As make-up vlogs have been blooming all over the blogosphere lately, I did consider doing one... Taking photos of myself is one thing but having a close-up of my face and the sound of my voice for 5 minutes (or more!) turned out to be a big no-no. Sorry peeps!
• Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturise & All That Jazz.
I'm completely in love with the entire 'tomato' range. If, like me, you need a matifying moisturizer, then look no further, this one's perfect, especially before you do your make-up.
The 3-step set is pretty much everything you need. I use it in the evening to make sure my skin's perfectly clean before I go to bed. The liquid facial soap can be used as a make-up remover, it's very gentle on the eyes.
• One, Two, Three, Pretty!
A few weeks ago, I noticed that pretty much all of my products were running empty: primer, powder... At the same time, Ashley uploaded a great video about her favourite beauty products and with her precious help, I bought a full set of Too Faced goodies.
• Step One - Primer
I know some people only use it on their t-zone or on their cheeks. I apply it on my entire face to make sure my foundation goes through the day. It helps avoiding ugly demarcations along my hairline or my ears and prevents your foundation from drying out your skin.
At the moment, I'm using Primed & Poreless by Too Faced, it's a good product but if you're looking for a primer, I'd recommend two others. Smoothing Primer by Sephora is a kick-ass product, great value for money! And for those of us (like me) who live in a country without Sephora, Urban Outfitters or American Apparel (I may be crying as I type this), I'd recommend La Base by Lancôme. It might be a bit expensive but it'll take you months before running out of it, totally worth every penny.
If you use eye shadow on a daily basis, you might consider buying an eye primer. Honestly, I don't see the point. A good primer should be good enough for your entire face and as far as the two above are concerned, they do a great job on your eyes as well.
• Step Two - Concealer
I've been using Absolutely Flawless by Too Faced for a week now and I don't like it. The coverage is very good but no matter what you do, it's very sticky and just f***s up pretty much anything you put on top: powder and even mascara. Very frustrating.
Lucky me, I have an alternative. Wait, no, I have two. My absolute fave is Ideal Light by Estée Lauder. It's a brush so it's super easy to apply and I've had mine for almost a year (!) it seems to be bottomless. I got Eclat Lumière by Chanel for Christmas, I haven't used it yet but I tried it quickly and it looks like a very similar product to Ideal Light.
• Step Three - Foundation
The one and only: Photogenic by Lancôme. Forget your brushes, apply it with your fingers like you apply your moisturizer. Done.
• Step Four - Setting Powder
Amazing Face by Too Faced, a good product to achieve your base, it looks natural and not too powdery.
I bought my brushes from Too Faced (again) - mostly because of their awesome name: Teddy Bear Hair Brushes. They're supersoft (do I use 'super' a lot or what?) and are cruelty-free as they're synthetic.
• Step Five - Blush
Météorites by Guerlain. I had never used that much money on a powder before, it was a little luxury for a special occasion but I've had it for years now and it's still half full.
• Smile & Wink.
• Eyes
Never anything else.
When I want to add a bit of colour, I use eye pencils by Urban Decay, I was given a great set for Christmas, the colours are gorgeous and hold forever (or at least 24 hours).
• Lips
Lip Balm: Yes to Carrots & Burt's Bees.
Lip Stick: I haven't found a brand I go back to... so tips are welcome and appreciated. My two faves are a fushia I got from my mom (unfortunately the brand shut down years ago) and a pale purple from the Body Shop: Colour 10 'Soft Heather'.
• Perfume
I have a perfume for each season, it's a habit I got from my mom. My family knows it and I get spoiled every Christmas. I came back with all four of them in January.
•••
This has to be the longest post I've ever written and if you've read that far, you have my eternal gratitude. Hope you've enjoyed it. If you have tips or questions, don't hesitate! Otherwise, clap your hands!
Now I'm off to blow some soap bubbles!
Have a beautiful week!
