Here’s a little-known and not-that-interesting fact about me – I love putting my makeup on. Over the years I’ve honed my technique and it’s now second nature. I wear full makeup pretty much every day and find the ritual of putting it on really soothing. Plus, the transformative effect of a bit of concealer is quite astonishing and very good for the soul (probably).
This is my everyday makeup look. It takes 5-10 minutes to apply and has only changed very slightly since I first started wearing full makeup 10 years ago. Let’s take a look at the products I use, shall we?
Benefit Porefessional | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Porcelain | Estee Lauder Double Wear Light in 1-0 | Benefit Boi-ing concealer in 01 | Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer in Ivory | Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Pressed Powder in Medium
I have oily, shine-prone skin so perfecting my base has always been the most important part of my makeup routine. I start with Benefit’s Porefessional, which fills open pores and smooths the skin ready for foundation. In summer, I use Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Light which gives even, long-lasting coverage without being heavy or cakey. On holiday or in very hot weather/Sundays when I can’t be bothered, I use Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser instead, for very subtle coverage and a nice ‘illuminating’ effect.
I suffer with serious dark circles under my eyes (they’re hereditary – thanks mum) so a good under-eye concealer is my saviour. Benefit’s Boi-ing is thick and creamy but applies smoothly and really brightens the whole area – I apply under my eye, in the corners and across my eyelid for full coverage.
My skin is relatively clear these days, but Rimmel’s Hide the Blemish – a throwback to my spotty teen years – still helps me out. It covers redness and scarring like a boss. Then I set everything with Mac’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder which has great staying power.
Benefit Hervana Face Powder | Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder | Topshop Cream Blush in Neon Rose and High Five
A bit of blusher often saves me from looking like the walking dead. I love Topshop’s cream blushers because they’re quite bright and very long-lasting, meaning my pasty cheeks don’t make an appearance ’til bedtime. Benefit’s Hervana Face Powder has been something of a revelation – I was dubious about applying a pink-and-purple toned powder all over my face, but it really adds life to my skin and takes the edge off that sallow colour pale skin can have. Finally, if I’m feeling summery or have a slight tan, Hoola Bronzing Powder gives me a nice golden glow. Lovely.
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette | Shavata Arch Enhancer Pencil | Shavata Pencil in Dusk | Fashionista Secret Gel Liner in Black | Benefit They’re Real Mascara in Black | Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero | Topshop Lipstick in Ohh La La
I don’t do much with my eyes – wearing glasses means they’re never really my focus, and because they have a tendency to water and be generally a bit pathetic, I usually stick to the basics. I use the Bootycall shade from the Naked 2 palette as a base – it’s a very pale shade so I take it right up to my brow bone and into the corners of my eyes. If I’m feeling a little 50s, I’ll go for a cat eye look with a sweep of Fashionista’s Secret Gel Liner which, once it’s in place, doesn’t budge all day. Then a few coats of Benefit’s They’re Real (the UK’s number 1 selling mascara, yo!) to emphasise my lashes.
Eyebrows are kinda my life – I have mine threaded, either at the ridiculously-overpriced-but-awesome Shavata or at a local salon. I use the Shavata Arch Enhancer along my brow bone and in the corner of my eyes (it’s a great highlighter) then define and fill with a brow pencil. Awesome eyebrows, done.
Lipstick is the only area I really take any chances with – I love really bright colours and rich, matte textures are my favourites. Topshop’s Lipstick range is excellent and Ohh La La, Brighton Rock and All About Me are in constant rotation. If I’m feeling more feminine, Nars’ Bolero pencil is a lovely soft pink and works well with more dramatic eyes.
And that, ladies and gents, is how to create a masterpiece 😉
Any favourite makeup products to share?
I loved this post! It’s always nice to have a nosy into other people’s makeup routines.
Have you tried Hourglass’s Mineral Veil primer? That’s a really good one as well. The Naked Palette is a staple in my makeup bag as well. I find myself reaching for this the most so it was money well spent!
Ooohh thanks for the recommendation, Alyse – will definitely give that primer a try! 🙂
I love reading people’s posts into their make-up routines, it lets you know what they recommend, and what’s worth buying. I’ll definitely have to give Benefit’s Boi-ing concealer a whirl, I too suffer from drastic dark under-eye circles, and my hunt for the perfect concealer is still on-going!
xxxx
Ohh, thanks for this post…I’m always curious to see peoples’ makeup routines. Fun! I also have pretty bad dark circles and now want to look into Benefit’s concealer…seems to work very well! And maybe I’ll check out They’re Real, too. Never tried it! Thanks for the recommendations!
– Samantha
http://www.nerdysam.com
Hi Samantha, I would definitely recommend Boi-ing for dark circles. I’ve tried absolutely everything to cover mine but this is the only thing that really makes a difference. It also lasts a really long time too as you only need a tiny bit!
Such a great post! Gawd, I’m so nosy, I love having a peek into people’s make-up bags and seeing their routines – gives me some inspiration to pep up my own!
What do you think of the NARS lip pencils? Really interested in them, but I haven’t really seen many reviews on them. What’s the formula like? Do they last well?
Might have to make a cheeky Toppers bush purchase too, as I keep seeing them everywhere!
Sophie
http://www.anarrangementofnotes.wordpress.com
The NARS pencil is quite good – the formula is VERY matte so even the slightly hint of chapped lips/dry skin looks awful when you apply it. It’s a little bit chalky too so I usually mix it with a lip balm. All that being said, the colour is gorgeous and it’s very long-lasting. I don’t wear it often but when I do I love it! 🙂
I meant ‘slightest’ there not slightly!
Great make up and you look beautiful. I’ve been using the Naked by Too Faced. Actually Too Faced has become my new go to make up I love their tinted face balm and their shadow primer.
http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/
Dying to try that mascara 🙂
I just love this lip colour – may just have to pick one of those up! XX
Great tips thanks Jen!
How do you get the comments in the photos?is this achievable via Photoshop?
Best wishes Gem
lovely products,the top shop boxes are so cute!
I never really do any eye make up but I swear by a good primer (I love Gosh’s), foundation and blusher. I might look into a tinted moisturiser though for the days when I don’t want anything too heavy.
I’m really loving the new line from Liz Earle. Trying to get my green on with my make up these days and I’m a bit of a junkie with her skincare. The bronzer & concealer are fully recommended!
You use some really nice things. I am now one of your new followers xD
Laura x ( demandbeauty.blogspot.co.uk )
Great post. You have an awesome make-up collection! I love the Urban Decay NAKED2 palette – I got it as a gift recently. My favorite concealer for under-eye is also Benefit but it’s the Erase Paste. It works so well!
Maya
http://girllovescolor.blogspot.com/
It looks very good- simple and natural.
I really like your make-up.
I’m not that good if there goes about make-up.
Where did you learn this?
http://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/
xo
You look like Uma Therman
You look beautiful!
Thanks for bringing Benefit’s Porefessional to my attention. I need something just like that.
I have really dark bags under my eyes, think I need this benefit concealer in my life! x
Beautiful and so classic looking! I struggle with dark undereyes, so I’ll have to try Boi-ing! I also really like the new pen from Lancome..it’s clickable with a brush on it!