15 fabulous products for a natural make up look including my new best mascara!

I should own up to not being a make up junkie, never really frequenting the make up counters or buying loads of make up products!  Now obviously if there was an award for shopping too much or owning too many pairs of jeans, boots or scarves then I would be a serious contender but make up I have always preferred to keep simple!  From my firm favourite Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation to my new find, the CODE VLM Mascara from Code Beautiful, see what make up I recommend!

I did actually think I might try a video demo but realised it's just not my thing!  But I can write and for this post I share a little round-up of my best make up buys and a few make up tips I have picked up along the way.

Some of the make up products have been gifted to me but I am only including those I love and have won a place in my daily routine.  Let me know what you think, do you keep to a simple, natural  make up routine or do you like experimenting with lots of products? And from loads of different brands?

I love a fresh, natural make up look, this was from a recent modelling shoot I did!

Starting with the best foundation and concealer ...

​SPF and Primer - I love the SPF + Primer from ZO Skin Health because it is tinted, gives a great base for my foundation, it is SPF30 and has a 12-hour release formula so no topping up needed!

Foundation - it is still Estée Lauder Double Wear for me, just because it lasts and gives me a good coverage but still looks natural.

Concealer - the easiest one to use I think is the Trinny London Just a Touch or specifically for under eyes I am loving the Trinny London BFF Eye Serum.   But also check out the Code Beautiful eye products under 'eyeshadow' below, game changer!  They are amazing!

Brushes - I don't use many brushes now, but for powder I am hanging onto my Real Techniques brush, similar is the Real Techniques Light Layer Powder Brush.

Powder - should we still use powder over 50?  Well I do!  And I love Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish, it's light and really does give a flawless look!  I like the way it sets my foundation too.

My 'look natural make up' essentials

Beautiful eyes ... and the best mascara!

Eyeshadow - Code Beautiful sent me some products to try and I am super impressed, their CODE LLE Lift Lid Enhance will lift, brighten and enhance your eyes, use as a primer as well as an eyeshadow, I just blend it with my fingers but it can also be used as a concealer under eyes.  I then add Trinny London Mystery to my under brows or for a simple highlighter I love the Glow & Go in Pearl from Violet Jordan.  Mary Greenwell recommends a taupe shade of eyeshadow for an every day look that will suit everyone.

Eyeliner - when I had my makeup done for a modelling shoot recently (see above), the very talented makeup artist (@lielle_mua) recommended a nude eyeliner, so I purchased the Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Eye Cheat and wow love it!  Charlotte says Eye Cheat is the universal nude tone to create the optical illusion of wider, fuller and more awake eyes. Line around your waterline miraculously makes your eyes appear bigger & brighter!  It works for me!

Eyebrows - I do get a regular shape and tint but the tint doesn't really last that long but my new purchase is the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil in Warm Medium Brown and I am delighted with it, it offers 12-hour wear and it is waterproof!

Mascara - why is it so hard to find the perfect mascara?  But I think I have!  Code Beautiful sent me their CODE FFL Forget Fake Lashes pre-mascara and it is fab-u-lous - it plumps, thickens and volumises plus it contains vitamins and waxes to encourage growth.  And then apply CODE VLM Volumising Lengthening Mascara - it also thickens, curls, doesn't clump or smudge and is waterproof.  Use their Roots Wriggle Roll technique and go!  Really really impressed!  And finally my favourite lash serum, this one is amazing!

For 20% off at Code Beautiful use my code 'FIFTY20'.

Code Beautiful - Code HTG

Lips 'n' cheeks ... and my best lipstick!

​Cheeks - I was using a powder blush, Orgasm from NARS but then I got sent the Lip2Cheek from Trinny London and loved it but even better is the Violet Jordan Glow & Go in Berry - longer lasting I find and really deep colour that blends so well, can also use on lips!​

Lip Liner - I met Jess from By Jess D a couple of years ago at a blogger event and purchased one of her lip glosses which I loved so when it needed replacing I got in touch and also ordered a Cosmetic Pencil which is a fabulous multi-tasker but I love the neutral colour especially for my lips!  By Jess D is a black owned, female run small business.​

Lipstick - my favourite is still Pillow Talk Original from Charlotte Tilbury but I do love the Berry Glow & Go stick from Violet Jordan and I keep a Clinique Chubby Stick in my handbag!

Glow & Go Sticks - make up for midlife from Violet Jordan

Making it all last ...

​Setting Spray - I have been using the Urban Decay All Nighter for years but I also have a mini Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray which is excellent!

And taking if off!

Violet Jordan have a lovely cleanser that comes with 2 x muslin cloths and they have a fragrance free, suitable for all moisturiser too!  Enjoyed trying these out!

Currently still keeping to my ZO Skin Health routine though, I am so delighted with my HydraFacial results.  But I get sent lots of different products to try out, it is often difficult to choose the best!

Simple skincare routine from Violet Jordan

I wrote a lot of this post, then a technical blip caused me to lose it!  Just keeping it real, sometimes I silently scream, keep calm and carry on!

And a final thought before I go - I've got a miserable cold, and now I have dry skin around my nose - attractive ... but the Violet Jordan Glow & Go Dew is also a moisturiser and balm and it has proven to be very handy, convenient and perfect for my sore skin!

I hope you enjoy my make up suggestions!

Love from
Michelle xx

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Disclaimer:  this blog post contains some gifted items from Trinny London, Violet Jordan and Code Beautiful.  My post also uses affiliate links.​

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Click here to read other blogs I link up with:

Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

​Mummabstylish
#Chic&Stylish

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