GRACE'S FACE : THE VACATION EDIT

My recent travels called for a makeup bag kitted with seasonally appropriate essentials. Long days spent travelling, temperatures in the high 30s, and nights spent hotel-hopping and even under canvas meant that complex and timely procedures and heavy bases were a definite no-no.

Fortunately the latest launches and current trends cater for a minimal and virtuous beauty aesthetic, so I had all bases covered [literally]. Note that I'm not too great at narrowing things down; whilst I'm by no means excessive, in my book, choice is key, I like to be prepared for every eventuality.

Note also that said soaring temperatures and long days travelling did not call for a fully made up face on a day-to-day basis; I spent 70% of the trip wearing nothing but SPF [see here] or supplementing my Vichy SPF50 BB Cream with just a little brow gel, mascara, and lip balm [all three are detailed below].

BASE

Light and natural base makeup is all the rage these days so I was spoilt for choice when it came to packing my makeup bag and ended up bringing along several options. Due to the heat I spent many days makeup free, lathering on the SPF50, but when I wanted to add a hint of coverage over sun protection I reached for Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint in Light. I'm seriously obsessed with this stuff, it's completely weightless and yet the coverage is amazing - certainly not full coverage, but just 2-3 drops really helps to even things out and reduce redness. You can mix it with your SPF/moisturiser or apply it straight. If I wanted something with a bit more substance I took to pairing Eve Lom's Radiance Perfected Tinted Moisturiser* with their Mineral Powder Foundation* and over their Flawless Radiance Primer SPF30* [can you tell I'm obsessed with Eve Lom?]. The former provides hydration, glow, light-medium coverage, and SPF15 protection. A little goes a long way and the result [I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply] is fresh and flawless. Adding the Powder Foundation over the top [with the Eve Lom Powder Foundation Brush*] not only provides a little more coverage [you can easily take the finish up to medium-high] but prevents shine without compromising glow, and keeps the base in place whatever the weather. Between the two my skin has been quite literally glowing, and looks so healthy and radiant - what's more is it feels like I'm not wearing a thing. The Primer was also a godsend in 30+ temperatures, despite the heat my makeup remained intact all day.

THATGRACEGIRL | GRACE'S FACE : THE VACATION EDIT

CONCEALER

Concealer-wise, most days I didn't wear any. My blemish marks are fading faster by the day so I'm needing less and less and have swapped out my heavy-duty MAC Studio Finish Concealer for Eve Lom's Brilliant Cover Concealer*. It's actually incredibly similar, but the texture of Eve Lom's is a lot lighter and creamier so the coverage is a little less pigmented. It's great if you want to avoid that cakey look/feel though, and the formula contains SPF15 as well as exfoliating sea fennel and hyaluronic acid, so it's actually a great skincare/makeup hybrid. As a brightening concealer under my eyes I've been reaching for Nars' Radiant Creamy Concealer*, which is well worth the hype it gets online! The formula is practically weightless but amazingly pigmented and it doesn't crease at all.

CHEEKS

In order to keep up with my tan and ease my complexion into sunnier climes, I wanted to wear quite a warm-toned bronzer. The NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane* was a perfect option - it's not too warm as to lean orange, but has just the right amount of golden undertone to add life to my typically ghostly complexion. I also find that the formula itself isn't overly matte, and instead lends a fresh glow upon application. Regular readers will know that I'm not a big blush wearer, but recently I've been applying it more often than I have highlighter [as a self-confessed highlighter addict, this is really saying something]. The reason being that the most perfect blush has entered my life and I am head over heels. Perricone MD might be better known as a luxe skincare brand, but their recently launched makeup collection sees everything from lipstick to foundation infused with skincare benefits. The collection landed on my desk the morning I left on my travels so I haven't had time to properly explore it beyond the No Blush Blush*, which I added to my makeup bag on account of its eye-catching shade. It's actually much more pink upon application, but in a very natural 'healthily flushed' sort of way. The finish is sheer and glowy, so it kind of doubles up as a highlighter, and is so easy to apply; I dab it onto my fingertips before patting it into the apples of my cheeks.

EYES

Eyeshadow was definitely not a daily occurrence on this trip, but when time and occasion presented themselves, I took the opportunity to put some new favourites to good use. I've already mentioned the CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow in Laurier Rose on many an occasion but it was without a doubt the star of my 'going out for dinner' face this holiday. I adore the cool, silky texture, which is an absolute dream to blend, and remains intact and creaseless regardless of time, tears, or temperature. I've also been experimenting with some pieces from Accessorize's newly launched beauty collection; the Cream Eyeshadows* are every bit as good as their established high-end alternatives. Weightless and silky, they blend beautifully, providing a sheer layer of shimmer and pigment that can easily be built into something more opaque. The shade Ivory looks particularly pretty when blotted into the inner corner of the lid. Mascara is a daily essential for me, and with the promise of soaring temperatures I wanted to use something familiar and trustworthy. L'OREAL's False Lash Telescopic Mascara provides extreme length, curl, and pigment without smudging, drooping, or flaking off in the heat.

BROWS

If you follow me on Snapchat [that-gracegirl] you'll have noticed I'm a little obsessed with & OTHER STORIES' Eyebrow Pencil in Tamin Brown*. It's without a doubt the best brow pencil I've used. The texture, colour, and pay-off are all impossible to fault and, unlike most, it remains intact and in place all day without fading. To define shape and volume in my brows I used my perennial favourite, MAC's Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set, which kept them in place throughout all poolside antics.

LIPS

Lips remained low-maintenance, most days I kept the BAGSY Lip Cocoon in Raspberry* in my handbag for on-the-go application. It's a really lovely lipstick/lipbalm hybrid, providing softening hydration alongside a sheer but warm hint of colour. When I wanted something a little more, I reached for the ACCESSORIZE Light Me Up Lip Gloss in Fuchsia*. I'm normally a fan of neither bright colours nor lip glosses, but the intriguing packaging [which includes an built-in mirror and torch for improved post-sunset application] drew me in, and I was pleasantly surprised. The formula is refreshingly not overly glossy or sticky, and the colour isn't as pigmented as it appears in the tube, instead it applies like a subtle but long-lasting tint, providing a durable hint of colour.