Less is more when it comes to my make-up mantra but even so the 'less' is a lot more complicated these days than it used to be. The cover up is way more important and yet it must appear as if there is none....The emphasis is so much more definite yet it must read as delicate....and the I-got-ready-in 20-seconds-look actually takes a good half hour...The joys of a face that requires rapt attention when all you really want to do is shun the mirror and reminisce about the supple past....
Here is what's bright and beautiful on the beauty market today that I can't live without...and in no particular order...
Mascara...
I am a fan of the Chanel non waterproof lash lengthening kind...always black.. although I believe that those in the know are wearing the new YSL Shocking Faux Cils with multi shades in a single wand...Apparently the mixed colour really makes the eyes pop....
**Note to self...Must try...eyes could do with a pop....
Concealer...
With or without fillers and botox, YSLTouche Eclat is the original and best when it comes to covering up. This is the one tube I never leave home without...
**This golden goodie can also be used as a primer under your eyeshadow...keeping it in place all day long....and that's a good thing...right? Don't forget a few dots above and below the lips...A French make-up artist shared this tip with me years ago...and it makes a difference...
Eyeliner...
In another life I would love to have been an artist so I guess this is why I favour a pencil when it comes to eyeliner...I find it easier to apply and a softer finish than the liquid variety...My choice, Nars Long-Wear Eyeliners...dark grey for me...If you do prefer the liquid....try Shu Uemura....
**Nowadays I prefer it simply on my eyelids rather than on both top and bottom lids....avoids that sad, dark circled 'owl' look...
Eyeshadow...
Guerlain for their colours, textures and durability...The soft greys are my hues...
**Subtle is key...Special occasions only....
Eyebrow Colour...
Eyebrows are definers so let's define them...Mac has the best brush on wand eyebrow colour that I know...
**Grey on the head I can live with, grey in the brows sends me spinning...
Lipstick...
Must have red...Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Matte in La Raffinee...never forgetting the French rule of light on the eyes when wearing red on the lips...
Must have nudes....the Mac cremes and the Nars pure matte...Particularly loving the Nars shade, Tonkin...
Glosses...Any that aren't scented...just a foible of mine...Mac again...
**I am wishy washy when it comes to lip liner but when I do go all out it's the matching shade to my lipstick....Lips can be easily glossed up with a lick of lip balm...Burt's Bees or Kiel's ....
Foundation..
By day...Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer spf 20...I always come back to this one for the lightweight and flawless coverage...
By night...YSL's Teint Radiance...slightly more coverage and effect for night...
**Blending foundation is a true skill and I find it easiest with my fingers...I also add a dab of day cream to the mix to facilitate the application....works wonders...
Powder...
Translucent Pressed Setting Powder by Laura Mercier...just a light dusting on the nose, chin and forehead...
** Always apply gently with a brush...and good quality brushes are an important investment for a make-up future...
Blusher...
I prefer a creme blusher because the powder tends to make the skin look dry and emphasise any imperfections...I am fickle when it comes to blusher but tend towards Laura Mercier ...
**Lipstick makes the best creme blush and by using the same colour on cheeks and lips the overall effect is natural.
These products are the constants on my dressing table and in my make-up bag...the never travel withouts and the never go out withouts....These few easy to operate items...take up little space.. and they never let me down....unlike the expensive 'miracles' that promise lifting and illuminating ..... Like most women, I can't help but find the lure of the cosmetic world and their impossible shiny promises so irresistible...they appeal to the eternal optimist that I am...
Tell me your secrets...what can't you live without when it comes to make-up?.....xv
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Oh Vicki, I have been waiting for something like this,but lo and behold it's the perfect eyeliner I am searching for...but, I cannot use a pencil eyeliner. Always smudges, lines too thick, the pencil doesn't work, etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteI can only use liquid eyeliners, preferably one that doesn't smudge either , because I seem to have watery eyes or something weird, and in summer, well, it's hot here in Australia as you know.
Please help. Thank you
I have just started putting a bit of effort into the eyebrows. I brush upwards and use a soft grey shadow to fill in any gaps. I feel it gives my eyes a lift and a bit of definition. I finish with a clear mascara type brush to hold them in their swept position.Thanks for the tips Vicki, I will definitely give the lipstick a try on my cheeks as I know what you mean about dry cheeks. Not a good look. SA x
ReplyDeleteI was in the cosmetic industry for years and tend to stick to Clinique. I believe as you get older that less is more. I use subtle, soft neutrals with a light hand. I was interested in your use of grey. I used to use grey shadow years ago and loved it. Perhaps I'll give it a try again. Thanks for sharing your beauty tips with us Vicki.
