Sort it out | The 5 minute make-up routine

We all try to be there in time. To work, to school or to meet a friend. Sometimes, I get up earlier and think "oh, I can take my time to get ready today". But somehow, I end up being late. Again.
I always have a "Plan B" for those days when I gasp, whilst staring at the watch unbelievably. "What? But...how? Argh!" Don't panic. Just cross those non-essential steps off the list, to get you out the door as quickly as possible.

I usually style my hair at night, so that's sorted — I just need to comb it through, which takes about 5 seconds. I also lay out my outfit and accessories. But, when it comes to make-up, there's not much you can do, besides making sure that the usual suspects are easily accessible.

What you can do, is choosing foolproof products. Opt for the ones that don't require a lot of blending or layering. Cut out all of those steps that aren't really necessary to look presentable to the world, like curling lashes or contouring. Oh, and this selection should include items that you absolutely trust. New products are fun to try, when you have the time.

Considering that these products should fit in the category "pop on and go", opt for a tinted moisturizer or a BB/CC cream that's easily and quickly blended with your fingers. I personally think this is the best way to apply these kind of products, anyway. I'd go for the Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme, which offers a bit more coverage than your standard BB cream.

If you're having a good skin day and just need some brightening in the inner corner of the eyes, opt for a pen highlighter, like the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat. They're precise and don't require a separate brush to apply.
On the other hand, if you have dark circles and/or blemishes, pick a good pigmented concealer, to avoid wasting time layering until you get the right coverage. Obviously the ideal choice for this is the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil. So easy!

For a little something something on your cheeks, go for a powder blusher if you have oily skin — nothing too pigmented though, let's not take any unnecessary risks, people! Burberry Light Glow blushers are ideal to use when time is of the essence. If you have normal to dry skin, opt for a cream formula instead — perhaps the Too Faced Full Bloom Cheek & Lip Colour, since it can be used on the lips as well.

If you like to rock a bright colour on the lips, don't even bother with lip liners or matte lipsticks and a brush. A tinted balm stick like Clinique Chubby Stick Intense will be your new obsession. Such a brilliant product!

To all the fans of defined eyes out there, put aside that gel liner and bring on your Rimmel Scandaleyes Stick. It is ridiculously easy to use and sets in place. Apply close to the lashes, just in the outer corners and leave it as is, or smudge quickly before it sets. Of course, you can just opt for a few lashings of mascara. Choose a formula that provides both volume and curl. Join the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara club. It's fab!

One last advice, if you get shiny on the T-zone: always keep a compact powder and blotting paper in your make-up bag, to touch up during the day. So, there you have it: an edited make-up wardrobe, to transform your face in under five minutes! Now, go!

Tweet

What's in my bag?

A sneak peek inside my bag today. This is a large mint bowling bag that I got from Topshop, last Summer.

Starting of, the basics: keys, purse, train pass, phone and tablet — mostly to read on the train. Currently addicted to some Sherlock Holmes.
I usually have some random rings from ASOS to pop on, after moisturizing my hands. Speaking of, my hand cream is the Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, which has a gorgeous scent. And I also carry around a mini Beauty Elixir.

Now, the make-up bag. It's mostly full of lip products, because I like to change during the day and I need options. To touch up the face, I have a Japonesque Blotting Paper Pouch, a Chanel Poudre Universelle Compact (in 30 Naturel), the ever so practical Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in DOD and a Guerlain Terracota Touch highlighter in 02 Brunettes.
In the lippy category, I have a shameful amount of Clinique Chubby Sticks, 2 regular ones (in Two Ton Tomato and Mega Melon) and 2 Intense versions (in Heftiest Hibiscus and Roomiest Rose), and if you think that's a lot, let me tell you, I've carried more. To prime the lips, especially for some matte versions ahead, I use the Guerlain KissKiss Liplift. From Chanel, I usually pack a lip balm (Rouge Coco Baume), a nude option (Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle) and a matte burgundy or a bright shade, depending on the season (currently opting for the Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite). Some other favourites that usually hang around in my make-up bag are Burberry Lip Velvet in Pink Azalea No.308 and Dior Addict Lipstick in 437 Charmante, from the Cherie Bow Spring Look. *Breathes*
For the eyes, I always have this Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Eye Pencil (in 01 Velvet Black) and my favourite mascara of the moment, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara in 090 Over Black. In my black Travalo I have some Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne right now. Oh, and my precious Model Mirror, a lighted compact double-sided mirror, with eight battery-powered LEDs, that has a regular side and a magnifying one. That's about it!

