The Face Base

I've been using Shiseido's 'Pureness' skincare range for over a year now and I firmly believe that all Shiseido products are well-suited for Asian skin. However, when my boyfriend introduced me to Estee Lauder's 'Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher', I realized something better did exist.

The conversation started when he got out of the shower and I noticed how fresh and matt his face looked. My immediate reaction was to ask, "Did you put on powder on your face?" I've never dated a guy who would swear by Estee Lauder, or let alone swear by any moisturizer at all, so this was something relatively new to me.

So I tried out the pore minimizing skin refinisher and I found the same love my boyfriend had for it. My skin felt velvety smooth, fresh and shine-free as pores (especially on my nose) were minimized. I decided not to put on any make-up the first time I tried it out to see how it would last by the end of the day. 6 hours later, I was pleasantly pleased to find that my t-zone was not as oily as it usually was and my pores weren't very visible even though I skipped the 2-way cake.

Did some research and found out that Estee Lauder's Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher has received a lot of good reviews and feedback. The only setback that a number of users complained about was the price.  I got mine from YesStyle with an additional 9% off as an Elite Club Member. It's US$58.90 for 30ml and US$97.85 for 50ml. It's definitely quality for quantity.

If you use make-up everyday, you should know the importance of a good moisturizer and preferably an oil-free foundation primer. I recommend using Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer (USD$40). It glides on smoothly over your skin and gives you an even finish, so your face won't feel 'heavy' after you've piled on all the make-up on top. It also double as a pore refiner as it is meant to create an invisible layer over your skin to give you a smooth finish.

Check out these before and after photos.

If you can't afford the moisturizer by Estee Lauder, you may stick to what you're comfortable with and try using this foundation primer over it. I read somewhere that one beauty guru would make Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer the only beauty essential she would need if she was stranded on an island - it's all the base you'll need for your face in one.