I managed to get hold of a sample coupon of the latest Estee Lauder foundation the Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Foundation through their website, I was prompted to take the voucher to my nearest Estee Lauder counter to get colour matched and was given a 7 day sample. So I went to my nearest counter and gave them the coupon, they used a hand held matching device and placed it on several parts of my face, I was matched to the Nude shade Honey Bronze 4W1. I've been using this for a while and am ready to share my thoughts. 

What the website says:

Touch on, buff and blend to your perfect nude. Polishes and evens skintone for a healthy-looking glow. Skin-loving, weightless and comfortable formula instantly hydrates. 8-hour wear. Innovative stick combines liquid makeup and applicator in one. You'll know it's time to replenish as the stick becomes smaller until the clear window disappears. In shades for all skin tones.

BENEFITS

Liquid Makeup + Pro Tool In One. 8-Hour Wear.

COVERAGE

Sheer-To-Medium Coverage, Buildable

FINISH

Radiant

FORMULA FACTS

Dermatologist-Tested

Ophthalmologist-Tested

Oil Free

Packaging

Now I don't have the full product but I've seen it in action and hmmm I'm not too keen on it, I don't really like sponge applicators, I don't like the fact that product can get wasted and 'lost' in the sponge. Estee Lauder have done a smart thing by making the applicator removable and washable, they've also designed the stick so that you can re-twist product back into the tube which is excellent but I'm still not sure about it. I know that this product was made to be used on the go and I suppose that yes it's actually a very functional and practical type of packaging and dispensing, so I guess I could possibly warm to it if I needed to keep it in my handbag, it probably would be helpful. But one thing that really annoys me is how little product you get in the tube, 14ml of product! That's less than half your typical bottle of foundation and it's rather pricey at £28! I would consider purchasing this but the price is quite a put off. Yes the 14ml size is again ideal for travel but then they should've made the price a little lower. Okay fine I'll admit it, the packaging isn't too bad, it's quite cool.

Shade & Oxidisation

I was matched by the hand held device to the shade Honey Bronze 4W1, I would describe it as a warm neutral beige tone, there isn't quite enough olive in it to match my skin perfectly but surprisingly this undertone actually works quite well for me, I don't look too peachy or too orange or too beige, it just looks like a warm golden beige on me which I can deal with. Surprisingly it works a ton better than the original Double Wear in Cashew (review HERE) which I would find a bit too rich and golden.

I think the shades in the Nude range definitely run lighter than the original so I suggest you rematch yourself with this new range. Because I was so surprised at how well it worked for me I went back to the store a couple of times and done some swatch comparisons of the shades in the two ranges and had some interesting finds. First off Nude Honey Bronze 4W1 was lighter than the Original Cashew 3W2. Secondly Original Honey Bronze 4W1 is lighter than Original Cashew 3W2! Odd isn't it? (INCORRECT - SEE UPDATE BELOW) Here are the swatches:

With regards to oxidising I do find it oxidises a teeny bit, I'm curious to try the Nude Cashew 3W2 and see what the oxidisation colour looks on me. I love how this shade doesn't make me look ashy or grey, especially on my hyper pigmentation areas, it seems to work really well over the top of a colour corrector and doesn't look too awful even if I don't. The swatch below isn't picking it up but it sort of oxidises into a more pinky peach shade rather than orange, my neck does scream olive/yellow but overall it doesn't look terrible.

You can see traces of the Original Double Wear still on my hand, I was scrubbing and scrubbing but it just wouldn't come off haha!

Texture

I think the texture is what I've fallen in love with. This has a very similar texture to the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (review here) and the Urban Decay One & Done (review here). It has that thick yet lightweight creamy gel texture that seems to work really well with my fussy skin. It won't run down the back of your hand. I've used brushes and sponges and both work well, it blends in effortlessly though the sponge does sheer it out a bit, but I love how smoothly it applies with the sponge. I'd recommend this texture for those with combination / dry skin as the radiant and hydrating feel may be a bit too much for those with oily skin. It's a very skin like, skin mimicking texture where it coats the skin with a layer of product that just imitates natural healthy skin. I also suggest you make sure you haven't got any flakeys, even though this is hydrating it will sit around and emphasise flakes like the One & Done so prep well. I'd say it's slightly more denser than the One & Done and slightly more unforgiving but nonetheless I really like the formula.

