This morning I had a makeup gig for two clients which was booked to start at 5am which meant I had to wake up at 3am. This coincided with our normally very quiet neighbours staying up until 1am, TV blaring, to watch and celebrate India beating Australia in a cricket World Cup match. Some time ago, I decided that any gig which requires me to wake up before 5am gets my early ‘ wakeup makeup’ look. It’s important to be presentable enough so that clients don’t panic and as well rested as possible so as to remain focused and alert. Instead of spending 30+ minutes on a full face of makeup, this very quick look takes about ten minutes max which leaves more time to pack brushes from the drying rack, eat breakfast , drink a cup of tea and get to my job with fifteen minutes to spare. Looking at the photo which was taken four hours later, I could have spent a bit longer on the brows but this is what I like to use in this order –
Maybelline FitMe concealer in Medium – the dupe for Nars radiant creamy concealer. This shade is a little peachy which is great for hiding my hereditary dark circles. I apply it under the eyes and also the top lid as a base. In my kit I use pro-longwear concealers from M.A.C but I actually prefer the consistency of this concealer – with the MAC concealers I often need to dilute them with a mixing medium for older clients or they can get a bit cakey.
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue – this is hands down my favourite BB cream. I discovered it after I was admiring a client’s excellent pre-makeup skin only to discover upon cleansing that she had put this product on (and only this) to duck down to the shops a bit earlier. It gives sheer coverage and a very dewy finish. I apply with my fingers rather than a brush.
L’Oreal TrueMatch Mineral Powder Foundation in Honey Glow – dusted lightly on the T-Zone and under the eyes. This powder gets rave reviews from Youtube makeup artists like Sineady Cady and for good reason. It lasts forever and is comparable to mineral powders from more high-end brands. I’m not sure of the shelf life but I bought this about a year ago and there is still at least half the product in the jar. I also don’t stock this in my kit but for personal use I think it’s great.
Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder – I am still undecided as to whether this is a face powder or bronzer but I use a darker shade of it as the latter. It’s matte and not too orange but not too cool either. I run this over my cheeks like a blush and, in my case, above the crease.
Miniso 3-in-1 no smudge eyebrow pencil – I discovered this a couple of weeks ago. Normally I used an Elizabeth Arden brow powder but I really like this pencil. It has a spoolie, an slanted eyebrow pencil and powder all in one. The colour is a warm brown – not too red or ashy. It’s very affordable too.
Sephora Collection Rouge Lacquer L18- Slay This is more like a lip gloss than a lipstick but without the stickiness. I love this peachy shade. It’s staying power is on the lower side but it’s really quick to reapply and doesn’t require precise application.
M.A.C Extreme Dimension 3D Black lash – every time I purchase something from M.A.C they seem to throw in free samples of this mascara. I love them because I can keep one in my handbag, one in my makeup drawer, one in the car. The mascara does not smudge at all – gives a wispy-non clumpy effect and lasts until I take it off at night. At the moment I use Maybelline’s waterproof LashSensational for clients which is also great but seriously considering upgrading to this .