GRACE'S FACE : THE SPRING EDIT

The seasons, the weather, and the contents of my makeup bag have all undergone a bit of a transformation since I last wrote one of these posts; so I thought it only fitting to rummage through my on-hand stash and do some serious note-taking.

N.B. I'm not really one to embrace spring florals etc. etc., so I hope that this will be something of a 'refreshing' spring makeup piece to anyone else aware that there are not enough eye-rolls in the world for another roundup of pastel pink lipsticks.

I've taken to prepping my skin with the RMK Makeup Base*; it simplifies and speeds up my entire routine, making consequently applied products layer smoothly and with an effortlessly even finish. Most mornings I'm in a rush so I love a product which sinks in and gets the job done, allowing me to move onto the next step straight away. I recently repurchased MAC's Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer in NC15, it's the best concealer ever, and that's no exaggeration. Super thick, creamy, and pigmented but it doesn't crease or clog your pores. Plus it's got a reasonably high SPF count, so what's not to love? I also adore an illuminating concealer to brighten under my eyes. I don't really have bad bags or shadows but the Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer in Ivory* is more highlighter than concealer, and has a such a lovely luminous effect - it makes a real difference. I've been trialling out a few different foundations recently but the one I keep returning to again and again is the RMK Creamy Foundation in 202*. Without a doubt one of the best foundations I have ever used, application is an absolute dream and it has a finish like no other. A little goes a long way as well so you don't have to feel too guilty re. the price-tag.

For effortless and super natural contouring I've been reaching for the Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow. It's the perfect shade for paler skin tones, adding suitable definition and warmth without looking at all obvious. It's important to remember that contouring isn't just about adding shadow, applying highlighter is every bit as important! I've been loving the KIKO Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter in Gold* recently. It's in stick form so is super easy to use, just swipe it over your cheekbones and temples, blend with a buffing brush and you're good to go. I sometimes dab a little of the MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl around my eye area; it's very subtle but has a really pretty effect. I'm not much of a blush-wearer, but being super pale I do feel the need to add some colour to my cheeks. I adore the RMK Vintage Candy Cheeks in Rose* because it's something of a blush/highlighter combo; the two shades combine for a delicate glow with a hint of colour.

I love a bold brow so my eyebrow makeup lineup is a routine unto itself... Most days I start by brushing my brows into place with a clear brow gel. I've always sworn by the Miss Sporty Clear Mascara [it’s incredibly cheap and better than most dedicated brow gels I’ve used] but lately I've been reaching instead for the RMK Brow Gel* instead [can you tell I'm in the midst of an RMK love affair right now?]. It boasts a much thicker texture and does an amazing job at brushing even the most unruly hairs into shape and keeping them in place without resulting in a shiny/crisp effect. Essentially they achieve the same effect, but the RMK gel requires a lot less work. I then use an angled liner brush to apply Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade in Medium Brown; I've spoken about this product on many an occasion, but needless to say it’s incredibly durable and has an amazing effect - making even the most unruly brows appear tamed. It can be a little bold however, so I tend to soften the effect with a mix of the two shades from the SUQQU Balancing Brow Palette [if you find your brows are looking a little too dark/harsh, adding some powder is an excellent way to tone it down], before using MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Brown Ebony to brush in some long-lasting shape and volume.

My love affair with cream eyeshadows and eyeshadow pencils is still going strong, most days I tend to mix two or three together. One of my favourite combinations is the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sand Glow paired with Sisley's Phyto-Ombre Glow Eyeshadow in Amber*. They combine together beautifully and are both effortless to use - minimal blending required! The Sisley shade is ideal for smudging into the lower lash-line, it really makes my eye colour pop. After using the [uhh-mazing] Nars Eyelash Curlers* [full review here] I've mostly been reaching for Le Volume de Chanel Mascara. It has volume, curl, length, and last, and cannot be faulted.

I'm all out of my favourite lip pencil [No7 Precision Lips in Nude] so whilst awaiting the next onslaught of No7 vouchers I've been using Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk. I have to say, it is growing on me, but it is definitely too pink for my skintone to replace No7's offering. Most days I've been seeking something low-maintence lipstick-wise, so the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Balm Perfector in Rose* has been my go-to. It has a lovely buttery texture which deposits just the right amount of product, and the colour itself is bang on 'my lips but better' material [it also somewhat amusingly smells like the white mice you find in Pic'n'Mix - for which I adore it tenfold].

Having finished up my pot of the Bourjois Java Rice Powder I've been opting instead for the Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder* as my setting product. It does an amazing job of keeping shine at bay but at the same time doesn't mask all that hard-worked for glow. I adore Eve Lom's highly virtuous makeup range, every product is effectively skincare in makeup form.

See the look in action here.

Which products constitute your go-to spring look?