I’m one of these women who has had the very same makeup look since starting to really use it. It’s become a signature at this point. Having that said, on occasion, I will add a bold lip or a simple eyeshadow to complement my classic winged eyeliner.
I have also probably had the same eyeshadow palette for 15 years. I apologise to all who just felt a chill down their spine – I know it’s bad. But have no fear, I have received some new products to allow me to replace that old dusty shadow palette and create some more adventurous looks.
Let’s start with the base, as this is very important. Again, I am not very adventurous here and have for decades stuck to the same sheer mineral powder foundation, but it doesn’t cover much, so for those moments where I might want to look more flawless, I ventured to try two foundations from Odylique.
The first is their Natural Foundation, and after they kindly sent me testers to determine my perfect shade, I went for shade 30, fair with slightly rosy tones. This foundation is suitable for all skin types, and it blends so nicely. And if, like me, you’re not very used to liquid foundation, you can mix it with your moisturiser for a slightly lighter feel.
The second item I received, which might be my favourite of the two, is the Cream Foundation. It has a lovely SPF of 2,5, which I really like. This one also works with all skin types, from dry to oily and young to mature. It also offers skin repair and nourishing coverage, and I really do like when a foundation does more than one thing. Both products are 100% Natural and 65% Organic, vegan and cruelty-free.
Now that the base is taken care of, it’s time for the artwork part of our session. Doll Smash so kindly sent me products to take care of all angles!
I received their Expressionism Eye Palette with 12 colours in a mixture of metallic and matt, the Signature Eye Brush Set, Superstar Mascara, Supreme Cream liner and on top of that, my favourite product, the Devotion Blush Stick.
Thanks to the extensive brush set, I’m able to create a nice look without making too much of a mess. Depending on the brush I use, I can really be in charge of the product placement. I used the matte colour as a base before adding my favourite metallic colour: Crush in the crease of my eye for a more defined look.
With the shadows sorted, I moved on to the only place I really have a skillset, the winged eyeliner. I really like how a cream liner feels a bit more luxurious when applying, and it really gives you that defined look and then we of course top it off with the Superstar Mascara. The brush gets in between even the smallest lash, meaning the product covers nicely.
Are you ready for my favourite? The Devotion Blush stick. I didn’t know I needed this in my life until I tried it! It looks light, but when I apply it and blend it out, it makes it look like I have a perfect sun-kissed tan. I place it here, there and a little bit of everywhere. Tip of my nose, forehead and of course cheekbones. It just really leaves you looking dewy and fresh.
No lipstick with you? No problem, just dab a little of the blush on your lips and add a lip balm. Good to go.
Last but absolutely not least, I was invited to an after-hours event at Beam in Victoria, where I got to meet the lovely Jo Leversuch and try out her make-up brushes.
She created them to be used in a way so that you could choose where to use them. One brush can cover more than one area. It all depends on what you feel you want it to do for you and your makeup look.
I was treated to the Flat Eyeshadow Brush. As much as the name says it’s for eyeshadow, it can also work for blush, concealer, and even contouring. Soft bristles that are easy to care for and easy to apply product to. Depending on whether you use the flat side of the brush or the tip, you will get different results. And as a pro tip, you can use it upside down to apply near your lash line.
So many uses for one single brush, just the way I like it.
And if you need to be beautified before an event, Beam is the place to go to get your makeup done! Services from 30min up to 60min. Anything from a quick touch-up before an event to a deeper dive, such as a full makeup routine overhaul. And if a session isn’t what you need, they have shelves and shelves of carefully curated products to treat yourself to, too.
Now, I am still not a makeup professional, but at least now I have the tools and the knowledge to practise and maybe refine my classic eyeliner look. One step at a time and with a kind approach, I’m sure I’ll get there.
