Daily Face | Work

Having an oily skin type and working long hours in the hustle and bustle of London means that I've had to come up with the solution to my face quickly becoming a slip-and-slide. I use to think that piling on more meant less would wear off in the day, but that only amounted in a very patchy, cakey looking complexion.
I've learned, through my twenties, that less is certainly more when it comes to makeup, especially when you have trouble spots.

Benefit POREfessional primer

I start with primer, a must-have for all of us oily-skinned lasses. A thin layer works best (I find that applying too much counteracts it's purpose and it ends up acting like a lubricant rather than a grip). I concentrate it on my nose, chin, and forehead area first and then blend it out towards my cheeks.

bareMinerals Original SPF15 Foundation in Fairly Light

Hands down the best foundation I've found for an even, natural coverage that really does last all day. Honestly. It covers dark circles, blemishes, scarring, and hyper-pigmentation while looking radiant and fresh. I wouldn't change this foundation for any other for my every-day face. If you want to read more about it, click here.

Revlon ColorStay concealer

I, too, was a Collection Lasting Perfection addict until I discovered the ColorStay recently (thanks to Lily Pebbles). It's creamier and more blendable to can be used under the eyes as well as around the nose, chin, and on blemishes. Because it's an all-around product it's great for whacking in the bag in case you need to top up later on.

Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in 01 Transparant

The holy grail of pressed powders and one of the most affordable items in my makeup bag. It's perfect for oily skin because it sets the makeup without becoming too heavy or adding coverage. Also great for popping in the bag for applying t-zone top-ups.

The Body Shop Honey bronzer

Have paler skin or just like a more natural look? This is the bronzer for you. It's got such a warm glow that's managed to side-step being orange or muddy and applies smoothly and is completely blendable. It can easily be applied all over for a sun-kissed hue or layered for contouring. For every day use I sweep it over my temples, over my cheeks, and down the bridge of my nose.

The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer highlighter

Sweeping a little (and I mean a little, this thing is so pigmented, guys) over the tops of my cheek bones, along the brow bone, and dabbed onto the inner corners of the eyes gives a fresh, dewy look to the skin. If you're feeling tired this will make you look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with the sweep of a brush.

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

What can I say about this product. Only that it's truly game changing. It's the ideal brow product, giving the user absolute control with ease of application. I can produce a solid, dramatic brow or, just as easily, use a lighter hand to create a more natural but defined look. I tend to do the latter, preferring a softer look (if you're hopping from office / school to party, pop this in your bag to go from day-time chic to night-time vixen in minutes). I've written more about why I love it here.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium

To keep my brows in place and give another shade for dimension, adding to the natural effect, I apply a very small amount of Gimme Brow. It's a few shades darker than my Brow Wiz so helps create depth and realness to the hairs. My brows aren't naturally bushy enough to be unruly (I only dream) but even if you don't need a gel to keep them in place, adding a second product will give your brows a little more definition.

bareMinerals 5in1 BB cream eyeshadow

Oily lids go with the territory of having oily skin. And mine are no exception. If I apply shadow on naked lids, the creases will come out to play within a matter of minutes and there's no telling where the pigment will end up, so I need an eyelid primer before I even think about applying anything else. The 5in1 BB is great because it does what it says on the tin and my shadows and liners really do last all day. You'd probably need to touch up before heading off for a night out, but I tend to blend away with my finger and add a little pigment where needed to be done in seconds (I'm all about efficiency).

bareMinerals Lasting Line eyeliner in Lasting Brown

I like to keep my eyes neutral, allowing them to look larger and more awake so I tight-line with this chocolate colour just to give myself thicker looking lashes from the base and a little more definition. I slightly blend it out with my finger to keep it from looking harsh and with the amount that's been transferred to my fingertip, I dab it along my lower lash line. This is very subtle (you may barely notice it) but creates a really pretty effect.

Mally Voluminsing Mascara

The mascara of all mascaras. Volumising, tick. Lengthening, tick. Durable, tick. Quick, tick. If you want to see why I love it so much, continue here.

Bobbi Brown blush in Pink Raspberry (discontinued)

This is my all time favourite blush. Big statement, I know, but it's downright flattering! It warms the skin tone, lifts the features, and gives a healthy glow to the skin. I think it's the purple undertones that make it so unique. I've not found another like it or anything that gives me such immediate gratification. It seems to be more than just a pigment, I really feel like it changes my whole face and gives me a 'good face day' whenever I wear it. I apologise, this is too much praise for a discontinued item. Bobbi, bring it back!

Stila Lip and Cheek Stain in Poppy

Similarly, the Poppy lip and cheek stain makes me feel like a better myself. I apply it very sparingly (one light dab of the finger into the pot) to the centre of my lips and blend it out. It's a warm, wine type of shade so can be built up to look quite dramatic but I love applying it to become a, dare I say it, 'my lips but better' colour.

What're your favourite every day makeup products?