Inside My Makeup Bag

1. The makeup routine below is pretty much my ‘full’ day face. I wanted to show you the products I use on a daily basis but I realised that most days I miss out a few (lipstick, mascara etc.) So I decided to show you all the products I use on days where I wear the most makeup. During more casual times like walking in the park, chilling out with friends or doing errands I keep it to a minimal and wear only foundation, powder, blusher, mascara and a lip balm. I suppose this is my best day makeup for a very important event, be it a date or a job interview.

2. The makeup I use changes all the time. Since moving to London its fair to say my obsession for makeup has greatly increased. I’m now just a ten minute tube journey from stores such as Liberty, Harrods & Selfridges so beauty counters that didn’t even exist in Somerset are now well within reach. I guess I’m making the most of my new neighbours.

3. Although I use a lot of products I only use a very small amount of each; a dab of blusher here and a dab of bronzer there. I also try and keep my foundation as minimal as possible as I hate that sticky feeling you can get if you’re wearing to much product.

4. I pretty much wear the same makeup on a night out except I usually add some eye shadows or eyeliner. I always keep a small eye shadow palette in my bag just in case. With some of my classes based in Oxford Circus it’s not uncommon to head out for cocktails afterwards. A lady just has to be prepared for these things!

5. When doing a photo-shoot I wear very little makeup – if any. This is partly because I can’t be dealing with wiping makeup off my camera all the time, but also because after a very tiring day I like to rub my eyes without looking like a panda.

6. Every now and again I give mascara a rest for several days. I always get freaked out when I remove my eye makeup and see the odd eyelash on a cotton pad. I have a genuine fear of losing all of my eyelashes and ending up with bald eyes, so mascara breaks occur regularly.

7. My entire morning routine from cleansing, toning and moisturising to applying the final coat of lipstick never takes more then 20 minutes. I love my lies in far too much so I’ve taught myself to be quick.

8. I have to confess I’m a complete makeup snob and I only give designer products a chance – something I’m trying to work on. So if anyone has any cheaper alternatives drop me a comment and I’ll give them a try. After writing this I added up the cost of my products and realised I’m applying nearly £400 worth of makeup to my face. That something I need to cut back on – I’d much rather spend that on shoes!

9. Hopefully you can pick up a few tips and tricks from this post. I have to add though that I’m not a professional makeup artist and I have no idea if I’m applying/using items corretly – any MUA’s out there I apologise in advance if you spot any makeup no-nos. I’ve taught myself over a very long period of time and I’ve also picked up some very useful tips during photoshoots so thank you to the wonderful MUA's who've taught me a lot.

10. As much as I love makeup, I am not controlled by it. I often go out bare faced and I think nothing of getting out the makeup removing wipes in front of friends, family and boyfriends. Makeup should be a fun, creative morning extra, not a mask that can fuel insecurities. Please remember that ladies.  

  

If you want to find out more about an item or to buy it yourself simply click on the item title. Enjoy! x

1.     Le Blanc De Chanel – sheer illuminating base - £30  

A base, or primer “primes” the skin for foundation, smoothing out the skins surface making it easier for makeup application. This feels like velvet and also creates a lovely healthy glow under my foundation. I apply this with my fingers to my entire face but focusing on the T-zone area to keep any shine to a minimum throughout the day.

2.     Suqqu frame fix foundation - £62 

Because of the price I only use this on special occasions but I really do wish I could use it all the time because it’s the best foundation I’ve ever used. I’ve tried two other foundations by Suqqu and they too have left the most flawless finish. This foundation in particular is very thick but the coverage is brilliant so only a tiny bit is needed. I apply this with my fingers instead of a brush, partly because I don’t want to lose any product on the brush, but also because you have to work it into your skin more. It’s a high price to pay given the fact the pot is so tiny but it’s a worthwhile investment.

3.     Clinique even better makeup SPF15  -  £23 

This is what I use most days and is a cheap alternative to the Suqqu foundation. One of the reasons why I like this foundation so much is because it matches my skin tone exactly. I’ve always battled with trying to find the perfect shade and this is the closest I’ve found – no more mixing foundations! Most of the time I don’t have to use concealer because this covers so much of it anyway – even with a small amount. The coverage is really good and lasts pretty much all day.  I apply this with Samantha Chapman’s Real Techniques buffing brush.

4.     MAC studio finish SPF 35 concealer - £14.50

This is the best concealer I’ve ever used and thanks to MAC’s brilliant selection of shades it always blends perfectly into the rest of my makeup. Most of the time I don’t have to use this because my foundation does all the covering. But occasionally when I’ve had a breakout this becomes a lifesaver. Again you only need a little bit and I apply this with Samantha Chapman’s Real Techniques detailer brush.

5.     Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - £25

This is my number one staple product. I always have a spare at home and one I keep in my bag because it really is that wonderful. I use this under my eyes to brighten my skin up and make me look less tired. It feels like air on my skin and leaves a healthy, luminescent glow. Right now YSL are selling a limited edition ’20 years collectors edition’ so if there was ever a time to get this its right now!