Feel

The Double Wear Nude goes by its name and is nice and lightweight on the skin, you can't really feel much product on the skin, but because there is some emollience in the formula, that might be the only giveaway especially if you have oily skin. Once applied it gently sets, if you touch your skin it does feel a bit tacky which is why I would recommend you set it with powder because it isn't transfer proof. I think this is a good in-between tinted moisturiser / foundation mix. It's hydrating but offers coverage.

Finish

It's classed as a hydrating radiant formula and I agree, I think this is why I really like the formula, it's beautiful on the skin, it really looks so skin like and gives me that much yearned for smooth, polished, radiant, plump finish. It is radiant and dewy but not overly, I set it with some powder to take down the radiance a notch and it's perfect, I'd say its a natural radiant satin finish. Like the Urban Decay One & Done I love how it fills in pores and gives the skin a smooth appearance, I reckon very similar technology was used with the Double Wear Nude, the One & Done and the Magic Foundation. These formulas seem to work really well with the uneven texture on my skin and smoothens out the surface and doesn't exaggerate any lines or bumps. Just make sure to set it into place with a powder as this can look greasy after a while if not set.

Coverage

It's a sheer to buildable medium coverage, on myself it's solid medium and a little more, I use a small pea size and the coverage is just right for me. It covers any redness on my face and conceals the light scars that I have, I don't need a ton of coverage so this formula is perfect for me, it covers just enough without masking and lets my skin peek through slightly. I use a light layer of colour corrector under my eyes and around my mouth and it's just enough coverage and doesn't make those areas too grey or ashy. If you have problem skin you might want to go in with a concealer on your problem areas. I would personally go in with a concealer for under my eyes and around my mouth if I wanted a more flawless coverage.

Build-ability

This blends in really nicely and effortlessly, this does have a light setting factor where the film former starts to set on the skin, if you want to build I suggest you do it in sections as like the One & Done it gets a bit patchy or cakey as it dries down especially if you're using a brush. It builds and blends better with a sponge. I like to treat this as a tinted moisturiser so I wouldn't use more than a pea size for the finish and look that I want.

Longevity

On myself I have to set this if I want it to last, I actually couldn't go without setting it as it's quite creamy and I get quite oily without setting within half an hour. I find this type of formula works well for me as it keeps my skin hydrated and I'm reassured that my skin won't get dehydrated which causes the foundation to sink into lines and looks patchy and parched. Once it's set I get the longevity I need and only need to powder my t-zone after a few hours. Like I mentioned earlier this seems to have some sort of film former which sets it slightly so it's not too slippy slidey considering it's quite a hydrating creamy formula.

Overall Thoughts

Compared to my last foundation review I'm glad this one's a lot more positive. It's not often that I find formulas that work with my skin type, so when I do find one I get excited and attached to it. I obviously have a type haha. I might even consider getting the full size because I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it. Yes the product is overpriced but sometimes a happy result is worth it. If you have combination dry skin with not a lot to hide I suggest you look into this foundation, it's definitely a good addition to their line and I definitely get along with it better than the Original Double Wear formula. As usual I hope this was useful.

Pros

- Skin like / second skin finish

- Smoothens my skin and fills in pores

- Radiant satin finish

- Hydrating

- Lightweight

- Solid medium coverage

- Ideal for combination skin
- Travel convenient packaging

Cons

- Overpriced for the amount of product you get

- Only 14ml of product

- Can look greasy after a while if not set with powder

- Not suitable for really oily skin

Some of the products that I use to tackle my dry / dehydrated skin

This ones a no brainer guys, everyone knows water is so so important for the human body. I try to drink as much water as I can (of the recommended amount) during the day, it really makes a difference for me. I can tell if I've been slack with my water intake as my skin/body starts to feel really taut and I feel the dehydration inside me. Water is always my first choice of drink, one thing that helps me keep it up is by keeping a bottle with me all the time. Trust me once you get into the habit of drinking water you'll realise you won't be able to be a day without it.

