products for the flawless face

complexion and skin is something i've been really interested in recently. i've learnt that no matter how much product you pack on, if the skin underneath isn't smooth it all goes to waste. the importance of a good skincare routine really shows here. i cleanse and tone twice a day, and use a mask and exfoliator twice weekly. of course, various products can mimic the tone of real skin, however i'm yet to find one that completely re-texturises the skin. below i have listed my favourite products to enhance my skin. 

mac prep and prime skin (£18 for 30ml) this is a silicone base, which smoothes the skin, controls oil and makes pores less visible. the silicones aid the application of liquid, cream and powder products and ensure maximum blendability. mac offers a range of prep products for various concerns. 

nars sheer glow (£29.50 for 30ml) this is my day foundation.  i use the shade punjab medium1. this is described as medium with golden, peachy undertones. this foundation feels light on the skin, yet provides a medium buildable coverage. many report that it doesn't provide a 'glow' however it does on me. it's not dewy, but it gives my skin a satin finish and makes it look refreshed and alive. this applies well with both a brush and fingers, and sometimes i find it most beneficial to apply all over the face with a brush, then do a second layer on my cheeks applied with my fingers.

giorgio armani luminous silk (£33 for 30ml) i use this foundation for the night time, or for special occasions. i have it in the shade 6.5. this is a sheer-medium coverage, and buildable. i prefer to wear two layers of this. again it gives a radiant, satin finish to the skin and is exceptionally lightweight. i find that this foundation mimics real skin, and gives a realistic finish. it contains silicones (as found in primers) to glide over the skin. 

mac pro longwear concealer (£13.50 for 9ml) this medium to full coverage concealer provides a matte finish and lasts all day. i personally prefer this for blemishes only, as i do not like a matte finish around my eye area. it works well both under and on top of foundation, to hide any areas of pigmentation. unlike the majority of concealers, this actually comes with a miniature pump. i wear this in nc30. 

bobbi brown creamy concealer kit (£17 for 1.4g) this concealer is perfect for around my eye area. it's a rich cream concealer, think mac studio finish yet with more moisture which melts into the skin to provide a realistic finish. infused with skin conditioners to protect and nourish the skin, it's the perfect answer to those with darkness around their eyes. it also comes with a loose powder underneath, this is used to set the concealer. i have this in natural.

soap and glory trick and treatment (£9 for 7ml) soap and glory recently launched their cosmetics line into the uk. i personally really like the products, and this trick and treatment is one of my favourites. after concealing my under eye area, i then pop this on the top. i personally do not think it is thick enough for a concealer on its own, however it does a wonderful job at reflecting light and bringing radiance. 

chanel poudre universelle libre (£31.50 for 30g) this is my all time favourite powder. silky soft, it does a wonderful job of invisibly setting any product on my face and disguises any minor imperfections. the pot feels so luxe, and looks wonderful on my dressing table. i use this in 30 naturel. 

corn silk original satin loose powder (£8.16 for 12g) a cheaper alternative is the absolute beauty classic corn silk, this loose powder containing walnut shell absorbs excess oil on the skin, leaving a satin finish making it the perfect setting powder for combination-oily skins. it comes in a wonderful art deco style pot, and has the classic face powder scent. 

nars bronzer in laguna (£24 for 8g) cult beauty favourite nars laguna is my favourite powder bronzer. described as a brown with golden shimmer, it gives the dull skin a glowing bronzed boost. it does come with a high price tag, and i find myself finishing these compacts quickly however i'm yet to find another powder bronzer that gives such a natural finish as this. however, i would recommend for skin types nc35 and deeper to look at casino instead. 

chanel bronze universelle (£31 for 6g) this cream-gel bronzing base can be used in a multitude of ways. it can be used over foundation as a bronzer, or underneath to give the skin that sunkissed look. due to it's cream finish, it blends into the skin to provide a seamless finish. the colour provided is a golden hue, and mimics the colour my skin goes when it naturally tans. this works well to contour and shape the face, applied through the temples and cheekbones.