Tweet

Empties #3

Okay, time for another empties post. Because I want to throw away some stuff. Hah!
This time, I have a couple of hair products, some skincare bits and a mascara — I'm pretty sure you know which one. Yep, it's the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara. You can read a proper review here, though, I should add that when it gets to the point where it starts to dry out a bit, the formula gets a bit gloopy. Considering that the bristles are so small, it's not ideal. But, it's still a good mascara nonetheless.

Since said mascara is a bit hard to cleanse away, a pretty nice product to take it off with is MAC Gently Off Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. It's dual-phased — formulated with both water and oil —, so you have to shake it in order to combine the two. Removes every trace of make-up, whether it's oil-based or water-based, including stubborn mascaras (case in point) and lip stains. It's gentle and suitable for all skin types. Formulated with Cucumber extract and Damascus Rose water to soothe and refresh. If you prefer this type of cleanser that you pour into a cotton pad and wipe away, opposed to a balm or cream cleanser and a warm cloth, this is a good option, for sure. It's quick and easy. Just hold the cotton pads in place for a few seconds and then gently swipe the make-up off and rinse. Easy-peasy.

If your skin is oily or combination, and you know just how frustrating a shiny nose can be, I totally feel you. My skin is combination, but whenever I'm out and about, especially in the sun or somewhere with a powerful AC, my nose gets shiny in a few hours. Powders just don't do it for more than that period of time. Obviously, blotting tissue is my friend, but I also need some sort of primer to extend the need to blot and powder during the day. I have tried many, many of them, and still haven't found an amazing one that lasts all day. The best I've tried so far, was this Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control. I can't find it on the Clinique site/counters anymore, but I found it on Amazon (click here). It keeps shine at bay until mid-afternoon, which is pretty good, and it's very lightweight and colourless. Comes in a gel texture and goes on smoothly, leaving pores minimized and a velvety feel. Acts as a great primer under make-up and can be used over make-up, as well. Contains Salicydic Acid (which exfoliates the pores from the inside), Silica (to absorb shine), Witch Hazel (to tighten pores) and Clove Flower extract (to reduce oil production). Has quite a strong alcohol smell when you first squeeze it out, but goes away almost instantly, so it doesn't really bother me.
I was going to repurchase this, but since it has been discontinued, I got the Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector in Invisible Bright, instead. So far, so good. Goes on very smoothly, kinda like silicone.

Moving on to the hair department, I finished another bottle of Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2. This shampoo is so rich and luxurious. If you have dry hair, you'll love this. The smell is incredible (redundant information, since it's Kérastase, duh!) and the formula is very, very creamy. I always let it stay for a couple of minutes before rinsing, to let the ingredients do their job. It's very moisturizing and provides a great level of nutrition, so the hair doesn't feel dry or dehydrated, even when you use harsh styling tools (ghd Styler, I'm looking at you!). Contains glucose, proteins and lipids to protect and repair the hair fiber. Just try it.

To close up, I'll end with a hair treatment — Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair 60 Second Treatment. I was both skeptical and excited about the "60 Second" mention on the label. I don't have the patience to wait 15 minutes for a hair mask to work every time I wash my hair, especially on weekdays. Leaves hair feeling very soft and, most importantly, acts fast. The formula balances the lipid levels in the hair, making it supple and healthy looking. Definitely will repurchase.

Tweet

Review | Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black 090

When this mascara from Dior came out, I was very excited to try it out. I've been very happy with the previous ones that I've tried from the brand, but not only that, this brush really caught my eye. The formula matters, sure, but for me, the brush does most of the job. Depending on the shape, length, elasticity and types of bristles, you can get different results. That's why I like to have different types of disposable wands, to use on other people, instead of a pack of 50 wands that look (and do) the same.

In terms of the formula, I really don't like the ones that get so thick, that you can't even see the shape of the bristles. So, I waited a month or two to purchase it, just to make sure and see how it dried out on the store tester. Needless to say, it was perfect. This formula kind of reminds me of the Benefit BADgal Lash, which I really, really like.
I would say though, this is one of those that are harder to take off at the end of the day. So, if you're not cleansing properly, you should start doing it — as in, the type of cleanser that you remove with a face cloth.
One of the benefits of this product is that it really holds the curl during the day. I find that it looks the same after 10 hours of wear, and it doesn't flake. The brush allows you to reach the base of the lashes really closely, and grabs even those fine and short ones, without messing up the lid — great if you're wearing a light eyeshadow. Use the curved side up to do this.
You'll be surprised by how well it works with just one coat. Seriously, it provides instant volume. *Adding it to the top five list*. Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara is available in three shades: Over Brun 694, Over Bleu 264 and Over Black 090 — which is the one I've got.

