It’s been a while since I wore a full face of makeup on a regular basis, to the point where I honestly can’t remember the last period of time where I frequently wore it. I don’t really know why I stopped, but one evening I decided to have a little play around with my makeup and actually ended up liking the natural makeup look I created, and voila I decided that I would start dabbling again! I used to keep a variety of products to choose from, despite always opting for the same products everyday, so nowadays, I like to keep my makeup bag relatively streamlined, and only with the products that I genuinely use on a daily basis. My makeup bag itself is just a clear PVC DSquared bag and it’s a nice size to fit everything I need in as well as my makeup brushes.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
I’ve also been using this concealer for years now, and I have tried my fair share of concealers over the years but this remains my absolute favourite. It’s not too thick and cakey on the skin, but it has a nice amount of coverage to it. I don’t just use it under my eyes to conceal my awful under eye circles, but also to carve out my brows too as it just blends out effortlessly. On days where I want to brighten under my eyes, I reach for the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser, which is slightly lighter in consistency but nicely brightens under the eyes, without making them look stark white.
L’Oreal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick (Shade Ebony)
This is a product that really took me by surprise. I initially picked it up on a whim, but like I said I am pleasantly surprised with it! This contour stick is insanely pigmented, so you don’t need to apply a lot of product. It can be easy to get carried away when using this product as its relatively soft and very creamy however it blends beautifully as it doesn’t leave any harsh lines, therefore you don’t need to work fast with it. I apply it to the key points of my face – hollows of my cheeks, temples, bum chin and jawline and it gives a nice amount of definition.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Although I don’t use an eyebrow pencil to completely fill in my brows, I still like to keep one in my makeup bag. I use this brow pencil from NYX as it has a thin point, which is ideal for when I need to add a bit more definition to my brows. Whether it’s defining the arch or the tail of my brow, it works a treat!
MAC Pro Longwear Paintpot
Similarly to my base makeup, I absolutely refuse to wear eyeshadow without applying a primer first. I used to be a fan of a Laura Mercier primer, which ended up getting discontinued, so I quickly had to find something else. This MAC Paintpot in the shade ‘groundwork’ is a perfect base shade for any eyeshadow for me. When it comes to eyeshadow primer, its more than just increasing longevity, but more importantly about preventing my eyeshadow from creasing and this product from MAC does not disappoint.
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer (Shade 10)
Back in the day I used to love a blinding highlight, however as I now prefer a more natural and subtle look, I’ve opted for a liquid illuminator. This offering from Giorgio Armani is the perfect finishing touch to my base as it just adds a nice, subtle highlight to my cheekbones and brow bone. I apply it with a beauty blender and it works really well with my other everyday makeup picks.
Nivea Post Shave Balm
An unusual product to apply to your face as a primer, but this is such an underrated product. Yes it was initially marketed to men as a product to reduce bumps and to give smooth skin after shaving, but this product has never let me down. The product itself has a very runny consistency, but when blended into the skin becomes a more balmy texture. This product has been an absolute staple in my makeup bag for years now and I never wear makeup without applying it first!
MAC Eyeshadow Quad (Bronze, Wedge, Brown Script, Brun)
I decided to switch out some of the eyeshadows from my MAC Pro x15 palette and take out the eyeshadows that would work best for everyday. ‘Bronze’ is the perfect shade for a nice wash of colour over the lid, it’s not too overpowering or over the top. ‘Wedge’ is pure stone colour, and ‘brown script’ is a lovely reddy brick colour. The last shadow is ‘Brun’ which I actually use to fill my brows in. it just gives a softer look rather than solely using a pencil to fill them in.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
It’s no secret that NARS is one of, if not my ultimate brand when it comes to base products. It will come as no surprise that some of their products would find their way into my everyday makeup bag. As it’s been a while since I’ve worn a full face of makeup, I got used to the natural imperfections of hyper-pigmentation and the texture of my skin. Because I got used to my bare skin, I’ve recently gone back to a lighter base and switched out my foundation for a tinted moisturiser. This tinted moisturiser consists of a light texture, and when applied, looks just liked skin without feeling like I have a mask on my face.
Let me know your thoughts on anything that I’ve mentioned as well as some of your makeup bag staples!
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