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Wednesday 26 February 2014

What are our favourite make-up buys?


Today we're letting you rifle through our make-up bags and sharing our favourite pots of paint and products with you.


Sian: I'm such a Rimmel girl. Even with all the money in the world, I'd still use Rimmel. It doesn't irritate my skin, the colours are gorgeous and its cheap. I swear by their Extra Super Lash mascara (doesn't smudge at all, leaves me all naturally fluttery like Bambi with a work meeting) and their Vinyl Lip Gloss (if you see me at any point in the day, I'm wearing this in Snog).

My most recent discovery is their Colour Rush lipstick in The Redder The Better. It's my first dabble with red lipstick and it's gorgeous. It's a bit like putting lippy on with a felt pen and that's more fun than it should be. It moisturises, it lasts for ages (and when it fades it doesn't look total crap) and it's the perfect colour. I look instantly glam and healthy. It was probably the best fiver I ever spent.


Frances: My day-to-day make-up is fairly lo-fi. I get mega dark circles so I use Touch Eclat if I'm feeling flush, or Soap & Glory if I'm on the skinter side. I wear glasses most days, so I usually wear a light eyeshadow and some kind of eyeliner but always mascara – I currently love the L’Oreal Miss Manga mascara. For easy to wear lipstick, I like Revlon’s Colorburst Lipbutter and Boots No. 7 Moisture Drench range too. When I’m experimenting with new stuff, I love to go and play with the collections at &Other Stories: fun, fashionable colours that last really well but don’t cost a bomb.


Sara: Let's start with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. This stuff is the holy grail if you want your eyeshadow to stay put all day (and night). That shit WILL NOT MOVE until you choose to remove it. I can only conclude that it is made of magic. Buy the original, not the tinted versions as they don't work as well.

I am so obsessed with nail polish. Models Own do vibrant, exciting colours in ranges called things like HYPERGEL! BEETLEJUICE! ICE NEON! and oh, I love them so much. A England are my absolute favourites though - beautiful, dreamy colours that apply incredibly smoothly and will easily last a full week.

Finally, I couldn't get the hang of lipstick until I found Nars Velvet Matte lip pencils. They're like crayons for your face. Dragon Girl is a vivid red that doesn't smudge or leave marks on wine glasses. Actual magic. Well done, Mr Nars.


Alice: My beauty routine consists of trying to look like I'm not wearing make-up. Foundation is key here. I have recently been wearing *Fast Show voice* Laura Mercier tinted mosturiser in porcelain, because I am ghostly pale. It's oil free and lightweight. It makes you look like your not really wearing foundation, you get that dewy glow. I'll sometimes use the incredible Vichy's DermaBlend industrial concealer to cover up whatever acne I have.

The only lipstick I wear is Nars 'red lizard'. Its the most beautiful red, not that Betty Boop kind, it's really sophisticated and you only need a tiny bit. And I'm definitely with Sara on Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer, it really is magic.


Laura B: Alice and I share Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturiser love! It makes even the most tired skin look wide awake. I'm all about the glow, so when I'm looking particularly rough, I layer it over MAC's Strobe Liquid.

I like a bit of a flush, and Nars blushers combine amazing colour pay-off with a long-lasting formulation. They're pricey, but last ages. Orgasm and Desire are my favourite shades - they look extremely scary but applied with a light touch, they look amazing.

For eyes, I was much more of a liquid eyeliner girl (still searching for my favourite!) than an eyeshadow girl - until I bought an Urban Decay Naked palette. I use it every day, not just on my eyes but on my brows and as a highlighter, too. Mascara-wise, I always come back to Dior's Diorshow Black Out - wiggle it into the roots of your lashes for extra definition.

On lips, Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butters are ace, as are their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Both are perfect for anyone who wants colour without going down the lipstick route.

OPI make absolutely the best glitter nail varnishes I've used - densely-packed with sparkle, but not too hideous to get off. And for the ultimate topcoat, look no further than Seche Vite. It sets any nail polish diamond hard in seconds - actually, really, truthfully - and makes your manicure last much longer. I wouldn't stray from this stuff. Just read the instructions before you apply, as it's a bit different to normal topcoats.