Tweet

Essentials | Make-up Products

This is the first part of a two part post. It's basically about make-up essentials, either for a beginner who doesn't know what to get, or for someone who might be a bit overwhelmed by all the offerings and can't decide where to splurge. This part will focus on actual make-up products and the next one is all about the brushes.

Starting with the face, everyone can benefit from a light coverage foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Doesn't matter if you have clear skin or some spots, you absolutely want your skin to show through — and actually look like skin, not a mask. You can always go back with a good concealer and cover just those little spots or discolorations. Of course, the finish of this base should apply to your skin type — more of a dewy/radiant finish for dry ones or a matte finish for oily types.
A good option is something like MAC Face And Body Foundation (the image above shows the shade C5). It has a natural (but buildable) coverage and works well on most skin types. It's water-based, so you have to shake it well before opening the bottle. Blends easily into the skin and can be used on the body, as well.
Next, a concealer that works on the "imperfections" you're trying to cover. So if you're only concerned about under eye circles, invest in a more emollient formula that doesn't dry out and has that brightening peachy-pink tone. Now, if your main concern is spots, then invest in a high coverage concealer that doesn't move too much. Something like the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil (shown in NSA) works really well on covering spots — and under eye circles too, actually. Besides, it stays put all day.

A good, brightening pink toned blusher is an absolute essential for anyone. Of course, you can vary the shade of pink according to the skin tone. The picture above shows the sheer powder formula of the Burberry Light Glow in Peony Blush No. 04, which I reviewed here (make sure to check the others, too).
If your skin gets oily during the day, even if it's just on the T-zone, invest on a good mattifying powder that doesn't cake up. Set your make-up when you first apply it, then carry a compact version to touch up on the go. There are many good offers, both on the high street and on high-end brands. An all time favourite of mine is the Chanel Natural Finish Loose/Compact Powder. If you choose one, go for the compact, since it's more practical (mine is in the shade 30 Naturel).
Another optional product is an eyebrow filler. This could be a pen, pencil, eyeshadow or gel. Bare in mind that unless you're a redhead, the shade should be on the cooler side (greige, taupe) and matte. Now, if you're blessed with perfect Cara-like brows, this is not a necessity. But, if on the other hand, you suffer from those cheeky little gaps, then something like the Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil could be your friend.

A matte, nude-toned eyeshadow always comes in handy to neutralize the eyelids or to help blend other colours. The image above shows the Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 76 - Beige. The Urban Decay Naked/Naked 2 Palettes have really good ones, too — Foxy, Naked or Buck.
An eyeliner in brown, black or plum always comes in handy. Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay make really good waterproof versions that don't move during the day. The Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Eye Pencil comes in many colours and has a sponge tip on the opposite side of the pencil, that helps to achieve a smokey look on the go. Why not?
The next step makes all the difference: mascara. A good mascara that provides volume and length to the lashes, really helps to define and open up the eyes. I've been loving the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black 090, lately — review coming up soon.

For lips, go for something moisturizing that provides a sheer amount of colour. The Clinique Chubby Sticks are very practical, or, just an everyday nude, Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Lolita, which is a dusty rose. Lovely.
Make-up arsenal complete! Now, add these suggestions to your mental shopping list and check them out the next time you pass a beauty counter.

Tweet

From the backstage | Marc Jacobs Fall 2013

Marc Jacobs closed out New York Fashion Week, with an amazing show in sepia-tinted lights. This effect made the clothes appear black and white. So, to go with that, François Nars chose a neutral toned make-up, to look like "a black and white photograph".
I love the inspiration for this look: an edgy girl with a touch of rock. All it takes is some smudged black eyes, for me to fall for the look. To go along with that, a strong brow (swoon), lots of mascara and a matte face. There was no shine at all, but at the last minute they applied some grease, to give a worn-in, sweaty look. You can choose to skip that, of course.
It's an easy look to recreate with products that most people already have. To start off, we'll conceal any imperfections — I'd use MAC Select Moisturecover concealer in NC35, because my skin is very dry at the moment. To powder the skin, you can use any loose powder, like the Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder (mine is in 40 Doré). At this point, there's no shine on the face, but it remains natural looking.
Now, for the fun part: let's start with the brows. With the use of an eyeshadow (and a slanted brush) or a powdery brow pencil, define and fill in the brows, thickening them — to the point where they still look (quite) natural.
Take a soft black pencil and line the eyes — top and bottom — then smudge with a small eye brush, like the 219 from MAC. Optional: layer black eyeshadow with a soft brush, giving more staying power and preventing creases.
Line the inside of the eyes with a white or nude pencil, making them appear bigger and more awake. I like the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in Nude. It's a really nice shade to wear on the waterline. Finish the eyes with a few coats of mascara. You can guess from the previous posts, that I'd use the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara or the Benefit They're Real.
The cheeks and lips are left pretty bare in the show, but for someone who likes wearing something, I recommend using a neutral blush to contour (MAC Powder Blush in Harmony) and a tinted lipbalm (Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey or Mega Melon). Done!

