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.
A girl’s makeup bag can often be considered her pride and joy. Mine’s no different and after years of trying to locate the perfect products, I think I’ve finally done so. Here’s an insight in to some of my favourites.
Face
I always try and moisturise or prime before I start with anything else and recently I’ve been using a gel from Etre Belle. It works as both a fantastic standalone product, as well as a base for makeup and I find it leaves the skin soft and not sticky like some bases can. You can find yours online at Glossybox for £15.93.
Finding the perfect foundation has been one of my biggest challenges but L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation has done the job, with great coverage, no shine and a matte finish that doesn’t look tacky. Available from Boots for £7.99, this will last you ages. I’m also a big fan of Natural Collection and their liquid concealer and powder have been staples of mine for years, I’d recommend them without hesitation – they’re great for oily skin. These are also available at Boots or from their online store.
When it comes to colour in my cheeks, I’m more of a bronzer than blusher girl and use them all year round. I’m currently loving the Emite Make Up blush powder. It does take a bit of getting used to, I’ve found it a little heavy to others I’ve used but it lasts all day!
Eyes
Eyeliner is my best friend and I’ve been loyal to Rimmel’s Exaggerate Waterproof Liquid Liner for as long as I can remember. At £5.29 from Boots it’s a must have as it lasts all day, is smooth and easy to apply and these days even has a bit of added glitter! I’ve told so many of my friends about it and they won’t use anything else now. If you’re ever stuck for one I’d get your hands on this!
We all love that cat eye flicks of liquid eyeliner and my two current favourites for the job come in the form of Collection’s Extreme Liquid Eyeliner (a bargain at £2.99 from Superdrug) and L’oreal’s Blackbuster Super Liner – both felt pens. I generally stick to the latter for nights out or events as it’s a little thicker but the Collection product is very easy to build up for a heavier look. At £6.99 it’s pricier than Collection’s version but I’d definitely recommend trying both to see which you prefer.
When it comes to eyebrows, I’ve only recently joined in with the hype, and having only used Rimmel’s Professional Eye Brow Pencil, I’ve little to compare against, however this works for me and is very easy to modify if you slip up! Again, available from Boots at just £2.99 – it’ll last you ages.
Also stashed away in my makeup bag is the MUA Heaven and Earth Eyeshadow Palette. A lot of beauty bloggers have compared the MUA palettes as dupes for Urban Decay and so far so good. The Heaven and Earth shades work great for both day and night looks and the shadows themselves are very easy to blend. Get yours from Superdrug for £4.00. Finally for my eyes, I think it goes without say that Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara is outstanding. Big fan.
Lips
I’ll admit it, I have a lipstick problem. The number I own is getting a little out of hand but I’ve managed to select my favourite four, for now. Mac’s Please Me is the most gorgeous shade of baby pink and in typical Mac style lasts and has a lovely matte finish. At £15.50 you might want to add it to your Christmas list… or just splurge on a treat day. MeMeMe’s Lip Glide in Playful Peach, is actually more pink than peach and has a much more velvet finish compared to Mac. I find these lip crayons incredibly easy to put on and often more precise than lipsticks. They’re available from the MeMeMe website for £8.25.
Rimmel is a big favourite brand of mine (in case you haven’t noticed) and their lipsticks have always been a regular in my makeup bag. The darker pink of Heart Breaker is great for autumn looks and easily dresses up any outfit (I’m not 100% sure when I first got this so it may not be available everywhere anymore, but its well worth a look!). Shade 32 from the recent Kate Moss range is one of my favourite everyday wear lipsticks. It’s a subtle colour that adds a little something to finish off your make up. The easiest place to find this one is actually on Amazon, where it’s £5.22.
So that’s what you’ll find in my makeup bag. What’s in yours?