Comfort Zone Makeup

We all have those items of clothing we reach for when we're in a rut - the super-soft sweatpants and oversized roll-necks we cozy up in during our hours of need, the staple black jeans + tee look to combat moments of indecisiveness, and the infallible dress + heels combo - guaranteed to get you in the mood to dance.

When it comes to makeup I'm much the same, and reach for certain products on certain occasions - a wash of glitter eyeshadow is party perfect, and a red lip is the ultimate study day accessory (for me at least). However more often than not, my makeup picks err on the side of comfort - products which are quick and easy to use, which I know 100% work with my skin, and result in a foolproof daily routine which doesn't make me feel over or under madeup.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia : I'm FUSSY when it comes to bases and will only opt for a new one after months of deliberation/research. I can't see myself abandoning Sheer Glow within the immediate future however - it quite simply ticks all of the boxes. With a medium and buildable coverage, a non-comedogenic formula and an impressive shade range, I can see why this foundation works for just about everyone. Top tip : Apply with a (good) brush over a (very) well moisturised face - the only downfall of Sheer Glow is that it clings to dry patches like nothing else.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair : When my concealer runs dry I'm habitually tempted by the luxe offerings of the department store beauty counters. Somehow however I always find myself trekking back to the aisles of Boots and picking up this budget gem once again. Its light, creamy formula just works for me - both as an under-eye and imperfection concealer, and the tube lasts forever. If it ain't broke don't fix it, right??

Nars Blush in Douceur : I'm super sad to hear that Nars are discontinuing this blush because it is such a staple of mine, and its delicate shade is a pale gal's best friend. A soft-brown pink with greyish undertones, this is a perfect contouring option and provides a subtle injection of colour to the wan face of a girl who despises OTT blusher. In terms of application, Nars are the masters of blush formulation so this is an absolute dream to apply (read : foolproof).

Benefit High Beam : I'm a self-confessed GLOW GETTER (see here for details), and have many an option to choose from when I open my MUJI drawers. This Benefit favourite is the one I always fall back on however. I adore liquid highlighters, and with it's cool-toned frosty pink shade, this is ideal for fair complexions - as well as being easy to apply, long-lasting, and perfect for everyday use.

Nars Illuminator in Orgasm* : In lieu of either of the above, my 2-in-1 cheek product of choice is applied generously over my cheekbones. A pinkish-gold shimmer, this bridges the gap between blush and highlighter, providing a hint of colour, and plenty of glow. Ideal when I'm rushed for time or too lazy to use two products.

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara : My ULTIMATE comfort zone product - I very rarely try other mascaras and when I have, I've never found one I preferred to this drugstore gem - it seriously deserves so much more hype than it gets. In terms of length, volume, and last, this ticks all of the boxes for me.

Clinique Eyeshadow in Black Honey : A relatively recent addition to my stash but an instant hit. This muted copper is my eyeshadow failsafe - it's the kind of colour which blends well with almost any other option, but also looks fantastic washed all over the lid on its own or concentrated near the lash line.

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Medium Brown : Another newbie, another OBSESSION. I'd previously considered all of my brow concerns nailed (by MAC's Charcoal Brown eyeshadow), but this takes the term 'good brows' to another level. It's the most perfect shade, stays in place all day long, and is pretty much foolproof to apply. Even when my brows are in need of a good plucking this serves to define and refine them with A* capabilities.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Captivante : Proof that those lipsticks purchased on a whim can turn out to be the most-loved. When I hit order, I never anticipated that I would wear and love this muted copper/red as much as I do. It looks bolder in the bullet than it does on the lips, and gives a 'my lips but better' (with emphasis on the better) effect without being overtly pink. I adore this shade for everyday as it's not too bold that it becomes noticeable (or leaves a line) when it wears off, but can easily be built into a more striking look.

No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Nude : My go-to lip pencil of choice, this is the perfect natural shade, works well with ANY colour of lipstick/gloss/balm, and has a smooth creamy formula which makes it easy to apply (and avoids any harsh or unnatural looking lines). I never used to bother with a lining my lips, but it really makes such a difference, and nowadays I don't quite feel myself without this... Honourable (lipstick) mentions : Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry, MAC Lipstick in Cosmo, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy, Nars Lip Gloss in Corsica*, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Vanilla Suede.

 What features in your comfort zone makeup lineup?

G x

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*PR sample