Monday 10 April 2017

SPOTLIGHT: My Everyday Makeup Essentials...

Hi lovelies! Was sitting at my bench getting ready for the day, and paused for a mo' to take a look at everything I used. Sure I change my foundation, blush, lipstick and eye shadows from one day to the next, but there are certain products and tools that I reach for every time I create my face, regardless of the colour scheme I've chosen. The process varies slightly for weekends (unless I'm going out, which is rare) - I usually skip a few items as I don't feel the need to be ready for a close-up at the supermarket, just decent lol. One of the items below is a recent acquisition (a gift!) that I wanted to let you know is brilliant, so here's a rundown of my daily makeup essentials (be prepared for a LONG post ha ha), and how and when I use them...



The IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC Cream goes on my face every day as my primer, regardless of the activities I have planned. It's a 50+ sunscreen with lots of benefits, and my full review of it is HERE...



To apply any foundation, I use this Chi Chi dome brush - have had it for almost 12 months, and it's not shed a single hair in that time. I use this dome type because it's soft and yet densely packed, and is the kind recommended by Wayne Goss as the best way to push foundation into enlarged pores to make them less visible, and I have a lot of those..



Next I add concealer, and I swear by IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (review HERE). I have both light and medium shades, but tend to use the medium most of the time under my eyes, around my nose, and along my top lip as I have a couple of pesky freckles that I need to hide. I also apply this down the centre of my nose as part of my contouring technique because it doesn't budge throughout the day. The brush is an unidentifiable one I've had for years...



One of the major breakthroughs in the quality of my LOTD photos came when I started reverse-outlining my lips with this nifty little CROP Natural Concealer Pencil * in the light shade - stops the lipstick bleed, and gives me a crisp clean line. I don't use this on weekends as I take a break from snapping my pout (I'll mark the products I omit on Saturday/Sunday with an asterisk *)...



I've had a lot more success with contouring my nose since I switched to this Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone. Powder has a tendency to darken my huge pores making them far more obvious, but if I blend the cream (from the almost empty pan in bottom right of the photo) either side of my nose, I end up with a reasonably undetectable illusion of a thinner and smaller schnozz. As you can see I rarely use any of the other colours in the kit, but they're there if I need them. The brush is a soft angled one from MUA Cosmetics..



Before adding anything further, I press Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder all over my face (with special attention to my nose) with a velour powder puff. I have a ton of these puffs as I wash them every few days, and most of them are unbranded. This finishing powder sets my makeup for the day and controls shine...



My brows are sparse, blonde and barely visible. It's not an age thing, it's the way they've been all my life, so I draw them on every day. My favourite brow pencil is the Models Prefer Luxury Powder Brow Liner * in the Light shade. It's a cream to powder pencil that's cheap as chips, and gives me the most natural looking finish, and doesn't look plastered down. The light shade is a warm blonde, but for days when I wear cool toned makeup, I use the Crop Natural Eyebrow Pencil * in the shade Blonde. The brush at the top of the pic is an unbranded one, but I love it because the bristles are soft and flexible (the Crop brush on the cap is too small and stiff)...



For my powder blushes, I have three brushes - one each for pinks/mauves, oranges/reds/corals, and a third for anything outside those families, like purple. I store them in their sleeves and clean them every two weeks or so. The clear plastic handled one is unmarked, the black is by MUA Cosmetics, and the silver one is from BH Cosmetics. I've had all of these for years and they've never shed, so I see no need to replace them with anything fancier...



I apply my bronzer (Crop Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer in shade Solaire) after my blush. This goes below the blush area as a contour and along my jawline. I've since bought a few other bronzers to try as I only ever use the bottom right pan of this palette, but it sure is the perfect shade The kabuki brush is by Nude by Nature, and only a recent acquisition as my Artiste one started shedding. So far so good! I also use this brush to blend where the bronzer and blush join, as well as tone down any excess blush colour if I've been a bit too heavy handed...



Moving onto the eyes, I tightline the upper lashline with Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil. These pencils are my favourites, and you'll find no less than 30 search references to them in the right side-bar because I use just about all the colours every week. This one replaced the Smokey Black I bought originally as it's not quite so stark, but gives me the definition I consider essential for my eyes. At the end of a long long day, it's still exactly where I placed it. I've included the sharpener as well - I've often said it's the best one I've ever used, and that's still the case...



For my eye shadows, I use these two BH Cosmetics brushes  - they came in a huge set I bought years ago, and still perform like new. They're slim enough for exact placement, and even pick up Colourpop shadows beautifully. I have others of course, but these I use every time without fail. I clean them after every application with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes...



And of course there's the always essential cotton buds. I'm fussy and only buy Johnson & Johnson ones as they don't leave any fluffy bits behind when I tidy up the waterline, and the dual ended cosmetic tips are by Swisspers. The paddle end I coat in concealer to clean up my hoods, and the pointy end is perfect for picking up stray mascara bits...



