I'm no makeup artist, but I've been addicted to and used makeup for a pretty lengthy amount of years and I don't think I'm too shabby at applying it. On my own face, anyway. Rather than just posting lots of same-y FOTDs, I thought it would be nice to simply post a couple of photos of some different looks, listing all the products used and a very brief snippet of what I think of them. This time round, I thought I'd use all drugstore/highstreet makeup brands to create a neutral, everyday look. If you're soon starting back at school or just want some cheaper alternatives, then I hope I can give you some inspiration. Some products I've rated highly for years and others are more recent additions to my makeup bag. So, here goes...



Primers don't usually make an appearance in my everyday routine, unless I'm heading out for the whole day and evening, or it's a special occasion. Knowing I'd be out for the entire day and we'd be incorporating a bit of a date night into the mix, I thought I'd smooth on some of Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Pro Primer. Light, the formula sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a silicone-y layer on the surface, which I hate. It keeps my base in place, but it's not the best primer I've tried. A great, drugstore option, though. To allow my skin to breathe, I opted for the Dr Jart + Premium Beauty Balm, which I showered with compliments in my Summer 2014 Makeup Essentials. To add an extra boost of coverage around my nose and on a couple of blemishes, I went for the much-adored classic, the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. If you haven't tried it, you must! For my under-eye area, I thought I'd try the newest concealer in my collection, the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint. Previously disappointed by how it performed, it was no different this time either, unfortunately. I'll you posted on that one. To set everything in place and tone down the shine across my t-zone, I dusted on a helping of Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder. This powder does the job, without caking, leaving a natural finish. Now discontinued, it's unavailable, but Maybelline have released the similar Dream Wonder Powder in the US, recently. So, it should make an appearance in the UK soon enough. Soap & Glory's Solar Powder was my bronzer of choice, giving a subtle colour and a healthy sheen. Adding some shape to my face when swept under my cheekbones and through my temples, this is the perfect bronzer if you struggle to find one that doesn't lean too orange on pale skin. Finally, to finish off my complexion, I reached for the Rimmel Blush in Santa Rose. A beautiful, peachy-pink shade, this colour gives such a natural flush to the cheeks.


Moving onto eyes, I fancied using my MUA Undress Me Too Palette, to create a subtle, slightly smokey look. These eyeshadows can create some fall-down, but considering this palette costs just £4, the quality is great. To get the most out of these shadows, I'd suggest using an eye primer with them and packing on the shadow in layers to ensure it lasts. As I had just run out of my only eyeshadow primer, I didn't apply one and whilst the eyeshadow stayed looking perfect for a few hours, by the end of the evening, it had almost faded completely. To get fluttery lashes, I used my Tweezerman Deluxe Eyelash Curlers. They're a must in my routine, helping to open the eyes and make the most of your lashes. My mascara of choice this time round was the Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Black Drama Mascara. Now, is it just me or is the black drama version not as good? The original gives me mega length and volume, whereas things are just a bit stumpy with this one. Next time I repurchase, I'll be sticking to the classic formula. To sort out my brows, I used gentle strokes of the Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint & Precision Pencil to fill in any sparse patches and add some definition. Then, a slick of No7's Clear Lash & Brow Perfector finished things off, keeping my bushy beauties from getting a bit wild.


Before starting my makeup, I always like to dab on some lip balm, so that when I come to apply my lip products, my pout is hydrated, smooth and free from any dry patches. I've already harped on about how much I love the Blistex Relief Cream Lip Balm, in my July 2014 favourites, so you can take a look at that post to find out why. Starting with the Loreal Infallible Lip Liner in 701 Stay Ultraviolet, I used it all over my lips as a base, to add some colour and define the edges of my lips. As the formula is very dry and is uncomfortable to wear alone, I like to use either a moisturising lipstick or non-sticky gloss over the top. The Loreal Color Riche L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipsticks give you the best of both worlds. 601 Nude Ballet, the shade Kim K apparently wore on her wedding day #3, is a peachy-pink nude that is ideal for a relaxed, daytime look. Non-sticky, the creamy formula glides on and remains looking glossy for a good, few hours, before wearing down evenly and leaving a hint of colour behind.


Which drugstore makeup products are in your makeup bag, at the moment?

AGB X