In these strange and uncertain times, there’s no better opportunity to learn a new skill or revisit past hobbies. I am currently taking two approaches to keeping sane while social distancing. The first being setting a routine, as I lack creativity and sense of purpose lounging around in my pajamas, eating, and watching Disney+. As much as I enjoy devouring a packet of biscuits, I need order. Secondly, it’s an unexpected opportunity to reignite old passions. Before I shifted into journalism, blogging had provided me with an outlet for escape. So here I am, kickstarting my blogging re-set. Let’s face it, I have a lot of time on my hands. Without further ado, I thought now would be the time to discuss a few beauty favourites.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara, £26*
I jump around with mascaras, it’s where I tend to experiment. Sometimes it’s Maybelline, sometimes it’s Glossier, but my current mascara of choice is Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara. The hourglass wand boasts short, densely-packed bristles - you know the kind of brush that will make your eyelids messy if you apply haphazardly. Its formulation is creamy, ultra-black, and, unlike wine, it doesn’t get better with age. It’s best on opening, which is a rarity. Most importantly, it gives me full fluffy lashes fast.
Finally, a dewy and hydrating foundation that’s relatively long-lasting. Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation brightens, smooths out parched patches, and offers light to medium coverage with a fresh, natural finish. It doesn’t dry down, so a dusting of powder is required. And it wears how I want it to until I arrive home in the late afternoon with the slickest, shiniest forehead and nose.
I recently visited Ada Ooi, facialist and founder of 001Skincare, who post-treatment delighted me with the news my skin was ‘wonderfully hydrated’. While I took great pleasure in this compliment, it isn’t because I drink adequate amounts of water, it’s thanks to the fact I slather my skin in Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Water Cream. Containing a heavy dose of hyaluronic acid, the slush-puppie-like moisturiser delivers a burst of long-lasting hydration and instantly calms my reactive skin on application. It’s just like you’ve downed a day’s worth of water in an instant - just what dehydrated and stressed skin types are yearning for.
Eyeshadow has come a long way in the past decade, it has never been easier to get good quality eyeshadow at a reasonable price. Glossier Skywash falls into that bracket with its fool-proof formulation and offering of people-pleasing shades for £15. I like to take the shade Valley (a warm matte peach) all over my lids then blend with a brush. The doe-foot applicator eyeshadows are ideal for those with a relatively uncomplicated makeup routine seeking a wash of colour.
When I want to dim down some gleam, I press Urban Decay Stay Naked Powder Fix over my freshly made-up face with a Morphe Y11 Deluxe Pointed Contour brush. The silky powder offers additional coverage, blurs imperfections, and will make whatever makeup I’m wearing last that bit longer and suck up some oil in the process.
What products are getting you through this period of isolation? Sending lots of positive vibes your way.
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