Ufff. It’s December, people! In all the madness of end of the year stuff that happens, as usual, I haven’t been really playing around with makeup as much as I would’ve liked. Nevertheless, my favourites may be basic, but they’re truly great, proving that in many cases, good things come in unassuming packages. (There’s a joke somewhere in that sentence, but I’m tired, in my robe and didn’t have enough coffee yet.) Astrid’s faves, though, bring the proper festive cheer. Anyways: MAC! Holiday collections! A proper gem of a foundation! Sponges?
Dorit’s November beauty favourites
Illamasqua Skin Base
Let’s start with a product that languished for years in my backup drawer: Illamasqua’s Skin Base. I once attended an awesome masterclass in their London Carnaby Street location, and bought this foundation in the end, because the skin-like finish, great coverage and the exact match were impressive. I went home, used all my other (open) foundations and forgot about this one.
Until recently, when I desperately needed a foundation with a high coverage for an evening event, remembered, tried it, and was as impressed as I was when I first tried it. It’s medium to full coverage, doesn’t has a scent, is on the thicker side, can be easily applied with a beautyblender and stays put for the day (or evening of eating, drinking and dancing in high temperatures). It doesn’t pool in pores or fine lines, and has a good shade range. Try it, when you have the chance. (Illamasqua, $33,66)
MAC eyeshadows in Blanc Type, Typographic, Shale and Kid (permanent)
This battered old quad houses some permanent MAC eyeshadows that I often take with me when I travel. It’s just so versatile! The shades are Blanc Type (matte), Typographic (matte), Shale (frost) and Kid (matte). I always use Blanc Type to highlight under my browbone and in the inner corners of my eyes, Typographic is a great charcoal to darken any look, Kid is the perfect transition colour for my skintone. Shale is a good taupe, perfect for neutral looks.
I also use everything but Shale with this great solo shades, my beloved bronzes or coppers or golds that I usually carry around with me on trips – this little quad can jazz them up in no time, and make a proper look with them like turning these one sweep wonders into a great smokey eye. (MAC eyeshadow refills, $6)
Mini Beautyblender
I got the mini beautyblender in a value pack with the big ones, a mini soap and the blotter. (Glamorous, right?!) Before, I had used the pink one for everything – blending concealer, applying foundation… I never realized how good the little ones are for blending concealer, though. It’s even better than my Hakuhodo brush, previously my favourite. Also great for applying powder over concealer to set it. Super boring, I admit, but my undereye area has never looked better. (Beautyblender micro.mini pro,black, two for 18$)
What’s on your beauty wishlist right now?
After replenishing my skincare HGs on Black Friday, I’m still lusting after both Huda’s mini Obsessions Palette in Smokey and one of the lipkits to try the famed liquid lipstick, liner and one of the shimmering strobes!
Astrid’s beauty favourites in November
Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick No. 4 (Collection Libre Numeros Rouge)
I thought I had bought enough red lipsticks this season. Seriously, how much more can you actually wear?! But then this Chanel one comes along. It ticks all the boxes of what I want in a lipstick right now: First, it’s an orange-red that would instantly brighten up my (tired) face. Second, it has a moisturizing formula that’s not drying on my lips. Third, it has a longlasting formula (kinda) and doesn’t smudge.
Let’s just say I’m surprised at how good this lipstick actually looked, shall we?
I know I’m just a sucker when it comes to pretty lipstick packaging. This one comes in a special edition red packaging. And then, the very satisfying magnetic click of the Chanel lipstick case! *swoon*. If you’re remotely interested in having a new red lipstick this season, check this collection out! (It has four reds with different undertones that you should find one that should suit your skintone.) Sadly, it’s limited edition. ($37).
MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson 2 Lipstick
I’ve expressed so much love for this one here. It’s a color I would like to reach for on a grey autumn day. The formula is a MAC Frost, meaning it’s quite shimmery, but this one is mildly moisturizing compared to the other MAC Frosts I have (Viva Glam Rihanna 2, MAC Kling-it-on from the Star Trek collection), so it’s really nice to wear. Plus if I need an extra moisture, I can slap the Lipglass on top!
The color is definitely not traditional, which made me think about the whole being a princess thing. You know, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement, I wonder if everyone wants to be a princess at some point in their life. To a certain degree, I guess. But after reading about their dress code, I can’t imagine only wearing soft pinks, nude lipsticks, and pale colored nail polish. Phew, I don’t like a job with a strict dress & makeup code. Guess that’s why I decided to do my own thing? Anyways, this coppery bronze is worth a try if you like unusual colors! It’s sadly limited edition, but will likely be around until February or so.
MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Frostwinked
This one is such a surprise favorite of mine. It’s just a basic highlight color, I suppose. But it’s so nicely sparkly and pretty to look at. Such an easy one to put on the inner corners of my eyes, to make me look awake. It’s basically a silvery, pearly white, and sadly, it’s out of stock at the moment, as are many products from the MAC Snowball collection.
Nevertheless, there’re some options! MAC comes out with new Extra Dimension eyeshadows (as they should, they have an amazing hybrid formula that’s between a gel, cream, and powder texture) from time to time, but they also have some permanent ones that are really good. (It is quite similar with NARS Albatross without the shimmer. Also, have a look at possible dupes here at Temptalia’s site!).
Yes, it is that subtle. This is, surprisingly, my favorite item from the MAC Snowball collection. Also, keep your eyes open for possible restocks at MAC’s online store. (20$)
What’s on your beauty wishlist right now?
I’ve been trying a few items from Deciem, and so far it’s been quite a positive experience. I’m incredibly curious about their sunscreen line, and the only thing that’s holding me back is just because I’ve other opened sunscreens to finish first (trying to stick to the minimalism rule here!). Have you tried this product? Do you like it?
