Essence Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil
One of my makeup missions is to find a black eyeliner in pencil form that I can use for tightlining but that doesn’t transfer to the lower waterline. Potted gel liners applied with a brush work well but I find this a bit fiddly for day-to-day so I crave the convenience of a pencil alternative. I spotted this in the Allure Best of Beauty 2014 and finally tracked one down at my local Clicks. It’s not 100% budge-proof in the waterline but it’s a lot better than anything else I’ve tried and is super creamy so it glides on really smoothly, making it ideal for a smoky eye too. Did I mention that it’s R45?!
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow
I’ve seen a few beauty bloggers use this to set under-eye concealer as the shade helps to brighten the area as well as set the makeup and prevent creasing. I was going to go and buy some when I realised that I had a teeny little pan of it in my long-forgotten Creamy Concealer Kit. So I’ve been applying it over corrector (Benefit Erase Paste) and highlighting concealer (Clinique Airbush) with my Real Techniques Setting Brush and find that it’s very light and non-cakey. The brightening effect is really subtle so I’m not sure I’d necessarily spend the money on a full sized version, but the powder is excellent and comes in loads of other shades so it would make a good all-over setting option too.
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
Re-discovering an old favourite is always fun, especially when it’s a little drugstore gem. I’ve always loved Max Factor mascaras but I got distracted by sparkly newness like Lancôme Grandiôse mascara (which is fabulous). False Lash Effect is described as giving “full lashes with a natural look” which is spot on – you get lots of volume and definition so it looks like you’re wearing a gorgeous pair of fluttery falsies. No flaking, smudging or eye irritation – just perfect lashes. Incidentally, I also recently went through a tube of Max Factor Clump Defy (identical to Covergirl Clump Crusher, it’s just branded differently here and in the UK) but I thought it was a little TOO natural-looking for me.
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
This will be familiar to you in you watched my recent haul video; it’s the hydrating version of Smashbox’s best-selling foundation primer. The oil-free formula feels like a gel-cream (not silicone-y) and does a great job of helping my skin retain water all day so it doesn’t drink up my foundation instead. I use this all over my face (on top of serum and moisturiser) with a more pore-filling primer layered over it on my T-zone e.g. Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. Smashbox’s primers are the best of the best and they come in a variety of formulations for every skin type and concern. I also really like the Blemish Control one which contains 2% salicylic acid to help manage breakouts.
Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil*
I have always wanted to try the legendary Clarins face treatment oils so I was thrilled when one arrived in the post a few months ago. I’ve used it nearly every night since (often layered under The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask) and my skin is positively glowing! It is made of 100% pure plant extracts and acts as a natural astringent for oily or combination skin. Yummy-smelling rosewood, geranium and lotus purify, tighten pores and refine the skin texture, while hazelnut oil softens, soothes and seals in moisture to prevent fine lines. There are also two other variants – Santal for dry skin and Blue Orchid for dehydrated ski, which is next on my hit list!
*PR sample