ReplyDeleteSam
Wow this is quite a list. Took some notes:) I love MAC and Nars lipsticks, NARS shimmer stick I use religiouosly and for everything. Love Nars eyeshadows and Guerlain bronzer except the new version cracks easily which after spending 50.00 doesn't make me too happy!
ReplyDeleteI like Stila for foundation when I wear it.
And for a great thick (I have dry skin) moisturizer that creates a dewy look on the skin I really love Jurlique daytime replensishing cream, its soooo wonderful.
This was fun!
I love makeup! I'm w/ you, a little goes a long way. No need to look like a clown and the older you get, the more natural it should look.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Thank you for sharing them.
Have a Blessed Week!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Oh Vicki, I read your list of products and cringe...not at what you are using because I too need what you are using, but at the brands of products you use. I would LOVE to be able to use YSL, mac, Chanel - but living down under, the cost of these brands is out of reach for the mere mortal that I am.Most products cost at least double to what you pay overseas! I've tried and tried in vain to be able to purchase online either in Europe or the US, but no one ships to Australia. Any hints as to who could be my supplier??????
ReplyDeletewell .. totally agree on the Laura tinted moisturizer, the best .. I also use her powder blush (her claim to fame is the micro sparkles she puts in most products to soften the look) ... best ever for under eyes is Benifit's Lemon Aid, hands down .. Lorac Long Kiss lipstick, although creeping over to Mac's Angel ... agree eye pencil only, Mac or Shu or Laura (hard to find that violet/grey color that makes hazel eyes look a bit greener) ... mascara I always come back to Lancome L'Extreme (non waterproof) .. but I'm going to try some of your suggestions .. thanks, loves these posts .. new blog design? I like it. ~k
ReplyDeleteI love Lancome's black Hypnose non-waterproof mascara. I apply it after applying their Cils Booster and it really makes a huge difference from applying their mascara alone. But, I'll have to consider using Chanel's mascara. I also never leave home without Lancome's Juicy Tube lipcover on my lips and in my purse.
ReplyDeleteAs you stated, "less is more". Two of my favorites are Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua base and their khol pencil in the color graphite.
ReplyDeleteEasy to control the application of both so your look can be enhanced, but soft and natural.
Enjoyed the review of your favorites and look forward to trying several of them.
Vicki, Thanks so much for these tips. I've been in a rut and so busy that i haven't had the time to research some new products. I've always been a fan of Chanel lipstick and I used Laura Mercier foundation several years ago. I'm going to try the two you have recommended here. And I do have my YSL clicker as I call it. I cannot live without it. I'll be trying it above my lips. Thanks. XO, Mona
ReplyDeleteLoving the new look! I am always fascinated by what other women's make-up routines are! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget seeing the woman on Oprah a few years ago that used a large rubber band under her chin and hidden in her hair to tighten her face a bit. I laughed then...now...hmmm. Thanks for a great list! Trish
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the Chanel mascara; mine is Inimitable in noir. I also like Laura Mercier brand in almost anything she puts out; lipsticks especially. I have never tried Nars.
ReplyDeleteLoved this Vicki. it's soooo girly and we all love to know each others' secrets and what's inside a girlfriends makeup bag.
ReplyDeleteYour newer "header" is beautiful. Of course, it would be.
xo,
Tish
Always nice to hear other women's beauty routines.
ReplyDeleteI have personally never been much for foundation but prefer powder and here Danish eco brand Tromborg is really nice and easy to work with. I have yet to find 'my' mascara so I may give your Chanel or the YSL a try.
But what about skincare? Anything you favour here above something else?
Loved these + I will try next time I run out.
ReplyDeleteFoundation- Bobbie Brown-Luminous Moisturizing Foundation
Eyebrows-Bobbie Brown-Natural Brow Shaper-I love the Auburn xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Hi Vicki
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to congratulate you on the new look to your blog - it all looks wonderful, very fresh and inviting. As usual, you are one step ahead of us all! :)
xox
Sharon
Well, VIcki, you have this down pat!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your new header!
Have a great Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
V,
ReplyDeletei have no suggestions....
but,
clearly will check out yours!!!
xxx
Très complet...
ReplyDeleteBisous
Hi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteYSL faux cils mascara is what I've been using for years.....I have tried pretty much every mascara on the market and nothing is as good. Touch Eclat is a MUST and, my favourite foundation is Dr. Perricone.
My other favourite is Revitalash. I had to stop using it as my eyelashes grew SO much !!Brilliant when you are getting o a bit as I am !!
Thanks so much for all of the make-up tips. I shall be buying some of them ASAP ! xxxx
Vicki, this sounds like the perfect makeup collection.