Another product that I've been using ever since it was released is the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner. I swear no other liner touches my lower lashline! It doesn't fade or smear or flake, and I smudge it a wee bit with eye shadow to soften the line...



These two look a bit scruffy, but that's because I've had them for years. The shadow is MAC Omega * - it's matte and I use it to add a teeny bit extra contour to my nose because it's just the best colour match. The brush is yet another one where the brand has rubbed off, but from memory it's by Models Prefer *. I keep the sleeve on it so that the bristles stay compact...



Gosh this is a long post - are you still here lol? The Rimmel Stay Matte powder is what I use to counteract shine on my hoods, and it's also what I apply during the day for anti-shine touchups, although usually only once or twice. I've had the Ecotools brush for over 5 years, but you'd never know as it still looks like new...



Absolutely LOVE this Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara. I only use this on weekends when I give my lashes a break from curling and several layers of waterproof mascara. This actually conditions my lashes, and the only reason I don't use it every day is because I need a mascara with fibres or else my lashes don't show up in the EOTD pics...



And now for the new product that I'm super excited about! Estée Lauder Little Black Primer *. It's a lash primer, which is something I've never given a thought to previously, and was sent to me by my darling friend Amy from Health & Beauty Girl  You apply it just like a mascara, it colours the lashes ever so slightly, and it's waterproof. I stroke this on before curling my lashes, then apply my usual mascara over the top, and I can honestly say that the curl is EXACTLY the same at 11pm as it is at 6:30am. Amazing!



I've lost count of the number of eyelash curlers I've owned in the past, but this Shu Uemura * one beats them all hands down. Can't for the life of me figure out why as it looks the same as any other brand, but hey, the result is far superior every time...



And finally, my HG mascara (has been for years) - Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof *. Nothing gives me the length and volume I need like this baby. To avoid clumping from the fibres I rotate the brush as I'm stroking it on, and I usually apply at least two coats without letting it dry in between...



So there it is lovelies - SO many products to create my face, but then I do take photos just about every working day, and I find I can't do without the majority of these. I guess you could say that this is an entire page of can't-live-withouts  Of course I've excluded foundation, lipliners, lipsticks, blush and eyeshadows, but if you're interested, I'll do some posts of my most regularly used ones from those categories in the coming weeks...

So how many cosmetic items do you use on a daily basis?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - it's the 100th edition, and likely to be an extra special one. Heaps of congrats to Ingrid on this winning series ... 

39 comments:

  1. I don't wear makeup everyday, so my answer is 0. When I do wear makeup, I use probably about 12-13 items of makeup (only 10 if I don't bother with eyeshadow or eyeliner) & all the brushes that go with it...so all up I'd say about 20. I love my Eye of Horus mascara too, but I'm lucky I can wear it all the time as my lashes are long enough. Will have to see about getting the sharpener...shall try & get it as a GWP.

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    1. Ahh Shell - part of me envies you as I wish I didn't need makeup, on the other hand it brings me so much pleasure ♥ Yes grab the sharpener if you can - it's the only one I've ever had that has never damaged anything I've sharpened. I use it for my brow pencil and lipliners as well as the goddess pencils xxx

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  2. Yes the CC cream!!! It is so good! My basic, every day routine consists of about 8-10 products? With everything from eyes to a little bit of bronzer and blush! Loved this post, I always love seeing other peoples essentials! xx

    Laura || www.thelifeoflaura.com.au

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    1. The CC Cream is the best hey Laura! So glad you enjoyed this little exposé - kinda scary when I see what it takes to get me ready to face the world lol xxx

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  3. How funny! I've done a post about my everyday makeup essentials today too. I'm always switching it up so I just included the products that I use every single day.

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    1. I'm going to check out your mascara too! I love mine but it's very exy

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    2. Oh wow Kim,just goes to show that great minds think alike - I HAD to say that right? lol... Just reading your post now - gosh, you use such stunning products hon ♥

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  4. That CC Cream Kat!!! and the under eye concealer is the best too! I loved this post, thank you for sharing x

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    1. Ha ha Barbe - yes IT Cosmetics makes some fabulous products, just wish Sephora stocked their entire range ♥♥♥

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  5. Like a couple of the other commenters I love the IT Your Skin But Better CC cream. It's a definitely essential!

    Thank you so much Kats for being such a regular member of the Monday Makeup Madness link ups. I love reading your posts each week and really appreciate the support and positivity you add to our lovely beauty community.

    Ingrid
    http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com,au

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    1. Yay for IT Cosmetics Ingrid! And yay for you too for 100 link ups - thank YOU for running such a terrific platform for all of us to discover brilliant blogs, I wouldn't miss one for the world xxx

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  6. Loved reading about your essential makeup products! I really want to try the Eye of Horus Goddess eyeliners. I love pencils ones in favour of liquid, and they look great! xx

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    1. So happy this was interesting for you Di - you MUST try the EOH pencils, they're really something special, and the colour range is SO good ♥x♥

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  7. Loved this post, Kat! It was great being able to spy on your must-have beauty products. I would definitely love to see a post on your favourite products in other categories xx

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    1. Aww Indie thank you gorgeous - and thanks for letting me know you'd like to see more, this might be the start of another mega series lol ♥♥♥

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  8. Tell me about the sharpener. I need one that will sharpen those plastic pencils!

