FOTD: An Attempt At A Beauty Post...

sorry for poor product photography!

There's a reason I'm not a beauty blogger; I just don't think I'm that good at it. I'm forever watching make-up videos on YouTube and I'm obsessed with skincare goodies, but when it comes to applying it myself, I'm just not overly convinced. However, as folks of the UK may know, we're experiencing the tail-end of Hurricane Bertha, and outfit photos were completely out of the question today. So, if you're up for taking a look into today's make-up and seeing the finished look, feel free to read on...


1. I start by using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply my Mac Studio Fix Fluid foundation. I used to use the Expert Face Brush for this step, but I found it to sometimes be a bit harsh. The buffing brush is way softer. Mac Studio Fix Fluid is a relatively new purchase for me, but it's pretty much my perfect foundation. I have found it to be great at keeping oiliness at bay as well as providing high coverage. If it was a massively hot day, I'd probably stick to my Dior BB Creme.

2. I'll then use Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes, and blend it in with [what I think is] the Real Techniques Contour Brush. It's the softest brush and is the perfect size for under my eyes. I also think this concealer is great for making me a look a little more alive!

3. I actually normally use the LOreal super liquid liner and go for the general winged-flick-cat-eye-effect that a lot of other people do. Today, though, I tried something different. I used Nooner and Liar from my Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Nooner over the whole lid and Liar a little in the crease. I'm crap at eyeshadow so I won't pretend like I know what I'm doing here. I also just use the brush that comes with the set.

4. I then used the LOreal eye-pencil in chocolate addiction under my eyes and just above. I used a little brush to blend this out a bit so that it doesn't look too precise or too perfect.

5. Next I'll use the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. Normally I'd use Mac Pro-Longwear but the one I currently have is a little too pale for me. With this I will cover any blemishes, and blend again with the contour brush that I used before. I have a bit of an issue with the dark circles under my eyes, so if I think they still look bad - which I probably do - then I'll use a little bit of this too.

7. Not pictured because I forgot (I knew I'd forget something!) is Mac's Eyebrow pencil in Lingering. It's pretty much the perfect shade for me because my eyebrows are quite ashy, so many drugstore eyebrow pencils are either too dark or not dark enough. I start at the bottom and work my way to the end of my eyebrows, and then slowly work back to the front again. I'm considering looking into using eyeshadows for my eyebrows, as although I love this pencil, I'm worried it perhaps makes my very fair eyebrows look a little too harsh!

8. Maybelline's The Falsies Mascara comes into play next. I find this to be great at really defining my lashes and giving them a permanent curl. I've used Benefit's They're Real and I think it's great - for about a week. It dries out so quickly! I've been using The Falsies for around two weeks now and it shows no sign of dryness.

9. Mac's Powder Blusher in Peaches is the only Mac blusher I own. I apply it with the Real Techniques Blusher Brush, and I honestly feel like I could wear this forever. It really warms up my face, and whilst it looks a little scary in the pan, it's a really flattering colour on the skin and I think it'd suit pretty much all skin tones. I'm tempted to do a proper review of this, if anyone would be interested.

10. Using the same brush as before, I'll apply a very subtle amount of Benefit's Hoola Bronzer and attempt some sort of contour with it. I've tried lots of bronzers and this is my favourite one so far; it's matte and the perfect colour - you won't look muddy or too red with this on.

11. I recently bought the Soap&Glory Brow Arch Shaping & Highlighting Pencil in Taupe/Buff but I found it to be one of the worst products ever. The actual brow pencil is shimmery! Who wants shimmering eyebrows?! I don't get it... But anyway, the highlighter side is reallyreallyreally good, so I'll put a bit on my brow bone and as a highlighter in the corners of my eyes to open them up a little more.

12. Mac Mineralise SkinFinish Natural in Light is a lovely powder. It provides a bit of coverage - when I was in Barcelona I'd use this as my only base - and nicely mattifies everything, but not in a cakey way. I'll apply this with the contour brush in places I need it, or I'll go in with the big Real Techniques Powder Brush for a light dusting over my whole face.

13. My lipstick of choice is Topshop's Whimsical - a beautiful peachy colour. It's really creamy and is a very flattering colour, but I do find that it can stick to dry patches if your lips get quite dry, which mine definitely do.

14. Wow, 14 steps!! No wonder it takes me so long if I bother with eyeshadow! Anyway, to finish it all off, I'll spray my face with the Urban Decay All-Nighter Make-up Setting Spray. In this weather, and obviously on nights out, this product is a life saver. It just kind of glues everything in place, without feeling sticky. In fact, once it's dried, you can't feel it on your skin at all.

And here is the finished look!



Do you like this look? Do you do anything similar yourself? I promise I'll be back to outfit posts tomorrow!