Gemma: I hate the feeling of liquid foundation, so I use Bare Minerals. I'm also a slave to their Stroke of Light eye brightener under the eyes. I believe there is a reason NARS Orgasm is on every 'top beauty buys' list ever and it's well worth investing in.

I am wildly unfaithful to mascara and a sucker for cheap ones that I use once or twice and then lose to the depths of my handbag, but YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils is the best if you want to invest. I recently discovered Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in a shade called 'Skinny Jeans' which is possibly the laziest smoky eye product ever.

My lips are usually pretty bare because I'm more of an eye makeup girl, when I do go for colour I go all out with bright red or pink. I'm another Rimmel fan, especially their semi-matte Kate Moss lipstick in 107.


Kat: If I had my way I would be bankrupt and surrounded by little bottles. And not even ones with wine in.

The best red lipstick is Red Fever by Rimmel. It has a fabulous blue tinge and a staggering amount of class for something that comes in a pink metallic tube. And Carmex, end of. The tiny tub is loads better than the tube, which always ends up with bits of handbag fluff caught in the lid.

Mascara? I've tried them all. Max Factor Masterpiece Max is my favourite for fluttery, layered lashes. Otherwise when it comes to eyes, I'm a Rimmel girl all the way. Liquid eyeliner on top (Glam'Eyes or Exaggerate are both great despite their TERRIBLE NAMES). I'm embarrassed to say I've used the same eyeshadow set for, ooh, 17 years: Glam'Eyes eye trio in Orion. Seriously, it's a classic. Brilliant at making blue eyes pop.

Foundation has always been a complete chore as I'm very pale, so No7's colour matching has been a total joy. I wear Beautifully Matte or Stay Perfect in Calico. They are beautifully comforting on the skin, and last the course, especially when helped along by Seventeen Miracle Matte pressed powder. I'm terrible with blusher, as I never quite get the colour right, but the Clinique one I bought in a panic before a wedding three years ago is still going strong. And when in doubt, just tie your hair up and put on some sunglasses. Job done.

What's in your make-up bag? Share your favourites with us!

38 comments:

  1. My face is a face that seems to actively repel makeup so that c. 9mins after applying it's slide off, like a Picasso. BUT Bobbi Brown smuge-proof mascara is very good and stays on for yonks, so even though I've tried other things, I always return and regret my digression.

    Also, I've realised that primer is A Good Thing, and Smashbox is the best I've tried but pricey. DHC Velvet Skin also really good and under a tenner (and makes foundation go further so saves you a bit in the log run)

    I still haven't found an eyeliner that properly properly lasts, and even Rimmel, my default in all things, doesn't cut it. Advice welcome pleaseeeee.

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    1. I'm so thrilled with the love Rimmel is getting in this piece - I've always wanted to try fancy brands and be more adventurous but Rimmel are cheap and brilliant so I never stray very far from them.

      Also, make-up counters with staff scare me.

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    2. I have NEVER bought 'posh' cosmetics until last week. Rimmel nail varnish is still my absolute favourite - the 60sec range is brilliant!

      Katherine, a very recent convert myself but the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner is the best I have ever used and stays put ALL day. Plus the applicator is a brush which was a huge plus for me because I always end up jabbing myself with the eyeliner wands.

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    3. Re The NARS orgasm blusher, MUA do a brilliant copy, at about £2, the one you need is shade 5. I swear by Clarins Beauty flash, its amazing and lasts ages. For Mascara my favourite is Benefit 'They're Real' even my stubbies look good! I also like the MUA eyelines which are a quid and have a built in sharpener in the lid! Just ace!

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    4. Yes, my other criteria for eyeliner is that it is as easy possible to apply, not least because I am that person who does make-up on public transport (sorry, I know some people hate that) GEL EYELINER, EH? Interesting. Right, payday tomorrow, Bobbi Brown, don't fail me now...

