I have been SO looking forward to sharing this feature. As I’m still semi on maternity leave any available “work” time I have is dedicated to behind-the-scenes business-y type adventures which to be honest, are not always that exciting.
But now I get to talk about game changing cosmetics! and enable you to buy some! or have followed along with the brand for some time, will know that I’m a slave to beauty products. I just can’t help it, it’s my “thing”. I am often completely sold on marketing hype, fancy packaging or limited edition releases (because, what happens if I don’t buy it quick enough and they sell out?!) but in the grand scheme of things, rarely do I repeat purchase. Why do I need to when there is always something, newer, shiner and potentially better to try?
My favourite beauty blogger/vlogger features are when they talk about their “empties”, the bottles, jars and palettes of magic that they thought were so good, they will inevitably purchase them again. And again.
I do find the make-up I wear changes slightly depending on the season (and at the moment it’s really bloody HOT) and also my phase of life. My current phase is: zero time to get ready due to a 3 month old, a 4 year old and juggling all the balls. I still want to look like “me”, but definitely not a potentially smudgy/melty me due to the heat situation.
Here are my quick application, not at all heavy, won’t fade or smudge make-up must haves for busy folks that like to put their face on. I have hit pan on all (some several times over).
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter £30
I don’t like foundation. No matter what I’ve tried (and I have tried many) it always feels too much, emphasises my dry patches or just feels uncomfortable. I’ll be honest, I thought Charlotte Tilbury’s flawless filter was just yet another slightly glowy overpriced primer. But no. It has won me over entirely. I use a small amount all over my face and not only does it impart a lovely ethereal sheen, it somehow evens out skin tone whilst somehow remaining entirely translucent and non oily.
I actually use the medium shade as it’s very yellow based and warms my complexion up a little for summer. I imagine it would also work really well mixed in with your foundation of choice to create a more glow giving finish.
Max Factor Clump Defy Mascara £11.99
If you are looking for thick blacker than black Bambi lashes then this mascara is not for you. If you are however looking for soft, fluttery and completely clump free lashes in a jiffy then you should definitely give the Max Factor Clump Defy Mascara a whirl.
It applies so quickly and easily. And it doesn’t flake or go brittle even after multiple coats.
Nobody likes a crunchy lash.
Essie Nail Polish in Cute As A Button £8
I love Essie. It’s inexpensive, wears really well and they offer such beautiful shades, Cute As A Button isn’t the greatest name I’ve heard but the colour is the perfect pink coral for fingers and toes.
I have bought a bottle every summer for at least the last 4 years. You should probably buy one too.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner £14
As per the Max Factor mascara, this is not the inkiest most seductive liquid liner out there (try Marc Jacobs for the ultimate feline flick) but it goes on like a dream, doesn’t interfere with your other eye make-up (I’ve tried some ace liners in my time but they don’t half stick to your lashes) and it doesn’t flake or smudge. Ever.
After about 10 hours of wear it does fade a bit but I find I can easily touch up – the pen nib is so fine and easy to manoeuvre. I also find the Stila liquid liner is the best for a REALLY thin line – which is all I need for a day outdoors in the sunshine.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow £15
I’ve worn this for years. In terms of pigment and colour pay off I’ve never experienced a more impressive formula. You can buy the single eye shadow compact for £15 each or the infamous Naked Palette for £39.
Spendy for an eyeshadow admittedly but they last such a long time. I wear a particular shade (now discontinued – but Half Baked is similar) every day and probably only have to replace it once every 6 months. I like to apply it by pressing it on with my finger for maximum sheen.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow £49
Thought I would save the best (and most expensive) until last. I was late to this particular party, I just didn’t think I needed yet another bronzer and highlighter.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow has been a game changer for me, I wear it every single day without fail. The bronzer is perfect for my skin – it has golden undertones and a non sparkly finish but isn’t in any way matte. It’s just a lovely “finishing” powder – I sweep it over the aforementioned Hollywood Flawless Filter and I’m good to go (and glow).
I use a tiny dab of the highlighter on the end of my nose, under my brow bone and the tops of my cheekbones. The compact is very luxe and the mirror is satisfyingly large, I genuinely enjoy whipping it out of my handbag for reapplication.
So there you go, my six best make-up products for summer and beyond.
