top 10 everyday make up products

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It’s taken me a while to put this together, for good reason. See, I’m wasn’t by default a fan of make up. Before I found my groove I didn't like it all, wearing it more because everyone else did than any personal desire. But then I found a few things that really made a difference. I started to understand what everyone was talking about; I felt like more like myself wearing it. I never really thought I’d say that, in a way I kind of thought make up was cheating and we should learn to love what we have.

Then I realised that make up is doing just that; making the most of your features. I’m really into it now, I play around with different colours quite a bit. I don’t like looking “glam” but I am finding my groove with evening stuff. However, it’s the every day stuff I think you really need to nail otherwise you just don’t bother. Here are the products that make me feel that bit better about myself:

1. erborian cc eye cream

I cannot be without this, and I don’t say this lightly. Since I discovered it I’ve worn it pretty much every day. It’s got to be one of the best things I wear. In simple terms it’s a skincare product working to improve the eye area over time. Dark circles are instantly gone (and improved over time) and is a decomedogenic which means you won’t get milia (those little white spots that won’t budge) from using it. Eyes are brighter, tighter and just a little bit less “been-through-2020-and-2021.” Seriously though, if you’re looking for one thing to boost moral on a daily basis, try this.

2. charlotte tilbury wonderglow primer

I bloody love Charlotte Tilbury, I wore her foundations on my wedding day because I knew I could trust it to stay put. I’ve used their primers for ages, and use them two different ways. For every day I put it on as a highlighter on my cheeks for a very natural glow. For heavier make up looks I use it as a primer. It’s not too heavy, so works on my skin throughout the year whether I’m paler or tanned. It’s lightweight and lasts forever as you only need a little bit to get either look.

3. chanel les beiges water tint

Chanel’s make up was something I didn’t think would be that great, assuming it was style over substance. But having got to trial quite a bit of it over the last few years I’m happy to say I was completely wrong. I absolutely love their bronzers in particular, and the les beiges water tint is my favourite. It’s a water based bronzer thats light whilst being super effective, wholeheartedly worth the investment. In summer I often just wear this on it’s own as bit of a boost with not much else bar mascara as a kind of summer-evening-post-beach look. When with other make up, it goes on fine over foundations and moisturisers - I put it on last. You don’t need a whole pump of it, only a small amount. I use the medium shade, but have used the light before which works more as a highlighter than a bronzer.

4. laura mercier tinted moisturiser

I’ve worn this for the longest out of everything on this list, I first bought it for my Mum one Christmas and then seeing what it did for her bought one for myself. I don’t really know how it manages it, as it goes on so thinly and doesn’t give a chalky finish, but it it brilliant for large pores, pigmentation and break outs without giving you heavy make up look. I use the oil free version which is really good at stopping any breakouts get worse too - it goes on really well over spots and doesn’t wrinkle or build up. It comes in a ton of shades, I typically use their Natural shade.

5. bobbi brown smoky eyes mascara

This mascara is my absolute go to. I love how you can build it up or down, one coat for day time (it holds a curl all day if you use eyelash curlers) or two or threw for a proper evening look. They call it “smoky eyes” because it leaves you lashes to finely and individually coated that they look like they’ve got a dark shadow behind it, which is really cool and saves the need for any more eye make up. It lasts forever too, and doesn't dry out.

6. hourglass eyebrow mascara

When I look back on pictures of myself in my early twenties, what kills me is how long it took me to discover eye brow mascara. Without it my brows were uneven, flat and unsymmetrical. If I want to feel good, using a brow mascara is an essential. Finding one that worked all day has been a challenge. I’ve tried all the classic ones and although there are a couple that came close, Hourglass’ one is the best in my book. I use their Soft Brunette shade. See also: their brown pencil and brush combination, it’s brilliant for very thin brows you want to build up or for gaps in brow shape.

7. nars multiple stick in orgasm

If you’re starting out with make up, really take a look at Nars’ multiple range. They’re multi purpose sticks that can be used for pretty much anything in various shades - my favourite is Orgasm. The orgasm range extends just from this product and I love everything available - I also swear by the tinted lip salve and powder blusher. But the sticks are where to start and very easy to apply; I do a cheesy smile in the mirror and swipe the stick over my cheeks and blend in with my fingers. Perfect if you want to look effortless.

8. nars complete concealer

Concealers are a real tough one for me, it’s taken ages to find one that isn’t too heavy, doesn’t move during the day or give too much coverage and look really obvious. NARS are really good at them and I like them in all the formats they offer, but the Complete Concealer pot for me is the best thing on the market. I use shade Custard and absolutely love it.

9. chanel mixed palette

There are three places I’ll buy palettes from: Hourglass, NARS and Chanel. The latter being a real indulgence, but ultimately the best of the bunch. The Les Beiges range really is fabulous all round, but the best bit for me are the palettes. The “Healthy Glow” palette is accurately named as it includes some great colours as eye colour bases and some slightly more sun kissed highlighter tones for daytime and evening looks. I absolutely love it and wholeheartedly recommend. Would make a really beautiful gift.

10. beauty pie wondergloss lip oils

An unusual one for me as I’m not a lipstick person, but I can’t get enough of Beauty Pie’s lip oils. They’re subtle and easy to apply - and somehow actually stay on all day which is something I’ve never been able to make work before. Furthermore the formulation is packed full of collagen which gives your lips a boost and makes them look fuller. Honestly, it works - Nude Nectar is my favourite shade! You get the best price on Beauty Pie stuff when you’re a member but you can buy for the RRP without a subscription.