My makeup bag is constantly in flux because I get SO many new products to test. Currently, I’m loving the beauties below because they fit so well into my no-fuss, super quick, daily makeup routine.
I’ve watched many a top makeup artist bend their mascara wands, and when I finally asked why they did those, I was told it allows them to really get the product into the base of the lashes. The Givenchy Noir Interdit Lash Extension Effect Mascara (R580, Red Square) is modeled on this concept and works to lengthen, volumize and define lashes. Its key feature is a 90 degree bendable brush that ensures you coat every lash from root to tip with the mascara’s unique stretching formula that gives a lash extension effect.
I’m won’t lie, applying mascara with an angled brush does take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll love the results. I LOVE that the inky black formula doesn’t smudge, clump or flake, and it’s not a mission to remove (as long as you use a good bi-phase eye makeup remover). It does have quite a strong fragrance, so if you have super sensitive eyes, you may wanna give this a miss. However, my eyes tend to be on the sensitive side and are absolutely fine with this formula.
For the past few months I’ve been loving both the Lancome L’Absolu Gloss Matte (R380, Red Square) and the Gloss Sheer (R380, Red Square). First up, the Gloss Matte; a liquid lipstick that coats lips with intense, velvety and matte colour. I love the creamy texture, that actually feels quite nourishing on lips. The design of the applicator makes for a precise application, so there’s no need to line lips first.
The L’Absolu Gloss Sheer has far lighter coverage – more typical of a regular gloss – and the formula is enriched with mother-of-pearl that gives the lips a subtle, sparkly effect. I also love that it’s non-sticky and beautifully moisturises the lips.
Next up is another product from Lancome; the Teint Idole ultra Wear 24H SPF15 Foundation (R540, Red Square). This is not a new launch, but remains one of my all-time favourite foundations because it provides long lasting, medium to full coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. It evens the complexion beautifully, and once dry, doesn’t transfer onto clothing (my worst!). The formula contains specially coated pigments that maintain a consistent pH level, so the colour stay true all day. Perlite and silica have also been added to wick away any oil that builds up during the day. Also, it protects the skin from UV rays thanks to an SPF 15 – a must if you live in a sunny country like SA. Best of all? It’s now available in 40 VERY representative shades.
If I had to choose between playing up my lips or eyes, lips always win. Reason being, I think a bold lip is far more impactful than a smokey eye. Also, giving your lips a quick coat of bold colour is easier and much quicker than carefully applying eye makeup. So, let’s chat about more lippies I’m loving. The Elizabeth Arden Plush Up Lip Gelato (R295, Red Square) is just the product if you’re looking to treat your pout to a sheer, shiny and moisturising kiss of colour. This creamy gel formula has unique cooling ingredients that give the lips an instantly plumped look, while the sweet gelato flavour ensures you keep coming back for more. My favourite shades include the; Black Cherry, which coats lips with a sheer veil of dark cherry; Red Door Crush that is a very similar shade to my own lips, making them appear more plum and luscious, and Strawberry Sorbet – a pretty, bright pink that ensure lips pop with subtle colour.
Also from Elizabeth Arden is the Plump Up Lip Liner (R225, Red Square). Given my age (43 yrs), I need a lip liner when wearing very bold colours to prevent bleeding, so was super keen to try this out. I received the “raisin” colour that’s very similar to MAC Spice (an old favourite) and works perfectly with my natural lip colour. The formula applies very smoothly and has a wonderfully creamy consistency, so doesn’t pull or drag the skin. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines around the mouth (#bless) and has a cool silicone tip applicator that allows for seamless blending and filling in. Definitely one of the better lip liners I’ve tried recently.
On the rare days I do decide to play up my eyes, I turn to products that are super easy to apply. The Sisley Phyto-Eye Twist (R607, Edgars) is one such product. Essentially its an eye shadow, pencil and eyeliner in one. The jumbo tip blends and glides easily, and because it’s enriched with green tea, White Lily and Camellia, it protects the delicate skin on the eyelids. I got to try the emerald shade, which works well with my green/grey eye colour and skin tone. Also, how gorgeous is the packaging?
Last, but certainly not least is the L.O.V Perfectitude Face Contouring Palette (R250, Takealot). I received this early last year and can’t believe it’s taken this long for me to try and blog about! When it comes to contouring and highlighting, I find cream formulas less severe and easier to work with. I find it easier to apply these creams with a beauty blender as the result is more subtle and refined. Three creamy shades are included; A dark shade to apply to areas you want to contour like the hollows of the cheeks, jawline and the sides of the nose. Use the light shade under eyes, on the bridge of the nose, the chin and forehead – basically anywhere you want to draw light to. Lastly, apply the strobing shade that has a bit of shimmer to ares you’d like to highlight, like just under the brows and the cupids bow.
What are your makeup bag staples – the products you use daily and simply could not live without? I’m really keen to know.
