FAILSAFE MAKEUP PAIRS
When indecision clouds such commonplace a task as my daily makeup application, there are a number of tried and tested product duos which I rely upon to provide a failsafe starting point to my look. Whilst these combinations are by no means exclusive, time has revealed certain pieces which when paired, serve to compliment and enhance each other, as well as add an element of composition to the end result.
Nars Blush in Douceur + Nars Lip Gloss in Corsica* Nars' much-loved elegant matte blush has recently been discontinued [much to this beauty girl's dismay], but until I hit pan I'll be forever pairing it with this cool-toned raspberry gloss on days when indecision strikes. Both present a soft, muted, grey-brown take on pink - which [for someone who is attempting to overcome a lifelong aversion to the colour] is as far as I'll venture towards applying it to my cheeks and lips.
Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Madrague + L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Blackbuster Intense When winged or bold liner is on the agenda, but a smokey shadow-heavy eye isn't - opt instead to pair a strong feline flick with a subtly contoured eye or an elegant dusting of barely there brown shadow. A simple but striking look; achieved and perfected with this seemingly unassuming matte shadow and super pigmented liner.
Tom Ford Lip Colour in Vanilla Suede + Nars Illuminator in Super Orgasm* These luxe gems both boast a pink base wrought through with gold, rendering them a match made in heaven if glow is on your beauty agenda. This Nars illuminator serves as both blush and highlight; adding warmth and radiance to a dull complexion. On a similar note, Vanilla Suede takes nude lips a step further via a subtle and elegant shimmer of golden warmth.
Anastasia DipBrow Pomade + SUQQU Balancing Brow Palette With its creamy smudge-proof formula, DipBrow is the perfect way to shape, extend, and fill the latter two-thirds of your brows; but when it comes the front? Your pomade is best set aside in favour of something a little lighter [in order to avoid an overly heavy brow]. SUQQU's brow palette is my latest beauty obsession [I recently raved about it here] - a cool-toned finely-milled powder which adds subtle and natural definition.
No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Nude + MAC Lipstick in Cosmo The term 'my lips but better' unites this duo in an unbreakable bond which cannot be bettered. They're both a perfect match for my natural lip colour, and successfully add definition and volume to naturally thin lips.
HEMA Quatro Eyeshadow in Grey* + HEMA Metallic Eyemousse in Silver* When I fancy adding a little of the 21st century to a smoky eye I apply powder over a sheer base of iridescent cream eyeshadow; a little of which I then concentrate in the inner corner of my eye and along the lower lashline. HEMA's silver mousse has some serious staying power, and colourwise is a natural accompaniment to these four shades of grey.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia + Bourjois Java Rice Powder This medium coverage foundation offers glow in its subtlest [and best] form; a fresh, healthy, radiant complexion - so fear not, shine is most certainly not an applicable word here. Dusting on the Bourjois powder adds the finishing touch to this base - blurring any imperfections in your makeup application and adding a soft glow for a final flawless finesse.
MAC Blush in Fleur Power + Burt's Bees' Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus The words 'subtle' and 'coral' may not meet on many occasions, but they collide with force when concerning these two - which naturally renders them ideal companions. A soft delicate blush and muted sheer balm - spring perfect.
Chanel Le Volume Mascara + L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara For the ultimate length AND volume definition, I've learnt that it really does take two to tango. Firstly, for volume, lashings of Chanel's cult favourite [wiggled up from the roots for impact], followed by a coat of L'Oreal's bestseller to extend your lashes out and achieve a fuss-free falsie effect.
What are your failsafe makeup pairings?
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*PR sample