I think I’m pretty resigned to the fact that these beauty posts will be going live on a more quarterly basis than I had originally planned. The problem comes from doing pretty much the same makeup since I was 15. I’ve worn a uniform of black winged eyeliner almost everyday for ten years, meaning that all my selfies pretty much look the same.
Over the past few months there have been several products I’ve been enjoying, so I thought I’d put together a little round-up of what I’ve been liking recently!
Clockwise, from left to right
I keep coming back to this blush – it’s just so highly pigmented, and I love the flecks of shimmer in that peachy-pink hue. It’s still a favourite, and is so summery.
I think I bought this just before payday a couple of months ago – it’s cheap as chips, and does the job. I really like the purple hue as it counteracts any discolouration in my skin, and keeps my makeup on for so much longer.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow in Chocolate.
I’ve had this for about a year now, and I am still raving about it. No other brow product compares to this, for me, and it lasts ages – I’ve barely scratched the surface. I wholeheartedly recommend this.
Nars Illuminator in Copacabana.
A thinner formula than other liquid highlighters I’ve tried, which makes this highlighter so great for the warm weather. I do miss the brush that comes with Benefit’s High Beam, but this just glides on, and looks pretty and subtle across your cheekbones.
I wear factor 50 year round, and I swear by Japanese sunscreens – they’ve just got the formula down. It feels so lightweight, it doesn’t feel cloying or greasy under makeup while giving proper sun protection, and a bottle lasts for ages.
Mac Eyeshadow x9 Palette.
I fancied a palette of neutral colours that weren’t too shimmery, and this MAC palette was perfect – it’s very subtle, and barely there, but adds a bit more definition to the eyes.
BareMinerals Ready Foundation in R210.
In the summer I want to feel like I’m not wearing anything on my face, so I find myself turning more to mineral powders. BareMinerals is so long-lasting – I’m always so shocked when I find foundation on my micellar water pads at the end of the day! I also like that it’s safe to wear even in your sleep – not that I do it often!
Daiso Eyelashes from Japan.
Daiso is like the Japanese equivalent of Poundland, except all the stuff in there is actually brilliant. I always stock up on false eyelashes when I’m over there, because they are such great quality for the price! Over the past few months I’ve had a couple of eyelash extensions done (another 20 mins in bed everyday? Yes please!) but on the few weeks in between appointments I love these ones for a night out.
I’ve really gotten into using serums just before I moisturise, and I’ve been really enjoying this oil from Medik8. I use it just before I go to bed, and it contains Vitamin C, Omega 3 and 6 as well as 12 essential oils, and the effect has been amazing. My skin looks brighter, and the product smells amazing, too.
If you follow me on Instagram, you might know I kind of have a thing for nails.
New post! @celialager at @thisissmiths #linkinbio
A photo posted by Erin Longhurst (@erinniimi) on
After realising I had four separate boxes dedicated to polishes, jewels and tools that were purely nail-related, I caved and bought one of those metal makeup trunks.
It’s chock full of my favourite polish brand, which has to be Essie. Yes, they are a little pricey, but the colours and quality are great – and you can always find some good deals on them at T.K. Maxx!
They’ve been a great way to use my latest obsession – nail stamps. I’ve been loving the ones from MoYou – their nail stamps are so easy to use, and nail art has never been easier (or prettier)!
I’ve been making my nail art last a little longer with my new Leighton Denny Top That gel kit, which makes any nail polish into a gel polish. It’s not quiet as good as getting shellac done, but it makes my manicures a good week longer then they usually do, which works for me!
Next up – hair.
I blow-dry my hair around twice a week – it’s so thick that it takes a while to dry, and I tend to use a lot of heat on it.
I’ve been doing a few coconut oil masks recently, around once a week, and it’s made it so much shiner and softer. I’ve been using the Vita Coco* one, which has been great – I find it a lot smoother and easier to use than other brands I’ve tried.
I also don’t usually use a whole load of other products in my hair – I’ve never dyed it, so when I got sent over a box of the Colour Excellence Hair Detox* I was intrigued.
You add a vitamin powder to a bottle of hair product, and apply it to wet hair, rinsing out after ten minutes or so, to boost colour. First off – this product smells absolutely incredible, like I’d just been to a hair salon. I found my hair a lot more manageable, and it made my hair shiny – I would definitely recommend this, even for uncoloured hair!
Last, but not least, is this lipstick from Sleek – such an underrated brand, especially for how affordable it is! I don’t usually go for a statement lip, but I couldn’t resist this Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Vamp – a really lovely shade and a great formula, if a little drying.
Have you tried any of these products? What are your favourites? Be sure to comment below, or let me know on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!