- I try and drink 2 litres a day. To work out how much water you need to drink for your body size, you have to half your body weight in ounces. e.g. 100 pounds = 50 ounces = 1.4 litres

I have what I call "lazy skin", I find my skin's a bit sluggish at renewing itself so I tend to get tight, rough and dull really quickly. When my skin is dry I find even the thickest, richest moisturisers don't do squat for me unless I get rid of that top dead layer of skin. That is why I can't live without acids especially in the winter as they do such a wonderful job of exfoliating the top layer of dead skin making any product I put on top of it sink in wonderfully, and not only that, but AHA's also help lighten dark marks, evens out the complexion, helps tackle breakouts and gives your skin a renewed glow. If you're prone to dryness or flakes or think you have lazy skin like mine, look into AHA acids, it'll seriously change your life.

- Remember to use sunscreen when using AHA's!

- Some of my favourites are The Ordinary 30% AHA + 2% BHA, The Ordinary 10% Lactic Acid, Bravura 15% Glycolic Acid Night Treatment, Bravura 10% Glycolic Acid as well as their 2 acid toners and Rodial Skin Brightening Mask. Lactic Acid is a good option for those with sensitive skin. (reviews HERE)

- I use chemical exfoliants 2-3 times a week depending on how dry and rough my skin is feeling.

Once you're sure you've gotten rid of any dead skin cells you need to nourish and feed your skin with moisture. Our skin needs oil as well as water to keep it healthy. Moisturisers are usually a mix of oils, water, humectants and emollients of varied amounts, though you might want to start considering using extra oils alongside your moisturiser if you find your usual moisturiser isn't cutting it. I find using oils really helps make my skin feel uber soft. I add 2-4 drops of oil in my palm and then press into my skin, then I go over with my moisturiser, not only does this lock the oil into the skin but it gives an extra boost of moisture as well as added skin benefits. I do this throughout the year if I feel my skin's feeling extra dry. Also make sure you find a moisturiser formula that works for you, I'm so fussy with moisturiser formulas but I'll know instantly when I've found the one, I'll experience instant replenishment and comfort as soon as I've applied it.

- Using a blend of pure cold pressed oils is really good for the skin. I'm currently alternating between B . Enriched Facial Oil (review HERE), Mahogany Naturals Hydrating Repairing Oil and The Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil

- For moisturisers I'm currently enjoying The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid, its the ideal moisturiser if you want to give your skin all the right ingredients that'll keep the surface of your skin moisturised and protected. I also love Bravura Azulene Moisturiser and Pestle & Mortar Hydrate Lightweight Moisturiser (reviews HERE)

- Favourite sunscreen/daytime moisturiser is Boots Soltan Dry Touch Face Cream SPF30 (review HERE)

I like to think of Hyaluronic Acid as a sponge in my skin, it's a natural humectant (like glycerin), humectants attract water and Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to a 1000 times its own weight in water. Sometimes when we moisturise, some of the moisture can leave our skin by evaporating into the air but Hyaluronic Acid will hold onto that moisture really well so we don't have as much moisture loss and it also takes this moisture to the lower levels of skin which helps keep our skin looking plump, firm and healthy. Hyaluronic Acid comes mostly in serum forms so you'd use it before your oils and moisturisers.

- I'm currently using Pestle & Mortars Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I'll move onto The Ordinary's version next as it's much more affordable.

