Yup that’s us. With Vix and I discussing our love of lipstick at the school bus stop since the age of about eleven and Jenny being a talented make-up artist and all I am proud to announce that the girls of Rock My Wedding are officially bonefide beauty-product-geeks.
The other day we were discussing our all-time favourites and newest raves, both from a luxe and a “less” perspective, ie admittedly there are many fancy items we adore but equally there are quite a few bargain basement finds in the mix too. Vix will be sharing her must-haves in a future post but right now Jenny and I thought it would be fun to share*
Charlotte’s Luxe List
From left: Stila is back and it’s in Boots!! When I heard the news I nearly did a high five (as I said – geek)… I haven’t found a better powder/foundation for my skin than their illuminating compact in 30 watts. It does immense flawless-making things to your face.
Tom Ford is a beautiful man. And his lipsticks are just as lush. When you see the price you might want to die BUT…blush nude is the perfect go-to for that bardot-with-a-smokey-eye look. And they are so creamy they even smooth out your lips in some major plumping type manner. You can buy one in the recently repackaged slinky black case from Selfridges.
It’s Stila again (told you I was excited) but this time it’s blush. If your skin is a) a bit on the dry side b) pasty pale, then convertible colour in Lillium is for you. A kind of just-been-out-in-the-garden natural rosy flush shade.
Charlotte’s Less List
From left: Discovered Topshop cosmetics recently and out of everything their skin tint is my absolute favourite. Like tinted moisturiser only better coverage.
I read about Prestige Longest-Lashes mascara in a review that sang it’s non-clumping praises. And I have to agree. Not for those that love a real volume giver but it separates and defines like nothin’ else.
Grey. How I love thee. Especially when you are as cheap as chips and as durable as Barry M Nail paint.
Jenny’s Luxe List
From Left: Mac Face and Body Foundation: When asked about my all time favourite product, this is it. I have it in four colours, C2, C3, C4 and C5. I wear it to even out my skin tone, I wear it all over my body especially on my legs and areas of scarring, I use a few layers (instead of fake tan) because the coverage is buildable. Goodbye weird looking thread veins and old lady blue veins, hello skin that resembles a nicely tanned 16 year old!
Benefit Eye Bright: Love this for along my waterline, it instantly brightens me up, and the colour is good against my slightly purple dark circles.
Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation – This is my daily life saver foundation. It’s so easy to apply because the brush is attached (means no orange foundation finger prints anywhere), and it’s easy to slap on when you’re in a rush to get out in the morning. The coverage gives you that nice mattifying effect – almost as if you’ve set your base with loose powder. I’ve got it in two shades, 6 for summertime and shade 5 for winter.
Jenny’s Less List
From Left: The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit – I am a sucker for a defined eyebrow. I am a sucker for a thick eyebrow too. I am not blessed with thick eyebrows, I have thin brows (the only part of me that is thin!) Without my brows done I tend to look a little odd, I tend to look all forehead actually so I don’t leave the house unless I have filled in my brows. This product is so natural, and it lasts. I’ve had the same one for 6 years now! I lost the brush yonks ago but any small angled brush does the trick, I find it looks more natural than using a brow pencil too.
Lacura concealer – Packaged just like the YSL Touche Eclat, with a very similar light reflecting pigment that helps disguise your dark shadows, but a fraction of the cost. You can’t go wrong with that! I use it all around the eye, and to highlight my browbone and define my brows so they look tidier in between shape ups.
Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow in Matte White – Another of my make up bag staples. In fact, I’ve been using this since I was 15! It looks like a bright white in the pan, but it goes on my skin as quite a creamy colour. I use it as a base colour all over my lid up to my brow bone, then when I am applying my bronzer I make sure I give my lids a quick sweep with my bronzing brush et voila.. I’m suitably made to look like I actually have a pulse and am good to leave the house!
So then lovelies, what are your beauty luxe and less list items?
