Your makeup bag is your trusty companion. Whether you adapt it for a travel version, it’s all over your bedside table or you’re seriously organised and have it colour co-ordinated blogger style – we all have one. If you’re anything like me, you take it everywhere, you re-stock it constantly and there’s always some hidden treasure at the bottom of it.
But have you ever wondered what everyone else’s looks like? We’ll be delving into our beauty writer’s bags and sharing all their trusty makeup secrets. – Renate O’Connor, Beauty Editor.
Images: Gemma Hirst
No 7
Although there are a lot of products in my makeup bag, I always find that less is more when it comes to make up, especially if I’m going to university, work or on a day out with friends. The more subtle I go, the better it will look. It’s all about getting the right balance of colours and tones suitable for the occasion. If it is a causal day out, go for a natural look and if it is a night out then go all out and impress everyone with your make up glam.
There are two clear favourite brands hiding away in my makeup bag. For years I have struggled to find my perfect colour match for a foundation, after doing some research into No 7 colour match at Boots I have finally found my favourite – the No 7 Essentially Natural Mineral Foundation. It is so light on your face you can’t even feel it after applying, but you still get all the coverage you’re after. Using the No 7 Foundation Brush, I squeeze a small amount on my hand and blend it outwards on my face until its evenly covering all the right areas.
When it comes to concealers I have used the same product time and time again because it’s just so easy to apply. The No 7 Match Made Concealer is my saviour! It’s in a lipstick format and I use my Barry M Concealer Brush to apply it around the areas where I need more cover up.
Avon
In case you haven’t noticed, I like a full coverage with my makeup, but for it to still feel light on my face. For this reason I’m loving Avon’s products at the moment. If like me you have a shiny face, I suggest using Avon Ideal Flawless Pressed Powder with the Avon Kabuki Brush to hide the shine. Dab the powder onto the brush, making sure you shake off the excess first and then simply brush over the parts of your face where you have some excess shine.
When it comes to my eyes, this season I am using Colour Trend Eyeshadow Duo in ‘Sunburst’, which is a yellow tint colour with a darker brown. Using the lighter shade first on my inner eyelid and then a small amount of the brown on the outer part creates a nice natural look. I use the accompanying blending brush as it works perfectly well for the job. It looks summery when you first see it but I think it’s the perfect autumn look.
If I’m off out for a special occasion, I like to add a bit of extra sparkle to my eyes by using the Avon Eye Dimensions Eyeshadow in ‘Show-stopping Pink’. I love how shimmery and pigmented the colours are and the fact there are 3 pallets gives you plenty of scope to experiment. It is perfect for those Christmas parties. Then to top off the look, I use Avon Winged Out Mascara, which is free from clumps and adds extra volume to your lashes. I also find it’s a great way to cheat if you can’t create the winged eyeliner look as the winged mascara has the same effect.
I will always do the lips last. If I’m going out I will always try to add a bit of colour, which is why Avon’s Extra lasting Lip Gloss in ‘Always On Pink’. Lip Glosses are a safe bet as they moisturise your lips and because it has a wand applicator it means you can get that accurate look and don’t have to worry about the awkward tooth stain. The Avon lip glosses aren’t sticky, plus I’ve found they last longer than a lipstick would.
So there you have it, that’s how I make myself look fabulous!
What’s in your makeup bag? Let us know in the comments below or email beauty@kettlemag.co.uk to have your favourite products featured in an article.
