Let's face it, dog may be a mans best friend, but a good makeup routine is a woman's. The only problem? Finding what works for you! Good makeup often comes at a hefty price which can be daunting, especially if you don't know for sure that you'll like the product. To save you money (and time!), I have put together a compilation of my favourite tried and tested products. All of these items transition from day to night, making them the perfect purchase for those who appreciate good value.
1. First Steps
The key to any good makeup routine is a good base. Achieve coveted, porcelain-like skin in three easy steps:
i) Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer
This creamy concealer hides any flaws without feeling dry or too heavy. It blends perfectly to erase any unwanted spots, bumps or redness. Be sure to apply this in three crucial spots: under eyes, on lids, and in the space under your nostrils.
ii) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation
A water based foundation is optimal, especially in summer. The lack of oil in this foundation keeps skin from looking shiny while providing SPF 15 to keep those harsh rays from damaging skin. Make sure to use a foundation-specific brush for application to achieve best even coverage.
iii) Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre
No girl wants to be halfway through her day and realize her makeup is nearly gone. Stop this from happening by applying a loose translucent finishing powder.
2. Adding Some Basic Colour & Definition
Once you've got a solid base it's time to add a little bit of colour and start doing some subtle contouring.
A good bronzer is the key to looking summery in every season while a pretty, peachy pink blush adds a warm glow to cheeks.
i) Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 in Healthy Matte
A common mistake that women make is applying too much bronzer. Looking orange is never attractive and is far from the natural-looking glow we hope to achieve. To avoid this try using a soft, matte bronzer applied with a bronzing brush. Apply only on areas where the sun would usually hit (nose, t-zone, and cheeks). To pump up the drama for a date or a night out, try using bronzer as a contouring agent. Sweep a small amount under cheekbones to create definition and the illusion of a higher cheek bone. To make nose appear slimmer, try dusting some on either side of the bridge (VERY small amount!)
ii) Bare Minerals I.D. Powder Blush in Golden Gate
This blush is my all-time favourite! The loose mineral formula is light-weight and has a good amount of pigment without being too intense. Apply using a blush brush to the apples of cheeks (the round part) and smooth any lines to achieve a soft, natural blush.
3. All About Eyes
We've got our basic look down at this point, but this is where the real fun starts. If you're in a rush and just want to create a pretty palette to run errands, feel free to stop after step two. However, if you're going for a more finished look, it's time to address the eyes. For most women, our eyes are the best feature on our face and the one we want to play up the most. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean applying thick lines of eyeliner and four different colours of eyeshadow. Follow these steps to create a gorgeous everyday look that transitions to an equally stunning evening look in only one more step!
i) Chanel Limited Edition Eyelash Curler
Unless you are one of the blessed few with naturally long, perfectly curled lashes, you're probably going to want to use an eyelash curler. WARNING!! This must always be your first step when creating a perfect eye. If you try to curl eyelashes after applying mascara, prepare to have a sticky, clumpy mess on your hands. Place curler at the base of lashes, trying to catch as many as possible in the curler. Press gently one or two times at base, move halfway up lashes and press once more.
ii) Chanel Ligne Extréme Liquid Liner
It's official: Liquid liner over pencil any day! The easy-to-control applicator makes application so easy and its staying power is incomparable. For a subtle day-time look try applying a thin line under lash line to define lashes at the base without looking too heavy. For a more dramatic effect, apply a thicker line above lash line to create a cat eye. A cat eye is so simple and flattering for any eye shape. It's the little black dress of makeup! Sweep liner outwards with an upward curve no more than 2-3 mm beyond end of eye.
iii) Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara
The one thing that no woman should ever be without is a good mascara. For a long time I was a Dior Show fanatic but when YSL came out with this mascara I decided to branch off and give it a try. I am so glad I did because now I don't know how I ever lived without it! This mascara does it all: length, volume, fullness, separates and best of all it won't dry out and flake. Can you say perfection? To get your best lash try starting the brush at the base of lashes and moving up while wiggling the brush back and forth to fully coat each lash. Apply 1-2 coats for a daytime look or pump up the volume on date night by applying 3-4 coats.
iv) Chanel Limited Edition Ombres Matelassées Eyeshadow in Montaigne
Okay, before I get started on this I have to tell you that I am not usually an eyeshadow kinda gal. I usually find that it fades, brushes off onto my cheeks, or it just doesn't look quite right. That was before I came across this gorgeous limited edition Chanel 5 shade palette. The subtle gradient of golds, khakis, and deep brown tones are amazing on absolutely any eye colour or shape. For a daytime look try applying just a little bit of the light gold shimmer to brighten the eye. For a smokier eye apply the medium gold tone all over lid followed by either the dark khaki or dark brown in the corner and crease. These colours are classic and look great with any outfit. This is a must buy for any fashionista, especially those who normally shy away from eyeshadow!
4. Perfect Pout
We all know that having pretty, soft and un-chapped lips is the best. How do we achieve this? By taking the best possible care of our lips before applying any glosses or lipsticks.
i) Smashbox Lip Exfoliant & Chanel Rouge Coco Baume
If you suffer from continually dry, flaking skin on your lips then this is the product for you. Gently rub a pea sized amount on your lips and feel the coarse sand whisk away any unwanted flakes leaving your lips plump and smooth. Finish with a condition balm (like the Chanel pictured above) to keep lips from tightening and becoming dry.
ii) Chanel Levres Scintillantes Gloss in Pink Peony
The telltale problem of lipgloss is that it is too sticky and wares off quickly. Well, if this is your hesitation when looking for a gloss, then look no further. Chanel gloss is smooth and stick-free. There are numerous shades to choose from but my favourite will always be Pink Peony. With just a little pigment, it makes me feel fresh and summery without the feel of a heavy gloss. The formula is long-lasting and (bonus!) it even tastes pretty good!
iii) Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle
If gloss isn't your thing but you still want a neutral lip colour that goes with everything then Mademoiselle is the shade for you. The creamy smooth formula is extremely hydrating and the beige-pink is super flattering. The colour was featured in the original Rouge Coco campaign and has been a favourite of mine ever since.
iv) Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in L'Exuberante
There is always a new lipstick trend, whether it be old hollywood red or the current trend, a bright fuchsia. If you're bold enough (which you really should be!!) to try the fuchsia trend then you definitely need to pick up this gorgeous limited edition Chanel colour. You will turn heads everywhere you go! When wearing it one day a lady stopped me on the street to get me to write down the name of the colour for her. Thus, if you're looking for a show stopper, this should be your go-to.
The finishing touch to any good beauty routine is a perfect manicure. Each year Chanel comes out with many iconic shades that instantly develop an almost cult-like following. The only thing? Most of them are limited edition so you have to stay on top of it to make sure you get them before they're gone!
i) Chanel Le Vernis Polish in June
This orange creamsicle-esque colour was an instant favourite for me when it was released. It doubles as a neutral, but somehow manages to be a nice pop of colour as well. Apply 1-2 coats on clean dry nails before a lunch date or a stroll in the park to achieve that perfect summer-fresh shade.
ii) Chanel Le Vernis Polish in Peridot
This metallic gold-green tone is one of a kind. You may see an attempt at a copy-cat from other brands, but do not be fooled! When it comes to this shade, it's worth it to splurge for the real thing. The colour is a bit more flashy, making it perfect for a night on the town. Pair it with your favourite LBD on date night and prepare to WOW!
I hope all of my tips and tricks help you the next time you venture off to pick up some new makeup. Once you've found your own favourites be sure to come by the store so we can put together a fab new outfit to perfectly compliment your new look!
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