Everyday make-up routine :)

Howdy!

I'm still tentatively starting out with this blog, so my first few posts may just be a mix of everything until I find my feet.  For today, I thought I'd do a post sharing my everyday make-up routine with you!  I don't wear make-up every single day as I try to let my skin breathe as much as possible, but when I do, these are the products I typically reach for.

Just a side note; I have dry, sensitive skin and so some of these products are tailored for that skin type.

1. MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation in NW20 - £25

This is my holy grail product.  I know it's quite pricey, but since my skin is my biggest insecurity I'm quite happy to splurge once I find a product that I like and that works for me.  The tube it comes in looks quite small, but you only need a tiny amount to give great coverage.  This is a gel based foundation and gives medium - full coverage.  It's not drying on my skin and doesn't look cakey at all; its dewy finish means my skin has a healthy glow all day. 

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 'Light' - £4.19

The best concealer I have ever used, and it's the cheapest one out there (I think)! I heard lots of good things about this from Zoella and Fleur and thought I'd give it ago. It has a lovely creamy consistency and covers blemishes like a dream! Doesn't dry out my skin at all and blends seamlessly with my foundation.  Definitely recommend!

3. MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder - £20

This is a lovely powder that doesn't sit heavily on the skin, and reduces excess shine without making your skin look cakey and flaky.  Since my skin is quite dry anyway, I don't really get too much shine and try to only use a small amount of powder so as not to dry out my skin even more, but just a small amount of this gives a lovely satin smooth finish.  Another plus is that, being transparent, you can even apply it over your blush etc during the day and it won't add any more colour to your face.

4. Sleek Brow Kit in 'Dark' - £8.49

I've only recently started taking an interest in my brows, but have quickly realised how much they can transform a look and shape your face! This kit is amazing; it comes with a shaping wax and then a powder to set it, along with two brushes in a handy compact. Even on days when I'm not wearing much make-up, I'll still use this to add some definition to my face; I have thick yet sparse brows, so just filling them in makes a lot of difference :)

5. MAC Bronzing Powder in 'Soft Sand'

This was limited edition with MAC's 2012 'Hey Sailor!' collection so it's no longer available and I can't remember how much it cost; I think MAC have similar shades in their permanent line, though.  I was always a bit wary of bronzer as I didn't want to look orange, but this is the perfect shade! It's not too dark or muddy and is wonderful for contouring in the hollows of your cheeks and along your jawline to sculpt your face.  I don't use too much, but a little bit really makes a difference. In the summer, all I wore was some tinted moisturiser and this bronzer and I was good to go!

6. Maybelline Dream Touch Blush in 'Apricot' - £6.49

Nars Blush in 'Orgasm' - £21.50

I alternate between these two blushes.  The Maybelline one is a cream blush and generally I think cream blushes look a lot more natural than powder ones, since they blend easily into the skin; apricot/peachy shades like this also tend look more natural than pinky colours.  I really love this blush and would definitely recommend it for a natural, everyday look :)

Nars Orgasm is a cult favourite. It's a powder blush, and is kind of a peachy pink with a subtle gold shimmer (don't worry, you can't see any kind of sparkle on your cheeks). It's meant to be the shade that suits every skin tone, and while it looks a bit scary in the compact, once on it's divine.  It's such a pretty colour and really warms up my complexion :)

7. The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter - £12

A good high street alternative to Benefit's Watt's Up, this highlighter is the best make up investment I've ever made! I seem to have had it for ages and yet I never seem to have any less in the tube.  It's a cream highlighter that I put along the tops of my cheekbones to give my skin a dewy finish and it works so well; also looks good down the nose and on the brow bone - basically, anywhere that the light would naturally hit your face.

8. Nivea Lip Balm - £1.65

Not much to say about this, except I apply it before any lip products :) It's super hydrating and lasts for ages! Only downside would be that it seems to melt quite easily given its soft consistency, so don't leave it anywhere too warm!

9. Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara - £7.99

I was drawn to this mascara because it claimed to not make your eyelashes go hard and crispy as a lot of mascaras do.  Seems quite a big claim to make but it's true! It's not too dramatic and just looks like your own lashes, but better.  Really good for lengthening!

10. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in 'Black' - £3.99

Since I only really go for pencil eyeliners, I thought I'd give this a try.  It's got a really lovely creamy consistency and glides on like a dream; it's also easy to smudge if you prefer more of a smoky look :)

Sorry that was a bit of a ramble; I'll try to be more concise next time :)

Over and out! 

xxx