Updated Everyday Make Up

If you had asked me a five/six months ago what my everyday make up routine was I would have given you a long detailed description of concealer, foundation, blusher, contour, highlighter, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, powder and lips. Getting ready in the morning was a mammoth task and I used to have to build in extra time in my morning routine for my make up.

Without turning this post into a psychoanalysis about my inherent self-confidence issues and how this led to me piling make up on my face in order to believe I was "pretty" it's not just simply a case of "oh I don't wear as much make up anymore". It's a different girl, someone who sees make-up for what it should be, something fun to make your eyes look even more beautiful on a night out or for rocking a bold lip to let people know you mean business. It's no longer something to hide behind.

But anyway! My make-up has turned into a five minute affair, and some day I don't bother at all if I don't feel like I need it or if I'm just hanging out with a few friends. This isn't just for day to day uni life either, even on nights out now I don't feel the need to go all out and spend 40 minutes in front of my bathroom mirror getting ready.

Side note- Ironically my make up now resembles very closely what I used to wear when I first started wearing make up at age 15ish!

(Terrible photo I know but bear with)

Benefit POREfessional

I never used to bother with primers, and although I don't think the hype about this is totally deserved, it does a great job at making my face nice and soft before concealer. 

Mac Studio Fix in NW18

This powder is just great. Do I see a major difference between this and some powders (like the Rimmel Stay Matte) for a much cheaper price? No not really. But I have this and so I'll use it, keeps your face nice and matte for ages and keeps all your concealer/foundation in place so I'm a happy bunny. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

I had one of these ages ago but it was too orange for me, and I only recently brought one that actually matches my skintone. I love this, blends flawlessly, brightens and conceals and doesn't cause me to break out like some concealers! 

Benefit Lollibalm and Chachabalm

These are fab for giving a hint of colour as well as moisturising your lips on these cold winter days. I prefer a tinted lipbalm over a lipstick that drys out your lips and smudges anyday and these although pricey really are great. However, Body Shop tinted lipbalms are pretty much identical and also brilliant if you're on a budget. 

Soap&Glory Love at First Blush

My mum brought this ages ago and never used it. It's similar to a Mac Mineralized blush I have, and has become a firm favourite for giving a hint of colour on days I look a bit dull. I never used to like shimmer on my cheeks, but I think a blush with a bit of shimmer can do amazing things for your cheekbones, which is always good! 

Brushes- Real Techniques

I use the powder brush, expert face brush and duo fibre face brush whenever I apply make up. The expert face brush I've had forever and is still looking brilliant and hasn't diminished in quality at all. It blends concealer in within seconds and creates a flawless finish. The powder brush I use when I want to get my powder on my face as quickly as possible, whilst I use the duo fibre one for touching up powder throughout the day as it prevents you looking too cakey. Would recommend these brushes to anyone!

That's it, that's my updated everyday make up! 

Monthly Favourites: November

My first post since October..uni has just been so busy I really haven't had a chance to put fingers to keyboard to construct anything much that isn't an essay! However term finishes a week yesterday and things are slowly winding down- plus both essays are DONE (until the next one!) so I thought I'd do a quick monthly favourites post.

Zara Knitted Hat in "Ecru"

This hat is perfect for days when my hair is looking terrible or just to keep warm in the winter months. It goes with everything and is so comfy. I always get compliments when I wear this hat and the bobble makes me feel adorable. A winner in my eyes! 

Benefit Tinted Lipbalms in "Chacha Balm" and "Lollibalm"

I got Chacha balm free back in summer with a Benefit order and absolutely loved it- so moisturising and gives the perfect coral tint to your lips. Lollibalm is now the newest addition to my collection, which gives such a pretty pink gloss. Love these and highly recommend. 

Mac Conceal and Correct Pro Palette (Light)

This concealer palette I was initially unsure about due to the heavy thick texture of the concealers. However, the salmon pink shade counteracts my dark circles better than anything else I've tried and I think the thick nature of the concealers covers up a multitude of sins! I can also see the range of shades coming in very useful in Spring/Summer when my skin becomes slightly tanned.

Lush Bubblegum Lipscrub 

I've been using this for over a year and it's come back into my life in a big way now that it's winter. This makes my lips so smooth and gets rid of any dry skin- plus it tastes amazingly yummy. My pot is finally starting to run out so I might need to pick up a new one in the new year! 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This is a brush that needs no introduction. I've had this for months but have really been using it since I got to uni- (my make up routine has been minimalized to a bit of concealer, blusher, lipbalm and powder then out the door) so this is perfect for buffing in all my concealer in the morning. Such good quality and is now totally invaluable to me! 

Make Up Bag from Primark 

Finally, this make up bag that my Mum gave me when she came to see me during my fourth week. Minnie Mouse and Paris- what else could you want?! This is such a cute design and perfect for chucking all my toiletries and make up in for days away from uni or overnight trips. Most likely no longer avaliable but check out Primark if you want a good make up bag!

Let me know if you've used any of these products or have any recommendations!

Enjoy the last month of 2014 (how crazy is that?!) 

xxx