Another year, another bunch of favourites I don't know how I've gotten by without before. As soon as we hit October, I took all the tinted, light-coverage moisturisers out of my make up bag and stored them away safely for next summer. In place of them, I added my trusty Nars Sheer Glow foundation and heavy-duty concealers.
My favourite thing about autumnal make up is the darker, more vampy products that come out to play. Darker lipstick, deeper scents and smokier eyes are all components of my favourite looks and I love peering at what's new in store each year.
My go-to scent for October was 'Stella' by Stella McCartney. After a summer filled with light, floral fragrances, I enjoy reaching for a more sophisticated scent come autumn. This perfume is described to be "based on the contrast between fresh, soft rose and the dark, sensual amber". As I found myself reaching for my scarf in the early mornings, I loved layering it with this.
The Origins Plantscription concealer is my weapon of choice when it comes to fighting tired eyes in autumn and winter. I tend to get dry skin around my eyes in the colder months and some concealers can highlight that by creasing and caking, but the creamy coverage in this blends into the skin seamlessly and covers all signs of late nights. I also love how long-wearing it is as I try not to touch up my concealer throughout the day, to avoid the dreaded caking!
It had been a long time since I strayed from my love affair with Loreal's False Lash Effect mascara, but when I needed a third item for my 3 for 2 shopping spree in Boots, I decided to give the Thick & Fast mascara by Soap and Glory a go. At first I wasn't sure that the brush was going to give me the voluminous lashes I crave but it really does! It lengthens, thickens and brushes through lashes - everything I look for in a mascara. I like the consistency of it too as it applies a lot of product to the lashes in just one coat so if you're in a rush in the morning, you don't need to spend 10 minutes working on them.
The Mary Lou manizer by theBalm is my favourite highlighter all year round but I always used to think of highlighter as more of a necessity in summer - oh how glad I am that I've changed my mind! A fuller coverage foundation goes hand in hand with strong highlight and I love catching a glimpse of the beautiful shimmer this one gives off. A little goes a very long way with this product, so I tap it on with a little blush brush and blend it in well. Unfortunately there is no photo of the product inside as I dropped it and it smashed (sob). Luckily, it still works just fine and it will be years until I need to re-purchase!
I cannot begin to tell you how many lip balms I have made my way through in the past decade but it is a ridiculous (but obviously warranted) amount. I have tried so many that it takes a lot for one to really make me stop and think about how good it is. After finally finishing my Nuxe rev de miel, I picked this up thinking it would be a balm I throw in my handbag but instead, this Nivea lip butter has made it's way into my night time skincare routine. The buttery, creamy texture means that it sinks into the skin and moisturises away all night long and I wake up with the perfect base for my deep, vampy lipstick. For the price as well, I would definitely recommend trying it out - if only for the dreamy coconut scent!
I couldn't do an autmunal favourites post without mentioning at least two lip products. The first is Mac's Rebel lipstick. Years ago, Rebel made Mac famous in the blogosphere and it has been in my collection ever since. It's a dark, plumby-purple shade and is perfect for this time of year, when you can be a little more daring with your lipstick choices. I like using a lip liner underneath this and then applying it very carefully - a lip brush works wonders!
My second lip product is the Nyx Liquid Suede cream lipstick in 'Sandstorm'. This is buttery, extremely pigmented and glides on easily. Before purchasing this, I'd never dabbled into matte lip products but this has truly converted me, I love the finish. The staying power is great and lasts a good five hours before it begins to look a little uneven, so if you're out for the day, do keep it in your bag so that you can top it up. I tend to get dry lips so was worried that a matte finish would highlight this but this product doesn't at all. If you are worried, you can used a lipscrub before applying it just to make sure. I'm looking forward to trying more from this range!
I hope you're all enjoyed autumn. It doesn't feel too cold yet but I'm soon we'll wake up one morning and be hit with freezing temperatures! Let me know what you've been loving so far this season and if there's anything you can't leave the house without!
Hayley xx