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    1. Well Beth, I use it for just about everything (except the big fat crayons that don't fit - I have a Chi Chi one for those which works well), including those odd Colourpop pencils that are in a plastic case. I just make sure that I clean it regularly, and I always have a spare. It never EVER mangles anything - well worth 10 bucks xxx

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    2. Oh excellent, yes Colourpop and Zoeva are what I need it for! The first time I went to sharpen one of those, I was quite literally stumped!

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    3. I reckon the plastic will blunt it after a while if you need to sharpen them regularly - hasn't happened to me yet, but I only have a few lippie pencils...

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  9. EOH Sharpeners are amazing. I have 3 that I guard fiercely LOL One I keep in the US.

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    1. Well that's such good news Fawn - I wondered if I was just biased ha ha! There's no way I'd buy any other brand xxx

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  10. So glad you're still loving the lash primer! I really want to try IT's CC cream one day but I have 2.5 tinted moisturizers to finish up first. Great post! xoxo

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    1. Sure am Amy - I use it every working day without fail! I have a few other CC creams in my drawer too, but they don't even get a look in - the 50+SPF is such a great bonus ♥

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  11. i love the maybelline master precise eyeliner too! it is a great one !

    clairetalksbeauty.com

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    1. I've tried a few of their "variations" Claire, but I keep coming back to this original one - so easy to use and I never seem to make goofs with it either xxx

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  12. I never thought to use CC cream as a primer! Lovely post

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    1. Hiya Stackcats! It's my solution for foundations that are too sheer as well - I need lots of coverage, and the CC creams usually contain lots of good things rather than silicone or other fillers ♥♥♥

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  13. On a daily basis, I probably use about 5 - concealer, brow pencil, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick! xx Loved this post Kat, thanks for sharing! x
    lots of love,
    Marina Rosie xx
    http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/

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    1. Hi Marina, thanks for stopping by - I envious of the simplicity of your makeup needs, I need a whole arsenal ha ha! xxx

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  14. OMG I so need to try that CC cream. I feel like I am missing out! And quite a few EOH goodies I spot! Great post!

    Felicia x

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    1. Ooh yes, there's quite a few of us who think the IT cream is special Felicia - well worth a try, for me it has everything I could wish for in a base. And EOH makes such beautiful products xxx

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  15. Wow, Kat, you reach for a lot of things, I'm impressed. I wish I had more time for my makeup routine in the morning. I also love Stay Matte powder, just finished my 5th packaging and I'm going to buy another one tomorrow, haha.

    Michelle Morchella

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    1. Michelle sweetheart you're so gorgeous you barely need any makeup! This is about my 5th or 6th pan of Stay Matte as well - I always keep one on my bench, one in my makeup bag, and a spare in the drawer lol xxx

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  16. I love this post Kat! I don't think people realise how much time and makeup can even go into a glam look let alone a 'no-makeup' natural makeup look! I love the It-Cosmetics CC cream and concealer too :) x

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    1. Thank you sweetie! Believe me I've tried to cut out some things, but the end result isn't anywhere near as good, so I figure what the hell lol. Ooh yes - IT Cosmetics - next I want the anti-redness cream, but Sephora never seems to have it in stock...

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  17. Kat, are you still using the Mary Kay TimeWise Plus Volu-Fill Wrinkle Corrector that you reviewed and highly recommended back in August 2014? Thanks!

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    1. Hi there - not using it any more, but only because not being able to buy it from a store or website became quite a battle. I'm seriously thinking about pursuing a rep though now that I've relocated - it's really an excellent product, and I've not found anything else that is as effective ♥

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    2. Thanks! I read so much on the internet and never know what to believe! I appreciate your honest reviews. I prefer to wear minimal makeup, and have been able to "accept" most of my wrinkles, signs of aging, etc that have shown up to date, but I'm horrified by the wrinkle lines and creases forming above my upper lip! I'm only 55 and have never smoked :( I'm desperately looking for something that might ward them off a little for at least a bit..... (I also happen to have a cousin who sells Mary Kay so that's convenient :)) I'm alternately, or also, looking for some makeup that might cover the "mustache" effect the wrinkles seem to be creating :( I enjoyed your review on Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation and I may have to try that out as well. Thanks again!!

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    3. I know what you mean about the reviews hon - I truly noticed a difference in my wrinkles, and if it wasn't for the hassle of getting hold of the stuff, I'd still be using it. How lucky you are to have a relly that sells it! Those upper lip creases are a pain hey - I rub my eye cream into them every morning and night, and while they're not decreasing, at least they're not getting any worse lol. The MNY foundation is great because it doesn't sink into the creases xxx

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