I do love make-up. So much that it makes me smile just looking at these pictures. I think it’s beautiful and glamorous, but most of all I’m grateful for it. I can feel like I want to hide under a blanket all day, then apply make-up and feel ready to take on the world. Some may disapprove of that, but I know others will understand. I’m always testing new products to share with you, but some old favourites return to my make-up bag (suitcase) again and again. I may cast them aside for a month or two, but I’ll always return, happy to be reunited. These are a few old favourites I’ve been loving lately, mixed in with some equally exciting new bits.
THE NEW
Oh hello Bobbi Brown lipstick in Bordeaux. This gold-encased dark red is my No 1 pick from the new Scotch on the Rocks collection (full ode on its way - sneak peek on my Instagram!). A classy show stopper that’s more demure than traditional red, I wore it today with little else on my face and still felt good.
Amazing Concealer is a bold name for a beauty product and one clearly coined with confidence as the contents don’t disappoint. Highly pigmented and equally suitable for both under-eyes and blemishes, this does.not.crease or highlight lines and dryness. Although not light-reflective like the Clarins Instant Light, it has more coverage and great lasting power (mine is in the shade Light Beige).
Smashbox is renowned for its incredible primers so my first foray into this brand was a no-brainer. Pore Minimizing Photo Finish Primer is its newest formula and although designed as a foundation primer, is so skin flattering it could be worn alone. Foundation applies smoothly on top; I need less and it stays put for longer. It is quite mattifying so I restrict it to my T-zone or use all over for evening.
OLD FAVOURITES
Yep, you can totally see how much these products have been loved; I have no shame.
Laura Mercier Silk Crème foundation is much adored by many - and while I am very loyal to LM base products, this one was a slow burner. I’ve had it for a whole year now and my love affair is just warming up… this often happens to me with foundations. Two things make this work for me: using less and applying with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. It gives medium to full coverage with a dewy finish and reasonable lasting power, which is boosted by the Smashbox primer. (Mine is Beige Ivory but Cream Ivory would be a better match).
Benefit Hervana Blush is a pale gal’s best friend and for me, achieves what I expected from the Hourglass Ambient Blush. The light sections of powder mingle with the other tones to create a slightly blurred, skin-flattering, glowy soft pink flush. Love it.
I’ve started using powder more often to set my make-up, especially around my nose and chin where it seems to disappear fastest. I recently rediscovered this Paul & Joe pressed powder compact in a dark cupboard and what you can’t see here is that the corner of it is slightly shimmery, acting as a very subtle highlight. (I use 02; powder & compact sold separately). I apply this with the Eco Tools Powder Brush - another long term favourite - big, soft, fluffy and good value.
I picked up KIKO VolumeEyes+ Active Mascara in Italy this Summer and have used it as my everyday mascara ever since - it gives good lash in just one coat, great when you’re in a hurry (always). The slim, conical shaped brush allows for precise application even on tiny corner lashes - and it contains lash boosting serum! Every little helps.
Have you tried any of these products - or which ones do you keep going back to?
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