A few work day favourites

Hey Dolls!

I originally started writing this post about general products I have been using over the last month or so. When thinking about which products I wanted to include, I realised how much working full time has impacted on my make up routine. Firstly, I wear a lot less - I definitely favour extra time in bed over spending time on my make up. Secondly, I seem to reach for products that are long lasting but cause no fuss - pretty much things I can just slap on my face and I can trust it looks ok!

Illamasqua Skin Base foundation

I really love the way that skin base looks on - it blends seamlessly into the skin giving medium coverage, but still looks luminous and 'skin like'.

Left: unblended. Right: blended

However, for me skin base has one major let down - it does not control oil. By lunchtime, I definitely need to blot and re-powder my face. I've really only ever found one foundaiton (double wear) that controls oil all day, and I suppose skin base makes no claims to control oil, it does say suitable for all skin types and in this way I was a little disappointed. However, it looks beautiful on (especially in photographs) and takes no work to blend into the skin - for this, I can put up with a little extra powdering. I wear shade 8 and I would definitely recommend getting colour matched over buying it online, I would of originally have picked shade 2 for myself!


Urban Decay Toasted

Late to the party, I first bought the urban decay naked palette when it was first released. For numerous reasons, I barely used it until recently. Toasted was a shade that immediately stood out to me - it is a bronze/brown with a hint of rose and is an example of a shade I don't need to think about in the morning. I can just swish it over TFSI with a little bit of MAC's smoulder smudged into the lash line and I'm good to go. I am also happy to see that toasted is available to buy in a single pan!

Stile Acai Crush Lip and Cheek Stain

I'm so happy Stila is back properly in the UK. I've picked up a few bits and pieces but this lip stain is definitely my favourite. I love lip stains for work days - acai crush is a beautiful deep pink but when it's on the lips it can look quite red. The stila stains are quite a unique gel formula...

The stain lasts all day and although it does lessen in intensity stays just as pretty throughout the day. My only gripe with the product is it is a little messy - you twist the bottom of the applicator which I feel dispenses too much product on the brush. I always have to wipe some from the brush before I apply it meaning I waste a lot of product. I might use my own lip brush and see if this helps any!


Dainty Doll Blush 002 My Girl


I am in love with this blush!! I have recently dabbled in coral and bronze toned cheek products but my heart definitely lies with pinks!


On the cheek, my girl reminds me a lot of MAC's well dressed but with a little more silver glow. It's a perfect shade to add dimension and colour to your cheek without being too harsh. The blush is really smooth and blendable and lasts the full day without having to be touched up! I definitely want to try more from the dainty doll range!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xx