Barely-there Bases

The older I get, the more ridiculous a full face of slap looks on me. Less is definitely more these days and luckily there seems to be a whole raft of products out there to help me cheat a good skin day. I have an obsession with bases (amongst my many other obsessions) - foundations, BB creams, CC creams, tinted moisturisers, tinted serums .... basically if there is a new product released that fits one of these categories I find it pretty hard not to invest and give it a go. 

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops

I picked up this ingenious product in New York earlier this year, and I must say, I struggled with the application at first. It has taken a fair bit of experimentation to get the quantity and consistency right. This is marketed as a product of pure pigment which you can add to your existing skincare. You only need to apply the teeniest, tiniest amount (1-2 drops maximum) otherwise you have way too much product to try and rub in. I find for my skin, it works best if I apply a face oil first and then pat this in using my fingers. I also picked up the Cover FX Mattifying Primer and it does go on nicely over this as well. I really love the packaging and the full range of 24 shades would be a fabulous investment for my pro-kit. I use shade P40. Available at Sephora in Australia!

RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up

This is a fabulous little pot of goodness which is a concealer, but can also be using as a very sheer foundation. It has a coconut oil base so it just melts into the skin. I am shade 22 and I apply it with my fingers. Definitely a great option for an Australian summer. Available at Mecca Cosmetica.

RMS Beauty 'Un' Cover Up shown here with RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum

This range is marketed as 'No Makeup Skincare' which is perfect for someone like me who suffers from hormonal break-outs and likes a bit of coverage even if i'm only heading to the gym. I have oily/combination skin so I apply this straight onto a clean face. It is a two-in-one product so I don't need a moisturiser underneath. It has a fairly watery consistency but it is very easy to blend with your fingers when you dot the product around your face first, just shake well prior to application. It is a one-shade-fits-most system and as the product is so sheer, it would work for most caucasian skins. Available at Mecca Cosmetica.

Luxe to Less: Eyeliners

I have a love-hate relationship with winged liner. It is a hard one to pull off on yourself and especially so when you are a little bit older than the models you see rocking it on the catwalk. However, if you can nail it, it can be an instant eye lift ... not to mention an instant mood enhancer. 

I have dabbled with many forms. When i'm doing makeup for someone else you just cannot go past gel liner and an angled brush. When i'm doing it on myself, I find it easier to use a thin pen-liner. Lately i've been using two, at vastly different price points. 

The Skinny by Eyeko was a freebie which came with a magazine a few months ago and I was impressed at first use. Yes you do still need a steady hand, but the pen is a lot easier to manage than a brush. This one is thinner than the normal Eyeko pen which means you can get an even finer line. Fine is key when starting out because you can build up as you go along. The Skinny costs £10.00 in the UK. If you are based in Australia you can buy it here with free international shipping.

I recently invested is a more luxe version, Le Stylo Penliner by Chantecaille. At £25.00 a pop it is a a lot pricier than the Eyeko, so is the extra spend worth it? For me, it absolutely is. The fine point that you can get with this liner is pretty unbelievable, as is the intensity of the black. The intensity of colour was a little lacking in the Eyeko, and a lot lacking the longer it had been opened. 

I think the side by side comparison (above) tells you a lot. If you are someone that loves this look and has the patience and capability at applying it, then the Chantecaille is the one for you. If you want to have a dabble without a full commitment, then the Eyeko is a fun and frugal way to try it out. 

Le Stylo has just been released in the UK and will be hitting Australian shores soon so keep your eyes peeled. Chantecaille is sold through Mecca Cosmetica and I can honestly say that every product I have tried from the brand is brilliant.

UPDATE: Le Stylo has arrived. It is $39 and you can buy it here.