Long gone are the days where I’m able to take my time applying my makeup. Or just generally, spend more than 15 minutes getting ready in the morning. The quicker I can get things done, the better. So in addition to relying on easy and effortless basics for day-to-day dressing, I’ve also found myself streamlining my makeup routine.
It’s been a while since I’ve done any serious beauty chat, so I thought I’d run through the seven products that have been “doing the most” for me over the past few months. Quick little side note… While I don’t make it through all seven steps every morning, I do make an effort to at least apply a little concealer to cover up any darkness under my eyes, or redness around my nose or chin.
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer | As mentioned above, concealer is a must for me. Daily. Aside from a good night’s sleep (which feels months away!), it’s the only thing that really seems to have an impact at brightening up my complexion. Quite literally! I’ve been using up the Age Rewind Concealer from Maybelline, and while my initial impressions were pretty mixed, I’ve really come to love this product. It’s more of a light to medium coverage, easily buildable, and blends effortlessly into the skin. I feel I don’t need to wear any other base products, as long as I’ve got one of these to hand.
Clinique Bronzer* | I’ve been mixing things up and using one of two bronzers from Clinique. My fave is hands down the Chubby Stick in Sculpting Contour; a product I’ve already managed to use up once in the past. The newer of the two is the Powder Pop Flower Bronzer, something I was super excited to try out after hearing Jasmine Dowling mention it. While my preference is for cream products, this is a really beautiful powder. Finely milled, blends out effortlessly on the skin, and buildable. The colour has a red undertone to it, so it gives that natural “I’ve been out in the sun” look.
NARS Pro Prime Eyeshadow Base | An oldie but a goodie, I recently decided to revisit this eyeshadow primer after my Urban Decay Primer Potion finally bit the dust. Of the two, the NARS one is definitely my favourite. The colour is transparent, so even if you don’t work it into the lid, it doesn’t show. And it just makes your eyeshadow stick around all. damn. day. A total must if you have oily eyelids like me!
ABH ‘Sultry’ Eyeshadow Palette | Since I’ve stopped actively looking to add new makeup to my stash, I’ve been falling back in love with my old favourites; the ABH Sultry Palette included. I’m really only using four or five shadows out of the palette as my daily eye look is a simple wash of colour across the lid, perhaps with a bit of sparkle. This has those essentials I need, plus some more fun shimmery options if I feel like experimenting.
Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Eyeliner | Another one of those old favourites which I recently decided to revisit. And you know what? I think I forgot just how good this is. Super affordable, and pretty easy to use too as it has quite a fine tip. I do find this isn’t the best to wear on a super windy day though as it tends to wear away if my eyes get incredibly watery.
Marc Jacobs At Lash’d Mascara* | I’m constantly on the hunt for good mascara options that won’t rub off on my brow bone thanks to my oily eyelids… This new launch from Marc Jacobs intrigued me as it promised to be smudge-proof, so I knew it’d be an instant winner for me if it delivered. And boy does it. I’ve been using this daily since it arrived in the mail, and I love what it does for my lashes. It isn’t as “va-va-voom” as the MJ Velvet Noir Mascara, though with a bit of layering you can get near close enough. Adds volume, and length, plus it stays put all day. Another one I’ll be adding to my “repurchase” list.
Benefit Brow Microfilling Pen* | I don’t think there’s a brand out there that does brows better than Benefit. Seriously. Usually I’m loyal most to my Gimme Brow, but I do find if I’m not careful this can really highlight my brows and make them look a little too bold. Less is definitely more for me with brow products. But of late, I’ve found myself reaching for their newest launch, the Brow Microfilling Pen. This has three fine felt tips which are supposed to mimic the effect of micro-blading. I can’t say that’s quite been my experience. Instead, I find this as a subtle and natural way to fill in the gaps, and give my brows a bit more volume (without making them the focal point of my face). It’s also completely smudge proof the moment it sets so your filled in brows will not be going anywhere.
