Sunday, January 17, 2010

Trawling through makeup and beauty blogs, a recurring question is asked - "What item/s could you not live without?"

To me, makeup is a mere luxury and that statement a bit overexaggerated. (Un)fortunatley I am not shallow enough to say I could simply not survive without an individual cosmetic product so here is my list 5 Top Items that I could live without, but choose not to!

1. My Customized Palette of MAC Shadows.

This palette made by MOI (with the help of MAC of course) is my go-to everyday look palette. To be honest, I'm a bit of a neutrals girl myself and in my opinion, these shadows (or at least most of them) should be owned by every girl as a basis for a makeup collection. An investment in MAC eyeshadows is exactly this - an investment. This collection did not happen overnight, nor over a few weeks but months of hard-earned cashola! Even after months of everyday use, I have not hit pan on any single one of these shadows which in itself is a testament to MACs quality and value.

Most of these shadows are part of the permanent range available from any MAC counter however some are Limited Addition. You may be able to pick these up from Ebay or alike and some may return as repromotes in new MAC collections. If they do, I will be the first to let you know!


CARBON



An intense matte black is exactly what this is - a MUST HAVE for any makeup kit!








TEMPTING




A gorgeous neutral which will suit any complexion. It's gold and brown mix is so flattering as either an all over eyelid wash or as a outer crease color.

WOODWINKED




In the picture, it resembles Tempting, however in real life the two are chalk and cheese! Woodwinked is a cooler tones perfect for making blue eyes pop!



SHROOM





This is the most perfect highlight color I have come across. A beautiful golden sheen makes eye look fresh and awake.




JUXT




This shade is not for everyone however is a MUST for all those blue eyed gals out there wanting their eyes to POP! I'm in love!



CRANBERRY




Although not a shade for the faint-hearted, if you're willing this shade can do wonderous things to your eyes. .






2. A (GOOD QUALITY) FOUNDATION

Color matching is the key here! You can be the master of all things beauty - but if your foundation shade is off EVERYONE will notice. No-one likes an oompaloompa with a visible line of orange running along her jaw.

Be sure to get advice, (MUAs don't bite!) and remember - don't test on your hand, inner arm or even foot. These are about as close to your face color as your dog's stomach. If you can't test it - don't buy it.

Also, if you feel that your skin is having an adverse reaction to your new foundation -don't stress. Most places will refund if not exchange!

Personally I prefer either Lancome's Color Ideal or MAC's Studio Fix fluid. Both have medium to high coverage and are natural and dewy without that oily look.


3. BLUSH

Without blush, you're going to look like the undead. Seriously. There is nothing WORSE than a one-toned foundation "mask". No-one naturally looks like that. Choose a color which is similar to your natural flush. A good tip to find this out is to look at yourself after a run or some heavy exercise (or even a romp in the bedroom). Remember this color when choosing your blush shade.

On that note, my FAVOURITE blush is NARS Orgasm. It is a soft, peachy toned blush with great blendability. On the pricier end of cosmetics, it will last you forever. However be warned, once you pop you can't stop.


4. BROW POWDER

Great brows never go out of shape. A great brow will change the complete look of your face shape. A powder seems to be more natural than pencil and easier to work with. I prefer to use an eyeshadow in dark brown (personally I use a Benefit powder from their Big, Beautiful Eyes palette).

Great for if you've done the unthinable and over plucked. Slap on some rogaine and STEP AWAY FROM THE TWEEZERS - you'll thank me later!


5. MASCARA

If I'm in a rush, mascara is the one think I choose to wear. No-one should leave the house without it. There are no draw backs, from making your eyes look bigger and doe-eyed as well as giving your lashes definition - it is a staple!

I used a combination of Lancome's 3 offerings - Hypnose, Virtuose and L'extreme. Slap on 3 - 4 coats and you're out the door looking fresh and awake!


6. FAKE LASHES

Although somewhat tedious, the payoffs of a great pair of natural looking lashes are boundless. Adding extra oomph to any eye makeup, lashes are a must to turn heads.

I use numerous MAC Lashes and Glue. Choose yours to suit your intensity. Look after them by removing glue and mascara every 3-4 wears by soaking in lukewarm water with a dollop of baby shampoo and brush gently with a toothbrush. Dry on paper towel and VOILA - ready to use.

TIP: Always wait 30-40 seconds after applying the glue to the lash before you attemp to apply to your eye. The glue needs to be tacky to the touch otherwise you risk putting glue all over your shadow.


So there we go, a quick run down of a basic start up kit. If you have any question, feel free to post a question (and of course - click the ads!)


Stay Beautiful,
BackToMAC x

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