I try so many new things doing what I do. Most days actually, I pick up something that I haven’t tried/ used before. Some I like, some not so much (hate is a strong word…just because I’m not in to something, doesn’t mean it won’t be another persons favourite thing ever) and some I love, use to death and will definitely repurchase! (Maybe I’ve already repurchased, often multiple times and it’s something I now can’t live without!)
Here are a few of the latter, things I’m currently really enjoying, products I have or would repurchase and things that are absolutely worth a try in my opinion! Let’s get straight in to it!
➕ Simple Kind To Skin Dual Effect Eye Makeup Remover (Available from Boots*) – (where selected Simple Skincare, including this, are currently 1/3 off)
Eye makeup is my thing, even day to day they’ll be something on them and I also have pretty sensitive eyes. This relatively new dual phase (cleansing oil/ water mixture, shake to activate/ before use) eye makeup remover is perfect! I’ve used other similar products from other brands before, but this one just works really effectively, is inexpensive and doesn’t irritate my eyes at all. I’m on my second bottle and it’s even been removing waterproof mascara during the hotter weather and heavier eye makeup with ease!
➕ NIP+FAB Dragons Blood Hylauronic Shot (Available from Boots*)
So this, I’ve been using for the last few months and I feel it’s making a huge difference to my skin! It’s keeping me hydrated, but without feeling overloaded with layers upon layers of product. Especially during the summer months, but also as a general rule, I prefer a serum product to moisturise. As well as being more effective (it penetrates the skin quickly and more deeply) it also doesn’t feel like an extra layer along with my primer and then base products. This can be used alone as a targeted moisture treatment or a few drops mixed in with your regular moisturiser as a moisture boost. Products containing the skin loving Hylauronic Acid get my vote anyway, but this rescues me from dehydration and leaves my skin fresher and plumped up.
➕ LUSH Silky Underwear Dusting Powder (Available from LUSH)
I’ve used this for years!! It’s one of my all time favourite Lush products (there are of course many!) and I do use it all year round, however am mentioning it now, because I think it’s a summer essential! Smells incredible (Jasmine Absolute), gives a beautiful, silky and moisturised (it contains grated Cocoa Butter) feel to the skin and freshens/ absorbs excess surface moisture from the skin. Use it where you fancy, but I like to apply it on the back of my neck when the weather heats up and my hair’s down to prevent sweaty, knotty hair…after shaving to sooth and smooth without the sticky feel of a cream/ lotion product…it’s great for ahem…the inner thigh/ bra strap regions when it’s hot and sticky too, haha. I always have a bottle of this on hand!
➕ Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara (Available from Debenhams*)
I am a fan of the original Better Than Sex formula (My current mascara wardrobe), however, since using this, I prefer it and will be repurchasing this version instead. Not usually a waterproof mascara fan in general…no one wants crispy, spidery lashes and you can’t normally build length and volume like a regular non waterproof mascara. With this, you can and your lashes stay soft, flexible and voluminous, just how I like them. It lasts all day with no flaking/ smudging at all, one coat is enough for a naturally full boost and a few coats give volume, curl and drama. A winner and makeup bag essential in my eyes!
➕ MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul (Available from MAC)
Described as a mid-tone beige with gold pearl has me sold straight away, love using blush on others, but am not the biggest fan on me, so something subtle appeals. I had forgotten how good and very pretty this one was! Looks great on pretty much any skin tone and just gives a beautiful warm glow to the skin rather than an obvious blush. Is super buildable, so if you like a stronger look, it can do that too! It compliments any makeup look you can come up with and will take you through the seasons perfectly!
➕ Makeup Geek Contour Powder Compact in Break Up (Available from BeautyBay*)
The Makeup Geek contour powders are amazing! I’ve been using them in pan form (magnetic pans that you can store in a Z Palette) for ages…highly pigmented, smooth, blendable, long wearing and they’re now available in individual compact form! The compacts look great, they’re a really pretty metallic rose gold colour and are small and portable, yet strong, with a secure closure. I use the shade Break Up for my fair skin, but there are 8 in total shades to choose from and in both warm and cool tones. A little bit of this is perfect to define cheekbones (a little goes a long way!) and gives shape to your face. Love them!
➕ Zoeva 140 Luxe Petit Buffer Brush (Available from BeautyBay*)
The contour powder leads us perfectly to my brush obsession of the moment. The Zoeva 140 is inexpensive, great quality and with its dense mixture of natural and synthetic bristles that don’t absorb product, can be used for any liquid or powder complexion products. Because of that and it’s compact size, it makes it the perfect brush for accurate contour placement too. I apply and buff my contour out with this, but you could us this multi-tasker for whatever you need. A welcome addition to my personal brushes and used daily.
➕ Kat Von D Beauty Lock It Setting Powder (Available from Debenhams*)
Last, but definitely not least, is the Kat Von D Lock It Setting Powder, which is now stocked in the UK and Ireland! Rejoice!! The KVD Beauty signature packaging is universally gorgeous, but take a second to check out the size of this beauty! You get 19g of product, which is nearly double the amount of many other brands equivalent. It doesn’t have that pure white appearance that others do either, instead has a much softer, easier to blend seamlessly tone, which is suitable and blends out invisibly on any skin tone. It’s non drying, silky and gives a diffused velvet matte finish. It minimises the look of pores and really does lock in your makeup all day (or night!). You can use this to set your full face of course, but I mainly use it to set my under eye concealer. It’s hard to explain, but you can see better up close if you swatch it on your hand, although technically matte, it somehow gives a beautifully radiant and light look to that area. This will definitely be a repurchase, but I can’t see it running out anytime soon!
So that’s it for now. A few of the products that I’ve just really enjoyed using recently and I think you might too! I’d love to know any of your favourites/ obsessions, so feel free to enable and tell me what else I need to buy, ha ha! Or, have you tried any of these too and loved them or even not…what did you think??
Lyd x
PLEASE NOTE:
I’m now based in Cork, Ireland. Although I do still take select bookings for North Wales/ Cheshire and Dublin (get in touch for more info) and am available to travel country wide…I’m mainly taking makeup bookings for Cork City and surrounding areas.
As a bridal makeup specialist, I do get booked up well in advance so if you’re looking for wedding makeup in Cork contact me asap to check availability, secure your date and avoid disappointment! I’m freelance and travel to your home/ venue of choice.
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