Not to Prime is a Crime.

On the back of this box the first thing I noticed in BIG print, "Not to Prime is a Crime!!", which is a quote from Napoleon Perdis. He is speaking of course to his product Auto Pilot, which is a pre-foundation skin primer.

 

Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E help make up this specially blended primer. It instantly hydrates the skin while smoothing it out, making a perfect canvas for which to apply your makeup.

This primer is really unlike any other that I have used before. It has very little dimethicone to it, so it is not all  slippery like most silicone based makeup primers. It is a creamy-white tinted lotion, with a very thin consistency. It has a pleasant smell, but I cannot put my finger on what the scent actually is. Fragrance is listed as an ingredient so I know it is not just the ingredients giving the Auto Pilot this fresh scent, but like I said, I cannot come up with a very good description of it. Let's just say it is not offensive at all and this primer will not interfere with any other scented products you may (or may not) use.  One thing this primer does do, in a very good way, is make my makeup glide over the surface much better than before. I swear I have to use less foundation with it as well. And having my makeup last all day in the Summer is not an easy task, but Auto Pilot has definitely helped.

The tube runs $39 for 1.7 oz., and you have to be careful not to squeeze out too much product or it will go to waste. A little drop is all you need to smooth over the entire face and neck - I like the way it makes my neck look more matte and even toned - so I think the price is not bad. You can pick this up at Sephora or right on the Napoleon Perdis site, where you can look for more targeted Auto Pilot products too.

I would say it would be a crime not to tey this primer, especially if you are not a regular user of primers. It will definitely make a believer out of you. 

Estee Lauder Super Flight Creme.

If you are traveling at all by air this Summer, listen up. You see, when you fly the friendly skins, the air is not that friendly to your skin. The extenuating circumstances that can cause dryness and travel-stressed skin due extreme humidity levels, dry cabin air and jet lag can take its toll on skin and cause it to become dry, uncomfortable – unhealthy. Not a good thing.

While there are a great number of travel friendly (sized) products out there, I had yet to find any that were created soley for this purpose, until now.

Estee Lauder just introduced Super Flight Creme Continuous Hydration for Face and Super Flight Creme Continuous Hydration for Eyes - available exclusively in airports and duty-free shops. These both are beautifully packaged in a portable carrying case – the perfect size for any carry-on that meets current U.S. security size restriction. The powerful duo offers “flight insurance” for global frequent flyers, keeping skin super hydrated in the face of low cabin humidity and jet lag. These moisturizing products last eight hours and will leave all stepping off the plane looking visibly rested and radiant.

CONTINUOUS HYDRATION FOR FACE
A lightweight, non-greasy, fast absorbing gel-cream. Formulated with Algae Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, a highly effective moisture magnet, as well as a powerful complex of anti-irritants including Glucose and Glycine to calm and visibly soothe the skin. This powerful combination enables skin’s appearance to better recover from long flights and the effects of travelling through multiple time zones.

CONTINUOUS HYDRATION FOR EYES
A feather-weight, non-greasy gel crème that absorbs into skin leaving it silky smooth, soft and protected. Contains a unique revitalizing complex to soothe and strengthen the delicate skin around the eye. Skin looks vibrant, less puffy and the appearance of dark circle is dramatically diminished.

Alos, be sure to check out Estee Lauder’s new informational duty free web-site is printed on the packaging so that, no matter where in the world you are, you can easily learn more about other Estee Lauder duty free products and discover new duty free beauty exclusives and get helpful travel tips.

MAC Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher.

I love lip exfoliating products, and in the Summer when the lips are exposed to the heat, sun and wind, it is almost a must for me. I am such a fan of Tarte's fRxtion with it's duo sided tube and wonderful taste, so I was thrilled to have discovered this one from MAC. This is from the MAC Summer Future Earth Collection, and it is their Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher.

 

On one side, there is a natural exfoliator that is made up from botanically derived ingredients, while the other side of the stick is a superb lip conditioner, with the yummy MAC Vanilla flavor, that helps to moisturize, nourish and soothe lips.

As with anything else, it is very important to wear a sunscreen on your lips when spending a lot of time outdoors, especially when using an exfoliating product. I wish that the lip conditioner side contained one, but it does not, so be sure to use one - okay?

Prep + Prime is $14.50 at MAC.