I would very much like a new face some days I must say. One that doesn’t have dark circles from lack of sleep and little lines creeping in around the eyes. Oh and a bit of colour would be excellent given these cold days. A little while back I spoke about how it was time to give my makeup a bit of a refresh. From that read that I actually need to bother putting makeup on full stop!

I’m pleased to report that since my little confession on my lack of makeup I have made so much more of an effort and have also made a few lovely purchases to share with you lovely folks. I have decided to just buy a couple of items I really love rather than lots that I will never wear. They are very good for any Christmas lists you need to leave around you know….

Eyes

This is the area I need the most help with as my eyes look permanently knackered and on a good day I look like I’ve been punched in the eye. On a bad day I somewhat resemble Uncle Fester!

First up I have got my bags cracked courtesy of the wonderful Bobbi Brown. This isn’t a new purchase as I’ve been using their miraculous colour corrector and concealer duo for a little while now. It seems quite a few of the team are also fans. I opt for the serum version as I find it really smooth and moisturising as I really need as the skin around my eyes can often get quite dry. It is a slightly more pricey option as you need two items rather than one but it is definitely worth it and it lasts for AGES. First up you apply the colour corrector which neutralises the tones under your eyes. I have Light Bisque as apparently I have quite a purple tinge (that will be the black eye look then). Over the top you apply the concealer and you can also use this on any other areas of your face you require. I have actually been pretty good since having this and have been using a little brush to blend them in (get me) although the Bobbi Brown lady kindly told me that you can just use your fingers if you like.

Next up is my new favourite eyeshadow. After a few hints I received the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette for my birthday last month and I LOVE IT. It is so good. I have in fact thrown out all my other eyeshadows. I use a mixture of the colours depending on my mood but they all go really well together so it doesn’t seem to matter what combo I use. Top tip from queen of makeup, Mrs O’Shea, is to put a little dab of the lightest colour in your inner eye to brighten your peepers.

The other secret weapon I have is the Urban Decay Anti Ageing Primer Potion which my siblings got me with the eyeshadow. You slick it on and it really does keep your eyeshadow put all day long. Plus if it’s anti ageing then that’s good with me.

I have never really used eyeliners, I just don’t get on with them. I also found dark colours just make me look tireder. Step in Charlotte O’Shea and her infinite wisdom. Apparently I needed a pale flesh coloured liner to do my inner lower eye and make my eyes look wider. I purchased the KIKO Lasting precision auto eyeliner in butter colour. If you haven’t discovered KIKO you really should. The vastest range of colours and products ever and such good prices. I also have the By Terry Ombre Blackstar firmly on my Christmas list (again stolen from Charlotte. I promise I don’t copy everything!!). A little line of this under your lower lashes gives a bit of shimmer and it goes on like a dream. You can also use it all over your lids or as a base for eyeshadow so it’s a must I’d say.

I am not blessed with the best eye lashes. They are very pale and not exactly lengthy. I have recently re-disovered an old favourite and have purchased the Lancome Hypnose Volume a Porter which is brilliant. It doesn’t clump and if I apply 2-3 thin coats I get lovely long lashes.

Face

As previously I don’t really wear foundation. I’m quite lucky that I have good skin so I don’t have a real need for it however there are occasions when I’d like my skin to look flawless. You know, if I ever manage to get out on a kid free night out. I’m thinking a nice tinted moisturiser or a BB cream might be in order. I’d like it to be quite a light consistency so any recommendations are most welcome.

Now winter has hit I’ve lost my summer glow and have entered full on ghost phase. I love a nice hit of pink on my cheeks and always have a little brush of my favourite Chanel Joues Contrast blusher in Rose Initial swept over my cheeks.

I never really used powder but then discovered the KIKO colour corrector compact. I give a quick dusting of this and it rally does seem to give me a more even tone, or maybe I am just seeing things. Either way it gives a nice finish to my skin.

Finally the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator is my new favourite thing, like ever. You need this. I mean REALLY need it. This little wonder compact contains a magical glistening powder that makes you look all glowy and healthy with the smallest sweep. I apply it to my cheek bones and I instantly feel better. I have it in the shade Addiction which is a more goldy tone which gives me a little bit more of a sun kissed look too which will have to do until next summer!

Lips

This is one area I’m struggling with. I often forget to actually apply anything other than a slick of my favourite Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and need some recommendations of nice colours. I prefer a lipstick to a gloss and quite a creamy moisturising one at that. My go to is my gorgeous Chanel Rouge Allure Badine which I adore. Again gifted to me by Charlotte (there is a slight theme here). Unfortunately it has been discontinued so I am eeking it out for as long as possible. I find dark shades don’t suit me so winter berry tones are not the way forward. Should I go bright?

So that’s me and all my lovely new purchases. I know it seems a long list but it actually takes me less than 5 minutes to get ready. Sometimes less than 2 if I’m doing a shortened version. I still don’t wear it every day as I actually like letting my skin breath but I am making more of an effort and I do feel much brighter at the school gates when I don’t look like death.

Has anyone else made any lovely new purchases recently that we need to tell Santa about? If you need a bit more inspiration then Lolly shared her favourite Christmas sparkle over on Rock My Style last week so go take a peek.

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