New in My Beauty Bag

Things that help me look less dead.

I love the idea of having staples in my skincare and beauty kits. The “Ride or die” list. I really do. However, as much as there are products that you would have to prise from my stiff cold hands to get me to part with, I’m realising that there is merit in trying new things - not least because of the season change, but also because of the changes in what I’m working with, facially. It isn’t particularly profound to acknowledge that the products I loved ten years ago may not work as well for me now, but as a creature of habit, I’ve had a bit of a hard time adapting. But I’m getting there.

So without further ado, I bring to you a run through of relatively new discoveries that have taken me from “ooo, you look tired” to “your face looks brighter!” over the past number of weeks, and that might provide a similar turn of events for you, too.

Do let me know if you have any recommendations to share - I’m a little obsessed with the contents of other womens make up bags, and we all need a little inspiration from time to time.

Glossier future dew

Lots of unexpected things start to happen as you get a little older. Some of them are terrific - giving less of those tosses than previous being a more welcome one. But something happens to your skin. All the products that once worked a dream now refuse to, and it becomes harder to look - and therefore feel - like a slightly hotter version of yourself. Your facial canvas becomes drier and textured in ways it wasn’t before; more dull. This is particularly problematic when it comes to selecting a base: foundations need to be more sheer than before, but you still need some coverage in places. Glossier future dew does something lovely. When worn alone - it brings your face to life, and it’s easier to sparingly apply concealer. When worn under foundation it shoulders some of the glow burden that a foundation may otherwise struggle to. AND it’s less expensive than another favourite - By Tierry CC Cream - which is a bit more aggressive in it’s glow delivery.

Well worth a try.

Refy Lip Sculpt

This was a recommendation from one of the Montenegro Six - I admired her lip combination and she steered me solidly in it’s direction. It’s a liner on one end, and a silicone balm in the other. I’ve been a long time advocate for MAC liners - shades “Dervish” and “Whirl” in particular - but this liner is far and away better, PLUS the silicone balm that is housed in the other end is great for bringing your lip colour back to life. I got the shade '“Blush”, but I am keen to try other shades, so if anyone else has, please do let me know which I should turn my attention to next.

Brazilian Blow Out

No one, and I mean no one, would not benefit from this. My hair has taken a hammering since moving to London - the hard water has made it take on a wiry texture, but yet, its tendancy towards fluffy hasn’t subsided. Coupled with the by-products of the ageing process, the overall look hasn’t been pretty - think wire wool with the energy of freshly ignited petrol and you’re almost there. The Brazilian Blow Out is pricey, but stops your hair going feral. One con - it can leave your hair a bit flat. But I’ve always found easier to inject some volume back in, than to stop the fluffiness. Belfast people - I highly recommend Michelle International, and for anyone in London - Hair By Radoushka, Kings’s Rd, Fulham. Both do a sterling job.

OGX Sulphate free Shampoo & Conditioner

These are recommended to prolong the benefits and life span of the Brazilian Blow Out - and, given the expense of the blow out itself, I’m pleased to report that together they come in at under £10.

Dior lip Glow - Shade 001

Not a new addition, but included here as I still love it, and it is great in summer when a heavy lip combination doesn’t work so well/runs the risk of sliding off your face. It’s one of those adapts to your skin tone (the science is in the temperature, but this is not a pharmacy based post) type things, which I would usually consider a bit of a gimmick, but not this time, folks. Not this time.

Summer perfumes

This time of year I find myself veering away from the fragrances that bring comfort through the depths of winter (Tom Ford Ombre Leather, or Noir de Noir, FYI) and lean towards a lighter fragrance. While I love the idea of being a Chloe fragrance kind of woman - you know how I mean: delicate and light, suits kitten heels, wears sheer fabrics and doesn’t spill things - my nose just prefers bolder scents, so it is a task to strike the balance of summery Vs bold. A few summer staples that I always come back to - Calvin Klein Euphoria (oriental notes, apparently) and Gucci Rush (“sinfully cool and enticingly seductive” according to it’s ad campaign - errr, Okaaaay). A light spray of Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb, if I’m leaning into the feminine energy, is a good one too.

Vieve Eyeshadow Stick

There was a time when eye make up was all about a cut crease, smoky eye, and defining that water line. Who the hell has time for that? This eyeshadow stick (shade “coffee” but “espresso” is also good) is a one and done, draw a squiggle on your greater eyelid area and jimmy it around a little with your pinky number. If you’re feeling fancy you can smudge it along the lower lid too and it still looks more than passable. If you think you’ve gone too heavy - more pinky jimmying to sheer it out. Not heavy enough - apply more. Simples. It’s a great colour that doesn’t scream “I’m wearing make up” and its smaller than an eyeshadow quad for travels. Love that.

LED mask

I was gifted one of these for my birthday from a friend and WHAT A BLOODY GOOD GIFT THIS WAS. I love this thing - your vary the wavelength of light according to your skin concern of the day - hydration, acne, rejuvenation - and wear it for 10-20 mins at a time. Sure, I look like a serial killer for with it on, but one perk of living alone is that there is no one around to either mock me, or to be terrified by me. So a beauty gadget that improves my face (substantively - its remarkable the benefit that this confers) AND gives me cause to feel smug about my living arrangements is a thumbs up from me.

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It feels nice to be writing this today. This past few weeks have been above average levels of busy with work-work, so I have been pinched for time when writing - so it’s nice to do it an easier pace for the first time in a while.

Back on Sunday with some more fashion focused content. Brace yourselves for many photos of ME - excruciating for all concerned, but (repeat after me) it’s not about me, it’s about the clothes.

Thanks, as ever, for being here.

Big Love

Una

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