makeup trends

Blogging On A Budget And The Tyranny Of New Releases

The other day I was telling someone “I don’t know what to write about on Friday. I want it to be a beauty-related post but it’s not that easy to write because I’ve already told the readers about my all time favorite products and my budget doesn’t really allow me to get new stuff constantly“. That’s where I thought, here’s a post idea!

I buy the products I use myself and to be honest, I’ve been really into fashion recently, so my pocket money goes into dresses, jeans, and I’ve been trying for ages to find sandals that actually are comfortable and look good, not an easy task let me tell you! So there’s nothing new for me at the moment, makeup or skincare wise. And guess what? It’s fine. Especially because, I have a few articles all about what I use and love, and maybe you haven’t read them yet…

Buy new stuff turns into new discovery, turns into research online, turns into “oh I did not know that product, oh what’s the brands, oh it sounds like it’s going to change my life”, turns into well, buy new stuff.

Ha! Also, truly, it’s fine because why would we always have to get new stuff you know? I have a friend who’s as fund of makeup and skincare as I am, and we text and talk about it a lot. It’s great, it’s like when I was a kid, playing, it’s SO MUCH fun to get to share this passion. We both get really excited about new releases, new trends, makeup items, skincare discoveries. But I think it’s fair to say how aware we both are of how much of a “vicious circle of consumption” it can be.

That’s how it works for me : Buy new stuff turns into new discovery, turns into research online, turns into “oh I did not know that product, oh what’s the brands, oh it sounds like it’s going to change my life“, turns into well, buy new stuff. That’s one of the reasons why I loved skincare more than makeup when I first started to get into the beauty world. So many products feel like they’re going to make you bloom into a new version of yourself.

I remember back in December, having a couple of weeks where I felt quite down, and all I could think about was buying skincare. (…) I kept ordering stuff that I couldn’t wait to try, but hey, breaking news, I was still depressed, with a little less money in my bank account.

A version with a glow, healthy looking skin, fuller brows, plumped lips, smooth legs and bright under-eyes. I still deeply believe that skincare does actually change the way your skin looks and feels because there’s so many amazing products out there. Still, when you find a routine that works for you, that you sometimes switch up a little but mainly stick to, what’s left to talk about, when in the meantime, the beauty industry releases new products almost every single day? Honestly, I’ve completely screwed up my skin at some point because I was trying everything under the sun so I’m done doing that. Here’s the thing as well, I’m into this new trend thing, that you might have heard about… saving money!

I remember back in December, having a couple of weeks where I felt quite depressed, and all I could think about was buying skincare. I guess in a way I wanted to take care of myself, not just on the outside though. The action of applying skincare products really relaxes me and comforts me. That’s when my skin freaked out in a major way. I kept ordering stuff that I couldn’t wait to try, but hey, breaking news, I was still depressed, with a little less money in my bank account. Sometimes I buy a serum, I research it a lot, take the time to think about whether or not I’m going to buy it and I get really excited about the product, the idea of using it, the action of using it, and usually, I love the result. But when feeling down, it simply doesn’t do the trick. Regarding makeup, it’s a game I LOVE to play, but I simply can’t spend more of what I’m able to on it, and I have to stay wise, you know? Also, I’m quite low-key with makeup. I don’t wear tons, and for example, one eyeshadow palette is all I need. However, blush? It gives me life and I could buy a new one every week.

I just thought I’d share my view on this here because maybe you’re feeling the same or maybe you think this is old news, either way I’d like to know your point on view!So, let’s review the situation here : I don’t need anything at the moment skincare and makeup wise, because I’m all set, got a nice routine at the moment , AND, because I only buy stuff when I finish a product.

Regarding skincare, the last thing I bought was the Clinique Take The Day Off balm because it’s great, doesn’t irritate my skin, it’s basically a safe purchase that I “needed” because I have just finished my Oh My Cream Cleansing Balm. My last makeup purchase is from Glossier, I got the Haze Cloud Paint Blush thanks to a friend who brought it back for me from the US, but I don’t have my hands on it yet. The other stuff I got from Glossier? Well, old favorites. A Milky Jelly Cleanser, Boy Brow in Brown, the Glossier You solid perfume which will be a new discovery, and Cloud Paint in Puff that I already own but have almost finished.

I have a few skincare discoveries in the making but I haven’t been testing them for long enough to tell you about it. Though I do mention what I’m using at the moment on my Insta Stories if you fancy watching that! Do let me know your thoughts on this topic and let’s start a conversation, shall we?

My new found love for khol eyeliner

I’m not big on eye makeup, I never have, and never thought I ever will. Until a few days ago, when I realized that I sometimes forget how fun makeup is, and get stuck in a strict flawless base makeup routine that feels good but not too creative.

