However, there are four products which have become a staple part of my make-up bag - my holy grail go-to, fail-safe items - which I have been using for years and would be lost without.
The first is the Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser. An unusual choice, actually, as pretty much all my other skincare favourites are from high end brands. But the Simple moisturiser was somewhat of a God send to me during my teenage years and seemed to be the only moisturiser that didn't make my already spotty skin even worse. But, it's not like I've just stuck with it because I'm scared to try anything else. In fact, I'm a bit of a skincare snob so have tried many other, far more pricey daily moisturisers, but am yet to find one that I prefer.
Although it is described as a rich moisturiser, I actually think the texture feels quite light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and leaves a semi matt finish to the skin - a great base for make-up, which doesn't seem to move around throughout the day. And, as you would expect from the name, it contains no colour or perfume to irritate sensitive skin. Oh, and it's only £3.99!
The only slight negative I have is that it isn't quite strong enough to cope with my dry patches during the winter, and occasionally I have to double up with another richer product.
My second choice is the Sheer Skin Tint from Liz Earle, in the shade 01. I discovered this product a few years ago, whilst jumping on the Cleanse and Polish bandwagon. It was sent to me in a sample (something I love about Liz Earle, they don't hold back on the freebies). I tried it, and was hooked.
I've never been one for wearing foundation every day, as I feel like my skin can't breathe properly. In the past I'd tried tinted moisturisers, but never found one that was able to blur out my imperfections in a way that foundation would.
The sheer skin tint magically seems to be able to do this, despite being incredibly sheer (oddly enough!) I'm not sure what it is about the formula but somehow, as soon as it's applied, skin almost looks airbrushed and has a lovely dewy texture, without being shiny. Obviously, being sheer, it doesn't cover big blemishes or dark patches but I do find myself using a lot less concealer now.
It is also quite buildable, for areas on the chin, cheeks and around the nose. You just have to be careful not to go too thick, as it can slip around a little bit. Although I'm in my late 20's I think this product would be perfect for someone with mature skin, to add a healthy glow without looking cakey. And it has the added bonus of containing SPF15.
My third product is a matt eyeshadow from MAC in Omega.
I am not blessed on the eyebrow front. They are fair and sparse (due to over plucking as a teenager), so I have always had to fill them in. For years I scoured the aisles for a pencil that gave a natural look but could only ever find ones which, once applied, made me look like I had two ginger caterpillars stuck to my face. Why do all eyebrow pencils have a red tone??
Then i started watching YouTube videos and realised that everyone in the know was actually using eyeshadow to create a natural looking eyebrow, applied with an angled brush such as the MAC 266.
I've accepted that my eyebrows will never be as bushy as Cara Delevinge's or as immaculate as Cheryl Cole's, but by using an eyeshadow I think they now actually complement the rest of my make-up, rather than standing out like sore thumbs.
The trick is to always make sure you're using a clean brush, so the eyeshadow doesn't go lumpy, and to do soft upward strokes on the inside (for a natural look) and a more defined line towards the outside. I also always set mine with a clear mascara.
My final item is a relatively new addition in comparison to the others and it's the NARS Illuminator in Copacabana, as recommended by beauty blogger Hannah Maggs.
Hannah uses a dot mixed in with her foundation, to achieve a healthy glow. However, I'm slightly prone to grease so can look a bit sweaty if I do this. Instead, I blend the highlighter across my cheek bones, brow bone and down the bridge of my nose to create definition to my face.
This highlighter has a gorgeous consistency (more shimmery than glittery) and looks great when paired with a cream blusher, especially in the summer.
So, there we have it, my four desert island essentials that I wouldn't go anywhere without.
Until next time.
Josie x
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