6.     Chanel Poudre universelle libre natural finish loose powder - £34

I have combination skin so I’ve spent years looking for a powder that controls shine whilst still feeling light on my skin. This powder does just that and I’d recommend it to anyone who has combination and even oily skin. I only use a light dusting because that’s all you need, but it never looks or feels cakey. Although its not the cheapest powder out there it lasts along time and each pot lasts me around a year! Because its loose powder I’m always careful to contain as much of it in the pot as I possibly can. I’ve learnt from carelessly opening powders and spilling them down myself! What I tend to do is open it up on a surface, lightly dab a powder brush every so slightly into the powder and then tap any excess onto the inside of the lid. This way I save powder and use a minimal amount on my face. 

1.     Chanel soleil tan de Chanel moisturizing bronzing powder - £34

I use a very light dusting of this on areas of my face that naturally catch the sun. The colour is very natural and doesn’t leave a flat finish. It’s superb quality and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

2.     Sleek Makeup – face contour kit - £6.49

I saw this being used in a photo-shoot and was shocked when the makeup artist explained its low price. The palette contains a matte contouring powder and a highlighting powder. I have fair skin and find most contouring kits look harsh and heavy on me. However this palette looks really natural on but still does its job. I also use the highlighting powder on my nose, temples and chin to add a subtle glow.

3.     NARS The multiple multi-purpose stick - £29

I LOVE the NARS multiple. The cult classic comes in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones, seasons and intensity. The multiple can be used as a highlighter, lipstick and eyeshadow but I use mine as a highlighter on my cheekbones. I have four shades; Copacabana, Turks & Caicos, Orgasm and Mustique. Over the summer I’ve been using Mustique on my cheekbones to give me a warm glow but as the colder months are fast approaching I’ve started (just today actually) using Copacabana instead. It’s more of a champagne pink colour and gives a cool tone. I also use the Copacabana on my cupids bow which looks really pretty. There are several ways to apply the multiple and its worth trying a few until you find what works for you. I always apply mine after I’ve put on foundation but if you put it on under foundation the effect is more subtle – it just depends on the look you’re after. I’ve found that swiping it across my cheeks doesn’t work so instead I pat it on using my fingertips. I also use a brush to apply it like I would a normal blusher – it works just as well!

4.     Bobbi Brown shimmer brick compact - £32

I switch between this and one of my NARS multiples. I usually use this if I’m in a rush and can’t be bothered to delicately pat my cheekbones with the NARS crème highlighter. I have to say though that despite experimenting with a range of highlighters/blushers this is easily the best on the market.  This can be used on cheeks and then follow up to the cheekbones leaving a natural, glowing finish. When I wear this I often get asked whats on my cheeks and it lasts for ages.  

1.     DiorShow mascara - £23

I guess its no secret that DiorShow is one of the most spectacular mascaras out there. Its rose water scent gives it that little something special and it is incredibly easy to apply. I only need to coat it on in a zigzag movement a few times to get just the right amount and it lasts a long time too. Remember never pump your wand back into your mascara because it pushes air inside and dries it out.

2.     Bobbi Brown lip balm SPF 15 – £15

If I’m not wearing a colour on my lips I’m wearing this. I like the thickness to it and it leaves my lips feeling soft and smooth. I use this at night as well so I wake up to luscious lips every morning .The packaging is stylish and it’s become a necessity in my handbag, I feel lost if I’ve left it at home! This is easily the best lip balm out there. I know this is going to be a lifesaver this winter when the cold takes its toll on my lips.

3.     NARS soft touch shadow pencil - £17

I haven’t actually used this as an eye shadow yet as I’m not a fan of light colours on my fair eyelids. But I do use it on my cupids bow and under the arch of my brow. I think the colour is just beautiful and it glides on smoothly as well as lasts all day!

4.     Coastal Scents Brow Tones palette - £15

Before London I never bothered to fill in and define my eyebrows. But after experimenting with it I don’t know how I’ve gone so long without it. I use the lightest shade on this with an Urban Decay Good Karma angled brow brush. The palette includes four matte shades so I can use a darker one to add more definition. If you do use more then one shade remember to always use the lightest colour on the inner brow and a darker colour on the outside – never the other way around. It took a lot of practice and patience to get the shape exactly how I want it but it’s worth the effort. I blend it in slightly with a blending brush once I’m done to take away the harshness and make it look more natural.

5.     Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte - £22

This collection comes in the prettiest colours! I don’t wear lipstick very often but when I do this is the first one I reach for. My favourite shade is nude beige but all the pinks are gorgeous. They are so creamy and feel luxurious on your lips and the colour is pigmented and lasts a long time. There’s no need to apply several layers so your lips wont feel heavy in makeup. It makes the perfect finishing touch to my look.

Thanks for reading lovelies!
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