Capsule Make Up Bag

Skimming our possessions down the bare essentials is all the rage at the moment. Capsule wardrobes are a hot topic and while I'm not capable of narrowing my clothing items down 37 pieces (and anyone who can probably is a different kind of human that I can only aspire to be) one thing I am quite capable of whittling down is my make up bag.

I don't wear a heap of make-up day to day anyway, but I found I was stuffing my makeup bag to breaking point. There were things in there that I never used on the regular so I decided to have a real think about what I really needed in there and I thought I'd share the results with you.

BASE

Everything starts with a good base in the last year or so I've discovered the power of a good primer. Smashbox's Primer Water is perfect. It's not too heavy and gives a nice sheen. Also it doubles up as a setting spray and also a refresh through the day if things are getting a bit dry so really it's three products in once which is great when you're slimming down your make-up bag.

In terms of foundation I knew I'd want something light but buildable. The L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation is perfect for this. It's so light and is lovely and glory but if you need a bit more coverage to go from day to night or you've just got a few bits that need a bit more, it's very easy to build up. 

I always take two concealers. One for under eye brightening and one for blemish concealing. Pan concealers like the Seventeen Phwoar Paint are great for blemish concealing and this one is super affordable but packs a punch. However, it's too heavy, for me, for under eyes. I prefer something much lighter which is why I also chuck the Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer in. This has recently been reformulated and I've only been using it for a little while (taking over from the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer) but so far I'm loving it. 

SCULPT

Minis are perfect if you're trying to cut down on space in your make up bag. I got a few Benefit minis with a Christmas gift and the Hoola Bronzer and High Beam highlighter have made a firm impression  in my make up bag and I'm fairly certain I'll be going to purchase full sizes once I've used them up. The bronzer is great both for contouring but also just generally adding a bit of colour to the face. The highlighter is very glowy so if you're looking for something subtle (or haven't got time to really blend it in) this isn't going to be for you but I really like it.

I don't use blush every day but it's nice to have the option. I don't like a really pink blush so I opted for the Maybelline Master Heat in Pink Amber which is a lovely dusky colour that just adds a slight glow if you need it. 

EYES

You can't go wrong with an eyeshadow quad. One with neutral subtle colours will ensure you've got eyeshadow for any occasion. You can't buy the Revlon one I've got anymore because it's about five years old and definitely shouldn't be in my makeup collection anymore but you can find similar ones on the high street. Go for something with a darker colour for your crease, a neutral brown for all over the lid and a light colour for highlighting. 

A pencil liner is a staple. You can add a lot of drama with a simple lining of the upper water line and lash line and really make your eyes the centre of a look. I always go waterproof because otherwise you end up with black smudges through the day. The Rimmel Scandaleyes is a lovely liner and super affordable. You don't need to go expensive with a Kohl Liner. 

I'm not going to say much about the Benefit mascara as it's a new purchase and I'm still working out how I feel about it (it's kinda hard to get off) but I will say if you haven't got  time to do a full face of make up or just don't want (I don't want to most days) browns and mascara are all you need.

BROWS

Ok so Benefit are killing the brow game at the moment and my two favourites are the Precisely My Brow Pencil and the Gimme Brow Brow Gel. On their own they're great, together they're the dream team. You can build the gel for more dramatic brows and the brown pencil is so precise and just as good as the Anastacia Brow Wiz that everyone raves about. 

LIPS

Lips is simple. A nude and a red and that's all you need. Both are good for any occasion and if one doesn't work the other normally will. Maybelline offer a great range of nudes but my favourite is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace. The Rimmel by Kate Moss in Shade 1 is a classic red and you can't go wrong with it really. 

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Dear March

Dear March,

Firstly can you send a message to the rest of 2017 to just slow down a little? Do you have that power?  

February was a relatively good month. As with life, there are always ups and downs but that's ok and coming to terms with that is a good lesson to learn but one I'm still learning. Maybe one I'll always be learning. No one likes when things don't go their way or the way they'd planned but taking it in our stride and riding the wave out is the best way to deal with it, I think. 

It was a busy month we got out more, there were so many birthdays and there was lots of happiness and laughter which is always nice to look back on. I feel happier this year and that's definitely a good thing. I feel more at ease with taking it easy and not stressing over the little things that don't really matter. By not stressing so much about things I've found I feel I've actually achieved more things, ticked more off the list. 

Surrounding yourself with positivity is the best way to feel positive. Positive books, positive music, positive people. Cut out the negative crap that brings you down and see what a difference it makes. Aim to be something positive in other people's lives and see what a difference that makes to both you and others.

So March is here, daffodils will start springing up soon and sunny evenings will be here before we know it. I can't wait.

Work hard. Play hard. Be nice.