What’s in my makeup bag | February 2016

I have a weird relationship with makeup and, as such, with my makeup bag. I have oily skin that breaks out at the drop of a hat. Truthfully, it does whatever it wants whenever it wants. When I was younger, no one ever took the time to help me find makeup suited to my skin type. Any makeup I used (usually very cheap brands) irritated my skin and made my breakouts far worse, so I avoided it. When I was in my early 20s, I had a proper skin consultation at a Clinique counter. I used Clinique almost exclusively for two years, and then even that started to irritate my skin.

Now, I tend to find products that work well together, stick with that for a year or so, and then switch it all up again. I’ve been using this current combination for around six months now, but my trusted NARS blush is almost empty so the search will be on once more to change-up my routine.

My current makeup routine can probably best be described as ‘beauty on a budget, and when I get ready in the morning, these are the products I use.

makeup bag pic 1

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous. Simply put, I adore this foundation. From the oil-free formula to the perfect level of medium coverage that can be built up if required, this is one of the best liquid foundations for my skin type that I’ve ever used. Some people find the shade range limited, but 105 Classic Ivory is great for me. My skin is so pale that sometimes even the lightest shade in a range is too dark, so I’m happy to have a liquid foundation that matches my skin this well.

SAVVY Mineral Loose Powder. Thanks to my oily skin, if I dare to go a day without a powder over the top of my liquid foundation my skin looks like an oil slick by the afternoon. My challenge is finding a powder that doesn’t irritate my skin, and this product from SAVVY works a treat. I dust shade Light where I need the extra coverage, and I find that it keeps me looking matte and shine-free all day.

NARS Blush. Shade Orgasm has been my favourite blush for nearly two years, and I completely understand why this blush is universally adored. It’s not as shimmery as it first appears, and a small amount goes a long way. I almost cried when I hit pan, and I’m savouring the last few weeks of use I’ll get from what’s left.

Stila Eyes Are The Window Shadow Palette. I picked this up in shade Soul, and I’m so thrilled with my purchase. I haven’t had a serious play with it yet, and I’ve been mainly using the first three shades in the pile column, but there’s so much potential here. The pigmentation is stunning and I can’t wait to see what I can create with it over time.

makeup bag pic 2

Australis Velourlips. I picked up one of these in HON-O-LOO-LOO and either I have super dry lips or I’ve picked a terrible shade for me, because I don’t quite understand the hype about these liquid-to-matte lipsticks. I’m keeping it in my bag so I can keep playing with it and hopefully figure out how to make it work as well as reviews suggest it can work.

Essence Lip LinerThese are $2 each and I find that they look great used over my entire lip. I have both 06 Satin Mauve and 08 Red Blush in high rotation.

Rimmel Brow This Way Eyebrow Gel. I love this product. Until I found this I was using Benefit Gimme Brow, and I find this to be a near-perfect dupe at a fraction of the price. I use shade 001 Blonde and I find that it gives my brows brilliant colour without being too dark.

Nude by Nature Kabuki Brush. This came free with a pack and I keep it in my makeup bag in case I need any extra powder during the day, and it saves me from taking my Real Techniques brushes with me everywhere.

makeup bag pic 3

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash  Multiplying Volume Mascara. This was a freebie with a Marie Claire magazine last year, and while it’s a perfectly good mascara, I won’t be making a repeat purchase of it.

SAVVY Long Wearing Eyeliner. This is another product I come back to time and time again. I wear shade MIDNIGHT and I find that it stays in place just as well as more expensive alternatives. I’m not very creative with eyeliner, so this suits my needs perfectly.

Mecca Cosmetica Liner Brush. I can’t find this on the Mecca site anymore, so I’m not sure if it’s still around. It was originally sold to me to use when filling in my brows with an old NARS powder, but in the absence of a proper eyeshadow brush this one does a decent job.

BYREDO La Tulipe EDP. I got this sample with the most recent Mecca Beauty Loop box, and while a full bottle is way beyond my price range, it’s quite different to my usual Chanel Allure and a change is good. I think it’s too floral a scent for me to enjoy wearing it on a regular basis.

And that’s it! This all tucks neatly into my $7 Kmart rose gold makeup bag, and I’m all set for the day ahead. How does this compare to what’s in your makeup bag?

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