My skin went CRAZY just recently. A combination of too much sugar/fatty foods/dairy/alcohol mixed with late nights, lots of travelling and a healthy bout of the flu meant several huuuge cystic spots appeared around my cheeks and chin. Angry, red and near on impossible to budge, coupled with a generally pallid complexion meant I was both looking and feeling a little lacklustre.
So after two weeks of upping my water intake, getting to bed early and cutting out dairy, things were slowly on the mend (with more than a little help from La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ and Kiel's Skin Rescuer).
Although my skin has been much clearer, it was still lacking on the radiance front - cue my top two base boosting products, Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 02-Champagne and the Rimmel Match Perfection Light Perfecting Radiance Foundation in 100-Ivory.
OH MY this is a match made in heaven. First up, the Clarins Instant Light... (seriously, get a shorter name) adds the most beautifully radiant sheen to my complexion, without adding any shine or disco-ball like qualities. I also find that this shade effectively counteracts any redness in my complexion and helps to fade out my dark acne scars. I apply it all over my face as a primer, although I believe you can also mix it in with your foundations/use it as a highlighter. The most surprising fact about this product is that for me it also works as an excellent primer. My foundation lasts so much longer when I use this base and although imparting a beautiful glow, my combination/oily skin does not become as super-shiny as it usually does by the end of the day.
Next up is the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation. I have such sensitive skin so I am very cautious when it comes to 'drugstore' foundations, particularly scented ones like Rimmel's offerings. However I have had no reaction to this foundation whatsoever and it has fast become one of my all-time favourites. It offers a medium to heavy coverage without looking like you've caked your face in make-up. Coupled with the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base this provides a flawless, radiant finish which lasts all day. If you want proof, I work 10 hour days under very harsh, unforgiving lighting and unlike nearly all other base combinations, this perfect pair doesn't break down in my T-zone/generally melt off my face by the end of the day. Plus the foundation shade matches my skin tone perfectly. Enough said.
