What’s In The Make-Up Bag Right Now?

Very little is the answer.

I’m having a three-way conversation with Cindy, Sandra and Beth about how our make-up has changed since we embraced our silver hair. My make-up has altered but I am not entirely sure whether this is to do with a change of hair colour or a few extra years under my belt.

For me, less is more.

I’m noting I wear less and less when it comes to make-up but what I do use I am most particular about. Other elements reflect my choices and they come down to how my skin is looking. Less sleep, a high sugar diet and dehydration have a huge impact on my face. No make-up can hide the fact I have over-indulged or underslept.

Coincidentally since leaving my hair to its natural state my use of serum and rich moisturising cream have intensified. Not only does my skin require this but also it enhances any type of foundation. Serum plus a thin mix of primer is everything in terms of finish. By the finish, I mean smooth with an element of “glow”, “dewy” or “sheen” and a slight swish through the T-zone of translucent powder. The only time I excessively use powder all over is when I am filming a video for IGTV or Live. Too much powder enhances any imperfections in our skin but when filming it seems to have the reverse effect.

I have accepted I will never look how I once imagined or wished but I have also become content and relaxed about my appearance. Looking my best is my goal but no longer do I want the impossible or seek a miracle cure.

What goes on?

*A liberal dose of Serum (Suzanne Kaufman Serum Line A is amazing and my choice right now) and a good amount of Moisturiser – mixed with Smashbox Photo Finish primer  – ensures the tinted coverage will be smooth and without streaks.

*The Tinted Moisturiser – I’m mad about Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Foundation for Day and Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda for the evening. Both are wonderful products and give the skin a decent coverage without looking over-done. The “too much make-up look” with a silver hair complement is not where I want to be. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder is my go-to for the T-zone. Baggy eye days and I reach for the Clé de Peau concealer.

*For Lips and Cheeks – I’m working with minimal products  – it’s my mood right now – and for lips and cheeks, I am using Bobbi Brown Art Sticks. The colours are well pigmented, creamy enough for a decent finish on both and eliminate the problem of a clash between facial areas. I use a nude or a deep red when the mood strikes.

*Around the Eyes –  I leave pretty much alone. They were never my most striking feature and I tend to stick to a pencil and mascara to do the work. These days I use the Sisley Paris Eye-Twist or the Nars Eyeliner Stylo if I want a more defined line. I don’t underline my lower lashes as the eyes tend to look smaller so it’s really all about shading the upper lids and coating the eyelashes generously.  My mascara of choice is Chanel Le Volume. The greatest asset for my eyes is a statement pair of reading glasses.

*Eyebrows make the world of difference – These I tint to be a much darker shade as they define the area and really enhance the face. It’s one treatment I never want to go without and one I do myself between beauty appointments. An eyebrow gel from BBB London holds them in place.

There are other make-up must-haves I wax and wane with – the bronzer, a highlighter here and there and oftentimes a lip pencil but when I’m truly feeling low maintenance, these are all I need. Give me a choice of only 3? Eyebrow gel, translucent powder and red lipstick can get me pretty much anywhere. As long as my eyebrows and lashes are freshly tinted.

My hair hasn’t really changed my approach to make-up other than I wear what works for me.

Join Beth, Sandra and Cindy to read their thoughts. xv

p.s

Have you read better, not younger?

this feature contains affiliate links