This tip is essential for keeping my skin soft and hydrated throughout the day and has had the biggest impact for me personally (after acids). I'm usually the type to cleanse, moisturise and be done with it for the day (my night time routine is usually extensive), but sometimes this simple 2 product routine just isn't enough for me so I've learnt to add more products to my day time routine that really build a sturdy layer of hydration which really quench my skins thirst and also doesn't result in too much moisture loss throughout the day. Instead of doing a 2 step routine I do up to a 5 step routine, I know that sounds excessive but I'd rather do this routine than feel that horrible tight and rough feeling throughout the day and do remember it's not always 5 products, sometimes it's less depending on how my skin is feeling at the time. So I cleanse, sometimes tone, then follow with Hyaluronic Acid Serum or another serum, then a few drops of oil and then seal it all in with moisturiser and if I need I'll use a hydration mist during the day. Layer your products guys!

- Also avoid using products that strip the skin, believe it or not stripping cleansers are one of the biggest culprits. Your skin shouldn't feel tight or dry after you've cleansed, if it does then you know the cleanser's not right for you.

- Most serum formulas are quite hydrating, so even if its isn't described as a hydrating formula, layering the serum with your routine will make a difference as well.

Which brings us to our next tip which is using hydration sprays/mists during the day, there are so many options available out there to choose from. Hydration mists usually consists of water, humectants and other skin benefitting ingredients. I'm not overly keen on mists that have too much glycerin in them, I don't mind a little bit of glycerin but I can't stand the overly sticky sprays. So I've made my own glycerin free version which is quite easy to make and contains only a few ingredients. Heres the link to that post. 

- I'm currently enjoying the B. Confident Hyaluronic Acid Spritz, I also love The Body Shop Vitamin E Mist

My final tip to help keep your skin hydrated in the winter is getting yourself a humidifier. I've used humidifiers for the longest time, I love how they keep the air in the room clean, fresh and fragrant but also like how extra beneficial they are in the winter months. I generally use the humidifier almost everyday and really feel the benefits. The radiators are usually continuously blasted in our house during the colder months as the older members can't cope with the cold. It does get extremely warm and toasty in the house and I find this dehydrates me a heck of a lot because the air is so so dry, using a humidifier puts moisture back in to the air which the radiator heat dries out and so in turn your skin isn't feeling as parched. You can buy a humidifier for as little as £10 so it's quite affordable.

- My ones from Dubai and it happens to tell me the time as well :D but you can easily get a standard simple one from eBay or Amazon.

Personally for me these tips are fool proof and an essential part of my routine, I seriously can't be without them but I obviously can't guarantee that they will work for everyone. Definitely experiment and see what routine works for you, you may need to make more effort in one area than another. If you have any tips or products that you'd think I'd like myself then please let me know. As always I hope you find this was helpful. Toodles! 

Hello lovelies! I'm reviewing the Milani Conceal + Perfect Foundation today. This foundation had been getting so much rave last year and I've been desperate to get my hands on it, plus I had major hopes for the shade 06 Sand Beige. I was sort of under the impression and slightly hoping that this would be the drugstore dupe of my favourite foundation formula the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (review here), solely based on how smooth the application and finish looked in demos on youtube. I've had some interesting yet slightly disappointing finds with the Milani Conceal + Perfect and have a bit of a love / hate relationship with it, if you'd like to know more just keep on reading...

What the website says:

Combat under eye circles, redness and other skin imperfections with this full coverage, water-resistant foundation plus concealer in one. A no mess, no drip pump dispenses just the right amount of fluid needed to achieve a flawless look and works around the clock to keep skin looking naturally perfect!

Shades Available:

·        01 Creamy Vanilla - For fair skin tones with cool undertones.

·        02 Natural - For light skin with golden undertones.

·        03 Light Beige - For light skin with neutral undertones.

·        04 Medium Beige - For light to medium skin tones with neutral undertones.

·        05 Warm Beige - For medium skin tones with rosy undertones.

·        06 Sand Beige - For medium skin tones with warm undertones.

·        07 Sand - For medium skin tones with neutral undertones.

·        08 Light Tan - For medium skin tones with cool undertones.

·        09 Tan - For medium to deep skin with neutral undertones.

·        10 Golden Tan - For medium to deep skin tones with golden undertones.

·        11 Amber - For medium to deep skin tones with warm undertones.