Tweet

Empties #2

My second post on products I've used up features some haircare, a bit of skincare and, of course, make-up. For some reason, I now have a lot of products that are almost empty. That's what happens when you use a lot of different things...

I'm on my second bottle of Schwarzkopf Professional BC Oil Miracle Finishing Treatment. It's an amber coloured oil with a thick texture and a nice fragrance. By the way, there's a light version for fine hair – you can find it here.
I usually distribute a small amount of product onto the lenghts and ends of towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it. I use it on dry hair too, particularly in the winter – it absorbs quickly, thanks to an "evaporating formula". The argan oil leaves the hair nourished and really shiny. Just healthy looking hair that smells really good – although I prefer the scent of the light version, which is very soft and delicate. A great product to camouflage split ends, as well.

Soap and Glory Hand Food. Is there anything else to say, after this rave post? Needless to say, I'll repurchase it – when I finish my Caudalie one.

The next item, belongs to my essentials list, meaning, I need this at all times. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes, or, the puffiness killer? A great option for dehydrated and uncomfortable skin around the eye. A refreshing gel that smoothes and refines the texture, providing a rested appearance, thanks to hyaluronic acid fragments, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin in the formula. I like to use this as a hydrating mask for the under-eye area, when I feel more dehydrated. Bonus: works well under make-up and is suited for sensitive skin.

In the highlighting department, I (unfortunately) finished my Guerlain Precious Light in the colour 2. This might be the best formula when it comes to highlighting pens – no visible glitter or shimmer whatsoever. Neutralizes any darkness with it's light reflecting properties. Just use it in key areas, like the inner corner of the eyes, on top of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid's bow. If you have a recession on the under-eye area, use just a tiny bit of this on the dark shadow – face down and look straight ahead on the mirror, you'll see it. Do not use it in puffy areas, it's going to make it worse.

Lastly, a mascara: Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Blacks. I like everything about this: the packaging, the scent, the wand and the formula. And, it's inspired by feminine curves and lace.
I like this brand since I was a kid. I loved playing with my mum's mascara and lipsticks. My head was swooning over that gold and luxurious packaging. When I learned that she actually used all Helena Rubinstein products, I was convinced that it was the high-end brand.
Anyways, the formula is elongating and volumizing, while the hourglass shaped brush really catches all the lashes, curling them. Holds well throughout the day and it's easy to remove. I find that it doesn't clump and feels natural and soft to the touch.

Tweet

Make-up | Popular products #1

Today's post features the most reached for products of the moment. This is almost a monochrome look, with a bordeaux theme going on. An ideal look for most skin tones and eye colours, making them pop. In my case, intensifies the brown.

To start off, I prepped my skin with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, before applying a layer of Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium, with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. To cover any imperfections, a bit of Chanel Long Lasting Concealer in 40 - Beige Santal does the job.
Then, I fill in my brows and shape them a bit with a Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Black. As a base for the eyes, a layer of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui does the job, blended with a MAC 217 – on the lid and below the lash line.
On top of that, I apply the second lightest shade from the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice – a warm medium brown with a slight shimmer running through it.
On some days, I feel like defining the lash line with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Rockstar. After curling my lashes, they get a coat (or two) of Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara. Best shade ever!
After my concealer has done it's thing, I set the center of my face with Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder in Doré, using a Japonesque Pro Eye Shadow Fluff Brush. This is a brilliant multitasker. To contour my face I use MAC Powder Blush in Harmony and highlight with Guerlain Precious Light pen in 2, which is nearly over. *Scared*
To finish off, a layer of Burberry Lip Velvet in 308 - Pink Azalea blended on the inside of the lips, to give a stain effect.