I’ve had the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl liners for a few months now. When I London, I bought 4 in Boots, a gorgeous brown with golden shimmers, a deep blue, a crazy purple and a emerald green. I purposely never wore them because I kind of decided it actually was not for me. I have brown eyes, quite dark lashes and eyebrows and because I’m ~~the worst~~ not the best at eye makeup, sort of instantly gave up to be honest. But with spring rolling around, sunny days lifting up my mood, new horizons and all that… I mean, I know it’s just makeup but as you may know if you’ve been reading the blog for a while, makeup for me is way more than just makeup. It’s how you present yourself to the world, it’s something to play with, it’s inspiring, exciting and deeply profound I think.

That’s why I want to try new things! Get out of my daily routine and play! So, the other day, I decided to put a bit of the Rimmel Kohl in the brown shade on the top of my lash line, and smudged it. I basically start from the outside and work my way right into the center of the eye. Then do the same on the lower lash line. I then added a tiny flick, that I kind of, you guessed it… smudged. It really adds depth without looking too harsh, and it enhances the color of my eyes, which I actually really enjoy. It makes me feel different but like a better version of myself, which is exactly what I’m looking for when I wear makeup.

These eye pencils are super long lasting yet creamy so I’m glad to say it’s easy to replicate. I’ve been doing this look for the past few weeks and I’m not bored of it yet. I now want to play with the different colors I told you about and experiment! Sometimes I even add mascara to this chic/easy smudged look, I KNOW!

Will keep you posted on my eye makeup journey of course! Do you find that you’re sometimes too quick to think, “meh, that’s not for me” when it comes to makeup?

Thoughts on highlighters

This morning as I was finishing my makeup I noticed something was missing. Something that I wasn’t even aware of a few years ago. Something that I now think about as the finishing touch that I would not miss, really. Highlighter.

So many questions popped in my head when I realized that. Why ? Since when ? Why ? Did I mention why ?

Yet, I want more glow.

I’ve always been a huge fan of cream blushers, and let me tell you, they give a good amount of glow. But at the time of discovering cream blush, I was not even that into the whole glow thing. I just found it easy to apply, I liked the finish, there was no real intention apart from trying to find makeup that would make me look better, and most importantly, creating a “natural” makeup look. I still use cream blush, though I also love powder ones, and ok, I’m getting older, but my skin’s not dry, or especially lifeless you know. Yet, I want more glow.

Of course endlessly scrolling through Instagram and Youtube seem to have created a need. I guess also, that natural makeup look means fresh healthy looking skin. So yeah, I now use highlighter almost everyday. I don’t put it on the tip of my nose like I’ve seen so many people do on Instagram, because why the hell would I want to to that!

But I do apply it on the bridge of my nose, on the cheekbone, and on the brow bone. The one I use is Glossier Haloscope in Quartz which is the perfect subtle item to add a touch of shine, without glitters which I highly appreciate. It’s in a very handy stick and a little goes a long way. I even sometimes apply it on eyelids when I’m feeling extra fancy. Though again, dewy eyelids ? Why ? I don’t know but I love it.

Do you use highlighters ? Which ones ? I might want to add a few items to my super small collection…

The Eyeshadow Edit

Last night, I went out. I just fancied redoing my makeup before hands, but after applying a bit more concealer and blush, I wanted more. Does it happen to you sometimes ? You know how, when you were little, playing “let’s pretend that I own a shop, here’s your change my dear” was simply the best, and nothing else would exist ? Makeup’s like that for me. When I’m in the mood for it, it feels like I’m playing, and noting else matters. Yesterday was one of those days where I wanted to pile it on !

Truthfully, I think not wearing mascara gives my smokey look a bit of an editorial twist. Well that’s what I tell myself anyway !

Eyeshadows are not something I wear often. I don’t believe it particularly suits me, and even though I’ve watched hundreds of tutorials online, I always feel like I could be better at it, and I am never entirely satisfied in the end.

However, the products I now use, I trust, and they don’t make me feel like I’m bad at doing my makeup, which, you know, is pretty nice ! I thought I’d share with you my holy grails products, eyeshadows, eye pencils and sticks… If you don’t know where to start, or if you’re simply looking for a good, solid, selection that won’t disappoint, scroll down !

My go-to look is sort of an underrated smokey eye. My take on it basically. One or two different shades on the lid, sometimes a tiny bit under the eye on the outer corner, and voilà ! I don’t wear mascara when I have eye makeup on, but it’s in the pictures because the only one I use, like three times a year, is the amazing Diorshow mascara that I thought you should know about. But, truthfully, I think not wearing mascara gives my smokey look a bit of an editorial twist. Well that’s what I tell myself anyway !

If you want to see me play with eyeshadows, I suggest you head over to my Instagram, you’ll see me applying some of these products on the stories saved on my profile ! I often do these little tutorials, and also hauls, makeup/skincare reviews, share my recent beauty related discoveries but also anything that inspires me !

For a one item, underrated smokey

By Terry Ombre Black Star eyeshadow stick in Bronze Moon. This is the simplest way to wear something on the lids. I apply it straight on, close to the lash line, and blend it out with my fingers. The result is a soft wash of color, adds a bit of definition, and definitely makes your eyes pop. If I’m feeling myself, I might add a soft line under the bottom lash line, and blend it outwards.

