What's in my makeup bag?
After cleansing (Dr Jart Pore Refine Bubble), I go straight into applying my moisturizer followed by BB cream and concealer. On some occasions, I will use a toner (that's if only I'm not a hurry lol). I prefer a "no-makeup" makeup look for everyday wear. Below is a list of products I use almost everyday:
Skincare
No matter what skin type you have, it is essential to use a moisturizer. I find that when I skip this step, my makeup doesn't go on as smoothly. I am currently using Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm (50ml). This is one of the best moisturizers that I have used so far! It doesn't break me out, it's very hydrating and has a delicate rosy smell. I purchased the moisturizer as part of a gift set, can't remember exactly how much I paid, but it came with a night cream, eye cream and a small sample of Lancome's Visionnaire.
Primer/Highlighter
I received this as a gift from my sister. I had initially used the beauty flash balm as a face mask, but didn't see any major differences apart from it being very moisturizing. So after reading about this product in magazines and online, I used it as a primer to prep myWhen I read online and in magazines that the beauty flash balm is a great applicator for prep skin before applying makeup. It has a lovely smooth texture and does make my makeup last longer without looking overly greasy. However, I don't think I will be repurchasing this product. Simple because of the price and there are other products out there such as Lancome Le Base Pro that works equally, if not better, than the beauty flash balm.
I purchased this from boots for £12.00 (originally £18.00). I have been using it everyday and I love how it is so similar to Lancome's Le Base Pro. After use, it definitely creates a smooth, matte surface when applying my BB Cream. One down side is that it doesn't help to control the oiliness in the T-zone, so I will use a blotting tissue to blot once in a while.
When I ran out of the Lancome Le Base Pro primer, I wanted to try the new Lancome Eclat Miracle primer/highlighter. I purchased this from boots for £21.00. This can used underneath your makeup as a primer or on top of your makeup as a highlighter. Personally, I prefer using this as a highlighter. I love the natural effect that it gives and doesn't look greasy either.
I purchased the Lancome Effet Miracle, shade 2, from Boots for £26.00. I do not use this very often because it's simply is too expensive to use on a daily basis. I only wear this on special occasions to help my make up last even longer.
After applying my moisturizer, I will use this primer followed by Dr Jart's Recover Primer. I love how it makes my pores look less visible!
BB Cream
When I heard a Dr Jart line was being launched in the UK, I was very excited. This meant I didn't have to order my BB creams from Asia lol. I purchased the Dr Jart Regenerating Beauty Balm, from Boots, when it was on promotion for half the price (originally £21.00). Honestly, I'm really impressed. It has a medium to full coverage and perfect for everyday use. It only comes in one tone, however after a few minutes it oxides to match my skin tone. I will definitely be repurchasing this sometime in the future, but I personally won't be buying it for the full price.
I purchased this from a Hong Kong website called Sasa. It was equivalent to £16.00 here? However as a warning, if you're ordering from Sasa you are expected to pay import tax. I didn't realise and so I was charged an additional £8.00 for import tax and handling fees. After this experience, I will definitely not order from Sasa again.
I purchased Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in shade 21. I love how gentle the BB cream is! However, it doesn't give me as much coverage as I want so I would only use this on days when I'm not going to work.
Concealer
This is an all in one concealer from Sephora. I purchased this when I was in Paris for the New Year's. I've been using it everyday since January 2013. It works well to hide post acne scarring, but I don't like using it to hide my dark circles. It somehow makes it look more cakey? Instead I use the purple shade as a highlighter.
I recently bought this from ELF when I was ordering my clear eyebrow gel. I purchased the colour is Ivory. After the first use, I didn't like it very much to be honest because it doesn't cover my post acne scarring. I've also used it as an under eye concealer and it works okay. I may use this as a highlighter, but we'll see.
Eyeliner
I LOVE this eyeliner! I randomly purchased it from Boots for £6.00 and didn't really have high expectations for it to be honest. If you're a beginner, you have got to try this! It's so easy to use and you can create the cat eye look in just 3 seconds. I use this when I'm in a hurry in the mornings. Without hesitating, I will definitely repurchase this eyeliner.
When I was looking to buy a new eyeliner, I bought it because of the gold packaging. I can't remember exactly the price, but I think it was £6.99(?) from boots. Unlike Soap and Glory's Supercat eyeliner, you will need slightly more time to draw your eyeliner. It doesn't smudge and I love how subtle it is.
Mascara
I purchased this from Debenhams for £23.00. I can express in words how much I love it!!! When removing my eye makeup, I've noticed a fewer of my lashes have fallen out. It also enhances my lashes after applying mascara. It is a little pricey, but for what it does, it's totally worth it! I will DEFINITELY repurchase this!
I purchased the Lancome Hypnose Mascara from Boots for £22.00. I don't love it, but I like it. It's a good mascara that doesn't clump your lashes and is very natural looking. However, I personally prefer Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara because it's cheaper and gives more definition.
I was really impressed with Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara so I wanted to try the Illegal Length mascara when it was first launched in the UK last year 2012. My friends bought this for me as my birthday gift because they knew I really really wanted to try it! After the first use, I didn't like it and was slightly disappointed. It didn't live up to the advert's expectation of giving you longer lashes.
Eyebrow Gel
This has got to be my favourite eyebrow gel! I've recently ordered 9 more of these Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara from ELF. Although one end is for the eyelashes, I use both ends for my eyebrows.
Blusher
I love cream blushes! When I ran out of Benefit's cheek tint, I purchased Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks in the colour Pale Pink. Original Price was £18.00, but I think I bought it when House of Fraser was having a 10% discount deal going on. I use it every day on both my cheeks and lips. The colour is buildable and very natural looking.
After applying Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge to my lips, I will occasionally add a bit of Clarin's pink lipgloss. As I have quite a few lip glosses and lipsicks in my handbag, I left this one in my makeup bag so that I don't have to rage my handbag in the morning lol.
Face mask
I put this in my makeup bag to remind myself to use a face mask once every week. I bought Dr Jart's Re-Tighten Mask from boots for £12.67 (original price £19.00). It works just like the cleanser and leaves my skin feeling squeakily clean :D
That's all for today guys, hope you're enjoying your bank holiday weekend! xxx