·        12 Spiced Almond - For deep skin tones with neutral undertones.

·        13 Chestnut - For deep skin tones with golden undertones.

·        14 Golden Toffee - For deep skin tones with warm undertones.

Packaging

The Milani Conceal + Perfect Foundation comes housed in a sturdy glass bottle, it's quite weighty because of this, I'd be wary of dropping this on hard surfaces. Thankfully it comes with a pump and a good controllable one at that, it's up to you if you want to dispense a full pump or a little dot. The foundation has a scent, but I can't seem to decide whether I like it or not, I liked it at first but I find it strange as well at times.

Shade & Oxidisation

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Stromboli, Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless 220, Milani Sand Beige 06

Before and after Oxidising

I was very very hopeful of the shade 06 Sand Beige, it's really hard to get hold of samples or try any testers out as the only store that sells them is Beauty Base in Westfield. I looked up on swatches online and went into the store couple of times to swatch and it looked really promising. It's a really good shade and I personally think it's a rare olive shade here in the UK drugstore (Maybelline 220 being the other). It's a wonderful mix of golden yellow beige with some olive. On myself it's a really nice match, it matches and flatters my skin tone nicely. This does oxidise on me, when first applied I absolutely love it, it looks so nice and glowy and pleasantly flatters my complexion, then it gradually starts to oxidise and develops a slight dullish tinge, it's not too bad -I wish it didn't- still an excellent shade and still retains it's yellow undertones but I don't think I'd go down a shade as the undertones don't look as promising. Though something I need to mention is that the oxidisation colour looks horrible around my hyper-pigmentation, I've noticed that when shades are a bit warm or have a dullish tinge in it, it makes my hyper pigmentation look grey regardless of whether I've colour corrected with orange or not. Strange but true, has anyone experienced anything similar?

Texture

The texture of the Milani Foundation is really thick and creamy, it won't budge when you pump it out onto the back of your hand. It's a proper dense liquid foundation. I've used both brushes and sponges and both work well in blending the foundation in but I think the beauty blender is a little more effortless compared to the brush. This formula is interesting, it's really thick but isn't super duper heavy on the skin considering how dense it is. I wouldn't call this a lightweight formula at all, like I mentioned earlier I was hoping it had the skin smoothing yet lightweight texture of the CT Magic Foundation but this one is quite an obvious/heavy texture on the skin. I would recommend this formula for those with combination oily skin. On my dehydrated combination textured skin it's quite heavy and obvious and sinks into all my lines whilst looking unflatteringly satin-y. If you have dry skin or really oil skin I'd stay away from this foundation as this exaggerates dry flakes and can also look and feel oily and greasy if you're very oily. When I've used this with a primer it's not so dewy looking and more of a demi-matte which I prefer with this formula.

Finish

When first applied the finish is beautiful, it's a gorgeous glowy satin finish, my skin looks smooth, poreless and plump, it's kinda obvious that I have makeup on but it looks really good. I absolutely love how flawless it looks at the beginning but then after 5 mins it all changes and starts to go downhill. It hurts me to say this but it looks gross on my skin after it sets. It highlights EVERY minuscular bump and imperfection on my skin, ALL the tiny dots and pores on the surface of my skin are exaggerated, it also settles into all the tiny fine lines running across my entire forehead, the area around my mouth looks really cakey. It exposes all the imperfections that I didn't even know I had. This actually looks worse on me than the Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (review here) because it's a thicker and heavier formula. I can make the Nars ADLW work for me but I can't always get the Milani to work. It just looks thick, heavy, cakey and obvious on me unfortunately.

Seriously this foundation gets me so upset about my skin, I know I have skin texture issues and it's my biggest downer but I try my best to tackle and treat it, it's not terribly awful but with the Milani Foundation it looks much worse than it actually is and the result is the complete opposite of what I would want from a foundation. Like with every new foundation I always get opinions from others and my sister said it aged my skin so that speaks for itself really. 

