09 February, 2012

Making up: My basic face


Everybody has those days when they don't feel like experimenting or doing anything too elaborate with their make-up.  I certainly do and that's why I have my fail-safe no brainer make-up look.  It's one I can turn to when I don't want to think about colour matching and perfect application.  My look is based on neutrals for a simple and natural 'me but better' look.

Here are the ingredients for my basic face:
Base
  • Tinted moisturiser (optional) - If I'm not too lazy I'll start with a tinted base if my skin needs a bit of help.  I use Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear because it's a multi-tasker:   moisturising, perfecting my complexion and protecting my skin from the sun.
  • Illuminating concealer - to cover up under-eye circles and minor blemishes.  I can't stand looking tired especially when I am (a lot!) so this step's a must for me.  Lately I've been loving Maybelline's Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer because it's great value for money and performs as well as the luxe products for my needs.  I also dab and blend a little of this on my lips as a primer before I apply lipstick!
  • Sheer pressed powder - I'll brush a little MAC Select Sheer pressed powder over my face to reduce shine without masking my complexion.
  • Soft peach powder blush (optional) -  If I'm looking too pasty and pale I'll use a matte blush in a soft subtle shade to give me a hint of healthy flush.  A soft peach/pink shade such as Essence's Silky Touch Blush in Adorable is perfect for my pale complexion because there's no risk of me OD'ing on the colour and looking like a doll!
Eyes
  • Eyeshadow in either a soft shimmery taupe (Maybelline Silken Taupe) or beige (MAC Shroom) -  applied as a wash over my lids up to the crease. Taupe gives me a natural contoured look without the fuss and blending, while beige brightens up my eyes when I'm looking tired.
  • Grey/brown eyeliner (optional) - I've been using Duck from MAC on my outer upper lash line to open up my eyes and give them a bit of subtle definition
  • Thickening mascara - I like to use a mascara where I only need one swipe to emphasize my lashes.  I have a few different brands on rotation at any one time and honestly, I'll make a random grab for them in the morning.  I've chosen Rimmel's Volume Flash x 10 as an example because it only needs one coat to make a noticeable difference and it's one of the cheapest drugstore mascaras around.

Lips
  • Mauve nude lipstick - A shade close to my natural lip colour gives me a fresh natural lip without the need for lipliner.  I have very mauvey toned lips and Rimmel's Asia is definitely a MLBB shade with an added subtle sheen and shimmer.

Oops!  I nearly forgot to photograph some swatches.  Here they are, and you can really see what I mean about these being no fuss shades.  The eyeshadow and blush are so soft against my skin-tone they're literally impossible for me to mess up.  Both photos are taken in natural daylight.


L-R:
MAC Duck Powerpoint eye pencil
Maybelline Silken Taupe eyeshadow
MAC Shroom eyeshadow
Essence Adorable blush
Rimmel Asia lipstick
 

What are the essentials for your basic face?

Until next time.

Vita :)

18 comments:

  1. You're so lucky you can get away with a tinted moisturizer and sheer powder! Your routine is exactly what I want to do but can't for various reasons.

    Maybe I'll do a similar post some time soon. I've been meaning to talk about my recent skincare routine.

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    1. I'd be interested to read about your skincare routine. I admit I've been very lucky and inherited my mother's good skin. My skin's combination so I have to chamge moisturisers according to the season. Apart from that my only other issues are age-related ones, sunspots and wrinkles, but I'm fighting a good fight against those!

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  2. I really wish I could use a tinted moisturiser too! I have shroom, I need to use it more often. I have been using MAC Malt on a daily basis - going through a Matte phase :-)

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    1. Welcome back Leanne :) Shroom's such a classic, this is my 2nd pan! Malt sounds interesting - I'll have to investigate...

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  3. I have to use a couple more things to make myself look awake in the mornings lol. I definitely need foundation! My essentials would have to be eyeliner & blush though, otherwise I look half asleep & pale!

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    1. Stacey I agree with you particularly about the eyeliner. I have to wear it to wake up my eyes!

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  4. *grabs Invisible Zinc and Essence blush and puts into travel makeup bag* Good call Vita! Your everyday face is gorgeous ;P

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  5. Great post! I use invisible zinc TM plus Mac MSFN and add blush if I have time. I will add lipstick on the train. Taupe eyeshadow and mascara if I have time at work. I might come in with just TM & powder in the morning, then do my makeup after a quick lunch. Is it weird to have no makeup in AM and full makeup in PM at work. Instead of having a cigarette to de stress at work, I put makeup on. Lol

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    1. I love that idea - makeup as therapy! You've heard the motto 'Look good, feel better' I'm sure! I'm always in a mad dash to do my whole face before I go out the door in the morning - I do my base and eyes in the bathroom, then put my lippie on quickly after breakfast :)

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  6. I had no idea that MAC Duck existed. I need it now just because it has duck in the title.. haha :)

    It was great seeing what you use everyday. Everything looks lovely! I'm not sure I have an essential besides lip balm!

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    1. That's right, I forgot you like ducks! I wasn't sure if this post was going to be interesting for my readers but I'm glad you liked it! Lip balm's an absolute essential for me before I go to sleep at night. I keep two tubes on my bedside table :)

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  7. Rimmel Asia is one of my fav lip shades too, and my daily make up is very similar overall - light blush, mascara, nude eyeshadow, soft lipstick and I'm ready.

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    1. I prefer a simple look too because it's so much easier for me getting ready in the morning. I've been wearing Asia a lot lately, and am wearing it right now :)

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  8. Yes, you're right. I don't think Silken Taupe gets enough love. It's such a flattering and easy shade for everyday wear.

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  9. I'm new to Essence products. I've only looked at their eyeshadows. Would you mind telling me a bit about their powder blushes? Are they chalky? Do they kick up a lot of powder? Do they have good wear time? (I have combo skin with dry/normal cheeks.)

    I'm in the middle of going through your archives. I recently discovered your blog. :)

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    1. Hey welcome and thanks for checking out my blog! To answer your question - My skin type's normal/combination and I find the Essence blushes last about half the day on my skin which isn't too bad for a budget product. Because the pan's so small I keep it in my makeup bag so I've got it on hand for touch ups anyway so the wear time isn't a real issue for me. The blushes are quite finely milled for budget products and are not chalky or overly powdery and they're not shimmery so they look natural. I've actually nearly finished Adorable and am planning to buy a backup to live in my makeup bag!

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    2. How fabulous is it when a less expensive product is much-loved? Often it's the *more* expensive one that is preferred. :)

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