Do you use any of the products listed above?
Drop us a note in the comments box below so we can have a butchers.
Big Geeky Love
Charlotte and Jenny x
*Please do not hate us for any sudden urge to spend your lunch break at your local department store/chemist/supermarket…
P.s I said “girls” of Rock My Wedding but if you follow us on Twitter you may have been witness to certain discussions around Adam wearing a dress and guyliner…..
Could we not have this as a once a week thing? Perlease? And if we could also not tell my husband the prices that’d be fab. Thanks.
I use the Rimmel white shadow BARGAIN
I am a self confessed Makeupaholic! I absolutely adore MAC and always spend far too much when I visit the concession in Bristol.
My current must haves include:
MAC Prep & Prime – Seriously, who knew that just adding a primer would enable my makeup to last all day?!
MAC Studio Fix Fluid – I was using MAC mineralize Satinfinish but after asking for a consultation to find a more matt appearance I was introduced to the Studio Fix and I love it, glides on perfectly over the primer and dries with a perfect powder effect finish, no shine! Hurrah!
Benefit Erase Paste – Because NOTHING covers dark under-eye circles like this.
MAC Select cover-up – because everyone gets a blemish or two, and this blends really well with the foundation.
Benefit BAD Gal Lash mascara (non-waterproof) – I am really fussy with my mascara, as I have short, thin lashes, but this makes them long and full looking. I do need to reapply come 5 o’clock though if I’m going for after work drinks.
Handbag must have – small tin of Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip therapy. If you forget your mini-makeup bag it is amazing as it is brilliant for adding shine to tired looking eyes, smooth over the top of your eyelids for an instant uplift. It is perfect for smoothing unruly brows. Also useful for adding life to cheeks – pinch each cheek several times to get some blood flowing and add a small slick of Vaseline for instant glow. Finally, most importantly, it makes your lips look uber kissable!
Beauty posts, oh how I love thee.
Like Gemma would also like to see this regularly – maybe alternation with a fashion post of luxe and less?!
So, my can’t live without amazingly wonderful products are:
Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick – it’s THE perfect nude
Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer – fab for smoky eyes
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara – something I could rave about forever!
xoxo
Gemma – ditto. Apart from the husband bit. I only have a fiance at present, however he will be abeing kept in the dark re £’s too.
Jenny – I am so buying the brow kit. Been buying a mac eyebrow pencil that costs a fortune and lasts about 5 minutes. I have big, bushy but patchy brows so I need durability!
My luxes are mac paint pot in painterly for my veiny eyelids – mmm I love it so very much and my less addiction is def Barry M! I love you Barry M.
Thanks guys!
I love a make up post! Almost as much as I love make up.
My luxe must-haves:
1. Bobbi Brown creamy concealer kit. I first bought this back in February, wear it every day, and it’s still going strong! At first I applied it really badly and ended up with a ckey, powdery mess, but I’ve cracked it now (less is more) and wouldn’t be without it (I have zombie-worthy dark circles).
2. MAC eyeshadow. Although relatively speaking, it’s not actually that expensive, and lasts for ages. I guess it’s a luxe buy because you can’t just go to the MAC counter and buy one thing, can you? Or is that just me?
3. Estee Lauder lipstick. I always thought Esteee Lauder was quite a boring old ladyish brand but I bought one of their lipsticks for my wedding day and it’s just such a lovely natural pink that I can wear everyday, inside quite special gold packaging which has survived my handbag remarkably unscathed that I’m now a big fan!
And my cheaper but cheerful finds:
1. L’Oreal Studio Secrets foundation. Comes with a brush, it is about £16 (so half the price of a luxury brand foundation) and gives a fantastic light reflecting finish and is really easy to blend.
2. Nails Inc nail polish. Included because they’re really good, don’t go gloopy and nearly every one I have I got free with a magazine!!!
