Super quick post for you today. In about four hours I'll be on a plane to Edinburgh, so I thought I'd whip up a post whilst I pack. Ben and I seem to be getting into the habit of organising holidays at the last minute; up until this time yesterday we didn't have any plans. I'm pretty excited about the trip though - I've been wanting to visit Edinburgh for a while, and I'll be there for four days so I'm sure I'll be able to get a good feel for the city!
I always love reading peoples' going-away-makeup-bag posts, as you get to see what their essentials are. So here's what I've whittled my makeup collection down to:
From top left:
Urban Decay Lipstick in Native
This is quite new to my collection, but I really love it. It's a my-lips-but-better colour, and is so wearable during the day or in the evening. It has a great formula and doesn't need reapplying very often.
Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation
What I love about this foundation is how dewy it leaves your skin. It only provides light coverage, which means that a concealer is needed on bad skin days. But I much prefer this combination to full coverage foundations during the hotter summer days!
Sleek Blush by 3 Palette in Lace
I really love Sleek's Palettes! I picked up this one as I thought the orange blush would be great for summer. The three shades can also be layered, so that you can customise your shade. The colour pay off is great and is easily buildable. You can see my full review of the Lace Palette over on
Imogen's Typewriter.
Soap and Glory Archery Brow Pencil in Love is Blonde
I'm not an expert in filling in my brows. So, being lazy, I decided to pick up this pencil-tint duo. Unfortunately I find the brow tint too dark, but the precision shaping pencil does everything I want.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair
I don't think I need to say much about this concealer! Everyone has heard about it and its blendable, full coverage. If I had to choose one makeup item to use for the rest of my life this would be it.
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent
I'd heard great things about the Stay Matte powder, so I picked one up. I decided to go for the transparent powder so that I don't risk changing the appearance of my foundation. I've not been using it long enough yet to comment on whether it improves the longevity of my makeup, but I've not been disappointed so far.
From top left:
Carmex Lime Twist Lip Balm
Out of all the lip balms I've tried, Carmex has to be my favourite. If I apply it before bed then I can be sure of having perfectly smooth lips in the morning. Great for a chronic lip-biter! The sticks are great for using on the go.
Loreal Paris Smoky Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Lingerie
This is the perfect mini eyeshadow palette, giving you the ability to sport anything from a subtle daytime colour to a full smokey eye. It's perfect for travelling, and so affordable too!
Benefit Erase Paste in Fair
This is also new to my collection, but I'm already in love. The concealer looks quite orange in the pot, but once on it cancels out dark circles and becomes invisible. If you struggle with dark circles then look no further - this product is magic!
By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow Stick in Blond Opal
Even though I'd already packed the Loreal Paris eyeshadow palette, I couldn't quite bring myself to leave this behind. The defining factor of these eyeshadow sticks (apart from how amazingly pretty they are) is the ease of use. 30 seconds to do your eye makeup? No problem. Swipe all over the eyelid and blend. Boom.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
This is THE product for perfect, long-lasting eyeshadow. A little goes a very long way (in fact, it should be used sparingly to promote easy, stick-free shadow coverage), and is even tinted to help even out skin tone and cover those annoying eyelid veins.
Benefit The Porefessional
This mini version came in Benefit's recent Happy Beauty Day gift set (more info
here). Of course I'd heard about all the hype surrounding the product, but I couldn't really bring myself to fork out for the full-sized version without trying it first. I'm pleased to say that The Porefessional has not let me down. It gets you one step closer to flawless skin, and who wouldn't want that?
Benefit Bad Gal Lash
This also came in the Benefit gift set I picked up. In my opinion it's nothing special, but it is the perfect size for travelling!
And that's it! Are any of these products in your essentials? Also, if you know Edinburgh please do leave recommendations for things to do or see! Neither Ben and I have been before and we'd love to get the most out of our trip :)