Happy Monday! This week is going to be tough, getting back in the swing of work after a long holiday weekend, but one thing that might help is my Makeup of the Month for July! It’s battle of the primers this month, with one luxury brand and one drug store product. So without further ado, here’s #MOTM:

Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer: Redness

The Scoop-

For $36 at Sephora, you can pick up this 1.0 oz tube of heaven. I love love love love LOVE this primer, I can’t say it enough. It’s probably the best primer I’ve ever had. I used to be a stickler for the Stila 1 step correct for the longest time, but this bad boy just beats it. It does exactly what a primer is supposed to do and, yes, my makeup stays perfect ALL day long!

The Overview-

I have to say, I started using this maybe about a month or so ago, and I absolutely LOVE it. For a luxury product, you really get a decent amount considering how much you pay for it (see above photo). It’s no secret that I have a lot of redness in my cheeks and T-Zone, which makes this product perfect for me. It’s lightweight, completely tones down the redness in my face almost instantly and once applied, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and ready for application. If you don’t have this particular problem, there’s a whole line of Step 1 primers you can find here:

Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer

The Look-

Here I used the Makeup Forever primer, and as you can see, I went for my signature, matte finish. There’s pretty much zero redness on my face, and it stays that way all day! I really can’t tell you how much this primer has saved my life.

Eyes were achieved with Colourpop Cosmetics Super Shock eyeshadow in “Fringe,” on the lid, which I’ve also been completely obsessed with those lately (maybe a tutorial coming soon?)

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime: Blur + Illuminate

The Scoop-

For $7.99 at Target, and  (fluctuating by maybe a dollar or so) most other drug stores you can find Maybelline Master primer. The Master collection rocks, so you definitely need this primer in your life. It’s also 1.0 oz, just like the Makeup Forever primer. Definitely a go-to when I want to achieve a dewy look (which I don’t do very often). I like using this on clients rather than my own skin, but it’s a must-try for the summer.

The Overview-

The Maybelline Master collection is just unreal. It’s such a good quality line, as you know from last month’s #MOTM, I use the Master concealer every single day. There are a few different options for primers, and since I already have a redness corrector, I decided to go for the Blur + Illuminate option. It comes out as a pinkish color with a little bit of sparkle. I personally think it’s a great option for summer, because it gives your face even coverage and a little extra glow, without looking sparkly or oily. I’ve used it on a couple of clients, as well as myself, and have really enjoyed the results. Again, if you don’t particularly enjoy this finish, there are more options, which you can find here:

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime

The Look-

Here I used the Maybelline Blur + Illuminate primer. Obviously, it’s going to be hard to tell the difference between primers unless you actually feel it on your face and wear it through the day. I used this photo because you can just tell my skin is glowing a little more than with the Makeup Forever primer (especially the undereye area).

Again, I’m rocking a Colourpop Super Shock shadow in “LaLa.”

The Review-

Overall, these primers are both rockstar products. Only thing is, the Maybelline one doesn’t give me the lasting coverage that the Makeup Forever primer does. Especially since I have a lot of redness, I can see it coming through towards the end of the day, and also will feel the need to reapply finishing powder here and there throughout the day. However, both do give your skin a smooth, photo finish prime that makes your face ready for application.

Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer- 5/5 stars

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Illuminate- 3.7/5 stars

Hope you all enjoyed my July #MOTM post! Leave a comment or fill out my contact form letting me know what you think and what you want to see for August!

Xx Sarah