3. Boots No 7 eyebrow pencil. Double ended with a brush to keep brows neat, I use the black pencil to fill my brows in. They’re already quite thick but I like a defined look. Also I have literally had strangers tell me I have nice eyebrows(!) so I must be doing something right!
I forgot my second luxe! Benefit lipstick in Nice Nickers. Its pinky plumy perfection.
Yay! I love sharing make-up products!!
@Lydia – I just bought a MAC primer with SPF 30 in it but yet to try, and can I ask a question – does Bad Gal flake? I wear contacts and need non-flakey type mascara!
@Katie – Belle Du Jour you say? I do love a Nars lipstick so will have to give this one a whirl! is it pink or beige hued?
@Jeanie – What is this paint pot you speak of? and what does it do to veins?
@Kathryn – I’m with you, can’t just buy one item from MAC either! and I am very interested in this Estee Lauder lipstick, what colour is it please?
Charlotte xxx
Oh, these posts make me feel so inadequate
I know nothing at all about makeup. My MOH is an expert and at my hair-and-makeup trial last week was talking products with the girl.
I mentioned that I’d decided to go all out for the engagement shoot last month and treat myself to some new makeup.
Me: “So I went to Boots and spent 20 POUNDS!!”
They exchange a look.
MOH: “How many things did you get?”
Me (quite proud of myself): Six!
Cue them falling about laughing.
On their advice yesterday I bought a No 7 dermabrasion exfoliator, which seems to be quite good. I also bought a No 7 moisturiser and because it was 3 for 2 I got Olay’s Touch of Foundation, which I put on this morning.
Was quite pleased with the result until I got to work and realised it should be called Olay Touch of Tangoed. I look like a bad self-tan job and it will NOT stop clinging to my eyebrows.
I’ve learnt my lesson about straying into the unfamiliar world of makeup!
(But the trial was amazing! She interpreted the rather vague brief of old-Hollywood-glamourama-1930s-Poirot-esque-razzle-dazzle-Eva-Green-timeless-gorgeousness perfectly – she’s a genius!)
Yum Yum!! I adore make up! Please make this a regular feature.
I don’t leave the house without:
Foundation – Clarins Everlasting
Under Eye – Touche Eclat
Eye Liner – Chanel Ecriture
Mascara – Diorshow Blackout (best for my contacts)
Lipstick – Chanel Rouge Allure
Blusher – Mac Cremeblend
Cheeks – Benefit Highbeam
Brows – Benefit Brow kit
For my “less” – I have been really impressed with Barry M nails recently.
Well Mrs Charlotte, last time I read one of your beauty posts I promptly went out and bought Pixi foundation-y stuff and then promptly lost it! And it was so perfect for my skin too. Damn.
I need to pay more attention to makeup. I’d love to spend time doing it, but it runs away with me. This payday I am going to spend money on things to make me look pretty.
Loves,
Rachel xx
I feckin love these posts!!
Having been a big dirty backpacker for the last 4 months, I’ve had to forego some of my staples.
But now I’m back in western civilisation, I am right back to building up a batch of goodies.
I love Smashbox. Primer, foundation, concealer & blusher. I just find it’s not as thick & doesn’t dry my skin out as much as Mac.
The blusher in Flush is a pretty gorgeous, glinty pink.
Mascara (as I recently spilled to Charlotte) is Clinique High Impact Mascara. I LOVE it! For a waterproof my failsafe is Maybeline Colossal. Although it’s a bitch to get off.
My current favorite lipstick is Chanel Aqualumiere in Porto Rotondo. It’s so moisturizing & the colour lies perfectly between red & pink, giving me that sexy natural but ‘excited’ lip colour. Like after a good kissing session. In fact, I never wear it with liner so it looks a bit more soft.
Gloss. Again, Smashbox O-Gloss. It just picks up your natural lip colour and accentuates it. Clever Smashbox. Me & my friends tried it & the colour turned out different on us all. & its not crazy sticky.
