I have always been pretty loyal when it comes to my cosmetics and skin care and had been using some of the same products for years. This was mostly due to the fact that I did, at one point, love what I was using... but since becoming a Mumma (and one who has never even had a facial... is that normal?), it was more a case of not having the time to explore new products. But then one day late last year, I looked in the mirror and was just not happy with what I saw. My skin was looking (and feeling) tired, I had dark circles under my eyes (heck, I didn't even own concealer at that point) and the makeup I had been using for years was just not leaving my skin looking how it used to. This, combined with regular breakouts, forced me to take some 'me time' to look at switching up my staple beauty products. So one morning after I had dropped the girls off at school, instead of doing housework or running errands I headed to my local Sephora on a mission!
When I walked in I'm sure they thought I was shoplifting because I looked so awkward (almost guilty haha) and was clutching onto my bag for dear life... I was so overwhelmed! Yes I wear make up every day but like I said I had been wearing the same products for years so usually just head to the counters I am after, quickly purchase and then leave. After a few minutes I decided to ask for HELP! I explained what I was after (new foundation, new bronzer, some under eye concealer and a crash course in contouring (which scared the crap out of me and seemed like such hard work!) and after narrowing it down to a few products I was good to go. I was then given a quick 15 minute 'how to' on using the contouring kit I had just purchased and I was so surprised at how easy it actually is!
So, after a number of inquiries as to what skincare and cosmetic products I use, I thought I would give a quick run down of what my must have items are right now!![]()
I have been using both the Shiseido 'Benefiance' day and night moisturising creams (above) for a year or so now and continue to absolutely love them both! Growing up, my Mum used to use Shiseido so I always associated it with 'older ladies' (sorry Mum haha) so I find it so funny that I am now using it all these years later... does that make me old? Ha! :) I guess there is a reason it has been around for years! But the product that sealed the deal for me is their 'Ultimune' Power Infusing Concentrate... it is absolute heaven! You only need the tiniest amount and it is the first thing I put on my face after washing it in the morning and at night. I then follow with either the day or night moisturiser. ![]()
Now onto my makeup routine. Once I have applied my Shiseido goodies, I move straight onto my under eye concealer and foundation base. I used to use a primer but don't find that I need it these days. The Givenchy 'Photo Perfexion' foundation is the best I have ever used (I use the colour 'Perfect Gold'). It just glides onto your skin and you only need one small pump to cover your whole face. Next is the fun part, using my Laura Mercier contour kit... yes, I'm slightly obsessed! All the colours are beautiful and creamy which makes blending them in with a contour brush super easy and believe it or not, it's actually pretty hard to stuff it up! It also comes with a hidden booklet that fits into the compact with tips on how to achieve the best contour look for the shape of your face. I love that you can achieve a light, soft look for during the day time and a heavier look of a night time. I have also found that since using the contour kit, I don't wear anywhere near as much bronzer or blush because you simply don't need to! Once I'm done with the contouring, I add a smidgen of blush (my fave at the moment is 'Peaches' by MAC) and then give a very light dusting with my Laura Mercier 'Loose Setting Powder'. This powder is magic! It is practically invisible but sets your foundation and contouring beautifully so nothings moves... and it will keep it that way all day! Last but not least I finsh with a dusting of bronzer. I switch between Bare Minerals 'Faux Tan' and MAC's 'Golden Bronzer'.
I'll save the eye's and lips for another post shall I? ;)
Scroll down for direct links to all the above mentioned products!
![]()
Skincare:
Shiseido 'Ultimune' Power Infusing Concentrate here
Shiseido 'Benefinace' Day Cream here
Shiseido 'Benefiance' Night Cream here
Cosmetics:
Givenchy 'Photo Perfexion'here
Laura Mercier 'High Coverage Concealer for under eyes'here
Laura Mercier 'Flawless Contouring Palette'here
'Peaches' blush by MAC Cosmetics here
Laura Mercier 'Loose Setting Powder'here
Bare Minerals 'Faux Tan' bronzer here
When I walked in I'm sure they thought I was shoplifting because I looked so awkward (almost guilty haha) and was clutching onto my bag for dear life... I was so overwhelmed! Yes I wear make up every day but like I said I had been wearing the same products for years so usually just head to the counters I am after, quickly purchase and then leave. After a few minutes I decided to ask for HELP! I explained what I was after (new foundation, new bronzer, some under eye concealer and a crash course in contouring (which scared the crap out of me and seemed like such hard work!) and after narrowing it down to a few products I was good to go. I was then given a quick 15 minute 'how to' on using the contouring kit I had just purchased and I was so surprised at how easy it actually is!
So, after a number of inquiries as to what skincare and cosmetic products I use, I thought I would give a quick run down of what my must have items are right now!
I have been using both the Shiseido 'Benefiance' day and night moisturising creams (above) for a year or so now and continue to absolutely love them both! Growing up, my Mum used to use Shiseido so I always associated it with 'older ladies' (sorry Mum haha) so I find it so funny that I am now using it all these years later... does that make me old? Ha! :) I guess there is a reason it has been around for years! But the product that sealed the deal for me is their 'Ultimune' Power Infusing Concentrate... it is absolute heaven! You only need the tiniest amount and it is the first thing I put on my face after washing it in the morning and at night. I then follow with either the day or night moisturiser. 
Now onto my makeup routine. Once I have applied my Shiseido goodies, I move straight onto my under eye concealer and foundation base. I used to use a primer but don't find that I need it these days. The Givenchy 'Photo Perfexion' foundation is the best I have ever used (I use the colour 'Perfect Gold'). It just glides onto your skin and you only need one small pump to cover your whole face. Next is the fun part, using my Laura Mercier contour kit... yes, I'm slightly obsessed! All the colours are beautiful and creamy which makes blending them in with a contour brush super easy and believe it or not, it's actually pretty hard to stuff it up! It also comes with a hidden booklet that fits into the compact with tips on how to achieve the best contour look for the shape of your face. I love that you can achieve a light, soft look for during the day time and a heavier look of a night time. I have also found that since using the contour kit, I don't wear anywhere near as much bronzer or blush because you simply don't need to! Once I'm done with the contouring, I add a smidgen of blush (my fave at the moment is 'Peaches' by MAC) and then give a very light dusting with my Laura Mercier 'Loose Setting Powder'. This powder is magic! It is practically invisible but sets your foundation and contouring beautifully so nothings moves... and it will keep it that way all day! Last but not least I finsh with a dusting of bronzer. I switch between Bare Minerals 'Faux Tan' and MAC's 'Golden Bronzer'.I'll save the eye's and lips for another post shall I? ;)
Scroll down for direct links to all the above mentioned products!
Skincare:
Shiseido 'Ultimune' Power Infusing Concentrate here
Shiseido 'Benefinace' Day Cream here
Shiseido 'Benefiance' Night Cream here
Cosmetics:
Givenchy 'Photo Perfexion'here
Laura Mercier 'High Coverage Concealer for under eyes'here
Laura Mercier 'Flawless Contouring Palette'here
'Peaches' blush by MAC Cosmetics here
Laura Mercier 'Loose Setting Powder'here
Bare Minerals 'Faux Tan' bronzer here