In January, we naturally pledge to be more organised, applying makeup before we leave for work. Generally, this lasts max two months; by April, daily risk of a mascara related bus injuries have risen by 100%.
A tried and true kit of petite essentials is a must-do for an organised 2019. I like to keep things simple when it comes to mid-week makeup. I have a zip-up case, preferring mini-sizes to keep everything compact and organised. Here is how I do my everyday makeup.
I start with a simple and quick-absorbing moisturiser like Antipodes Vanilla Pod (there’s a mini set). It is great to prep your skin ‘canvas’ (and beautifully space efficient). For primer, use the mini Pixi Rose Balm to create a glowing finish.
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue in Vanilla is the perfect base for everyday. It comes out of the tube neatly and lasts a very long time. I’ve had mine since August 2018. With SPF 30, this light-weight gel is hydrating and never cakes. It is a must have for all ages and is almost impossible to get wrong. I love that it allows your skin peep out from under it, avoiding a scary mask-look like you’ve put your makeup on in the dark.
Apply the tinted moisturiser with a beauty sponge. Mine is from Mecca but you can also use a Beauty Blender or a Real Techniques Sponge, or something like the ChiChi one from Farmers. Make sure you lightly dampen it before bopping onto skin.
Use a simple under eye concealer which matches your skin tone to cover under eye circles. I use this Concealing Pen from Tom Ford which has a cushion applicator and applies with a lovely texture. If you don’t like cushion applicators, the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer in Honey is my other go-to.
If eyes are the window to the soul, good brows are the gateway. I remain enamored with Hourglass’s Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and have repeatedly purchased it from Mecca for years. It has a handy spooly which I use to brush my brows up to create a fuller look. I’ll then add some gloss on top to set these: Violette x Estee Lauder created a rose scented one, which finishes the look yet is sadly discontinued (it was a limited edition from the Poppy Sauvage Collection). A mini tub of Vaseline would do just as well however.
Complete the look with a healthy cream blush like Glossier’s Cloud Paints in Storm. I like a deep red as it looks more like a natural flush in my opinion. Also good is Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge or Benefit’s Benetint – a long time favourite. Add a dot of a transparent yet luminous eyeshadow like Glossier’s Lidstar in Slip to bring a glow to your eyes. Seal the deal with two coats of Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara.
Add some more gloss or Vaseline to your cheek bones and brown bone, and a dot on the cupids bow. Finish with your favourite lipstick. Mine right now is from the Violette x Estee Lauder ‘La Dangerous’ Limited Edition Collection as a diffusion of their Pure Colour Envy range which I highly recommend.