FaceTime: Beauty Favourites
Time to express my love for a couple of beauty products that have been leaving my face happy and content...
MAKEUP:
Base - In the world of foundations I'm a newbie, but one thing I do know is I'm not letting go of Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer anytime soon! The product is super rich and highly pigmented but somehow provides a weightless and natural finish, which can be built up to a full coverage if needed. Although its finish is semi matte, I find that it gives off a radiant healthy glow on the skin after a while. Also obsessed with its 'magic wand' applicator; makes applying a breeze. My combination type skin appreciates this product a lot.
The YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer has indeed replaced my Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro. A little go goes a long way with this product. Glides on like velvet leaving a matte finish that smoothes out the texture of the skin, creating the perfect base for my foundation to stay out and remain flawless throughout the day. I'm sure no one is new to the iconic Touche Éclat Pen – glad to see more shades that are more suited to darker/deeper skin tones. Currently using 6.5 Luminous Toffee and can't get enough of the luminous glow and highlight it provides. I like to place this on the bridge of my nose, chin, under the eyes, between the brows and on my brow bone (pretty much everywhere). Smashbox Cosmetic's Photo Finish Primer Oil to me is a multi-use product. So many ways to use it which is why it has become a new favourite. My lips tend to be on the dry side most days, so priming them with this oil has been a life saver. But my favourite way to use this oil? It's with the Smashbox Spotlight Highlighting Palette in Gold. This hot combo gives me the best cheekbone highlight in the most subtle and natural way, as both blend into the skin very well together.
Lips - I very rarely steer away from a certain shade when it comes to lip colour. In all finishes, whether it be a wet gloss, matte lipstick or moisturising balm, my go-to is always a mauve/dusty pink shade. That being said, I've recently grown very accustomed to Clinique's Pop Lip Colour Lipstick in Plum Pop; a super moisturising velvet finish lipstick/primer, and their Chubby Stick balmy lip treatment in Bountiful Blush, that boasts a light moisturising sheer natural finish. Both keep the lips looking smooth and pigmented for hours. Eyes - When it comes to mascara, I'm very particular.
I prefer those with a thick plastic bristle wand which I find coats every single one of my lashes, whereas most other types don't do that good of a job for me personally. A while back, I was sent YSL's The Shock mascara to try out, and have been hooked ever since. Self-proclaimed as providing a volumising false lash effect, it does exactly what it says on the tin, giving me no clumps, great volume, and length, all with a rich formula that is light on the lashes. Smells surprisingly divine too, not that a mascara needs to, but it's a nice touch.
SKINCARE:
Clinique has been spoiling your girl just a little, so I have been lucky enough to try quite a few of their products out as of late. Two skincare faves from the brand are the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and the Smart SPF 15 Custom Repair Moisturiser. The refreshing gel formula of the Moisture Surge sinks into my skin immediately leaving it feeling super hydrated throughout the day. I also like mixing it with my foundation if I don't apply it directly onto the skin for a slightly dewy finish.
With the Smart SPF 15 Custom Repair Moisturiser, I'll usually apply it after my toner and serums to lock everything in. I've noticed it has started to give my skin a nice plump look. It's also important for my moisturisers to contain SPF as I often use products that include Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) which increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Lastly, onto a Deciem brand that has been causing waves and gaining a lot of interest in the world of skincare–The Ordinary. I've been using their products for just over 7 months now and have been hooked on this brand ever since. With the help of Deciem's regime guide, choosing products that would help to banish my skin concerns was straight forward. Two staples in my skincare routine are the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (helps to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion) and Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes). I use both religiously AM and PM every day, and my skin has never been better!
I recently purchased the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% as an alternative to the product I've been hunting high low for–Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. Every morning so far I have woken up with super radiant and baby soft skin, after applying it in the evening on freshly cleansed skin, so I'm loving it so far. Not so keen on the smell however...
What are your current beauty favourites?