What’s in my makeup bag?
“Truly modern makeup should enhance a woman’s look without ever dominating
or masking her own beauty or personality”
Francois Nars
I often get asked how long it takes me to put my makeup on and most seem surprised that with the exception of special events and nights out, I have a strict time limit of 10 minutes (and the odd sneaky red light mascara moment on the school run!). I must admit just in case of emergencies, I take my makeup bag everywhere, re-stock it frequently and love the fact that there’s always a hidden treasure at the bottom of it like my Frog Prince lipstick for when I don’t have time to create the perfect lip! Like many women, I love makeup but it took me about a year to really understand what products work best for my skin type, what colours suit me and what techniques to use when applying my makeup.
So, I thought I would share the contents of my makeup bag with you for a minimal and natural everyday look and let you get a sneak peak of my makeup guilty pleasures. One thing I have learnt is the importance of taking care of my skin because it you prep your skin properly then the rest just falls into place with greater ease and the result will be a natural flawless glow. These steps are crucial to achieve this look:
Cleanse: (including regular but gentle exfoliation) You need to remove impurities and dirt from your skin and exfoliate dead skin cells so you don’t have dry skin which can give foundation an uneven finish.
Moisturise: Apply to face and neck and ensure that you have assessed your skin and chosen a product which is suitable for your skin type which will keep it hydrated and plumped.
SPF: It’s simple….apply to avoid premature ageing and protect your skin.
Prime: One of the best kept secrets but the key to flawless makeup as it leaves the skin perfectly smooth ready for makeup application.
Eyes:
1. Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat £21
Easy to use eye cream that provides the perfect base for eye shadow and corrects any imperfections or discolouration. It also comes in various colours to suit your skin tone. An essential step before applying any eye makeup.
2. Shiseido Satin Eye Colour 709 and 708 (available in 8 shades) £18
I love the intensity of these eyeshadows and their smooth texture. They go on so beautifully and last for hours – the more you spend on your eyeshadow the more pigment is in the powder, hence you will get a beautiful finish that lasts for hours.
3. MAC Fluidline Gel Eyeliner in Black £16
I like to apply my liner with a MAC Classic Liner Brush for a precise line. This gel formula is long-wearing and smudge proof and is the perfect consistency. It also comes in an array of colours for anyone that wants something a little different. Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to liner!
4. Kevin Aucoin The Eyelash Curler £17
5. Chanel Nourishing Mascara Base £25
This is protective and nourishing for your lashes but also holds the curl in place and improves the result of mascara.
6. Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Black £25
I’ve tried a fair few and this in my favourite – it withstands tears, wind and rain and gives volume, length and curl and one of my favourite features is it gives precise lash separation.
7. Laura Mercier Eye Pencil in Brown Copper £19
Perfect for under the eye and not as harsh as black – it’s quite creamy in texture so easy to apply but long-lasting.
8. Laura Mercier Brown Definer in Dark £17.50
Fantastic consistency as it holds the hairs in place while adding fullness and texture. It comes is 3 colours so you can pick the right one for your colouring. Don’t forget to brush the brows before you apply and remember how important this stage is as the brows create a great frame for your eyes.
Brushes:
Space NK Eyeshadow Brush £18, Space NK Shader Brush £22, MAC Classic Liner Brush £16.50, BECCA Liner Liner Brush for Brows £22
Skin:
1. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer £52
Perfect makeup is born from applying a flawless base and this one conceals redness, minimises pores and softens the look of fine lines. It is also oil free for those of us with a more oily completion and lastly contains SPF.
2. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation in Cream £60
I’ve tried many different foundations to reduce the cost of my foundation but I always come back to this one – it’s got excellent medium/full coverage but such a lightweight texture and natural dewy finish. Another perfect product for oily or combination skin.
3. Shiseido Foundation Brush £30
If you have time to use a brush this gives a lovely uniform application and flawless finish.
4. By Terry Terrybly Densilliss Concealer in Medium Peach £44
Perfect to use under the eye as it smoothes fine lines and blemishes while brightening the eye area. It also has firming and plumping ingredients to counteract those tell-tale signed of ageing and fatigue!
Cheeks:
1. Hourglass Ambient Palette £56
I love this palette as I use the Incadesent Light under the brow bone and for highlighting the cheek bone and then the Radiant Light which bronzes and gives so much warmth to the face.
2: Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Emotion £19.50
I love this blusher as the powder is so fine and has a matte finish and yet gives a beautiful blush of colour.
3. Space NK Cheek Contour Brush £25
Lips:
It’s important that you choose a shade to suit you but here are a few of my favourites!
1. Lipstick Queen in Frog Prince £22
A perfect go to when you’re short of time as it’s nourishing and hydrating to the lips and reacts with the PH of your lips to create a perfect pink glossy sheen in a colour to suit your complexion! A handbag essential!
2. Lipstick Queen in Saint Hot Rose £22
A subtle way to wear lipstick as it contains just 10% pigment giving a translucent effect with a light touch of colour. It’s the perfect inbetween solution, moisturising and easy to wear.
3. The Body Shop Colour Crush £10
Lovely pop of colour and loads to choose from.
4. Maxfactor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Bewitching Coral £7.99
High Pigment lip colour and vibrant – beautiful summer coral.
5. MAC Creme Sheen in Dare You and Matte in Diva £15.50
Just a fabulous selection on colours and finishes to choose from.
6. Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Light Crimson £25
This range is fantastic for building colour – do one for an understated look or keep building up to 3 layers for intense depth and vibrancy. Beautiful satin finish and 28 colours to choose from.
7. Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in 452 £22.50
Really creamy and moisturising with all day colour. This ones a gorgeous hot pink if you’re feeling daring!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the contents of my makeup bag! Don’t forget if you need your makeup bag refreshing but don’t know where to start of perhaps need a lesson to brush up on your techniques I offer a number of packages to suit your needs. Visit my website at www.lydiajanestyling.co.uk and check out my makeup services and browse through some of my makeovers in my gallery.
All of the products above are available for purchase from Space NK or House of Fraser.
Happy Shopping!
Lydia x