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  2. L'Ordeal Lash Architect is a great mascara for anyone burdened with non-existent eyelashes like my own - I switched from a Chanel mascara to this when it came out, it's half the price and just as good. W7 are a good budget range and MUA Luxe do some great cribs of the Urban Decay palettes if you're looking to save a few more pounds (and who wouldn't?!). Rimmel Stay Matte powder or Corn Silk are both classics.

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    1. L'Oreal even. Thank you predictive text.

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  3. Any chance of a similar feature with all cruelty free brands?

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  4. My top recommendation for eyeliner is the L'oreal Super Liner - Blackbuster, I've been using it for a while and it's just like using a felt tip pen, you can use it for thinner or thicker eye-linering (not a word) and it lasts all day :)

    http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Paris-Super-Liner-Blackbuster-Intense_1309105/

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  5. Thank you. I look forward to that x

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  6. Can't agree more regarding Rimmel Exaggerate liquid eyeliner. Hands down the best liquid eyeliner and I've tried them all, from Chanel to Boots 17.

    nars orgasm blush always features highly on lists, so I was really excited when I splashed out on some. It was Ok, but didn't really pop on my bi-racial light brown skin. On that note an article on best beauty buys from different ethnicities would be good - maybe readers could contribute?

    A final note - since I moved to bobbi brown lipstick as my day to day lippy, I've never needed lip balm or lip moisturiser. They're just great. My favourites are Slopes and Brownie for everyday, and Crushed Plum (arf) for nights out.

    Ooh - another idea for an article - affordable beauty basics. I'm sick of reading about £40 moisturisers and £30 tweezers. What are the best products that can be found on the high street?

    Zx

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    1. Hello! I'm mixed race and I agree about Nars Orgasm. I use Nars Deep Throat and it works much better - a proper pop of colour without looking clownish. Have you tried that one?

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    2. I sniggered at 'Deep Throat'.

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    3. I find it very awkward asking for anything at the Nars counter.

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  7. For anyone curious about trying gel eyeliner, the Illamasqua one is BRILLIANT. It's a delight to put on, especially if your eyelids are not necessarily in their first flush of youth (I found the Bourjois felt-tip eyeliner particularly dispiriting). Other amazing things (apart from the Urban Decay primer) are Benefit Brow-Zings, China Glaze nail polish and Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation (spendy but worth every penny)

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    1. Dear everyone, please listen to badmissk for she is wise. She's the only person I'll go make-up shopping with.

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    2. Are the benefit Brow-Zings really good?

      I have the kind of eyebrows that don't really exist. Not through aggressive plucking or anything, I just wasn't blessed with them. My mum has the same problem.

      I essentially have to draw them on. I have never found an eyebrow pencil that I liked, they're always too smudgy, the wrong shade etc. So I use *drumroll*...watercolour pencil. Yup. It works a treat. It's the right shade, the right consistency, everything.

      Faber-Castell pencils are what I'm using at the moment. Don't laugh.

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    3. As someone who once cut up sequins and glued them to her face, I'm in no position to judge! I really rate the Brow-Zings, my brows are quite fine but I'm not ashamed to say they look ace when they're done. The wax keeps everything in place (I've tested this extensively e.g. trying on clothes in shops) and then you colour in the gaps with the powder. There are some really good tutorial videos on the Illamasqua website for eyebrows and their own eyebrow products are probably really good but I personally prefer having the wax as well.

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  8. So many good recommendations here! I'm bookmarking this page for future shopping trips.

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    Replies
    1. It's making me want to try all the new things. Next up is eyeliner, because I don't know how to do it now I'm not doing the whole teenage goth thing.

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  9. I agree with the Smashbox comment - their normal primer and eyeshadow primers are magical - if you ask them to try the sample primer they usually have stacks under the counter and it lasts for aaaages. Almost tempted to fork out for a real size I love it so much.