Tweet

Review | Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

Today I'm sharing my experience with a new mascara I'm trying at the moment: Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara. I have to mention that I only got this one, because the one I was looking for was sold out, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
Starting with the packaging, I quite like it. It's not super chic or cool, but it's sleek and clean, which I appreciate. It makes a click sound when properly closed and this is really useful, because I always apply mascara in a hurry – meaning I always close it in a hurry...
Now, the formula is quite "wet" and according to the sales person from Clinique, it doesn't dry out quickly. It's not as black as the Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash, but then again, I haven't found any that could match it. Provides amazing volume and length, really opening up the eyes and making you look more awake! Builds up nicely, without clumping, and you can also apply more coats during the day, without making them totally crispy to the touch.
At the end of the day, it looks just as good as when I first applied it in the morning. It doesn't smudge or crumble onto the cheeks (really annoying, when that happens) and holds the curl quite well.
The brush has a wide diameter and short bristles – perfect for getting right into the roots of the lashes and working it in, for maximum volume.
The easiest way to remove it is with a balm and a warm cloth – just hold it against the lashes for ten seconds or so, and it will come right off!
Overall, I'm quite impressed by it.

Tweet

Empties #1

Right, so, products I've used up. I guess I'm gonna have to save up those empties for the sake of blogging! My mum was weirded out by the fact that I was saving them, especially because I'm usually eager to finish stuff up so that I can throw away my old products and my make room for new ones! Any excuse to get new stuff, right?

So, I'm going to start with Bioderma Sensibio (or Créaline) H2O. I know this is a hyped up product in the blogging/vlogging world, but trust me when I say that it is worth the hype! Now, I know some people use this as a morning/nighttime cleanser, but I really wouldn't recommend it for that. Unless you just want to refresh during the day. This micellar water is really good for make-up removal, even waterproof mascaras and liners. This range of Bioderma products is aimed for sensitive skin, which is why I tried this out in the first place, seeing that I'm included in that category. I've seen lots of people, with different skin types using this product and none of them reacted to this. I'm in my fourth bottle of this, and I think this is one of those products that I'll always have. I haven't stopped trying out other make-up removers, because I'm always looking at new stuff, but nothing compares to this. Just try it!

Next, it's the Clinique Turnaround Radiance Moisturizer. Let me start by saying that this and the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair were the only nighttime products that I used and noticed a real difference in the first morning. I have combination skin, the real type of combination skin: dry patches on forehead, brows, eyes, around the lips and sides of the nose; oily on top of my nose; normal everywhere else. Because of this, usually I need different products to use on different areas, but since this cream is formulated for very dry to oily/combination skins, I used it on my whole face (except the eyes, for obvious reasons). It has exfolianting and resurfacing properties that optimize cell turnover, so my dry patches were smoother and felt my skin clean at the same time. And no oiliness to be seen on my nose. Also, it's really good to use in the winter months, when your skin has a dull appearance, it just gives back a healthy radiance to the skin. And if you like non-sticky creams that absorb quickly, you'll like this.

For fragrance, I discovered Burberry Body around christmas time in 2011. I ordered the coffret that has a 85ml bottle of eau de parfum and a body milk with the same size. The latter is still half full because I'm saving it up. Don't know why, it's a special occasion kind of idea – am I the only one who does this? But I've been using the EDP almost everyday since, so finished it up quickly and now I'm on my second bottle already. Since I ordered the coffret again, I'm going to start using that body milk, now.
I have to admit that I love the brand, so absolutely had to try it (and the bottle is really cool, which is always a bonus). When I looked more into the description and saw the notes, I just knew that it was perfect – delicate freesia, natural rose absolute, warm sandalwood and woody cashmeran? Approved! It was love at first sniff. For me this is the perfect scent to use all year around, because it has a nice balance of floral and warm notes. Also love the fact that it doesn't disappear throughout the day – hate when that happens. But, just in case, I carry a rollerball in my purse.

The final product is something that I'm guessing most of you already tried, or at least, heard about: Benefit They're Real mascara. First of all, I love the brush on this one. You can use it horizontally to coat most of your lashes and then vertically with the spiked sphere (it's kinda like Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes) on the outer corner, to give that flared effect. It doesn't clump and truly holds the curl while lengthening. The formula is really black and volumizing, so you get a nice defined eye, even when you're not wearing eyeliner. I've used three tubes of this already, that I alternated with others (because, as you know, I like to try out new stuff), but I always come back to this one. The only downside to this is that it's a bit more difficult to remove, if you only use a make-up remover. But, if you use a balm cleanser, it's easy-peasy. It's the most amazing mascara I've ever used. Ever. I doubt that you'll get that amount of definition and volume, at the same time, with one coat of any other mascara. And did I mention that it doesn't clump?

Tweet