I said I’d be back with a makeup look using NYX The Curve eyeliner and some New CID products that I’ve been loving lately...
Skin Prep
While I’ve always used a moisturiser and often a serum and/or primer before applying foundation, it’s only recently (thanks to MUA friends & fellow bloggers) that I’ve come to truly appreciate the importance of skin prep and it’s impact on the appearance of skin and lasting power of makeup.
Two products that I’ve been loving lately are Etat Pur Redensifying Regenerating Care (£16.60), which soothes, nourishes and helps balance the skin, while helping address any fine lines and slackening (eek!). A gorgeous morning moisturiser - am so impressed by the reasonably priced Etat Pur range, will share more about them soon.
Once this sinks in, I apply Dr Lewinn’s Instant Beauty Radiance Booster (£26), a lightweight silky cream that is the most perfect makeup base. This is made with more than 70% Aloe Vera, Rice Bran and hydrating oils to hydrate and smooth for an ‘8 hours sleep and 8 glasses of water glow!’ Especially great if you’re looking/feeling a bit knackered or for the morning after, though I’ve been using it everyday.
The Makeup
Face
For my base I used New CID i-perfection foundation in Vanilla (£26), a smooth and creamy makeup that glides on easily with fingers or a foundation brush (I’ve been using my new Real Techniques Buffing Brush & it’s love - review to follow!). The coverage is really versatile for this product and while I’d obviously advise going for the closest match possible, the colour adjusting claims genuinely work for me! It looks a smidge deep initially, but is perfect as it settles on my skin and the finish is quite glowy and long lasting. I’d prob go for the Latte shade next time as I do like foundation in one shade lighter than my skintone in Winter - much more illuminating and flattering!
Cheeks
My new favourite glowy blusher is New CID i-glow Compact Shimmer in Ice Pop (£22.50). I’ve always steered clear of this type of product, assuming it would be OTT shimmery on me and highlight every little flaw, but this is just perfection! It’s radiant and iridescent rather than shimmery… I’ve no idea how it compares to similar from the likes of mac but believe me, it’s very forgiving! While it would be great for an all over glow on olive or darker skintones, it’s perfect as a light blush on me and is the prettiest pinky peach. It honestly takes my face from half asleep to wide awake with one sweep. Lasting power sadly isn’t great, so just as well it comes in such a pretty mirrored compact for regular touch ups! I’ve been applying this with Real Techniques Contour Brush.
Eyes
Please excuse this scary up close shot above right (with flash) - it was the one that showed my eye makeup most clearly. Obviously I wanted to showcase my new NYX The Curve liquid eyeliner {post here}, which is why I kept the rest of the look soft and glowy. I applied a reasonably thick flick with the liner (so much less daunting than using regular liquid eyeliners!) and softened the line a little with the double-ended New CID i-smoulder in Pewter.
With the twist up pencil end (above left) I added gentle definition to my lower lash line, then took the colour above my lashline over the lid using the eyeshadow at the other end of this genius little pencil. It’s more of a deep silver rather than pewter really and just adds a bit of light to my lid rather than intense colour. I normally use it more for a soft smokey eye, but in this case I took the colour a bit higher. Would love one of these in every colour - Olive, Ember & Gold look particularly lush - but at £18.50 a pop, sadly that won’t be happening in a hurry!
I forgot to photograph my mini mascara, Lancôme Hypnose Star, which I got free with a magazine and adore! I haven’t bought a high end mascara for years as I think the High Street versions are so good now, but am tempted by this one.
Lips
For a peachy lip I used YSL Rouge Volupte in Faubourg Peach #30, which I’ve had a love hate relationship with - it’s soooo soft and pigmented that it’s easy to overdo, but I’ve learned to just press it gently onto my lips and am rather fond of it now!
Good Lord that was a long one… this post was originally meant to be two pics and one paragraph. What is actually wrong with me - do I overblog? Do I need to reign it in or are people actually interested in this much detail?
Thanks for reading if you’re still there & Happy Weekend! Nic xx
inc PR samples
