On Monday I attended the Murad Bloggers Event. The products that really caught my eye and captured my attention were the Skin Perfecting Primers and the Eye Lifts. This is Murads first foray into make-up and it is a 'Hybrids' makeup range. This means that the products are basically high performance treatments specifically formulated not only to improve skins health but also contain a skin perfecting cosmetic to disguise flaws. So each product combines two high performance technologies into a single convenient 2-1in-1 problem solver allowing you to simultaneously treat and mask your skin concerns.
The primers come in two finishes - matte and dewy. Both are described as a 'universal shade, oil free primer balances oil production, disguises flaws, evens skin texture and minimises the appearance of pores to create either a smooth powder finish (matte) or the perfect radiant glow (dewy).
Now I'm sure it's not just me who raised an eyebrow upon reading 'universal shade' as the inner skeptic inside them began sighing, tutting and shaking their head but Dr.Murad told us all to place one hand out in order for every single one of us to try the primer which Murad claims has 'a micro-dynamic mineral layering technology that adapts to the unique characteristics of each person's skin to provide a perfect shade match'.
Did it live up to it's promise?
My hand (far left) has the remnants of my travelling tan (and copious freckles too) thus falling into the 'medium/tanned' skin category whilst in stark comparison Zoes' /The London Lip Gloss' hand falls into the 'fair/alabaster' category. The hand on the far right belongs to Natalya/Filthy Gorgeous Makeup and falls more in the 'light/medium' category (p.s how badly do their perfect manicures show up my chipped nails - they look like bloody hand models!)
So between the three of us we definitely cover quite a range of skin tones (although definitely not universal) and the primer blended in amazingly on all of us so needless to say we were all very impressed and I think it definitely lived up to it's claims.
If you follow me on Twitter you'll have seen my ranting the other day that I was suffering from a breakout and was stuck in a vicious circle of having to wear more makeup in order to cover up which then resulted in more blemishes. As I sat on the train home I realised that my face makeup felt cakey, heavy and drying so after I showered and was about to redo my makeup for the Collection 2000 event I decided I would try and use the Skin perfecting primer (Matte).
I found that this product gave me just the right amount of coverage to reduce the redness and even out my skin tone whilst still allowing my skin to breathe. I truly felt like I was treating and hiding my imperfections which is amazing from a makeup product. I used the product again this morning and think I will be using it as my go-to day time base.
Murad claims the Skin Perfecting Primers contain the following proprietary (no I don't know what that means either but it sounds fancy and clever) technologies:
Pore Factor-5:
-Improves skin grain by tightening dilated pores
-Blends with skins natural pigments to add luminosity to the skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
-Normalizes oil production and helps control bacterial proliferation
-Soothes and reduces inflammation
-Protects against the damaging effects of UV-induced free radicals to preserve and improve skins elasticity, firmness and tone.
-Improves skin grain by tightening dilated pores
-Blends with skins natural pigments to add luminosity to the skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
-Normalizes oil production and helps control bacterial proliferation
-Soothes and reduces inflammation
-Protects against the damaging effects of UV-induced free radicals to preserve and improve skins elasticity, firmness and tone.
Have you ever tried any other sort of treatment makeup? In my experience I have found them all to be incredibly thick, heavy and full-coverage and I've found they have a very limited colour range - they are more often than not far too dark and opaque. Many also contain ingredients that can aggravate or dry out the skin (for example Dermalogica treatment foundation) thus your blemished areas look flaky and unsightly which is a look I want to avoid at absolutely all costs!
In my opinion this product seems to be truly revolutionary in that it really does provide treatment but also wearable, breathable coverage and can be used as a foundation/skin tint which is my preference but also as a primer.
Another Murad product I have been obsessed with all week is the Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector Spf 15 Mini with Key Chain.
'Pomegranate Extract and UVA/UVB sunscreens provide powerful antioxidant protection Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates to reveal supple lips Shea Butter and Jojoba Esters condition and intensely hydrate'.
This lipgloss goes on clear with the tiniest hint of pink and provides the same finish and smells fruity like a Lancome Juicy Tube but without any of the associated stickiness which is a massive bonus for me. I think the addition of the saliclyic acid also eliminates any dryness of the lips which I find lipglosses often exacerbate - so this product is a new handbag hero for me.
The primers retail at £27.00 and the mini lip gloss is £6 and products are available at the Urban Retreat at Harrods, The Mayfair Hotel Spa and Murad Online.
The only negative point about Murad is that it is quite difficult to locate - before the event I had no idea where it was sold or how to get hold of it. it has some amazing skincare ranges and I hope it will become a more accessible brand in the future.
In my opinion this product seems to be truly revolutionary in that it really does provide treatment but also wearable, breathable coverage and can be used as a foundation/skin tint which is my preference but also as a primer.
Another Murad product I have been obsessed with all week is the Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector Spf 15 Mini with Key Chain.
'Pomegranate Extract and UVA/UVB sunscreens provide powerful antioxidant protection Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates to reveal supple lips Shea Butter and Jojoba Esters condition and intensely hydrate'.
This lipgloss goes on clear with the tiniest hint of pink and provides the same finish and smells fruity like a Lancome Juicy Tube but without any of the associated stickiness which is a massive bonus for me. I think the addition of the saliclyic acid also eliminates any dryness of the lips which I find lipglosses often exacerbate - so this product is a new handbag hero for me.
The primers retail at £27.00 and the mini lip gloss is £6 and products are available at the Urban Retreat at Harrods, The Mayfair Hotel Spa and Murad Online.
The only negative point about Murad is that it is quite difficult to locate - before the event I had no idea where it was sold or how to get hold of it. it has some amazing skincare ranges and I hope it will become a more accessible brand in the future.