The Weekday Face
I've always enjoyed applying make up, it's never felt like a chore or something I've "had to" do. That being said, when my alarm rings at 5.30am I never really feel like applying a full face of makeup. No matter how much you love it, applying make up that early is always a little bit painful. In the week my makeup requirements are a little different than on any other day. I want it to be a quick and simple routine that injects a little life into my complexion and still allows me to look put-together and pretty. Some days I may put in that extra bit of effort but day to day these are the products I rely on to stop me looking like I've been up since 5.30. The Base This is key, I want something perfecting that doesn't require too much blending but will inject a little life into my skin so the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation is my go-to. It blends out with fingers in seconds and stays put all day long. I have chronic dark circles, I've just come to accept that, but they're the first thing to make me look drained so something slightly brightening with a good amount of coverage that won't crease, like the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer, is ideal. A little goes a long way and it also doubles up if I need to cover any additional blemishes or marks. On days when I need that little extra help I turn to a cult classic, the YSL Touché Eclat. It subtly highlights and helps to amp up the bright and wide-awake look. A quick dusting of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light helps to keep everything in place without mattfying or leaving skin looking flat.
The Colour Adding some colour back into your face is an easy way to make you look more awake and healthy. If you're short on time, or simply prefer one over the other, then opt for either a bronzer or a blusher. If, like me, you like a little of both then sweep something like the Soap & Glory Solar Powderover your temples and cheek bones and add a subtle pop of colour to the cheeks in a sculpting motion. The H&M Blush in Cameo Pink is the perfect blush if you want that hint of colour without looking like Aunt Sally.
The Eyes Brows are my ultimate go to - if you can't do anything else then do your brows. They instantly frame the face and make you look more put together. The Urban Decay Brow Beater fills in sparse areas, combs through with the spooley and leaves them in the perfect place to set with the NYX Tinted Brow Gel. Even on a quick morning priming my eyes with the Urban Decay Primer Potion is a key step for me. If I don't have time for shadow then it leaves a more even a brightened tone to my lids but if I do then I know it will stay place without creasing: it's a win-win. On the days I do have time the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Memerise is a favourite. It's so quick, adds a pop of brightness and will last throughout the day. Eyeshadow is the part I change up the most but generally I'm always looking for something to add brightness and widen my eyes. MAC's All The Glitters and Soba are other favourites. Whether it's winged or a smudged out kohl I'll always apply even a little bit of liner. The colour varies day to day but a few favourite formulas include the NYX Slide On, Glide On, Charlotte Tilbury Marlene Midnight and L'Oréal Paris Gelmatic Liner.
Along with brows lashes are the easiest way to look awake and ready for the day. A lot of volume and an extreme black formula are always what I look for, the Loreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara is a firm favourite and one I've now recommended countless times.
The Lips As Autumn gets closer I'm sure I'll be going for more blood and dark lip options but for now something light and simple is what I'm favouring. The Catrice Lip Beautifyers are ideal for this, especially over the Loreal Paris Bois du rose liner to help enhance that shape just a little.
If you get bored of the same look on a regular basis then you can swap out the eye shadows & lip options easily. It doesn't take long to achieve and just leaves me feeling that little bit more ready for the day ahead.
What goes into your weekday makeup bag?