Let’s face it, this is a stressful time of year. Whether you’re working towards that big end of year report, studying for exams or just shopping for gifts for your loved ones, stress is at an all-time high right about now. Sometimes, it’s really nice to simplify things, if only for a day, and just sit back and relax. On these days, I can usually be spotted in no makeup, sweatpants and one of my dad’s big, cozy cardigans, but, this is ALSO the time of year when friends and family tend to drop in and make unscheduled visits. As your friend, I will tell you that there is pretty much nothing worse than your parents’ good friends and their hot son “dropping by” when you are sporting the world’s messiest top knot, you have acne cream on that breakout, your glasses are wonky, you’re sweating because you’ve been in front of the fireplace for too long and your lip is bleeding from when you got a little too involved when you got to one of your favourite, most page-turn-worthy parts whilst re-reading the Hunger Games. Not that I speak from experience, or anything, no, of course not. #theoppositeofsexy
This is where this look comes in ultra handy! It’s easy, it’s simple and it literally takes less than 4 minutes to achieve from start to finish. And, what’s nice is, you’ll look presentable and totally natural, and you’ll also get a nice break from the full makeup routine and all of the shimmer, glitter and heavy makeup that is usually associated with this time of year.
Products Used
Too Faced HangoveRx Replenishing Face Primer – This is my absolute favourite primer at the moment; it’s hydrating, it’s light and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I honestly love it, for any look, but for days when you want a “Oh? I always wake up looking flawless” look, it’s perfect. Something about this primer, probably the coconut water and probiotics that it’s made with, makes your skin look so smooth, glowy and…lovely. Plus, it’s got a cool, nifty pump instead of the regular hole that you squeeze product from to prevent you from using too much. Must-have!
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Café – There is a reason that this concealer is the one that I turn to when I want to get as close to perfection as humanly possible. I mean, I’ll never be perfect, because I’m not Miranda Kerr, but may I dare to ask – is she even human?? For reals, though, every time that I see her in a Swarovski commercial or print advertisement I actually ponder what life is all about. I mean, if there is a God, how could he or she be so unbelievably unfair to the rest of us!? -.- Anyways, I digress. This concealer is the best; it’s creamy and easy to blend, and it covers up any “trouble” areas, but it doesn’t look like you just applied a pancake to your face and tried to blend it out. Just a little dot of this underneath each eye and I’m saying a big, fat, wonderful goodbye to any dark circles that I may have due to late night study sessions, or….let’s be honest, late night movie marathons (Harry Potter, yo!)! 😀
Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in #050: Deep – At this point, I don’t even think there is any point in talking about this product. I’ve raved and raved about it for months now, both on here and on my YouTube channel. It’s honestly the best powder I think I have ever used, which I know, that’s a bold statement to make. Really, though, it’s a super finely-milled product that mattifies your oily patches while somehow giving a nice, healthy, natural glow to your drier areas. Also, it doesn’t dry out my face and never, ever, ever, looks cakey. I am so beyond happy that I discovered this one; it’s a keeper!
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Brow Gel in Medium/Deep – This is the most wonderful product in the entire world when you’re feeling lazy or you’re rushing to get out the door. Seriously, creating the perfect, bold brow is quite the task these days, but using this simplifies the process and takes about 30 seconds. Just whip this tinted gel through your brows a couple of times and you’ll instantly see thicker, darker and more sculpted brows. I like using this when I don’t want to fuss over my brows, but still want to look put together and practical.
Tarte Eyelash Curler – Believe it or not, I actually have two of these eyelash curlers. The story goes…well, it’s actually quite simple, really: I temporarily misplaced my first one, and, in a mad panic, rushed to Sephora to buy another, only to find my original curler a couple months later. It served as a blessing in disguise, though, because now I can take one with me whenever I travel, or when I’m running late and plan on giving myself a little 3 minute makeover in the car after I arrive at my destination. This is the eyelash curler that you will go mad over, and if you ever lose yours, you will rush out to buy another. How could you not!? It reaches every lash, never pinches or pulls, and works wonders for when you want your lashes to be evenly curled and want a fresh, wide-eyed look.
Kat Von D Immortal Lash 24 Hour Mascara – This is the newest addition to my makeup collection and oh my, what a wonderful one it is! This super-black, super easy to apply and super lengthening mascara is the.bomb.com. Whenever I apply this, my eyelashes instantly go from sad and a little droopy, to full, long and luscious. Plus, I can actually use this on my lower lash lines! YAY! I usually majorly struggle to apply “regular” mascara to my bottom lashes because they are short and annoying, kind of like Kim Kardashian’s previous marriage, you know!? However, the weird but totally awesome flexible tip on this thing is incredible, allowing every single lash to get coated in rich, dark colour. And oh my goodness, the packaging is lovely! I honestly feel like an amazing, bad-ass mix of motorcycle goddess and Disney princess when I pull the tube out…it’s awesome. Let me know if you want a separate review of this one! 🙂
Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose – Winter is the worst for your lips, all the wind, the chill and, well, the windchill! No, not so good for the kisser. So, I opt for any of the Korres Lip Butters, which happen to be favourites of mine. These little guys are extra nourishing and hydrating, but they actually have a tint of colour to give some life to your lips. I love this one, though, because, it layers really well; if you just swipe it on your lips a couple of times, you get a really nice, sheer light pink (as pictured above), but it can be built up to a pretty, vampy medium-dark red. Oh, and you can also apply a few swipes of this to your cheeks for a pretty, flushed look, but I decided against that today because, well, it’s flu season. #ick
So. what about you? What are your must-have products for lazy and/or stressful days?
Much love,
S♥