I could probably go on forever but I won’t.
Oh and bronzer, I’ve yet to find one that beats Bare Minerals.
See, just can’t help myself!! Love these posts!
@Charlotte… Nars’ Belle De Jour (if I dare admit this!) is apparently the lipstick that Kim Kardashian wears! It’s more of a beige-y tone, but it’s fabulous. It was my wedding lipstick!
If you’re looking for a more pink hue – try Nars’ Turkish Delight… more glossy, but still amazing!
xoxo
@Sophie – do not feel inadequate lovely, your make-up artist sounds amazing!! I want to know what that “look” involves?!
@Phoebe – What is this cremeblend you speak of? is it a cream blush? Have I been walking past all these great things at the MAC counter?!
@Rachel – Ah Pixi! Loves it! although Topshop is almost as good – and waaayyyy cheaper.
@Naomi – Porto Rotondo you say? I’ll clearly be needing me one of those – who doesn’t want an excited lip?! I also rate BM bronzer in “warmth” – non orange on my pale skin.
@Katie – ack! I love Kim K, I think I may have to make an investment….
Charlotte xxx
Clinique High Impact is my all time fave mascara too, and would you believe? Fecking discontinued in Hong Kong.
AND they don’t sell M.A.C face and body foundation out here either. tsk.
So if anyone fancies posting me some this week I may get it in time for New Year?
For non make up junkies, I truly believe that you really don’t have to spend a fortune on products. It’s all in the application!
I love the name of lipsticks. They always make me peckish!
xx
I was never really into the whole beauty thing growing up but over the last couple of months I’ve become a product junkie! Recently my face has been wearing:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 in Nude – The MUA at my sisters wedding used this on me and I’ve been hooked since. After wearing a full face of foundation for years I’m amazed that my skin can look this good with a wee drop of tinted moisturiser!
HD Brows Palette in Vamp – I too, cannot leave the house without doing my brows. I look a bit bald otherwise. This bad boy stays put all day. I’ve also been having HD treatments for the past few months and despite over-plucking as a teen, I’m now the proud owner of a lovely pair of arched brows.
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara – The best mascara. Ever.
Bobby Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black – Stays put all day. And night. And sometimes even the following morning!
Sleek Pout Polish in Bare Minimum – A lovely nude coloured sheen. (Sleek also do a Blusher in Rose Gold which is a colour match for Nars Orgasm without the hefty price tag. At just over £4 it would be rude not to…)
I’m also loving Garniers Miracle B.B. Blemish Balm Cream. If you haven’t tried it yet, do so now. It’s less than a tenner in Boots right now. Always get lots of compliments about my skin when I’m, wearing it.
Bloody love this post!
I also love mac eye paint pot in painterly-makes all shadows crease free-if i forget to wear it people ask if i am ill.
I cant live without clinique airbrush concealer because its light and easy to apply without having to blend with fingers and faff about when i have to get ready in the dark every morning for work.
I havent bought a new lipstick since my chanel coco lipstick in madamoiselle-it goes with everything!
@Jenny O I’ll send you some MAC Face & Body if you send me some of the amazing B.B creams you only get in HK!
Ooh which amazing B.B creams are they then? Educate me? x
@Charlotte – it was Dune Rose. I love it it’s so wearable and the packaging is satisfyingly luxurious/hardwearing/shiny and gooooold!
@Charlotte – re. Bad Gal Lash mascara: I don’t find that it flakes at all during the day/on a night out, but when I’m lazing about I am ALWAYS rubbing my eyes/face and it disappears down my cheeks along with everything else! But as long as I don’t fiddle, it stays put! Also, primer changed my beauty routine and I now can not live without it – my foundation just looks so damn perfect with it!
Just wondered if any lovely RMW readers have thought about eyelash extensions or tinting. I have never found a mascara that doesn’t end up under my eyes but I have a bad habit of rubbing. Thought I might give something more permanent a go. Any hints tips?
