Spring 'base' makeup

My 'base' makeup of choice at the moment is very different to what I have been reaching for the last few months.  The rich foundations with high coverage have been swapped for something a bit lighter.

One reason I prefer a lighter coverage is because it lets my (pathetic excuse for) freckles show through. I love freckles. Whenever I am on a makeup job I hope for a model with freckles because I just love making them a feature, and while I won't step foot in the tanning booth again (Summer 2010 was my tan bed hay-day) I do wish there was a way to make my own more distinguished. Lancome used to make a freckle crayon but I am not sure I have the guts to paint freckles on my own face just yet. I'll get back to you on that one.


I've been prepping my skin with a pea sized spoonful of Hydra Veil from Illamasqua, I don't buy all of the benefits they claim it to have, but to be fair it is the best primer I have used so far. While it offers a 'wave' of hydration to the skin (and a definite cooling effect), it keeps the appearance of my skin surprisingly matte and I do notice my makeup stays put for a bit longer than normal when I use this. It is a very unique jelly- to- liquid consistency, I don't like the presence of the alcohol content on the ingredients list but at least it is paraben free unlike a lot of their cosmetics, and it does contain hyaluronic acid which is of course a plus (great for glowy skin.)

Next I warm some of Yves Saint Laurent's 'Le Teint Touche Eclat' foundation between my fingers and work it into my skin. I really do think this foundation works best using fingers, and it isn't often you would catch me saying that (please just make sure your hands are clean first!)
I tend to ignore powder these days, but if I do use any I just dust some lightweight translucent powder on my t-zone. I follow by working a cream blusher into the apples of my cheeks, which maintains the radiant finish of the foundation. My current favourites are MAC Cremeblend blush in 'Something Special'- a bright peach pink, and Illamasqua Cream Blusher in 'Dixie' -a deep coral. For the ultimate lazy finish, I dab a bit of whichever cream blusher I have chosen for my cheeks onto my lips.

That's my current base makeup routine- fresh faced, lightweight, quick and very easy. The foundation does contain an SPF of 19 but I would advise adding your own SPF with your morning moisturiser.

Thanks for reading,

E.

Maybe it's Maybelline

Maybelline New York Dream Touch Blush in 02 Peach and 06 Berry £6.49 for 7.5g.

Maybelline discontinued one of my favourite blushes;

Maybelline 'Dream Touch Mousse' in 01 Dolly Pink; The Ultimate Girly Shade, an unnatural barbie pink, glittery and shimmery, excellent lasting power, this looks adorable on pale skin. Not for everyday use, but a really fun product that can be used in a really pretty way.

01 Dolly Pink, 02 Peach, 06 Berry

 I thought I'd try the 'Dream Touch Mousse' collections younger, yet more sophisticated sister, 'Dream Touch Blush'. These come in four fruity shades; Peach, Apricot, Berry and Plum. Maybelline state that this product gives 'A lighter- than- air feel on the skin with an all- day freshly applied look.'

The texture is completely different, unlike 01 Dolly Pink these aren't a mousse forumla, but a solid -to -cream blush, and unlike 01 Dolly Pink, the shades in the collection are a lot more natural and subtle.

Shade 02 Peach, Barry M Nail Paint in Peach Melba

Shade 02 is a natural, glowing peach. If a couple of shades darker, this could be used as a subtle bronzer, however I find that the shade is too similar to my skin tone to be used in this way. 

Once applied, Peach creates a dewy, fresh faced look. It is really natural, and I can't say that I use it as a blush per se. It looks lovely on the cheeks, but it doesn't have much 'oomph' or definition. I'm sure it would really benefit girls with more tanned/olive skin tone, as that base would bring out the coral hues more sucessfully. Great for the Spring/Summer months.

Shade 06 Berry is a deep rose shade, with purpley undertones. When applying, it is better to add it bit by bit, to avoid looking like a clown! (Not talking from experience...) but it is easier to add more than it is having to find a way to cover up after putting to much on yo' face. I haven't used it much since I bought it, but lately it has really grown on me, it can be used quite dramatically and it looks great with nude or brown lips (nice for this season).

Unblended

Blended

Although they're nothing like their predecessor in terms of texture or colour, these 'Dream Touch Blush''s are pretty good. They are highly pigmented, handy to have around, and although they aren't really long lasting (a problem I generally find with blush that aren't in powder form) they have their time and their place! I found that over the summer, 02 Peach is nice to have for a more natural look, on my (fake) tanned skin. Shade 06 Berry I will be using more over autumn/winter for rosey cheeks!

Final Portrait; 
I apply these using my fingers and gradually build colour intensity.

02 Peach

06 Berry

What do you think of these shades? Were you a fan of the Dream Touch Mousse collection back in the day? Have any products you loved ever been discontinued?