This is also quite glowy for an oil free foundation, it does look nice and glowy on my skin at first but after it settles in the shine looks awful, like I always say bumpy shiny skin isn't an attractive look so I make sure to powder it with a skin smoothing powder. I've used my Kick Ass Powder (review here) specifically with this foundation because that the Kick Ass Powder is a foundation perfecter for me and it always makes my base look better, it does help a lot but I can achieve a full flawless look with other full coverage foundations that perform and look better on me (e.g. Too Faced Born This Way (review here)) so the negatives of the Milani aren't worth it.

I've been writing this blogpost in over a span of a month so trust me when I say I've given this foundation many goes and have trialled it with different techniques, so I've been updating and tweaking the post here and there following my experiences. On a positive note I've figured out a way how to make it work with my skin, because this foundation is quite pigmented I've realised I don't need to use a lot of product to achieve the finish and look I want. On well prepped and moisturised skin I use a few drops of The Ordinary High Spread-ability Fluid Primer (let me know if you want a review), I use only 4x 5p dabs of foundation and blend it out with a brush or sponge and achieve medium coverage, minimal caking and settling in lines and a smooth natural finish. At first I used to use around a pump and a half and it was far too cakey for my liking, now I use around 3/4 of a pump. I finally set it lightly with either Soap & Glory Kick Ass Powder or the Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Powder.

Also like I mentioned earlier this looks horrible on my under eye and around my mouth, it makes me look awfully grey even when I've colour corrected which is strange because my under eye circles aren't that bad at all, so what I do is avoid those areas and use a concealer there instead or just go in lightly with the foundation using minimal product.

Feel

The Milani Foundation doesn't feel as heavy on the skin than how it looks but I wouldn't regard it as a super lightweight formula because of how dense and creamy the formula is. I think there are definitely formulas out there that are much lighter on the skin. Even though there's a setting factor there is no tight or tautening feeling on the skin and it's not drying either. Being oil free it's quite a creamy formula, I would recommend setting this as it can feel quite tacky and emollient without any powder. Once set with powder you may be able to feel product on the skin as the product build up might make it more obvious, though this is dependable on how much you use, otherwise it's a fairly comfortable formula. I use probably 3/4 of a pump and get a light comfortable feel.

Coverage

One thing that I can rate is the coverage of this drugstore foundation, you can definitely achieve full coverage with it even though full coverage with this formula makes me look cakey. It's quite impressive how well this covers and most definitely performs to its name and claims. I usually prefer medium coverage but don't mind a flawless face once in a while hence why I was willing to give this a go. Like I mentioned earlier I love how it looks on me when I first apply it, full flawless glowy coverage but how it looks afterwards is what puts me off. I can't stand how mask like it looks on me. As a concealer its not bad, but it's not the most pigmented concealer, it's more of a full coverage foundation than a highly pigmented concealer so if you have dark or stubborn imperfections you may want to go in with a separate concealer. For example one layer of this doesn't conceal my hyper pigmentation or my dark circles and my dark circles aren't that bad. It also creases a lot under my eyes and laugh lines so make sure you set it well if you use it there. I personally think there are better foundations out there which offer full coverage but are much more lighter on the skin but for a drugstore foundation and the price point this is great.

Build-ability

This foundation blends pretty well on the skin and does build equally well too, I haven't needed any more than two layers and have never had any issues of patchiness or cakiness whilst building the Milani, the foundation looks cakey on my skin but its not a cakey formula if that makes sense, meaning I think it's my skin type that disagrees with the formula. 

Longevity

When I first used to use this foundation it made my skin look awful and I usually ended up running to the bathroom to wash it off after 20 minutes because I refused to display such awful makeup to anyone. As the minutes went by it used to look worse and worse, by the 8th hour it started to separate and break up as well as look quite oily, not pretty. But now that I've figured out a routine that works with me I can make this last a decent amount of time without it looking horrible. This formula does sink and mesh into the skin well which is why I think it emphasises every irregularity on my skin but it's not at all transfer proof, it does transfer really easily onto anything it comes into contact with so definitely set it well. 