My must-haves are:
MAC Prep + Prime Skin – amazing primer, makes my face last all day, I really don’t know how I managed without it!
Benefit They’re Real mascara – a new discovery, it makes my lashes soooo luscious! Doesn’t flake or run. Brilliant stuff!
I’m another big fan of the white Rimmel eyeshadow
DiorSkin Airflash foundation – such a brilliant product. Just spray it on and your face is airbrush flawless in a matter of seconds!
Oh how strange….
Iv just got back from a “make up” shopping trip!!
I bought Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, AMAZING especially when rushing in the morning on the school run!
Mac PowerPoint eyeliner and Mac select cover up, wanted more but had to resist as I’m off to America in 2 weeks so will be purchacing lots there!!!!! X
I was living in France last year and became MEGA addicted to Make Up Forever’s Camouflage Cream to get rid of those purple under-eye shadows. Now I’m back in the UK I pay shamefully huge amounts to get it delivered from Sephora, but I haven’t found any alternatives which match its cover and durability – I put it on over moisturiser and it stays pretty much flawless the whole day. I will definitely try some of these suggestions though!
On the ‘Less’ side, I wear Loréal’s Super Liner liquid eyeliner in ‘Carbon Gloss’ every day – it’s VERY easy to apply and easy to remove (stays put on my dry skin but perhaps not if you’re a little bit oily? I think the ‘Black Crystal’ version is supposed to be longer-lasting). Also love Sleek’s eyeshadow palettes – great colours, hard-wearing and mix really well.
xx
I love these posts!
I’m really excited to try Stila now! I’ve never tried their stiff before, but have wanted to try their powder foundation since reading Charlottes make up report a while back.
Luxe:
Smashbox Primer
Touché Eclait
Mac eyeshadows
Lacome Artliner
Less
Rimmel eyebrow pencil – easier to use than a palette
New Rimmel lipstick in sweetie! Love it!
Topshop lip liners and gloss
Oh I could go on and on!! I love makeup xxx
Ladies,
I’m the first to admit that I’m pretty clueless when it comes to make-up. That all changed for me when I met the most amazing make-up artist who turned me into a very glamorous-and very happy-bride
Since my big day I’ve been out and purchased a few of the products that she used on the day and I haven’t looked back since!
My luxe list includes:
Laura Mecier Primer oil free (this is an amazing base for any make-up)
Laura Mercier oil free foundation in Nude (great coverage and isn’t heavy on your face at all)
Mineral finishing pressed powder by Mac in Medium (you can hardly tell you are wearing it)
Laura Mericer metalic cream shadow in Platinum (gorgeous colour)
Mac mineral blusher in Dainty (another gorgeous colour)
Mac Lipstick in Angel (I have never worn a pink lipstick before but I am now addicted to this product!)
And the most anazing product of all:
Laura Mercier cake eyeliner in Mahogony brown-apply with a flat liner brush
I wanted to try false eyelashes for my big day but decided against it in the end. I needn’t have worried as the cake eyeliner-combined with the mascara below-gave me the most incredible lashes. The eyeliner gives the illusion that your lashes are 10 times longer than they actually are. Everyone kept asking if my lashes were real or not!
My less products (and again were worn on my big day) are:
Maybelline define a lash mascara in black
Maybelline baby pink lip gloss (goes great over the top of the Mac lipstick above)
Loving the beauty posts-can we have more please?!
X
Apologies for the length of that post! Just realised how long it is!!
P.S. Forgot about Touche Eclait-can’t live without it… Xx
@ComeWhatMae: Sorry to be really nosy, but are you in the UK? I thought Sephora didn’t ship here so didn’t even try but totally would if they did! xx
@Lydia – Thanks for the tip pet, I think I may succumb to the Bad Girl in me
@JOL – I have my lashes tinted every month (otherwise I look weird without mascara) and would highly recommend. My sister (make-up artist) likes individual false lashes for a natural look. I like full on strips personally, Boots own are fab – and cheap.
