The Prime Time

The first time I heard about primer I thought the beauty industry had invented yet another 'must have' product to guilt me into spending more cash on something I didn't need.

Oh how wrong I was. The night I lost my "primer-ginity", I was going to a black-tie do and wearing enough makeup to make Dita Von Teese look underdone. Dinner, drinks and dancing later, I arrived home as the sparrows were chirping and hopped (okay - stumbled) into bed in a full face of makeup.

Upon wakening my head was exploding, but the makeup looked almost freshly applied.

Nothing had moved except my hair (which now resembled Tina Turner in a wind tunnel).

And so began a love affair with primer, the next vitally-important step after water-drinking when it comes to a decent face.

The difference between primer and any normal face cream is (not surprisingly) what's in it.

The non-geek description is: primer contains stuff that makes your makeup stay on longer.

The Poindexter description is: primers contain a mix of polymers, silicone and wax-based ingredients which act as a buffer, assisting products to bond to the skin and dramatically increasing longevity of makeup. (And to think I failed science class, twice).

I'm weirdly proud to say I've owned about 15-20 different brands of primer and swear by the following three:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (about $50AUD for a decent-sized squeezy bottle)

More of an emergency rescue device than a primer, this wondrous cream deserves a special mention. It erases most signs of fatigue and leaves skin tighter and brighter than a Cappa Cappa Delta cheerleader. A very thin layer is all you need (otherwise it's prone to caking) and apply your foundation immediately. Added bonus: applied more liberally and it doubles as a very good face-mask.

MAC Prep + Prime (about $45AUD)

Yes I have a thing for presentation and the sleek, panther-like elegance of the black MAC packaging is very sexy. Packaging aside, this delivers results and will give your makeup an extra 6-8 hours of staying power. It fills in fine gaps and lines, sort of like a girl's version of polyfiller. It has a subtle luminous finish, meaning it deflects light and departs radiance without being 'sparkly'. I dislike products which claim to be luminous, but make you look like you've smeared your face in cheap glitter. This doesn't do that. I heart Prep + Prime - it just works.


Australis Primer ($13.95AUD)

Remember those ultra-daggy Australis ads from the 80s? Girls with teased 'wave' fringes and frosted mauve lipstick? And let's not forget the Australis eu de toilette (oh, the toilet) - the gift every Mum had to fake a happy face for on Mother's Day. Since those dark days, Australis has been yanked into the new millenium and now boasts a very good range of products. The primer is no exception: it does what it says, it prevents skin from absorbing your foundation, it fills in fine lines, it smells gorgeous - and it's cheap. So cheap you may as well buy two.

Added recommendation: if you're lucky enough to live somewhere sunny, check for one with SPF.

Now don't get me started on primers for the lips and eyelids. Another time...

Happy priming!

~ Rosie x

In deep water...

When I was 25, I awoke one morning to discover I’d magically morphed overnight into a weathered old woman. It wasn’t some odd remake of Freaky Friday, either.

The puffy bags under my eyes were so big they could have doubled as emergency flotation devices. My skin resembled the driest part of a Siberian desert at the peak of drought season.

For a 25 year old, this was a shock – shouldn’t I have the peachy, glowing skin of well, a 25 year old?

I retraced my steps and here’s where I hit ‘Stumbling Block 1’. The total inability to actually retrace my steps. Too many cocktails, too little sleep and (here’s where Agatha Christie made the discovery) – no water in days.

I was high-tailing it around London in a frightening state of dehydration, none the wiser.

The only water I drank was in a cup of Tetley’s and… well, vodka and soda has water in it, right?

Before I even start reviewing anything you put on your skin, consider for a moment the effects even mild dehydration has on your overall fabulousness.

Research has shown about ¾ of all Aussies are “chronically dehydrated” – which means we’re plodding through life with slightly fuzzy-thinking, mildly depressed, with a 3% slower metabolism and daytime fatigue.

A little story: I did a makeup trial on a lovely bride-to-be who had spent close to $500 on pre-wedding facials. She was lamenting the dry and dull state of her skin. She was in her late twenties but could have passed for much older.

I asked her how much water she drinks – and bride-to-be stared back, blankly. Without flinching she told me she had not drank water. For 2 whole years.

She survived on fizzy drinks, coffee and wine. Consequently, no matter how many luminising and hydrating products I used on her, her skin looked a bit like a Hobbit's heel.

Unless she got cosy with water, the bride was only ever going to look just a teeny bit mummified.

Before my water-loving days I had persistent eye bags, despite slathering on the eyecream every morning. Oddly dull skin, no matter how much I invested in expensive scrubs. Even after 8 hours sleep on clean sheets, a girlfriend commented I looked 'freakin exhausted'.

I’m not pretending I’m now a water-guzzling saint. Sometimes I go days on just a few glasses and the results are simple: I look really bad.

So before anything else, start with the basics. Your skin will say thank you.

Bottoms up!



~ Rosie x

Playtime!

Makeup and beauty should be fun. Like playing in a big box of crayons, but for grown-ups.

It shouldn't be a chore. It shouldn't be about hiding perceived flaws, or spending a fortune on things you don't need.

Rosie Cheek is where you can stop by to discover one girl's opinion on what's good, what's great, what's amazing (and what's not) in makeup, skin and haircare.

Who am I to think I know what I'm talking about? Click on 'About Me' to learn more.

I give honest reviews and am not afraid to talk about the bad stuff.

I'll also be introducing you to the fantastic products you need to get in a long-term relationship with. I'll tell you which ones are faithful... and which ones are prone to cheating!

Here's your place to discover what's worth a big investment, and where you can get a cheapie which works brilliantly.

If you have a question, please ask. If you have a concern or a comment (good or bad) - I'd love to hear from you.

So let's get started...

~ Rosie x

Welcome!

So, the blog is born. Welcome all makeup, skin and haircare addicts, recovering addicts, experimenters or recreational users. I hope you have as much fun here as I'm going to! ~ Rosie x