You know the expression "if it isn't broken, don't fix it", well I seem to follow that saying religiously when it comes to my makeup routine. I have gone through a lot of trial and error, and always switched up makeup products, which in result has left a lot of expensive products to expire in my makeup bag until I found the right ones. I have been several months now where I have been very content with my products and I haven't felt like something was missing, of course there are days I want a brighter lip but other than that my look is pretty much consistent. My products are a combination of both high-end and drugstore, there was a time where I was saving up to solely buy higher-end products and to my dismay, I was very disappointed. Some products have worked on me and others haven't, this is when I came to realise not only was I wasting money & that I could have possibly bought x4 mascaras for the price of one but also that it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to pay for the product but rather the brand - you know what they say same product different packaging.
Below is a step-by-step guide to how I do my look pretty much everyday, I have also gone ahead to link my products. Keep in mind everyone's complexion and taste is different. What works for me might not personally work for you, but doesn't mean you can't get an insight on a product or two.
FIRST STEP : FOUNDATION & CONCEALER
The base is very important. First off you will need to make sure that you have a clean face just like an artist needs a white canvas. I like a foundation with SPF which is why I use Vichy Derma Blend during the summer months, loyal to it's name this foundation blends in super nicely and leaves my face with a nice dewy finish at a price of £13.50. As of late, (when a heavy SPF isn't really necessary) I opt for my other favourite, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. It is super light on the face and has a slightly less coverage, this is definitely a little pricier at £33 but in my opinion, a little goes a long way and is worth the extra ££. I then add a little YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch under my eyes and penetrate it into the skin with my index finger. This brightens my eye area and makes my dark circles 'almost' disappear.
SECOND STEP: POWDER,
My face seems to be where I alternate between both high-end and low-end products. I vary between the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder for only £3.99 (How is it so good & so affordable?!) and the Chanel Vitalumiere Compact Doucer which is more costly at £42.50, this is almost like a foundation powder which I use mainly when I need more of a coverage touch up. However, they both work fantastic at removing shine and preventing that oily T-zone throughout the day.
THIRD STEP: BLUSH & HIGHLIGHTER
Once your face and powder has set it's time to bring some colour back on the face. I have quite high cheek bones and quite frankly when it comes to bronzer it never quite does it for me. I sometimes do add but very rarely - my blush and highlighter do the trick just fine. I have been using Melba - Powder Blush by Mac which is a peachy colour which I believe could work fantastic on any skin tone & I polish off with Mineralize Skinfinish Soft & Gentle at £24 this highlighter is so luminous & gorgeous, it brightens my face instantly.
FOURTH STEP: APPLY BROW PENCIL, EYELINER AND EYESHADOW
This is an important part that can make or break your look, the definition of the eyebrows. I use Veluxe Brow Liner also by Mac in the shade: Deep Dark Brunette. I usually just elongate my eyebrows slightly however if I'm feeling a thicker brow this will definitely bolden my entire look.
I got offered the Complete Eye Palette in shade mocha 2 after finishing my work experience at Burberry last year and I have been using it ever since this is perfect on me for an every day neutral smokey eye. This really compliments my winged eyeliner quite nicely, these shadows last all day on my eyelids & as far as price goes £40 seems about right considering this product has lasted me all this time.
The winged liner can be super tricky, there are days I managed to get it done under two minutes and other times, where it can be the whole reason why I'm running late. I use the L'Oreal Paris Superliner Black 'n' Sculpt eye liner to achieve this look which only costs £6.99 and helps me greatly at succeeding that perfect winged look.. on most days. (my winged eyeliner seems to have a personality of it's own)
The winged liner can be super tricky, there are days I managed to get it done under two minutes and other times, where it can be the whole reason why I'm running late. I use the L'Oreal Paris Superliner Black 'n' Sculpt eye liner to achieve this look which only costs £6.99 and helps me greatly at succeeding that perfect winged look.. on most days. (my winged eyeliner seems to have a personality of it's own)
FIFTH STEP: MASCARA
I was thinking if I had to be stranded & I could only choose one item. It would have to be Mascara, there is something about mascara that without it a look is NOT complete. I love to use the waterproof kind. It's easier to remove which in turn, will help to lessen wrinkles with age as one won't have to thug the fragile skin around the eyes to remove the remains. I use Maybelline Mascara Volume Express this is super affordable at £4.99 and gives me that bold look, I usually can't do without.
SIXTH STEP: LIPS
'Eye' for one love a heavy look, (see what I did there?) so I try to keep it balanced by going nude on my lips. This has been the one that I struggled loads with, there were times where I used to put foundation to get the desired nude look, as my lips are naturally quite pigmented. However, I have finally found Creme de nude by Mac and my life is now complete. this is only £15.50, this is in between drugstore and high end price. They are extremely smooth and work perfect on me, I add this on right after my Naked Liner lip pencil which is £13 (also by Mac) which helps to keep the colour on for longer.
That is about it - - I usually take fifteen minutes on a whole to get my makeup done and once that's set I am ready to tackle the day or night ahead. Hope this was remotely interesting and you enjoyed it :-)
