(Photos by Beatrice Granados)
When it comes to beauty, I rotate my makeup like I do my cereal options in the morning- which, for a creature of habit like me, is really not a lot. When I like something, I turn to it every day without fail (which, in a dream world would be a bit like the M&S Triple Chocolate Crunch).
I use it until I ‘HIT PAN!’ as the millennial YouTube girlies might have said! I use a tube until the scissors are pulled out to snip off the bottom and the pump is scraped dry. And then when it runs out, I’ll often go back to it unless something very shiny (or, if we’re talking about the Cereal Aisle in Sainsbury’s, chocolatey) can tempt me in first. Which, is often why, when it comes to beauty I end up waxing lyrical about the same products a lot. I know what I like and what feels good to me, and know that if something works- it’s going to take a lot to knock it off it’s spot.
So today I thought I’d share some of my foundation (and concealer) favourites. The bedrock of my base and truly what I can only describe as my Kellogg’s Crunch Nut of the make up world- the Quaker Oats of concealers! The Frosties of foundations! (I’ll stop before the analogy eats itself for breakfast)- but in short, the ones I really love. All tried and tested and pretty much perfect whether you’re after full coverage or some serious glow too…
The Every Day One – NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
I’m almost certain that I have used this foundation for well over a decade now, and every time I rediscover it after a pause of being lulled towards something new for a month or two- it always, always reminds me why I keep coming back. There is nothing I don’t like about this foundation. It gives amazing full coverage (without feeling heavy or bedding into any creases or lines) yet still leaves me feeling glowy even *after* I’ve powdered. A little also goes a long way and I never feel like I’ve got a lot on when I wear this, despite it being a very hardworking senior in my make up collection.
The Special Occassion One – L’ancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow
Arguably the newest to my arsenal (and the one with the name which, when repeated, makes you feel like a top professional make up artist- “Oh this? I have L’ancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear’ to thank!”) This is one of the more heavy-duty foundations that I own, but would be the one I’d go to if I needed something for a) a headlining performance on stage somewhere (unlikely, but let’s never rule it out) or b) a headlining performance at Lucky Voice after dinner in Soho (likely). It’s got excellent coverage, a dappling of skincare included (double win) and also feels buildable that it would make a great daily make-up companion too.
The Easy Peasy One – Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
Oh Ilia, how I love thee! Whether that’s their brushes (SO good), or their innovative products that make me think I’ve seen it all (or a good lot of it), when I never ever have. This bad boy is a jack of all trades, master of, well, all. Acts as a foundation or concealer depending on what you need it for, and *sort of* reminds me of the Glossier Stretch concealer in a slightly more heavy duty stick format (and also contains skincare ingredients including Ceramide-Peptide Complex which, when used regularly does it’s fair bit to smooth your complexion too- which I’ll report back on but sounds remarkably impressive). Although I certainly wouldn’t describe this product as novelty, the fact it comes in a stick applicator definitely adds a bit of fun to the mix (arguably, it’s one of the only products I’d let me toddler help me apply) and makes quick top ups feel like less of a performance than if you were to whip out your foundation and brush/sponge on the go.
The Dessert Island One – Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
This concealer is truly glorious- the creme de la creme. A painfully chic master of disguise- if it were a person it would be the Elizabeth Taylor of make up products! It’s luxurious, it’s fancy and it’s SO good at what it does. It’s also creamy, smoother than a Luther Vandross song and thick enough to cover things whilst seamlessly gliding on as if it were performing the Bolero- it’s! that! good! Often, on a very good skin day I can get away with a few slicks of this and a good blend and I’m set to go- and there are very few days it doesn’t accompany me for a day out in town. A true make-up BFFL, if you like.
The New One – Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
The rumours are true, everything Jamie Genevieve touches turns to glow! She’s a master of her craft, and this new launch from Jamie, is unsurprisingly, brilliant. It’s the lightest of the lot and would be the thing I’d turn to on a ‘no make up make up day’- the kind where you’re popping to Tesco/a pilates class/the nursery run and don’t *really* care about make up all that much, but would rather not look like you’ve just rolled out of bed either. It’s glowy, makes for the most deliciously dewy base (without giving you that oily look) and if it can transform even the slightest hint of less than 7 hour sleep face, then I’m a happy girl (and it does! hurrah)!
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