Grace's Face: The Autumn Edit

Today's post is something of an update to the 'what's in my makeup bag'-esque post which I wrote way back in July, detailing my go-to summer makeup routine. As with my wardrobe and skincare regime, my day-to-day makeup picks do change over time/with the season. I like to think of this as beauty evolution - the process by which new products work their way into our makeup bags, old ones are ousted, beloved favourites remain steadfast, and forgotten friends return with a new lease of life.

With summer's obstacles (heat and sun) behind us, we no longer have to worry about foundation sliding off our faces or mascara flaking away before noon. But, this by no means means we can be less fussy with our makeup picks, for we have new challenges to face...

In the winter my skin has a tendency to become dry and flaky in parts so a decent primer is essential, and a good coverage foundation is necessary to cover up unwanted redness brought on by the cold weather. I also find that no matter how good my skincare routine, my skin becomes noticeably duller in the winter months, so a glow-inducing highlighter (or several) is a non-negotiable addition to my makeup bag, and a blush is essential to add a little colour (read: life) to my face.

I'm not usually a huge fan of primers (most of the time I tend to just use a really good moisturiser as a makeup base), but MAC's Prep+Prime Skin* is hands down the best makeup base I have ever used. Whilst most primers that I've tried tend to be too heavy on the silicones - leaving a greasy sheen and a tendency to ball up if applied over moisturiser/SPF, this has a light, creamy texture (a little of which goes a long long way) and leaves skin smooth, matte and residue free.

I've raved about Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia on countless occasions, but really cannot recommend it enough. I have sensitive, blemish-prone, combination skin, (i.e. FUSSY) yet find that this foundation is completely non-irritant, lasts all day, and gives good coverage with a natural but glowing finish, and without feeling at all heavy or cakey. Effortlessly wearable.

Eve Lom's Light Illusion Concealer* in Alabaster is a 3-in-1 miracle in a tube. Coverage, glow, and skincare goodness combined makes for an undisputed winner in my book. Perfect for brightening the under-eye area and highlighting the brow and Cupid's bow.

If you find that bronzers never quite suit your skin tone (too muddy/orange/dark etc.) then allow me to introduce you to Nars' Blush in Douceur - the best kept secret in beauty (until now). It's the perfect contour colour for fairer skin tones, and also serves to add a pop of colour to the face (albeit in a VERY natural way), with all of the finesse of Nars' award-winning blush formula. I'm not a big blush wearer so for me to love this as much as I do is REALLY saying something.

You all know that I love a good GLOW. Benefit's High Beam is not only one of my absolute favourites, but perfect for winter/pale-skinned gals. It's a light pearlescent pink which blends exquisitely and is perfect for pairing with a blush for a subtle contoured effect.

My Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder compact is looking a little worse for wear (Mr. Claus I hope you're reading) but this is still a daily essential of mine. I apply it over my foundation without fail and carry it everywhere with me. It keeps shine at bay but adds enough warmth and glow to my complexion to avoid the dreaded matte effect.

The muted-red/copper tones of Chanel's Velvet Allure Lipstick in 119 Captivante have popped up on TGG on a number of occasions in recent months. I ADORE everything about this lipstick. The colour, formula, and packaging are all A* quality. With a subtle, vintage look after one application that can easily be built into a bolder look, the colour is perfect for any occasion and lasts forever.

Revlon's Matte Balm in Sultry has become a firm favourite this season. I'm fussy when it comes to lipstick and usually opt for high-end picks, but Revlon really do have the edge of the drugstore market and I've yet to try a lip product from them that I don't like. Sultry is a warm but muted plum shade which is perfect for autumn and works for every skin tone. The formula is super moisturising and this is definitely one of the longest lasting lipsticks I've ever used.

No7's Precision Lip Pencil in Nude is a thin-lipped girl's saving grace. I pair this with lipsticks of any and every colour - there really is no need to have a different liner for every lipstick when a good nude is part of your artillery.

For a natural but bold eyebrow game, MAC Eyeshadow in Corduroy is still my go-to. Matte, ashy, and long-lasting, I can't see this disappearing anytime soon.

Regular readers will know of my long-term love obsession for L'Oreal's Volume Million Lashes mascara. Whilst it still rings in at number one, I've also been reaching for the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in recent weeks. The two are incredibly similar - however Telescopic is slightly less about volume and much more about length. Big, fluttery, clump-free lashes, every single day is a look I am 100% on board with.

It may be winter but my eyeshadow picks are still all about the bronze. My go-to look involves a wash of the Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow in Bronze all over the lid, with KIKO's Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in Golden Brown blended into the crease and outer corners.

ET VOILA - Grace's (autumn) face!

Which products forge your autumn makeup look?

G x

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*PR sample