The first Per-fekt product that I’ve tested (there are just three in the line) is coincidentally the newest, the Eye Perfection Gel. This treatment/primer/concealer/brightener (no, really…it effectively acts as all of those things) enhances the delicate under-eye area with the most natural look imaginable.

So what does that really mean? Well, effectively, Eye Perfection Gel smoothes the skin, provides minimal coverage, treats puffiness and diffuses fine lines and wrinkles. Key ingredients with short term and long term benefits include cucumber extract, multi-antioxidants, hyaluronic microspheres, peptides and ceramides.

The product itself is a hybrid gel-mousse that dries to a near powder finish. Try applying it alone, under foundation/concealer or even over foundation or concealer for a high-def ready, nearly airbrushed look.

The packaging of this product is just as smart as the formula – a palladium-tipped applicator is uber-cool to the touch, which means it immediately sets to work on puffy eyes.

Application is really key – creator Richard Anderson stressed that when we discussed Eye Perfection Gel. To use, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the palladium tip applicator and gently pat and smooth from the outside corner of the eye inward. Do not rub or you won’t get the same flawless finish. If you’d like extra coverage, you even try layering the product.

There are four shades available (I’m quite fair and I use “Bright”), including colorless and it’s sheer enough that you essentially can’t make a mistake in application.

If you’re intrigued by Per-fekt, you can snag the Eye Perfection Gel for $45 at Sephora stores nationwide or at www.perfektbeauty.com.

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Despite my beauty blogging ‘career’, there are loads of products that I just never lay a hand on.  Lipliner falls into that category, as does liquid liner.  Foundation primer, I must admit, is also iffy.

While it’s difficult to think about adding that extra layer between my skin and foundation in the heat and humidity in summer, a great primer (Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, pictured left, has wonderful reviews on Sephora.com, for the record!) can help fill in lines, meaning that foundation applies more smoothly.

Primers also add staying power, especially in warmer weather (despite my concerns above.)

What do you think? Do you use a primer or are you too busy for that added step in the morning?  We’d love to hear your thoughts, along with any product recommendations!

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To get her look, Baraf used five simple tips anyone can do at home: 

1. Prep: To begin, Baraf always preps the eye. Using products from the new VS Make-up PRO line she applied VS PRO Lasting FX Eyeshadow Primer all over the lids and under the eye, helping to create the base for a perfect, long-lasting, smooth eye.

2. Liner: Baraf used VS Make-up Eyeliner in Extreme Black. Applying it on both the upper and bottom lash line. “The key to the smokey eye is to smudge, smudge, smudge,” says Baraf.

3. Eyeshadow: Baraf used VS Eyeshadow in Fierce and blended it in the crease of the eye as well as VS Make-up in Champagne in the inner corners to make the eyes pop.

4. Skin: “Since Miranda is a Victoria’s Secret Model skin is very important! I wanted her cheeks to glow, so I bronzed her cheeks with VS Bare Bronze blush in Copabana.”

5. Lips: To finish, Baraf used VS Lipstick in Sweet Nothing. “A light, pinky, long-lasting lipstick, so Miranda wouldn’t have to keep applying all night.”

What do you think of Miranda’s look?  Would you rock something similar for a big night out?  For the exact products mentioned above, visit Victoria’s Secret.

Image courtesy of Victoria’s Secret.

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Before receiving it, I was encouraged by the fact that the oily skin version contains kaolin clay, well known for its oil absorbing abilities. I’m a huge fan of clay masks for facials, so I knew the powder version for applying under my makeup would work just as well. If you’ve ever used a clay mask, then you know how when you rinse your face, all traces or oil and shine have vanished.

The best part is only having to use it where you tend to shine the most, and being a 10 gram jar for only $18.50 means this will last you a very long time. www.purelycosmetics.com

*Photo Credit: Purely Cosmetics

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*Photo: Smashbox.com

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For me, primers are the least understood makeup product from my side of the mirror. So I decided to reach out to my friend (can I say that?) billy b and find out his theory on primers. I thought, if everyone is doing it–what am I doing wrong?

I was surprised to find out that billy doesn’t understand the fuss over primers either and doesn’t use them! Since many liquid foundations contain silicone (which are what primers are), he wonders why go through the trouble of putting anything extra on your face? (That’s what I thought too!) Billy uses liquid foundation as his primer, especially on the eyes to help the eyeshadow adhere and go on smooth.

I just about smacked myself in the forehead because this is how I have been doing my makeup all along.

I know there are many staunch supports for using primers and I’m sure there has to be many feeling the way I do. So I want to hear from you–are you for using primers (and which do you use) or do you only use foundation like billy (and myself) do?

Ps. If you are new here–make sure to check out my fab interview with billy b by clicking here.

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