Make-up Bag: Everyday Essentials

I don't wear make-up every day (not wearing any right now, ooooh); I like to let my skin breathe as often as I can and don't like the idea of not being able to leave the house without a face full of makeup. I'm a bit insecure about my skin (it's dry and quite sensitive) and I do get a massive confidence boost when I'm a bit more made up, but on the whole I try to just embrace my skin for what it is.  However, when I'm not just having a lazy day at home, these are the products I go for.

1. MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW20.  I did a whole post on this lovely stuff, which you can check out here.  It's my favourite foundation; gel-based, really hydrating, great coverage, non-cakey. Sorted. (Retails for £25)

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in No.2 Light.  It seems like everyone and their dog loves this concealer, and rightly so.  Creamy consistency, gives flawless coverage and looks great with or without foundation.  I use it on blemishes and around my nose where I tend to get a bit of redness. Only thing I would say is it tends to be a little drying under my eyes so I'm currently on the hunt for a more moisturising under-eye concealer. (£4.19 from Boots)

3. MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. This powder is heavenly. I have the loose version because I prefer the finish of a loose powder to that of a pressed one, but this also comes in a handy pressed compact.  It gives a silky smooth finish and never, ever looks cakey or dry. As the name would suggest, it's transparent so if you want a powder that gives a little extra coverage then this may not be for you, but otherwise it's spot on. (Retails for £20)

4.  Sleek Face Form Contouring & Blush Palette in Light.  This handy palette contains everything you need; a bronzer, blush and highlighting shade.  The bronzer is a matte shade and is perfect for contouring and the blush is a really good dupe for Nars' Orgasm - a beautiful peachy pink with gold undertones.  (£9.99 from Superdrug)

5.  Urban Decay Naked Basics.  As someone who is terrible with eyeshadow and doesn't often wear it, this palette is perfect for days when I do.  Nice mix of matte and shimmer shades, easy to blend, very well pigmented. Good to go! (£22 from Debenhams)

6.  Nars Orgasm Blush.  Everyone knows this blush.  Universal. Suits everyone. Can't go wrong. (Retails at £21.50)

7. Sleek Brow Kit in Dark.  Comes with a wax and a powder, two brushes and some tweezers to keep those brows in check. Perfect for carrying around in your handbag and my brows look good all day! (£8.49 from Superdrug)

8.  Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 001 Black.  Very pigmented, easily blendable and doesn't smudge! I love pencil liners and this is definitely the best I've tried. (£3.99 from Boots)

9.  Benefit They're Real Mascara.  The bomb. Thickens, lengthens....this mascara does it all. (Retails for £19.50)

10.  YSL Touche Eclat.  Another cult favourite. Perfect for brightening up the under-eye area, or highlighting the cheekbones/brow bone/whatever you want to add a bit of glow to! Perfect. (£25 from Debenhams)

11.  The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter. Yeah, another highlighter. I like the Touche Eclat for carrying around with me since it's quick and easy to apply, but otherwise I love this one from The Body Shop. A creamy, pearly highlighter that adds an instant dewy glow to the skin. (Retails for £12)

12.  MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires.  I bought this from a MAC Store in Mexico last year and fell in love with it. A beautiful coral that's perfect for spring and summer, hydrating but with great staying power. Love this for an understated look that still has a good pop of colour. (Retails for £15)

13.  Soap & Glory Lipstick in Guava Rama.  A beautiful muted pink that is my go-to everyday lipstick.  Great colour payoff and a shade I think would suit pretty much everyone.  

Sleek Face Form Contouring & Blush Palette

Urban Decay Naked Basics

Nars 'Orgasm' Blush

Soap & Glory Lipstick in Guava Rama (left) and MAC Crosswires

Guava Rama (left) and Crosswires.

Sorry this has been a bit of a mammoth post.  Just thought I'd keep up my resolution of updating this blog more often. Hope you enjoyed!

Steph x