The I have time and I want to play with makeup smokey

The Naked Palette by Urban Decay, the OG one ! You could do pretty much anything with this palette. I remember when I first got my hands on this, it was all over the internet, people could not get enough of it. It’s gorgeous, and versatile. I tend to use either half baked, an intense gold on the lid and add a bit of the shade naked in the crease to blend it all together. I also use darkhorse, a dark bronze or hustle, a taupe with the exact same method. I use the Real Techniques brushes to apply these shades.

To add a bit more drama and/or play with colorful shades

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl liners are a great alternative. I own a dark blue, a deep green, a purple and a bronze. I either try to do a flick that I blend, or I do a line on top of the lashes, and one in the waterline to have a more dramatic effect.

There you have it, a fuss-free smokey eye situation !

Makeup trends : the ones I love and the ones I’m ready to say goodbye to

I would not say I follow trends, but they often make me react. They either inspire me or annoy me so I thought I’d tell you a little bit more about the trends I love that I seem to have been witnessing online & on Instagram and the ones I’m ready to say goodbye to.

Blusher around the eyes – The Igari Look

Today, I decided to push my pink blusher up to the brown bone and into the crease. How editorial of me, right ? You must be aware by now of my addiction to blusher, especially super pink ones, so when I first saw this new way of applying blusher I instantly fell in love with the idea. It apparently comes from Korea, and is called the Igari look. The idea here is to mimic the way your cheeks flush when you’re a bit tipsy, it’s also called the hangover makeup (not in my world it’s not, I’d love to look like I have a pink glow when I’m hangover…), and consist in applying blusher from the cheeks up to under the eyes almost. An other version that I love, is what I tried to do this morning – my own subtle adaptation I should say – is blooming blusher around the eyes. Joyful, fun, and a good way to give your face some colors, without having to try too hard.

Super matte brown/dark pink liquid lipsticks

You’ve seen them everywhere for the past few years, you might have tried it, or thought it was a cool revival of the 90’s… I did too, though I was never super into this look on me. I loved it on some girls, but with my features and dark hair, I find it was aging. I believe it all began with Kylie Jenner’s lipstick range, who I simply did not know of when the trend started. Now I do, don’t worry ! Anyway, at first I looked at this trend and thought it was awful… Then, I don’t know if it’s because I’d seen it everywhere, I started to be fascinated by matte brown-ish colors, and by how easy you could cheat the shape and size of your lips. As a result, I did get the cult lipstick Mac Mehr inspired by the lovely Lily Pebbles. She pretty much made me want to buy it right away when I saw her wearing it. The matte liquid lipstick felt a bit too much, but this look was right up my street. Mehr is a dark matte pink with sort of brown-y undertones. Applied on top of Mac Soar Lip Liner, a pinkish brown as they say on the website, it creates a gorgeous deep pinky-nude, and gives the lips a full, plumped effect, Kylie Jenner-esque. Undeniably an interesting trend although I’m glad to see it slowly going away !

Instagram brows vs More natural brushed up brows

I mean, I don’t even know what to say. I hate Instagram brows. You know when they look extremely defined, almost geometrically perfect with concealer on top/underneath to make them pop, and a tale that’s super long… Let’s face it, basically drawn on. NO. Not my jam. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of brushed up brows, super natural, quite full but not with a lot of product. I’m no expert when it comes to trends, however I have witnessed this look online a lot over the past few months. The first time I encountered the brushed up brows was on Glossier’s website, all the models wearing Boy Brow were using the spoolie to really push up the hair. They actually say on the shop, to use Boy Brow with “upward strokes to fluff and shape brows into place”. I’ve been doing that : game changer. Brows look fuller, fluffier for sure and it brings life to the face.

Cushion technology & Glass skin

These have changed the landscape of foundation. Like BB creams and CC creams, Korea came first cushion-wise, and it’s now everywhere, which makes me really happy. I love the dewy finish it gives, how compact it is if you fancy carrying around your foundation, how easy it is to apply, and over-all how you can never look cakey with a cushion foundation because of how light and buildable the textures are. I’d love to see more blushers and bronzers in cushion form ! This to me, goes hand in hand with the glass skin trend : dewy almost out-of-the-shower wet looking skin. I find it interesting though I think too much glow kills the glow if you know what I mean. Still, something to look out for !

Bare Nails & sophisticated designs

Do you remember when new nail polish shades would excite you ? I don’t. Because all I’ve seen recently are bare nails. Clean, short, no nail polish nails. Or, on the opposite, super sophisticated, multiple shades in one design. All or nothing right ? I like both !

Metallic lipstick & lip gloss

Fenti Beauty’s lip gloss is all the rage these days. A metallic rose gold, which sounds weird, but actually looks great on the lips. The Makeup Artist Violette recently posted a photo on her instagram of metallic lips which really inspired me. I would not necessarily replicate that in real life, but I love how it looks. I also feel like lip glosses are coming back and I’m not mad about it. Juicy everything seems to be a thing !

Do you follow trends ? Or could you not care less ?