Estee Lauder Double Wear vs MAC Studio Fix Fluid

There has been a lot of talk lately on Twitter about Estee Lauder's Doublewear Foundation, and how popular it is. I know of a few bloggers that mention it and their skin always looks flawless so I decided to pop into my local Boots to the Estee Lauder counter to have a look.

I was greeted by a very hyper sales assistant who proceeded to "colour match" me an obscene shade of orange, after a couple of hints, she decided on the shade called Ecru, and I was given a sample which she said should last 10 days.

When I got home I looked at the shade and thought it looked so wrong so I tested it against my usual foundation MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and it actually was a very similar shade, maybe a tad warmer than the SFF.

Excited to try the Doublewear the next day, I duly applied it in the usual way with my MAC 187 brush, initially it looked ok, it didn't blend quite as easily as the SFF, it reminded me of Laura Merciers Oil Free Foundation because it seemed to dry quite fast and so I had to blend frantically!

Wear wise, I noticed that by lunchtime it had oxidised on my skin very slightly and I had an unattractive orange tint, so what with this and then the cakey, clay-like feel it left my skin, I wasn't that impressed.

It felt very heavy, I know people say SFF is heavy, but no way near as heavy as the Doublewear, SFF I cannot feel on my skin during the day (I only use 1 pump of the SFF for reference) whereas the Doublewear just felt as it I was wearing a clay mask.

All in all, I am very glad that I did not fork out £25.00 odd on a full size bottle of Doublewear and instead I got a sample because I really did not like it and I was soooo glad to get back to using the SFF the following day!

I know many people give SFF a bad wrap, but I love it, I did not love it initially, I found it too heavy but since I've been using it with my 187 brush I haven't strayed from using it since August, which is very unusual for me. It did break my out when I first began using it but now my skin has cleared up because I changed my pill I have had no problems with breakouts using the SFF.

My current obsession : Origins

I go through phases of brands and products and at the moment it's Origins.

"Our mission at Origins is to create high-performance natural skincare that is powered by nature and proven by science. We use potent plants, organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. And our long-standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by our earth and animal friendly practices, packaging and policies".

All products are formulated without; Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin, DEA and Animal Ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax)

Now that's all well and good, but personally I just want something that delivers what it claims to do at a reasonable cost, so on to the products I have bought.

Never a Dull Moment. Skin brightening foaming cleanser with fruit extracts. Apparently suitable for all skin types, however, the reviews on MakeupAlley are a bit controversial so I would urge you to get a sample of this if you are unsure of how your skin will react. I have been using this morning and evening and I love how it give a nice foam and it makes your skin feel really clean. It smells of mangoes and tropical fruit which is fine by me! It costs £15.00 for 150mls.

Drink Up Intensive Mask. An overnight moisturising mask packed with yummy smelling things! I saw this in a magazine and just had to try it, you use this once to twice a week after cleansing, apply a thick layer to your face and wait a few minutes, most of the mask will have sunk in but any excess tissue off and you're ready for bed. You wake up with super supple baby skin! I was a bit unsure of the texture of this, the name mask brought connotations of a thick non-absorbing face pack but this is so different. I like to think of it as an intensive conditioner for your face. It is basically a very rich moisturiser not a mask. This retails for £20.00 for 100mls.

GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. De puffs and brightens. I'm undecided about this product. It is supposed to eradicate dark circles which I can't say it has done for me as yet but maybe if I persevere with the product it will do something. I have to say at this stage I wouldn't re-purchase. It is designed for use in the morning so it makes me think I need an additional eye cream for the evening, which, a.) is expensive and b.) is annoying! A lot of people do love this product however. It's £20.00 for 15mls and currently sold out online.

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Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil. By far my favourite product I have tried from this brand. I love that it's thicker in consistency than MAC's Cleanse Off Oil which I managed to get to go everywhere! It's a lot more spreadable in texture and has a pleasant smell. I also find that it works much better to remove my makeup, even heavy mascara. One downside is that it doesn't come with a pump but you can buy one of these for £1.00 so not a major outlay. It is also mineral oil free. It's £15.00 for 200mls and £1.00 for a pump.

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A Perfect World Liquid Moisture with White Tea. Dubbed as Origins own "Fountain of Youth" I just couldn't resist purchasing this toner! It is supposed to block oxidation and dehydration and it smells like lemons and limes. I like it because it doesn't make my skin feel tight after use and I feel as if it's doing something good for my skin and protecting it from nasties. It costs £15.00 for 150mls and is also currently sold out online so check your nearest Origins counter.

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I have ordered the majority of these products from Origins.co.uk and they give you 3 free skincare products and free delivery with any 2 purchases, which is pretty good in my opinion. I will definitely be going back for more, and I have bought a lot of Christmas presents for friends and family from Origins.