Overall Thoughts

I do feel really alienated when the vast majority of masses rave about a certain product and I feel the complete opposite way about it. The Milani Foundation is one of those products unfortunately (like the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation (review here)). Like is my skin really that difficult to cater to? I'm just not keen on how the Milani looks on me, when I wear foundation I want it to make my skin look as perfected as is possible working in line with my issues whilst keeping it as skin like as possible, this formula isn't skin beautifying on me at all, I can make it work and the shade is pretty decent but I have other foundations and formulas that don't require as much work. I know that when you have skin imperfections and irregularities it's harder to imitate beautiful healthy skin in an undetectable way but I usually tend to strike a balance where you might be able to see makeup on my skin but it's smooth even looking makeup and skin enhancing at the same time. I reckon the smoother your skin is the better the Milani Foundation will look on you. Please if there's anyone out there that feels the same way as I do, do comment down below as I feel awful for feeling and writing so negatively about such a raved product. All in all as usual I hope this review was helpful.

P.S. I think this may be very similar to the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation (review now HERE- It's SO much better than the Milani! I frickin' LOVE it!!!), I have a sample and they're very similar.

Quick Round-up

Pros

- Medium to full coverage

- Very pigmented

- Smooth creamy texture

- Looks really flawless and glowy (at first - on me anyway)

- Satin finish

- Shade 06 Sand Beige is a good yellow olive shade for those who struggle to find good olive shades

- Best for combination to slightly oily skin types

Cons

- Thick texture

- Sets and sits horribly on my skin

- Highlights texture and sinks into my lines and pores (on me)

- Can look cakey and obvious (on me)

- Oxidises

- Not suitable for very oily skin or very dry skin

- Formula just didn't work for my skin unfortunately 

I know I've been absolutely awful with my blog and Instagram lately, I've just had things going on and also been having major bloggers block. I haven't been wearing much makeup lately actually which is why I haven't done a foundation review in ages. But I've been really good with my skincare routine lately and have enjoyed sporting plenty of makeup free face days. The Ordinary's Advanced Retinoid 2% is what I've incorporated regularly into my routine for the past few weeks, the results have been coming in and I've been dying to share them.

I'm not a major skincare buff but I do know my way around fairly well and can successfully pick and research suitable products and ingredients for myself that I know will work effectively for my specific skin health concerns. I like to use quality products with good ingredients and will invest in a product if I think it is right for me but would equally prefer that it doesn't break the bank and The Ordinary have provided us with just that. They caused quite a stir when they released their simple, to the point, clear cut skincare range with products starting from just £4, the priciest being no more than £14.90. Though with this range you've got to know your skin and know what ingredients and treatments it really needs. You won't find any exaggerated claims and advertisements here, but you will find specific ingredients/products made to tackle specific skin concerns and you've got to know how to use it/or a few and incorporate them into your routine effectively.

I picked up a few products from them the first time I ordered, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% which reduces the look of blemishes and congestion, not necessarily to tackle acne or breakouts, I find I break out with this so haven't used this much. Also picked up the Buffet which is a peptide serum that tackles signs of ageing, I do like this serum, even though I haven't noticed any major results I use this am or pm as an additional yet necessary skincare benefit boost.

And finally the Advanced Retinoid 2%, the star product for me at the moment. Retinol is anti ageing and it can prevent as well as reverse skin damage and ageing, Retinoid is a gentler but just as effective version, I'm in my late 20's so I don't have any wrinkles but my skin isn't at its best, I have plenty of imperfections such as textural issues, pigmentation, fine lines and irregularities which make me look a bit dull and haggard and not very youthful. I was quite hesitant to use this at first as I'd only used Paula's Choice Antioxidant Serum with Retinol, which contains a mild retinol (1% I think) but I saw results with the PC never the less so I was equally curious to see how The Ordinary one (which is significantly cheaper) performed on me. I've heard a lot of horror stories where people have had to deal with bad reactions such as redness, flaking, breakouts and irritation and that it takes up to 6 months to really tell a difference but Alhumdulillah (praises to God) I didn't have any such reactions. I was feeling a little bit extra dehydrated than usual at the beginning but my serums, moisturisers, oils tackled that issue fine.