ReplyDeletel also mix my foundation with a little daycream, much easier to blend and it gives a softer finish.
I am a basic kind of girl. I gave up wearing eyeshadow many years ago, prefer a more natural look and don't like to look 'made up'. I have a favorite Nars lipstick and really like the Laura Geller products.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!
xx
I do like Laura Mercier cosmetics and MAC for eyes.
ReplyDeleteLove your new header, very nice.
Karen
Chanel & YSL mascaras are in my tool kit too, although mine are grey/navy & brown.YSL's Touché Éclat is an old faithful & I love it. Chanel eyeshadows are my choice, you just get so much bang for your buck. I've had a massive allergy to kohl pencil all my life, so am forced to do the liquid liner thing, YSL is it for me as the brush thingie is just like the Touché Éclat applicator. I've used Clarins liquid makeup for yonks with YSL Translucent powder to send the shiny nose packing. I'm too chicken to do the red lippie thing, although after a few champers with you Vicki, you may just be able to convince me to throw off the pinks shackles! So I stick to good old Guerlain in every shade of pale pink they make.
ReplyDeleteCamomile of Melb needs to shop online at StrawberryNet.com. I place an order every couple of months & a week later it arrives all boxed up beautifully from Hong Kong, exactly as ordered with free delivery. At half the cost of buying it in Australia.
Millie xx
Love the new header!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to and enjoy reading your blog very much....I am never disappointed.
Thank you :)
I've been using Dr. Perricone's No Foundation Foundation - it comes in one color and self-adjusts and I love it! It's light - medium coverage. I've discovered the benefits of a primer (before foundation) and after trying a bunch, I love the Hourglass Veil. I also love Make-Up Forever's HD finishing powder (there's no talc in it which I've noticed lately settles into my wrinkly's). The finishing powder looks white and I have olive skin, but it goes on natural. I like Urban Decay's "zero" pencil eyeliner - creamy, densely pigmented, YSL's Touche Eclat (a must), and I'm all over the place with lips - Chanel, Smashbox (just got the stain/balm in Berry), Laura Geller, Burt's Bees, YSL, and even Kirkland (from Costco).
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you mentioned the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser Vicki. I tested it the other day and couldn't make up my mind. I'll have to go back and get it.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 things in my make-up kit that are "must haves". Bobbi Brown Corrector, which I use to cover dark circles under my eyes, Dior Show Blackout Mascara (for amazing volume)& before I coat my lashes I curl them with the Shu Uemura eyelash curler.(the best one I've tried)
Great topic! I could talk and compare and get ideas about beauty products for hours.
Meaghan
To Camomile of Melbourne, I buy all my cosmetics from Strawberry.net...I am very naughty sampling the products in store, then I order them from Strawberry.net, I live in Perth and have never had to wait for more than 3 days for any items to arrive. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteVicki, I love the list and use many of the same, my latest pursuit has been a light coverage foundation, will be trying the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser after your recommendation.
So nice to have honest opinions on makeup and not the usual 'hidden paid for' advertising that gets recommended in magazines.
Use a bronzy lipstick on lips, on cheeks, a bit in crease of eyelid like shadow, mascara, blonde eyebrow pencil. Tiffany perfume. No one has arrested me yet for cheating. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, I almost missed this and am so glad that I didn't!
ReplyDeleteI would maybe throw in two suggestions for those of us that have had to downsize to the supermarket:
Great Lash is blackest black--I know, cliché but it works!
And I am really loving the Une line for a completely natural look.
Hello Vicki, Loved your post. My staples are Lancôme for eyeliner and Hypnose mascara. Chanel for lipsticks and also at a lower price point is the Australian brand Natio which aren't too bad with lipstick pigment for the price. I am also a fan of Touché Eclat but recently tried the Lancôme Highlighter which was also lovely. My favourite for make-up tips is Lisa Eldridge. Her site is amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Oh we could be good make up shopping friends! I'm in love with YSLTouche Eclat, Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and Mac lip gloss. My favorite mascara is Dior Show. I'm going to have to give your suggestions a go. I'm putting the colored mascara on my list because my tired eyes def need a pop.
ReplyDeleteI love the Laura Mercier eye lash curler and her new foil eyeshadow that can be applied dry or wet. And one of my all time favorite products is the Amore Pacific Skin Hydration Delivery System. More skincare but you can spray it on after make up for the perfect dewy glow.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod42390053&parentId=cat8180733&masterId=cat8080732&index=1&cmCat=cat000000cat000285cat4830738cat000339cat8080732cat8180733&isEditorial=false
xo Trina
That's why I love this blog - not just for Vicki's wonderful insights, but for all the advice and suggestions posted by other readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone...strawberry net, here I come