Two new

I used to do a post called 'the new additions' where everytime I found I was using 5 new things I would blog my initial impressions of them.  I thought I would make the post more bite size and 'two new' is born.

And these are two new products I am LOVING.

First up, the Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation.

This is my FAVOURITE foundation of 2014.  I like my foundation to be high coverage and relatively matte without looking cakey or mask like.  Foundations I would put this little beauty in the same 'category' with for comparison purposes would be Nars Sheer Glow, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Chanel Perfection Lumiere and Dior Forever.  But it's better.  I swear.

I don't have flawless skin.  This is the closest I can mimic to flawlessness whilst feeling I have nothing on my skin at all.

It feels quite thick and creamy when you pump it out and it gives lightweight yet full coverage.  It's buildable and doesn't dry too quickly so you can work it into your skin.  It doesn't oxidise at all and comes in 18 shades so offers something for everyone.  I am the lightest shade (naturally) and it is literally the perfect match for my skin.  The finish is matte without looking dull or flat.

Yes it is on the pricey side but this is the first foundation I have used in a long time that I have thought 'I want to repurchase this immediately'

Potential downside-it has SPF20 so great for daytime but not so great for flash photography.  I haven't tried it (as I haven't been out in like ever) but I would probably go for a foundation with no SPF if I was going to have my photo taken in the evening.

More bad news (for UK girls)..the only UK stockists are Harrods and Heathrow Terminal 5.  But come to Dubai and it's in Sephora and Paris Gallery :)

Oh and the perfect partners to this fab foundation?  A thin layer of smashbox photofinish primer underneath for extra long lasting ability and apply the foundation with the Sigma F82 round kabuki brush.  This is hands down the best foundation brush I have ever used.  This foundation actually makes me feel happy and ready to face the day.

Next up is the Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner.

I purchased this online in the US and had it shipped to the UK last year whilst I was on holiday but it's been sat in my stash since.

This toner forms step 2 of my nightly 'double tone' routine and is a great 'hydrating' toner.  Apart from the fact it stinks.  Well it does to me anyway.  To me it smells a bit like the sea (that'll be the algae I suppose) but most people seem to think it smells of lavender and tea tree.  Luckily the smell doesn't last at all but I thought I would mention it!

This is my second Michael Todd toner and I have loved both-I will definitely be making another order.

Michael Todd's Blue Green Antibacterial Algae toner contains blue green algae and organic kelp in a base of aloe vera juice to soothe the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, amino acids, tea tree oil and black willow tree extract-a proper little cocktail of good stuff that will naturally nourish and replenish the skin. This toner is aimed at removing bacteria from the skin for a clearer complexion and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  And no alcohol.

Since using this toner I haven't had one breakout and my skin just looks healthier and clearer.  I have actually decanted mine into a spray bottle which provides an excellent burst of 'wake up Stacey' in the morning when I drag myself out of the shower.  It dries really fast too.

So there we go, two new massive hits.  I am obviously incapable of doing a short and sharp post on anything so forget the 'bite size' comment!