What's in my makeup bag

Hello!

Today I put on makeup for the first time in over 3 months!  Like many people, I’ve been in lockdown for what feels like forever now and I haven’t seen anyone in soooooo long! (other than my elderly neighbours, my postman and the squirrel that lives in the tree outside my front door). At first I stopped wearing makeup because I thought it would be nice for my skin (and let’s be honest, I just couldn’t be bothered to put it on), but then 2 weeks turned into two months, and then three… well, you get the gist.  Now that the restrictions are beginning to lift ever so slightly, I actually had plans to meet up (a socially distanced park meet-up with my love), and for the first time in ages I was genuinely excited to put on real clothes and do my face!

So, I got out my poor forgotten makeup bag which had been gathering dust, had a rummage around to remember all the lovely things that were in there and got to work (I just about recalled what to do ha!). 

My go-to is a more natural “no makeup” dewy look, or a “you but better” effect (or at least that’s what I aim for).  I’m just not a massive fan of the fully made up look on my face, it always feels/looks a bit weird on me.  As much as I would love to do the whole fully contoured, big glam style that looks so amazing on some women, it’s just not for me.  I have tried out lots of products over the years, but these are my current favourites (I use the word “current” loosely here given the fact that they are almost dried up from lack of use!).

Primer: By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Serum – Shade: 4 Sunny Flash

This is a great product to use as a primer as it gives a bit of bronzey glow and smooths the skin ready for foundation.  It’s on the pricey side, but it’s classed as skincare and not just as a makeup product as it has some great ingredients for the skin to make it look better over time. I use a high SPF on my face all year-round so it is always a couple of shades lighter than the rest of me, and this Serum makes everything match up a little better. Click here

Foundation: MAC Face & Body – Shade: C2

This foundation is very light and dewy and gives a hint of coverage to even out the skin whilst still letting freckles etc show through.  I like it because it just gives a more even base without being heavy or cakey.  The shade range at MAC is really broad - there really is a shade to match any skintone. Click here

Colour Corrector (for undereye circles): Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector – Shade: Light to Medium

I have pretty noticeable dark circles around my eyes so I need all the help I can get with this!  A colour corrector works in conjunction with a concealer, not in place of it.  It works by balancing out the blue/purple tones of undereye circles by using a peachy/orangey tone.  The idea behind it is that it uses contrasting colours to counteract the colour you are trying to tone down (just the same as using greenish tones to counteract redness etc). I love this Tarte corrector because it isn’t heavy or drying and doesn’t settle into any fine lines.  It’s really easy to blend out with your finger.  Once I’ve corrected the darkness, I then apply concealer over the top  - see below. Click here

Concealer – Maybelline Instant Age Eraser Concealer – Shade: Nude

Whereas the Tarte product is colour correcting, the concealer that I use is matched to my skintone.  I use this under my eyes, around my nose and the corners of my mouth where the skin has a bit of redness.  I like this one from Maybelline because it covers where I need it to and still gives that skin-like finish.  Plus, it’s not expensive. Click here

Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Micro-Powder – Shade: 2 Medium

I don’t like to use a lot of powder because I prefer my skin to look dewy rather than matte.  However, I do use a light dusting of powder where I have used concealer, just to set it in place and stop it creasing. This one is lovely, because it is so fine and gives a really nice finish to the skin. Click here

Bronzer – Ciaté London Cheekbone Cheat Blusher Bronzer Duo – Shade: Bluff Point

It’s a nice matte bronzer with no shimmer at all.  It gives a bit of sunkissed colour without that muddy or orange look that some bronzers can give.  I use it on my forehead, a little around the sides of my face and down my neck to tie everything together.  I also use this as my eyeshadow as it’s a great multi-tasking product. Click here

Blusher – NARS Blush – Shade: Sin

A lovely mauvy/pink/berry blusher that adds a bit of subtle colour to cheeks. Click here

Mascara – The Balm Mad Lash Mascara – Black

My mascara is definitely getting a bit dried out now, but still good.  This is the only non-waterproof mascara I can use that doesn’t smudge or flake or give that lovely panda effect!  I have a few favourite waterproof mascaras and this one is as good as those and easy to take off at the end of the day.  The only negative is that it’s not so easy to get hold of.  I purchased it originally in the US, but struggled to find it in UK stores, it only seems to be online.  Click here

Eyeliner – LimeLife Perfect Eyeliner Pen – Midnight Black

This is smudge-proof and lasts all day.  The shape of the pen makes it really easy to apply to give the illusion of fuller, thicker lashes. Click here

Setting Spray – Mount Purious Pure Rose water

I use this rose water as my fixing spray.  I love finishing with a generous spritz all over my face as it helps to soften any powdery effect of the products and melts everything seamlessly into the skin, locking it in place all day long. Click here

Lip Colours

I’m a bit of a lipstick junkie (I get this from my mum who wouldn’t be seen dead without her lippy… she even puts it on to take out the bins!).  I always keep 3 or 4 in my bag and then switch them up.  These are some of my favourites:

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment spf15 – Shade: Coral

A hydrating and smoothing lip balm that gives a good colour and SPF 15.  It’s a really natural, easy to wear colour that feels so nourishing. Click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick – Love Bite (a bright red); Lost Cherry (a pinky/coraly shade) 

I love these Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, the colours are pretty intense and they last for hours.  Plus the packaging is so pretty and glam! Click here (Love Bite) and here (Lost Cherry)

Revlon Colourburst Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain – Shade: 045 Romantic (the red one), Shade: 001 Honey (the pink one)

These balm stains are so easy to wear and you can layer them up for a more intense colour or smudge them with your finger for a lighter hint of colour.  They are really moisturising too and don’t feel dry at all.  Click here (Romantic) and here (Honey)

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in shade 08 San Paulo

I love these lip creams from Nyx and even though they are matte, they are not drying and they last a fairly long time. I have them in a few colours, but I always gravitate towards this one as it’s a lovely darker pink colour. Click here

Perfume – Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.15

I have never had so many compliments on a fragrance as I do when I wear this one.  I just love it! Click here

My other favourites are Penhaligon’s Orange Blossom (Click here) and Gucci by Gucci (but I think this has been discontinued as I can’t find it anywhere – gutted!)

So here it is, the finished look…

L x

What are your must-have makeup finds? Let me know in the comments below.