel sticky or clogging on the skin. This one is for radiance, but it also does a nice job of smoothing out minor fine lines and blurring pores. (Blurring pores? I’m not sure what I mean there. It doesn’t “fill” them, but it does seem to…glaze over them a bit.)

I’ve layered over a few different things because I wanted to create a dewy but non-greasy finish. Everything sets to quite a velvety, matte feel yet there’s a gorgeous glow from the radiance primer and from the St Tropez illuminator that keeps it all looking fresh. This is probably quite a nice routine to try if you need your makeup to last for ages but don’t want a “set” or powdery feel. I didn’t need to powder once with this, it lasts for well over ten hours on me. No harm in a little dusting of powder if you need it though.

 I’ve detailed everything below, and I’ll probably review the YSL cream blush and the Aerin cream cheek and lip colour separately because they are both fantastic. Those with fair skin or who like to keep things subtle and natural will love them. And the Rimmel eyeshadow stick? Amazing! It’s almost up there with the Urban Decay ones, though it’s a little softer and doesn’t last for eight years like the UD 24/7. I think that the Bad Bronze version I’m wearing is a great little makeup bag addition.

OK, enough of my waffling – the video is at the bottom of the page or, if you’re reading via email, it’s here.

Product Details:

Laura Mercier Radiance Primer: http://tidd.ly/4f4fa98

Dior Forever Foundation in Shade 020: http://tidd.ly/453614a7

Aerin Cheek Colour in 01, Natural:http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/AerinBea…

YSL Cream Blush in shade 9: http://tidd.ly/c1d27ec2

St Tropez Illuminator in Rose: http://tidd.ly/ad8dec5

Louise Young Foundation Brush: http://tidd.ly/9f33605b

Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in Light: http://tidd.ly/f05dba65

Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil in Bronze: http://tidd.ly/437cb221

Guerlain Mascara: http://tidd.ly/1aaa75e2