ELF Mineral Eyelid Primer vs Too Faced Shadow Insurance

This debate has been always going on in the beauty world as far as I know (which is not much :P)
I decided to try this out for myself, though I don't own Urban Decay Primer Potion, because that is usually what people prefer.

The price: The TFSI primer is a whopping £16.50 ($18) which isn't really up my street. I got mine in a set from TKMaxx, alongside 4 other products, for £12.99 (incredible, I know).
The ELF primer is only £3.00 ($3.00) which is just perfect - it won't break any one's bank and therefore can be used more liberally.

The consistency: TFSI, I found, was thicker and creamier than EMEP. I personally don't like that, and prefer the sheer-er application of the ELF primer, but that's just me. Usually a thinner coat results in poorer performance but I don't find that. 

Consistency comparison

The smell: an unusual criterion for an eyeshadow primer, but I found that TFSI smells really bad. It is very unpleasant, so much that I don't enjoy using it because my fingers smell like dried up chemicals and I don't like the idea of that being on my eye. The EMEP smells faintly of chemicals, but a much more pleasant smell and much weaker, which I prefer.

Application: the TFSI comes in a squeezy tube with a thin nozzle, whereas EMEP has a wand applicator. I much prefer the ELF applicator because I get less on my hands (even though I still blend with my fingers) and waste less product. I always manage to squeeze too much of TFSI out and it goes everywhere and I have trouble dealing with the excess. 

The performance: the most important comparison! I found that I actually prefer the ELF primer. It wasn't 'better' as such, but all the pro's of application, consistency and smell have definitely overthrown TFSI for me. The eyeshadow stays put for the whole day, and I actually noticed that ELF lasts a little longer, as TFSI starts to crease after about 6 hours (only in the corners, slightly).

Performance comparison

Verdict: I'd choose ELF anyday. It is perfect - I can't find a flaw in this product and at £3.00 it is more than worth it. I understand expensive makeup when the price matches the quality, but with the Too Faced Shadow Insurance I found that it is just an overpriced product with a performance similar to a much cheaper product which has more benefits. 

:) 
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Products I cannot live without!

I personally love reading these posts by other people and thought I'd share some of the items I genuinely feel I cannot survive without.

1. Bastiste Dry Shampoo

This stuff is my life. I do not go out without it. I don't wash my hair everyday because it's very thin and falls out and becomes really greasy if I do. Every 2 days does it, and I bring it back to life with this amazing product - I use about a bottle a month.
Note: people say they don't like it because it leaves their hair white - it's all about moderation and brushing (with brush and fingers) correctly. I am also lucky because I am blonde. All in all, this is my life! My current favourite is Brit  - I think its the best smelling of them all. I don't really like the 3 originals (Original, Blush, Tropic etc) but really like Diva and Cherry. The one I'm using now is for blondes - not much difference though I don't think.

2.Garnier Skin Naturals Hydrating Cream

This is something I wake up to and go to bed with, and always get the shower out with. I don't like the oily feel of creams - this is very very light. In fact so light some may say it's not very moisturising... it works for me! If I don't apply this after a shower, I feel like I have clingfilm on my face and my poor nose flakes! I've repurchased this many times.

3. ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

This is also pretty much my life. It is worth every penny it costs (which is not a lot at all) and works the same or even  better, as I found, that your high end primers (I tested it against Two Faced Shadow Insurance, review soon!). It keeps your eyeshadow vibrant and in place forever. I use it even when I'm not wearing eyeshadow because it stops my eyelids from getting oily and also hides my veiny lids (they're reaaaally veiny). All in all, an essential. 

4. Aussie Dual Personality Anti-Frizz + Conditioning Milk

Quite a new addition to my collection but a great one nonetheless. I was always scared of leave-in products applied to dry hair because they can ruin a freshly washed head in seconds by making it look permanently wet or greasy (eww, 90s look). This is, well, in all honesty it doesn't do much. I am yet to find a product that really does act as anti-frizz for my crazy hair by actually taming it. This just smells divine and doesn't leave the hair disgusting - so I happen to use it a lot, and it became a necessity.

5. Rituals Mei Dao Organic White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren body cream

This again, is my life. I was never one for creams because they're just so gross and sticky and greasy... until this. It smells absolutely DIVINE. You might as well keep it just for the smell. Gorgeous. However, I also love it for its thick yet pleasant consistency - it goes on very smoothly and really moisturises. I use it on very dry areas such as my arms and my shins. It's quite pricey (for me) so I haven't yet repurchased and am trying to save whatever little I have left. Highly recommended. 

6. Elf Translucent Mattifying Powder

A staple in my makeup bag, excellent for touch-ups and doesn't look cakey at all, like a lot of powders  do. It really is worth having, and I always bring it with on the go.

7. MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer 

This is something I really cannot live without. I don't know how I even could put on foundation without this product - all my veins, broken veins in cheeks and redness gone! Blusher now looks even and precise, compared to when I have my awful redness showing through and ruining the effect.

8. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control 3-in-1 cleansing lotion

This is another of my everyday -need-it-to-stay-alive products. It cleanses the face beautifully, but I'd say its a little harsh - i.e.  if you get any in your eyes, it stings quite strongly. I, luckily, don't have spots but perhaps this helps keep them away!

That's about all I can remember for now, I'll update if I remember any other products. 

:)

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MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover - Review

I should probably read reviews before buying things, but I find that making my own mistakes (and wasting tonnes of money in the process) just does it better for me.
The reviews for this product are so-so and I see why. For 100ml it is at £14.00 (changed from the way more appealing £13.50) which isn't a total rip off. The Lancome Bi-Facil I've been eying up is is at a round £20 at Boots which seems a little out of reach, but actually, it is worth it.

 The consistency is obviously too watery to get off the tough waterproof mascara that I own. It's non oily, but that is only a plus for those obsessed with feeling squeaky clean (can't you just wash your eyes with water afterwards, eh?) - oil usually means cleaning strength.
There really isn't much t say about this except it basks in mediocrity, and though it probably works better than your drug store counterparts, its not worth it so I wouldn't repurchase.
At least the colour is pretty.

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