@Sarah – but I have just committed to Bad Gal lash?! what is this other one they do?!
@Charlotte – I like lots of their stuff. MAC rocks.
@ComeWhatMae – camouflage cream, this sounds fab! how do I get some?!
@Abi – I love make-up too!!!! and you MUST try Stila.
@Shell – never apologise for long comments, we love them
Charlotte xxx
Oh and has anyone tried Ultraband by Lush? I keep hearing good things about it. Is it cleanser or moisturizer???
Well helloooooooooo Tom Ford lipstick. Fancy depositing yourself in my make up bag? Marvellous.
Trip to Selfridges I can’t afford to make? Oh go on then!
I love these posts – was just chatting to a friend who just got married about going for make up trials and then copying on w-day. I feel like I should step away from my normal ‘kit’, but then also think maybe I should stick with what works…
Barbara Daly primer (I’ve also head that Benefit is really good?)
Clinique Foundation and loose powder
Stila or Bourjois pink blush
Rimmel liner (bottom lids)
Benefil bad gal fat liner (top lids)
Rimmel mascara (Volume Flash)
A whole world of eyeshadows by L’Oreal, Bobbi Brown, Nina Ricci, Mac, Lancome, Stila.
I’d really like to try Laura Mercier for w-day make up. Any other suggestions from you lovely ladies? xx
Charlotte, I love Bad Gal too, but They’re Real is just a tad better (for me anyway) – well worth giving it a try…..any excuse to buy lovely Benefit things
Chanel are doing an AMAZING new nail varnish top coat that gives your nails a matt finish. Major lust… deffo my pay cheque treat purchase this month.
xxx
Hello ladies, I am a newbie to the site but oh, I am beyond excited to hear that Stila are back, and in Boots! Advantage card points and Watermelon lipgloss in one fell swoop
My luxe love is Armani make up – especially Face Fabric. Two stripes of liquid across your cheeks aaaaaand BUFF! with your powder brush – ta daaa! Perfect skin, and people will think you were just born that way. A.maze.
I’m not so in love with Benefit They’re Real mascara though – it made my lashes look quite nice, but a bit spidery. If I’m spending that much on mascara I’d rather go for Lancome Hypnose – lovely!
@Jeff – Yep, in the UK
Sephora France ships to England but it’s about €16 for delivery (though it does come in a really nice box…)
@Charlotte – Camouflage Cream Full Cover (or ‘Full Cover – Crème de Camouflage’ as it’s marked on Sephora France’s website) is the most amazing stuff – on Make Up Forever’s website it says it can be used for covering scars, birth marks and tattoos, so it’s definitely well equipped for covering up those under-eye shadows! I often use it to even out my skin tone when I don’t feel like wearing foundation. It’s €25.50 on Sephora.fr, which to me is SO worth it. If you order lots of things at once the horrible delivery cost doesn’t even seem so bad…
xx
p.s. I use No.3 as I’m really pale (it’s a bit hard to judge the colours on the website)
Absolutely loved this post, I’m going to be quite late out now as a result (espesh if I go via Boots!)
I’m a huge cosmetics fan but don’t wear much make up, for this reason I decided to do my own make up for W day.
However my beautiful friend Maria has her beauty business Pink Pamper (featured on RMW) and persuaded me to have a trial.
I was blown away by the results, still so natural but lush!
Sorry, rambling, my point is; I was shaking like a leaf on W day and having someone to beautify me was invaluable.
I usually use; body shop vitamin E moistriser, with touche eclat, Benefit dandelion, Highbeam and Benetint. Benefit BadGal mascara in purple (no honestly!) and I too LOVE BarryM nail varnish, the black red is a colour match for Chanel Rough Noir.
I’m taking some of the tips above to raise my game, thank you so much ladies
Xxx