First Impressions | BD Trade Secrets

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BD Trade Secrets Review


As a beauty blogger and beauty obsessive I just love discovering new brands of makeup, if they're budget friendly then this makes me even happier. BD Trade Secrets* is a brand I have seen around but had yet to try, so obviously when I was given the opportunity to put a few of their products to the test I jumped at the chance!

I'll be honest, I wasn't even aware that BD Trade Secrets had been on the market for so long, 1998 to be exact! I mean where have I been living, under a rock? Head in the sand? However after 16 years the brand recently went through a huge revamp, a new makeup artist has come on board, Abby Ireland, who has helped to develop the new and improved range. I wish I could compare the makeup from before, but I can't unfortunately. I've been using these products for a few weeks now so it's high time I shared my thoughts.

BD Trade Secrets Mattifying Base Oil Free Foundation

Now if you know anything about me is that I'm a Double wear kind of girl. I like a full coverage, a matte finish and a foundation that will last all day long, so I'm always very critical when it comes down to new foundations, rarely they meet my expectations. The first thing I noticed with this foundation is that it offers a medium coverage, which put me off at first as I do like a fuller coverage, however this is so easy to build up without looking cakey. Two layers did me, however I reckon you could go for a third for maximum coverage. It lasts well on my skin, I'd say a good 9 hours wear time which is adequate for me, and for most people. I can't say this has replaced my Double wear, nothing will, however this is the perfect foundation for me to wear on days where I'm just out and about, and will be great for in the summer.

BD Trade Secrets Flawless Primer

BD Trade Secrets Flawless Primer - £9.99* 
As I suffer with oily skin I occasional wear a primer, more so on days where my skin may be looking a littler tired or on days where I know I'm going to be out for a long period of time. Primers are always a little hit and miss with me but I absolutely love this one. Although I like to wear matte makeup, I do like to also add a slight shine to my skin, so that it doesn't look too flat and this primer really helps me to achieve that, despite the fact it's a mattifying primer it also contains illuminating particles which help to lift the skin complexion. It does a good job at smoothing down my pores and foundation applies beautifully on top. A small amount goes such a long way due to it's mouse like texture. I don't think there has been a day that I haven't worn this as my makeup just seems to look so much healthier and smoother since using this.

BD Trade Secrets Light Effect Concealer Pen
BD Trade Secrets Light Effect Concealer Pen - £7.99*
Although this does say it's a concealer, I'd say this was actually a highlighter, much like YSL Touche Éclat. It does however offer more coverage than the Touche Éclat, so if you only want to brighten your eyes then this would be great. However it does add a bit of coverage under my eyes, so I use just a small amount of this last to brighten up my eyes. Firstly I love the packaging, it's so premium looking and feeling and secondly I think this is a great highlighter and has done a fantastic job at making me look more awake.

BD Trade Secrets Eyeliner Pencil Black-coalBD Trade Secrets Eyeliner Pencil Black-coal - £2.99*
For some people a black coal pencil is just that, a pencil and they aren't fussed about what one they purchase, but I have very watery eyes and my eyeliner can smudge as the day goes on, so I need an eyeliner (I only use it on my lower lash line) to not smudge and not end up looking like a complete mess by the end of the day. Sadly this did smudge on me, not as bad as some other brands, but it didn't stay put all day, which is a shame, as this is very soft and is extremely easy to blend in.

BD Trade Secrets Va Va Boom Volumising Mascara
BD Trade Secrets Va Va Boom Volumising Mascara - £6.99*
Finally we have one of their hero products. This is meant to help create full, long and thicker looking lashes and believe me it really does do that! The formula is great, it's not too wet and you can build up layers without your lashes clumping together really easily, but honestly, two coats is more than enough to achieve beautiful full lashes. It doesn't smudge either which is a another bonus, however it's the brush. I've used cylindrical shaped brushes before, in fact my favourite mascara is similar shaped but for me it's the tip of the brush that I dislike, it has bristles at the end that just stand out and makes applying mascara quite hard. Now I don't know if it is just the one I got, as this is one of their best sellers, but I just couldn't get on with the bristles at the tip, so ended up cutting them off, then I was happy! But it's honestly a great mascara overall, it's just that one thing I disliked.


Overall my first impressions of BD Trade Secrets is great. Out of the five products there was only that one that I didn't like. The quality is amazing considering the price and the new packaging really gives that premium look and feel too. For a purse friendly brand I would definitely recommend you pick a few of the products up, I will definitely be trying out a few more products from the range in the future. If you'd like to check out the full range then you can go to the Tescos Beauty page

Have you tried anything from the BD Trade Secrets range yet? What are your thoughts?

*Pr Samples

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