Max Factor Ageless Elixir

Lately I have been sent a few products to try out that are all aimed at the more senior of skins. Trying hard not to take offence I have put them through their paces nonetheless! The latest product to impress me is the Ageless Elixir from Max Factor. It's one of the latest hybrid foundations that encompasses skincare benefits. So the idea is that this is your serum and makeup in one. It has a slightly gel-like consistency that you think wouldn't blend into the skin too well; but it does. It actually feels quite like the silicone texture of the Smashbox primer. This element helps to smooth out the skin and it also contains SPF15 (like most things these days, but still worth mentioning) Overall it does indeed give a good look to the skin - fine lines do look a little more diffused. They claim that it will help with the skin's overall texture after time - I haven't worn it long enough to know that yet but it does have a nice feel and a medium coverage (they say it's full coverage - it isn't, but that's ok) Be aware that it does have an initial 'smell' when you pump it out. Quite floral and skincare-y but it fades on application.

{Makeup Monday} Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil

Oh, I love a good quality pencil! Thankfully, the majority of brands are upping their game when it comes to pencils and they are ticking the boxes of requirements. For the record, what you need from a pencil is a buttery texture so it glides on to the skin without dragging or indeed, poking. A deep level of pigment so the colour is strong and lasts long rather than an insipid colour that tends to disappear in a few blinks. 

Max Factor's Liquid Effect Pencils are good examples of pencils in the 'better' end of the scale. They perfom as they should and they leave a lovely, long lasting effect on the eye. (Not sure about the 'liquid effect' though as to me they are just a great kohl pencil)

I am addicted to the Violet Voltage shade which is deep aubergine shade. I use it both as a liner and as an eyeshadow base. It is smooth enough to sketch all over the lid and blend out with the attached smudger at the end of it. Apply a complementary shadow or metallic pigment on top for a gorgeous and easy effect. I think that these pencils can certainly hold their own against top brands and they definitely rival Armani's pencils in my view (and I have been pretty un-swayable when it comes to Armani before now!)

A Perfect Pair

Today my lips are dressed in something new and something quite lovely. The Lipfinity Lip Tints by Max Factor are one of their new releases. The concept of a felt tip pen loaded with pigment is not new to the market but I dare say this one is one of the better ones I've tried. And I have tried a few as I think it's a novel idea but one that hasn't been executed very well previously. So with a 'here we go again' attitude I tried this over the weekend and I am quite delighted as a result. The concept is a simple one - draw in your lip shape with the tip of the pen and fill in with the flat side. The water based colour stains your lips and leaves a long lasting, matte finish behind. I love it. It genuninely works.... My favourite shade is 04 - a light berry tone.

Now, a word of warning; if you have anything on your lips beforehand such as balm or foundation (why?!) you need to be sure to take it off. The felt pen could clog and will become useless after a couple of tries. The lip tints need completely clean and dry lips to adhere to. I predict this will be a superstar product for brides who need colour all day, but can't be constantly running to the loo to touch up. At €9.99, they're a winner in my book.

Seeing as the Lip Tints leave the lips as dry as the Sahara and this can be fantastic for people who hate the feeling of anything on their lips, I personally like a bit of slip. So their new Sheer Gloss Balms are perfect to add a balmy, not glossy finish and a slight colour. These balms have an SPF10 and lot's of moisturising goodies so you can feel the benefit to your lips, particularly in this cold weather it's great to find something that looks good and is performing a duty for you at the same time.

I've been slathering on the number 02 (coral ) over my lip tint and it works like a dream.

These two products are soul mates; better together than apart.

Second Skin

I've always been a sucker for anything that promises a 'skin like' finish. I'm rarely that impressed though as so many end up looking just too makeup-y. But, I've found the answer and it's a budget superstar too. It's the Second Skin Foundation by Max Factor. I've been wearing it every day for the past two weeks to really get the measure of it and I love it. It glides on smoothly and is light in texture yet actually has a decent level of coverage. A light dusting of powder keeps it in place for the full day. It contains some magic little illumination ingredients so my skin looks full of life, so much so that my Mum thought I looked great and had some sleep (not the case due to Lu's 5.30am starts!). I showed it to some of the lovely ladies on my makeup course yesterday and they loved it too. It's well worth a look and it's great price point make it a winner in my book.