I wanted to share with you some of my favourite beauty products – none of these are particularly new to the market, but they’re my go to staples I know I can rely on. I have been using all of these for a while, and they are all cruelty free – bonus!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
I’m sure this eyeshadow palette isn’t new to any of you, but if you haven’t already picked it up I urge you to! I bought this back in the Autumn, as I thought the warm oranges and deep reds would be perfect for the time of year. However, now we are entering summer, I am still reaching for it. The brighter colours and shimmer champagne shades are the perfect pairing for warmer weather, not to mention the neutrals on their own are ideal for those understated days.
I ordered mine from Beauty Bay with a price tag of £41 it may seem a bit steep, but for the quality of these shadows I believe it is totally worth it. I was never one for bright shadows, so if you aren’t either don’t be put off by the vibrancy of some of these colours, as they are incredibly wearable and flattering.
APPLICATION TIP – a little goes a long way with these shadows as they so highly pigmented, so start with a small amount and build up. It’s always easier to build up product than take it away!
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
A cult makeup favourite, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer has been the highlighter of choice of the masses for years, and its popularity doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. This is such a pretty and versatile product, it can be used on the cheekbones as a highlighter, on the eyes as a shadow or on the body to give a sun kissed glow. I got mine from Superdrug when they had their 3 for 2 mix and match deal on, always a great opportunity to pick up a treat!
APPLICATION TIP – Always try to apply when you’re in natural light to get a true indication of how much and where to apply.
Sleek Face Contour Kit
I picked this up from Superdrug way back when highlighting and contouring first became ‘a thing’. And even though I have since invested in other highlighting/contouring products, I will still reach for this on a regular basis – as you can see I have almost hit pan! If you are a beginner, this is the perfect product for you. It’s super affordable (£6.99!!), easy to use and the quality is wonderful.
APPLICATION TIP – Blend the contour powder around the hairline for sun tanned effect
Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer
Recommended to me by the wonderful Jessica at the Urban Decay counter in Debenhams here in Norwich, I actually picked this up to go into my pro makeup kit, but I have been giving it a go on myself before it goes in the bag. And I have to say this is the best primer I have used in a while! It’s pore minimising without being drying, and it glides on like a dream. I highly recommend picking this up if you’re on the hunt for a new face primer.
APPLICATION TIP – Apply with your fingers starting at the center of your face, and blend out to the rest of your face.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils
I literally cannot get enough of these pencils. They are so versatile and the colour range is insane, not to mention stupidly affordable. I picked mine up from boots and for the super low price of just £5.50, I can see myself slowly but surely collecting a good number of these. They glide on the waterline like a dream. ‘Milk’ on the waterline really opens up the eyes, where as ‘Black Bean’ in the waterline is the cherry on top of any night-time eye look, or daytime smokey eye. They can be used as an eyeshadow base, eyeliner, or all over the lid as a cream eyeshadow. If you haven’t yet, definitely give these a look next time you’re near your local NYX counter.
APPLICATION TIP – Apply to the lash line and use a pencil brush to smudge out for a super smokey grungy look.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
If I could recommend you invest in one brow product, this would be it. I have had this for well over a year, it might even be two now, and I don’t think I am even half way through it. It only costs £15 which for how long it lasts is super reasonable. You can create really natural looking fluffy brows, or bolder brows for those more in your face days. I ordered mine from Cult Beauty.
APPLICATION TIP – apply with a super small, stiff angled brush for precision and accuracy. Brush through your brows with a clean mascara wand before, during and after application to ensure equal distribution of product through the brow.
Urban Decay Naked Concealer
I use this under my eyes to highlight as it is a shade lighter than my skin colour. You only need a small amount, and it blends out beautifully! And added bonus – It doesn’t crease into the fine lines under my eyes like other concealers can. In my opinion the price tag of £19 is very decent, as I can see this lasting me a good few months.
APPLICATION TIP – I apply 3 small dots under each eye and dab over with my finger to blend out.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
I can’t do any kind of eye look without starting with this product. It makes eyeshadow more vibrant, reduces creasing, and evens out the lid ready for eyeshadow application.
APPLICATION TIP – It can be a bit tacky, so after applying to the eyelid, ensure to set with a pale or skin toned coloured powder so anything you blend on top applies seamlessly and smoothly.
So that’s it! A few of my all time favourite makeup products. Have you tried any of these? Which products do you recommend I try next? Thank you for reading!
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