Usually around this time of year, I’d be looking to start my seasonal beauty swap over. Choosing slightly heavier or richer formulations over my lighter, high rotational skincare favourites of the warmer months. This “a-ha” moment came to me a couple of years ago, and I haven’t looked back. It’s helped me to understand why some products were hyper-effective the initial time I used it (in the right season for it), but would break me out when I’d continue to use it as the seasons changed. But, it’s still so warm here in Sydney, that I’ve found myself stretching out this switchover, only opting to add in a very nourishing body cream as a stepping stone. So, here are my three favourites from the month of April.
Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner in ‘matte tan/brown’
Eyeshadow has always been a weakness of mine. I’ve always held this desire to be that person who experiments with her eye looks; a neutral “chill” eye look one day, and then a pop of colour the next. But with my high contrast features and olive-toned complexion, I’ve found this so hard to pull off. Realising that the type of makeup that suits me best is something that brings brightness to my eyelids. A mid-range shadow can throw me off, looking severe or too “smokey” for every day. Also, for ease, I like a one and done option. Shimmer or matte, I’m happy to pop either in my crease, as long as it has a smooth blend, and adheres to my lids all day (with a primer). The Tarte Quick Stick Eyeshadow has become a firm favourite. I have this in a couple of colours, but my current go to is ‘matte tan/brown’. This is creamy, and easy to blend out with fingers or a brush. The colour is earthy; like a soft muted clay that leans warm to neutral. It’s double ended, but I’ve never really found myself gravitating towards the “eyeliner” end. I prefer something that has a bit more precision as I struggle to get a crisp line with a pencil style liner. PS. You can use the code ‘jamielee’ for 15% off sitewide at Tarte.
Merit Cheek Color Flush Balm in ‘terracotta’
Recently reunited with my favourite blush since moving back into our home. I’ve been using other products (love the Ilia one, which also seems to have been misplaced), but this is so familiar, and complementary to my complexion that I keep coming back to it. The colour is a brown toned nude, which becomes one with the cheeks for a natural-looking flushed cheek. Being a balm, this doesn’t set entirely, which means your cheeks will have a bit of that creamy feeling to the touch, and it can easily be disrupted. But I love a dewy finish, so am willing to overlook that for the application (I vigorously swipe across my cheeks and blend) and colour alone. I think the packaging has since been updated since I made my purchase, but another win is that you can easily see the colour through the transparent lid. A product I consider a ‘must-try’ from Merit.
Fenty Skin Shimmering Whipped Oil Body Cream
For that additional bit of nourishment for my skin, I’ve been slathering my body with this rich, buttery cream from Fenty Skin. Usually I would avoid such a heavily scented product like this; but it smells delightful. Like gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven. For that reason alone, I tend to use this in the evening, right before bed. Which does mean that the sparkly shimmer is lost on me, but, I think when you have a product like this that is fragranced in of itself, it does rob of you of the opportunity to cloak yourself with your favourite perfume without disrupting the scent profile. But this is every bit worth the hype. Nourishing, creamy, and sinks into the skin beautifully.
