What's in YOUR make up bag?

A look inside my make up bag

My make up bag is small. I fit everything I could possibly need into a 20cm by 12cm gold zip up case. (except the eye shadow box set, that's an added, vital requirement).

CLINIQUE FOUNDATION- Clinique's superbalanced foundation, glass bottle, in shade 27, Alabaster. This is actually the lightest shade and I couldn't believe when this was the right tone for my olive, tanned complexion. As an oil-free, 100% fragrance free foundation, this is a perfect choice for my oily prone skin. I also love the fact that it doesn't have a potent smell. Much preferred to previous foundations such as the Mac products, which to me, resemble the scent of wet clay. (and it's applied to your face, there's no running away from the scent of your foundation!).

MAC CONCEALER- Mac's studio finish concealer, in shade NC20. This is my absolute favourite beauty product and I could not live without it. It comes in a petite, plastic tub, making it especially easy to carry. (perfect for holidays, weekend getaways and that occasional over-night stay). The one huge problem I suffer with is those dreaded black bags under my eyes and with the smallest amount, (less is really more) the bruised looking areas are miraculously disguised. Now, where's that tired bunny gone? I was told by a very helpful beauty artist at the Mac counter that for my complexion, which apparently holds yellow undertones, to go for a 'C' shade, unlike the red under-toned concealer which is better for paler skin and is defined with a 'W'. A further benefit of this concealer is its built in sun protection, SPF 35! (to stop those enemy rays from ageing skin faster than life intends it to).


COLLECTION SHEER LOOSE POWDER- Collection's sheer loose powder in shade 2, translucent. Now, this, I am a religious and very loyal customer of. There is literally no swaying me into the expensive, alternative brands. If a cheap loose powder does the job, then why budge!? At a retail price of under a fiver, to me, this powder shouts out 'bargain beauty must have'! If setting your foundation and creating that matte look is what your after, head to Superdrug now. It's perfection in the Summer when you try to hide that sweaty sheen, which you can sometimes just about get away with calling a 'dewy glow', but not always the look you had in mind. I would recommend this product as it does everything a loose powder claims to do and at a very good price!

MAC BLUSHER- Mac sheer tone shimmer blush in sunbasque. With an impeccable range of shades to choose from, this is the one that takes my fancy at the moment. The deeper shade of pink (almost leaning towards the brown, bronzed scale of the spectrum) makes for a desired merge between bronzer and blusher. But I'm open to lots of the shades, mix it up, why not.

BRUSHES: Body shop blusher brush. All you need to do is head into your nearest body shop and have a feel of those brushes to know the quality of them. (Not to look like a weirdo or anything, but test them all on your face, its surprisingly satisfying). Try not to buy the whole shop though, I know its tempting. All I have is my one trusted blusher brush which I use for bronzer, blusher and my loose powder!
My miniature brush. This one, ladies, was a freebie! Yes, that's right. Head to Bare Essentials, they give you testers and they come with a small brush. They are bloody brilliant! I use mine to apply my loose powder under my eyes, on top of my concealer. (the hard to reach places). Although, at this moment in time, my make up bag doesn't contain anything from Bare Essentials, I am definitely a fan. (next time I won't rush out that door so quickly with my freebies so I can maybe, actually find my next make up bag necessity).

LIPSTICKS- Revlon super lustrious lipstick in shade 477, black cherry. (Everyone needs that slightly gothic hue, a sultry pop of colour. Mac lipstick in A33, lustre syrup, a truly subtle tinge, suitable for daytime and work! Rimmel lasting finish lipstick in rouge 214 firecracker (this beauty really is a fire cracker, show stoppingly gorgeous coral red, devil lips to die for), I am just very careful to tone down any other make up. I stick to eyes or lips. I never do both. Collection lasting colour lipstick in shade 8, sweet tart, my latest buy (in actual fact I bought it today and I'm excited to try this bright, barbie doll, pink colour).

MASCARA- Soap and Glory's thick and fast mascara. Not a fan, I'm sad to say. As an award winning mascara and of a brand I am in awe with, I was excited to purchase my first mascara, only to find I had to apply a copious amount of layers to get my desired look. I'll stick to Rimmel or Bourjois next time! Soap & Glory will forever be one of my favourite beauty brands (I love the moisturisers and body washes but perhaps this mascara was just not the one for me).

HIGHLIGHTERS & EYE SHADOWS- I just love my little sets. Benefit's world famous neutrals eye-shadow kit, with the most glamorous nudes ever. Nude eyes with black mascara and black eyeliner is my favoured look. Benefit's posie tint, sun beam and cha cha tint make up set is what Benefit calls the cheeky treats for a pop of colour and a gorgeous glow. (They certainly make you glow, I'll have you know). Benefit watts up soft focus highlighter. A great essential for that wanted glisten but press softly as I found it takes a lot of blending to look oh so natural.

EYEBROW PENCIL & EYELINER- L'Oreal super liner brow pencil in 03 brunette. (A great brow shapes the entire face).
Kiko vibrant eye liner crayon in jet black. I'm open to most eyeliners but I adore the way this slides on rather than some that have that chalky, jaggered effect. (You know, the ones that pull on your delicate eye lids and ouch!...we don't want that happening).

What's in YOUR make up bag?

Yours truly...