Well, the New Year is here!

I’m so late with this post! But I think it still applies, and this time of year I think we can all do with as  many skincare and makeup ideas as possible!  So Happy New Year! 

It’s all come around far too quickly again! Winter (cold weather, bright skies, dry, dull skin) and of course Christmas (carols, mince pies, Christmas puddings, open fires and gifts!) and then in January pulling yourself together again after the feast and looking forward to a bright New Year! 

I’m not too sure what all this reminiscing is for when I was going to show you what my winter makeup looks like! I think I was getting carried away, just because I’ve found a Christmas Cake recipe with just 4 ingredients, and I’m going to give it a go. I should add that I’m not the cook in our house (the husband is!) the joke is that I just clear up the mess after him! Though to give him his due, he is totally brilliant. But over the last year I’ve taken to baking a bit, really wanting to know what I’m eating if I want a treat. So the mixed fruit is soaking with condensed milk and Baileys as we speak, more of that another time. Just to add that it turned out brilliantly, so if you want the recipe just contact me below! 

Well, this my little hoard of favourites collection of makeup that I’ve been using for a while now, quite a few items that I seem to be using repeatedly!  I must love them! 

I normally use this super SPF 30 from Superdrug, but ran out and quickly bought a child’s one SPF 50 from Aldi, big mistake’ it feels and smells of alcohol, I don’t know why, and it’s rather sharp on the skin, so if you see it, I wouldn’t bother! 

I’ve also constantly been using this gorgeous, blue, cooling Elf Primer Stick. Apart from that lovely cooling feeling it plumps the skin beautifully particularly under the eye area and around the mouth and nose. Total hydration! 

I totally love the effect of a glow primer, it’s taken years off me! Just a tiny bit makes so much difference. You can get very nice ones that are inexpensive to the very expensive. The difference being either the level of pigment, effect and maybe the size. Of course you’ll pay more for a ‘name’ but I totally love the W7 Glow primer that I use. I used to use it once in a while, but now I do use it everyday. I’m addicted to this glow and the more youthful look! 🤣 

So that ‘s my daily base to start with before I put my foundation on. I’ve been using a Primark Illuminating Foundation in Light beige.  So I guess I’m double illuminating! There’s no shine or glow to this foundation but the finish looks really expensive and polished. I’m so impressed with it, I only need 1 pump with a good Primark foundation brush and it’s easy to whizz it over my face. Looks lovely, so natural  with great coverage but I don’t feel made up! 

My concealer serum (who knew such a thing existed!) What a marvel! I now have been placing it lower under my eyes - a La Violette fr. It definitely helps to focus how the light falls on the deeper hollows under the eyes, I leave it a moment or to set a bit, then gently pat it around in a semi circle. I’ve tried brushes and sponges galore but I do like to use my fingers, the warmth of your fingers seems to even out the concealer so it looks more natural. If I’m wanting a little bit ‘more’, then I pop on some Elf Illuminating Putty which just adds more softness and illumination! 

I’ve then been using the Primark foundation/bronzing Stick, they have quite a few really good, useful colours available. I’ve got one that I use as a quick foundation in Cashew, but this one is a dark brown colour, Chai, ideal as a bronzer. I have a great Primark angled contour brush that is so easy to pat along the top of the cheekbone, eye socket, top of the forehead and anywhere else you fancy! It becomes a very soft tan, ideal for a winter, pale skin. Another product I use everyday!

Following with a bit of pretty blush, Velvet Cream Blusher by Collection, that can always make so much difference. I’ve got loads of them, like everyone else! But this little soft, cream, pink one is so easy to use, which is what we all want isn’t it? Just pat a little on, mould it into your cheekbone (high up is best) or if you prefer pat it on with a nice little blusher brush. Either way it’s quick and easy to get a blended, non blotchy finish. 

I rather like these powder blushers by Collection (Superdrug) too, gorgeous colours, inexpensive, and easy to use. Use them on top of the cream one for added lasting power.  

I seem to have gathered quite a collection of brushes! Gone are the days when makeup brushes cost a fortune, though they are always available! But I tend to get mine from Primark, they are soft, pliable and the hair doesn’t fall out all over your face, always a plus point!

It’s far easier and more convenient if you can find a really good palette of eye shadow colours. You’ll have loads of colour combinations to use and choose from. Even if you just want to keep it simple or experiment, which I seem to do constantly, I just can’t seem to help myself! My go-to palette has been this gorgeous one from Primark, Neutral Eye Shadow Pallette and I’ve tried to use all the colours! The shadows are creamy and go one surprisingly smoothly give that it’s not an expensive kit. So there’s 12 neutral colours. Worth a look in your local store to see if you can snap one (or even two!) up, the colours will suit everyone!