My go to make up routine

Most work days or at the weekend when I go shopping or for brunch, I have a go-to look that’s almost routine. Of course, I change the eye and lip shades a bit but I always have the same stages and use the same products unless I’m trialling something new. So in the same way as I recently brought you my skincare regime I thought I’d share my go-to makeup routine. It’s surprised me to see that even for this basic face I use 13 products, not including any skincare! Here’s the detail.

Primer – TOUCH IN SOL Toc Toc Toning Capsule Base 

I introduced you to the Touch In Sol brand recently here and I’ve been having a lot of fun with the products and I’ve been using the TOUCH IN SOL Toc Toc Toning Capsule Base every day. It just works so well with foundation and doesn’t cause that awful pilling that you can get when primer and foundation combine.

Foundation – La Roche Posay Effaclar BB Blur in Fair/Light

What can I say – I’m hooked on this La Roche Posay Effaclar BB Blur foundation. Actually, it’s not a foundation it’s a BB cream. But for me, it’s better than a foundation with a medium to full coverage. It’s such a multi-tasker blurring pores and blemishes, absorbing oil and smoothing the skin whilst also letting it breathe.

It has shade adapting pigments to match skin but only comes in two shades so won’t suit all complexions. It’s got broad spectrum SPF 20 and is paraben and oil free. I’ve got plenty of other great foundations to hand but I’m very rarely tempted to use them when I have this on hand.

Bronzer – Benefit Hoola

I’ve had this gorgeous Cheekathon palette from Benefit for a while and it’s fair to say that it’s looking well loved! It’s no longer available in this format although it’s reviewed here. It contains my favourite bronzer Hoola.

I’ve hit pan and I’m pretty sure I’ll repurchase it as an individual bronzer when it’s done. I only apply it lightly to the hollows of my cheeks, my temples and below the jawline so I don’t look tanned but it livens up my look.

Blusher – Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blusher in Swan Lake

The Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blusher is the most delicate blush that glides on and gives a sheer blush that’s almost imperceptible. This one is in Swan Lake and I think is the perfect shade for me. I’ve reviewed it previously here.

Highlighter – Freedom Pro Highlight in Ambient

As you can see this is a much-loved product and I’ve hit pan it’s the Freedom Pro Highlight in Ambient. I’ve got so many highlighters and this is the only one that I use all the time as it’s finely milled and not at all glittery. It’s got a creamy shade that’s just perfect for day time looks. I’ve reviewed it way back when here

Brow pencil – Touch in Sol Browzer in Taupe for Two

It’s been a long old search to find a brow product that’s just perfect for me. I’ve tried gels, pencils and powders from high end and high street brands and this Touch in Sol Browzer in Taupe for Two is the first one that’s ended up being the perfect shade. It goes on easily and lasts too.  I’ve reviewed it in more detail here.

Eyelid Primer – Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This is one of those products you don’t know you need until you’ve tried it and then you can’t really manage without it. It’s the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and it really gives my eyeshadow – any eyeshadow – true colour and staying power. There’s a review here if you want more detail.

Eyeshadow – Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Today I’ve used the shades it’s Limit and Burnout from the from the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. (I rotate my huge stash of palettes daily to ring the changes) I’ve just realised that I’ve never reviewed this palette – and it’s hard to know why as it’s one of my favourite UD palettes. It features 12 rich-toned  shades in smooth matte, shimmering pearl and metallic options in a gorgeous rose gold metal casing. Shades range from the lightest pink to black are (L to R ): Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz, Trick, Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, Darkheart. The formula is excellent and the palette is complete with mirror and brush.

Eyelash Primer – Nu Colour Nutriol Eyelash Treatment

This is a clear eyelash strengthening gel that conditions and protects your lashes against breakage. It not only strengthens your eyelashes but also maximises volume and thickness. I’m never going to have long eyelashes but this formula makes them the best they can be and provides a great base for mascara.

Mascara – Nu Colour Curling Mascara

This Nu Colour Curling Mascara is a favourite as it works well and looks so sleek too. It has a  lightly curved brush and the formula separates lashes and gives them a long-lasting curl with no clumping. I’ve previously reviewed it here.

Lip primer –  Nu Colour Lip Plumping Balm 

This is great in the winter months as it gives plumped looking lips as well as moisturising. There’s a refreshing tingly feel on application and you can wear it on its own for softness and a hint of colour or underneath your favourite lipstick or gloss as a base. You can read a little more about it here.

Lipstick – GOSH Matt Velvet Touch in Smoothie

The Velvet Touch Matt Lipsticks from GOSH were first launched in their SS16 range and you can read more about that here. This one in Smoothie is a great neutral colour that can be used all year round. Whilst matt shades continue to be on trend I’ve been using this over the Nu Colour balm (above) to get a sheer effect with a slight sheen for a softer look.

So that’s it! A snapshot of one day’s products that make me feel ready to face the world. So you have a “go to” look or do you create something new each day? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Hazel

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