Even a stay at home person like me needs any excuse to glam up and the festive season is as good a time as any. Whether it’s all out sparkle and bold lips, or that much needed “glow”, there are some products that work behind the scenes to make it all possible and probably don’t get as much love as they should. Without them, even my daily makeup and beauty routine would be amiss, so today I’m sharing some of my favourite behind the scenes beauty essentials.
First up is a sleep pillow spray. Let’s face it, without a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, you’re just not gonna feel and look good and there comes a point where even the best of makeup can’t hide those sleepless nights. Good sleep = better skin and mood and lots of energy.
Now, I’m actually the biggest skeptic when it comes to pillow sleep sprays and I don’t really like the smell of lavender. So, given that most sleep sprays contain lavender, I’ve stayed away. However, this Gardenia & White Peach Good Night Pillow Spray by Organik Botanik Australia is from the beauty aisles of TK Maxx and has a sweet, soothing scent. It’s actually got more of a room spray vibe to it and I’m not exactly an insomniac or anything, but I do feel like I fall into a deep sleep quicker and more easily when I use this. It also doesn’t have any hint of lavender which is a double thumbs up from me.
Next is the YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer. Ever since I discovered primers, I haven’t looked back and no matter how long-lasting or happy I may be with the finish of my foundation, I believe that much of that is to do with the primer I use.
I’ve tried a fair few over the years but I am very happy and sticking to this one by YSL. I had originally received a mini sample of this and as soon as it finished I went out and purchased the full-sized version. I only need one pump to cover my face and I’ve used this since August and am nearly half way through the bottle, which is pretty good going. It’s a non drying, serum-like texture which allows light to diffuse the complexion, creating the perfect canvas for my makeup. I love the soft-focus effect it gives my skin and it compliments my base products perfectly. Oh and the fact that it’s got golden flecks is of course part of the appeal.
Another beauty essential in the primer department is an eyeshadow primer, as without it my eyeshadow just doesn’t last as long. After trying a few drugstore ones, I’ve come back to the tried and tested Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, as it keeps my eyeshadow in tact and looking vibrant all day.
There’s nothing worse than lipstick that bleeds, especially when you want to go for a bold lip. That’s where this Invisible Lip Liner by Lipstick Queen comes in handy because it helps correct any mistakes and since it’s invisible, it can be used with any lipstick – genius!
You’ve got to have your nails painted this festive season but I hate removing my nail varnish. Luckily this nifty little product from Nailswipe is a real time-saver. It’s a nail polish remover with a brush which you apply on your nail varnish, leave for a few seconds and then wipe off with a tissue. Quick, easy and less mess with nail polish removed in one swipe. And you can even carry it in your bag for those emergency moments like when your nail varnish has chipped!
Of course to keep my nail varnish looking sleek, a good top coat is a must and if there’s one I swear by then it has to be the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. A cult favourite, this gives your nails a professional, glossy finish.
Lastly is a makeup setting spray. It’s not something I turn to everyday, but when I’m going out or it’s a special occasion, this is always the last step. My favourite is the Cover FX Mattifying Setting Spray. Just a spritz or so and I’m good to go – my makeup won’t budge. Even though it’s mattifying, it leaves a glowy, natural finish and doesn’t negate any highlighter and shimmer you all know I love.
So these are some of my behind the scenes beauty essentials. What about yours? x
