Posted by
spriglet
On
Thursday, 22 November 2012
20:56
I was trying to decide on my favourite beauty product earlier, and found myself torn between the best mascara in the world and my ultimate moisturiser which I consider a high achiever given that I have incredibly sensitive skin. So for inspiration I stumbled across a post from 2009 on my makeup heroes - the products I just can't live without. It surprised me that a few have changed, so I thought I'd do an update. Well, in a few years time I might need to look back after all...
I still swear by the Urban Decay Primer, Bourjois Stretch Eyeshadow (which I now buy on eBay as it seems to be missing from the counters), 17 Concealer Stick and L'Oreal Khaki eyeshadow - but here are my new makeup bag regulars:
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation - This product converted me into a foundation wearer. I only wear it for my 'best' days or evenings out, but this super smooth gel foundation sinks into skin to give a natural glow that doesn't look like thick makeup. The coverage isn't flawless, but I top up with concealer and it's perfect. Check out my full review here.
MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara - I've moved on from False Lash Effect (though I still have it as a back up for extra length) because Masterpiece Max suits my lashes so much better. It gives the same fluttery length as the Falsh Lash Effect but it also adds volume and I find it looks darker or glossier somehow. I can't leave the house without it.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer - Much like the foundation from the same range, this concealer is a face-saver. It's ideal for undereye circles but also covers redness and imperfections too. I find it blends really well, with no dryness (though I do always moisturise beforehand).
Avéne Micellar Lotion - It's no secret that I bloody love the Avéne range. I can't live without their moisturisers and though this isn't makeup you can't have makeup without something to remove it, right? This clear and gentle cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and leaves it feeling so very soft and clean that it's convinced me to ditch the face wipes (most nights, anyway).
Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner & GOSH Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen - Liquid eyeliners are my weakness when it comes to beauty loyalty. I still love the L'Oreal one but the product runs out far too fast for my liking. The Rimmel liner is incredible for a really glossy, dense black line with precision; it travels with me in my handbag-makeup-bag everywhere I go and is ideal for top ups. The GOSH eyeliner is a dream to apply and lasts a long time (oh look, hence the name) so I'm sold on both.
What makeup products can you not live without? Do you have some that have stood the test of time like I do?
Posted by
Judy Johnson
On
Sunday, 22 November 2009
15:50
It occurred to me this week that I am really quite fussy when it comes to makeup, and I also have a set bunch of products that I couldn't live without. I've worn makeup most of my life, from borrowing (read: stealing) my sister's clear mascara when I was ten to deciding that white eyeshadow was quite frankly the only colour to be seen in (for about three years - now it's green).
So, no promotion, no saying that the same products work for everyone, but here are my top ten makeup must-haves that I just couldn't live without. Let me know if you agree or think I should be replacing it with something you love instead... I can be fickle too :)
- Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion - not only is this stuff in a gorgeous, Disney-esque bottle, but it works. Put on before eyeshadow and the colour will not crease or budge, and it intensifies the colour too.
- Bourjois Paris Ombre Stretch Eyeshadow in Vert - the ultimate green eyeshadow. I hated Bourjois' other eyeshadows in the small round pots - too hard and silky to actually get any on the brush. This one comes in a neat compact, complete with a brush which helps it glide on smoothly. It lasts all day and is super soft.
- L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara - I think that like men, there's a mascara out there for everybody - you just have to find it. Mine is Lash Architect - it lengthens, it helps curl (buy an eyelash curler though, don't rely on mascara!) and separates. I usually use a separate mascara to add volume, or just line the top lashes with liquid liner to add depth.
- L'Oreal Superliner in Black Crystals - my favourite liquid eyeliner ever. For those who don't like the precision needed for a brush applicator but who hates those rubbish felt-tip ends which dry out, this is the answer. It has a softer, more flexible nib which delivers a subtly sparkly liquid black line and has the right shaped tip to be able to vary the thickness of the line easily. The best one I've found by far!
- 17 Hide Away Concealer Stick - this product has been a firm makeup bag staple since I entered my teens. The best budget concealer stick I've found, it's soft but not so soft that it melts off within thirty minutes, and provides good coverage for blemishes or redness.
- Benefit High Beam Highlighter - I adore Benefit (a sucker for packaging) but prefer not to spend on their pricey products - except this one. High Beam is a liquid highlighter that you brush on anywhere you want a healthy glow - I use on cheekbones, browbones and, after a tip from a friend who models, on collar bones for definition! Weird but true...
- New ID I-Smoulder in Charcoal - I got this through work (you can pick up new ID products in Burlingtons hairdressers) and it's my favourite black eyeliner. It twists to open so there's no sharpening needed, and the nib is angled so that varying the thickness of the line is easy. It glides on, stays on all day and last for ages. It also has a sponge applicator containing a cream shadow on the other end, which is great for creating smoky eyes.
- Rimmel Recover Anti Fatigue Concealer - I had to buy this as they seemed to have discontinued my best ever under-eye concealer, the Renew and Lift Smoothing Concealer which was amazing. However, this one is pretty good and I couldn't live without it. There are so many under-eye concealers out there but again,they have hefty price tags. This one is great for a budget, lasts ages and provides fairly good coverage - you need to apply a bit more than usual as it's fairly thin, but it does work.
- L'Oreal Color Appeal Chrome Shine Eyeshadow in Dazzling Khaki - my absolute favourite eyeshadow for a night out, this glitzy shadow glides on better with a brush (it comes with a sponge applicator) as it blends very well with other metallics. I always get compliments for the colour when I use it and it has enough sparkle to make you feel glam, but not like a five year old!
- Bourjois Complexion Enhancer in Apricot - I discovered this product not too long ago, when looking for a good blusher. Instead of trying to find the right shade of pink for my cheeks, I decided to try this enhancer. It rubs on like a foundation, but is much lighter and gives a healthy, natural looking glow to make you look more radiant and awake. Another must for a night out or for winter days when you feel pale!
Avéne Micellar Lotion - It's no secret that I bloody love the Avéne range. I can't live without their moisturisers and though this isn't makeup you can't have makeup without something to remove it, right? This clear and gentle cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and leaves it feeling so very soft and clean that it's convinced me to ditch the face wipes (most nights, anyway). 