    Bourjois's Liner Pinceau is the best liquid eyeliner I have ever bought and will ever buy - after having tried all the different versions of liquid and gel eyeliners, I'm now not going to bother trying anything else, none have been as good as this one. Doesn't budge unless you want it to.

    And although I don't wear much lipstick, when I do I want a classic red - MAC's matte Red Russian is a nice 50s style red, and when blotted doesn't budge either. Again a bit of an expensive option but worth it! (especially when you don't wear it often anyway).

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  10. I work at a makeup counter mentioned here, please don't feel intimidated by us ladies! It makes me sad that some ladies don't come to us because its scary, I get it but we're not that bad honest! (Well most of us anyway ;) )

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    1. Hi Emma, I try really hard not to be scared, I just hate being pounced on when I go into a department stores, especially as I know I can't afford much in the fancy area. Usually I just want to spritz some perfume and then run away.

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    2. Yeah luckily I work at one where we are discouraged from pouncing!

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    3. There are just so many of you! All manning your different stands. I can't browse properly and I love a browse.

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  11. This is the most reassuring thing ever. I decided today I had to become a grown up, stop buying Rimmel and invest in proper make up. Then I discovered the price of proper make up in a farcical conversation at a schmancy make up counter. No, just no.

    Good old Rimmel. Good old, lovely, cheap, clearly priced Rimmel.

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    1. When we compile these pieces, everyone does their bit separately - I had no idea how many Rimmel products we were going to rave about! They get it right, even if their packaging is crap.

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  12. The best foundation I've ever found is by Lily Lolo and they do really really pale which is great, but more than that they do dinky little taster pots so you can experiment with a couple. And because it is mineral powder your skin feels silky smooth and lovely. I'd totally recommend them!

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  13. Nice to see a lot of my favourites here! Makes me feel like I have good taste 😉 Anyone got a tip on what to use to even up skin tone around mouth and nose? I wear tinted moisturiser at the mo, but don't really need the extra moisturising and want something to provide a little bit of coverage just on the bits that need it. BB cream? (have been avoiding as it seems like a fad)

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  14. Nice to see a lot of my favourites here! Makes me feel like I have good taste 😉 Anyone got a tip on what to use to even up skin tone around mouth and nose? I wear tinted moisturiser at the mo, but don't really need the extra moisturising and want something to provide a little bit of coverage just on the bits that need it. BB cream? (have been avoiding as it seems like a fad)

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  15. Sian - I went straight out and bought both Rimmel lipsticks mentioned and you're so right! Snog is an amazingly luscious colour and the crayon is genius! So much fun to draw your lips on! Kat - couldn't find the eyeshadow trio and as I have blue eyes that made me sad... they do eyeshadow quads... any of those got the same colours as Orion?

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    1. So pleased you like both! The red lippy is such a new thing for me, but it makes me feel glam instantly.

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  16. Ladies, can i please recommend 2true liquid eyeliner to you all? 2 for £5 in Superdrug and its bloody brilliant! Nice thin brush, easy to go on and doesn't smudge. I was using YSL Shocking Eyeliner before I discovered this and it's SO much better.

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  17. I've just noticed that the & Other Stories blusher has a Romeo & Juliet quote stamped on it. Their styling is always good, but that's made me want to rush out and buy some immediately.

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  18. I can't wear Rimmel, Max Factor, No. 7 or any cheap brands because they're really bad for sensitive skin and always bring me out in a rash. I'm completely hooked on Illamasqua Skin Base foundation, it's super buildable so you can go as light or heavy as necessary. Also their brow cakes are fabulous. I swear by MAC lipstick always and rarely buy any other brand. Also Urban Decay's Naked2 pallet is a godsend, I use it every day and am still finding new ways to use it

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    1. How odd, Rimmel is absolutely fine on my sensitive skin!

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    2. Same here - my skin is extremely pale and reactive, but luckily I'm fine with my stuff. It might help that I've got my skincare down pat thanks to a trip to Caroline Hirons! But no trouble before that. Love the look of Illamasqua and Mac lippie is a complete classic.

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