The Retinoid is a thin milky colour and consistency and absorbs really well into the skin, there is no scent or fragrance which I love, just an ever so slight chemical smell, I find it's quite softening on the skin and it leaves me with a nourished feeling and glow. So I use it only in the evening, I first cleanse and then tone with one of my Bravura Acid toners, then apply 5 dots of the Retinoid on my face and pat/massage it in, then follow it with the Buffet Serum and then lock it all in with my moisturiser, I do this routine every 2-3 days. Some days I'll follow their recommended routine which is cleanse, tone, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinoid, Oil and moisturiser, I like both routines but prefer the latter a bit more as its more nourishing but if I'm too tired then I'll do the first routine. One thing I will mention as a caution is that don't overdo it, last week I think I was using it too regularly and was noticing my pores looking a little bigger than usual, I researched it and it is a possible side effect, so a few drops every 2-3 days is as much as I'd use.

I think it was after a week or two when I really started to notice the difference in my skin. My skin just looked healthier, more refined, like someone was slightly tweaking my imperfections and irregularities with photoshop. My skin was also looking a lot more even, which I wasn't expecting at all! I was mainly using the Advanced Retinoid for my fine lines and textural issues which it was helping with as my forehead wasn't looking as dehydrated as it usually does. Don't get me wrong, I still have the darkness around my mouth but other places like my forehead which is a shade darker than my face was looking more balanced and even. It also seems to be helping keep my breakouts and texture at a minimum, it's only been a few weeks so I've still got time to see more results. I haven't been relying solely on the Retinoid for all my other problems such as spots, dehydration etc, I'm still using other products alongside the Retinoid to tackle those issues.

My sister and friend both commented on separate occasions that my skin was looking more even and healthy and that I could get away with just a tinted moisturiser. I did respond that I'm more of a medium coverage kinda gal LOL but that was more definite proof that my skin was responding well to the Retinoid and I wasn't just seeing things! It was definitely bringing that much needed youthfulness back to my skin, my skin still isn't perfect or flawless but it's definitely looking a lot better than it was alhumdulillah. I've been using this consistently for the past few weeks and I've just passed the top of the label so I know it'll last me long. I recommend this for those that have started seeing the beginning signs of ageing, or for those that feel that their skin is looking a little worse for wear or dreary and yearn for that youthfulness again.

One thing you must make sure if you're planning on using this is to use sunscreen! I always rave and recommend brilliant products to my close friends and family and they go off and buy it, use it and love it but I won't recommend the Advanced Retinoid to them because I know they won't use sunscreen and they won't acknowledge the importance of sunscreen when it comes to Retinols, even if I hammer it into them. So use your sunscreen and use the recommended amount, 1 teaspoon for the face and neck or 1/2 a teaspoon for just the face. Find a formula that works for your skin type, my favourite is the Boots Soltan Dry Touch Face Cream SPF30. You'll do more damage if you don't, Dr Marko Lens of Zelens skincare actually discourages the use of retinol in summer and he's a top dermatologist so that should make you realise if not understand the importance of sunscreen!

I've only begun using this and I've seen such wonderful results, I can only hope it continues that way,  I honestly love the affordability and effectiveness of this product, I am so so so grateful and thankful to Deciem and its founder Brandon Truaxe for making these products so budget friendly. I've since ordered more products and received them in the post yesterday, I picked up the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which sounds amazing, it's exactly what I've been looking for and exactly what my dehydrated skin and moisture barrier needs, the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil which I've been wanting for ages now as its a great oil for acne prone skin and at that price you can't beat it, the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA which is for pigmentation issues, the High Adherence Silicone Primer and the High-Spreadability Fluid Primer which have already been highly raved about! I can't wait to start using them and I hope I get just as good results with all of them as I did with this. As always I hope this review was useful, I'll do an update to let you know how I get along in a few weeks time. Till then, Toodles!