Ten Products I Can’t Live Without
xexfx from Twitter gave me this idea, although I think she managed to break it down the 5 products. Unfortunately I’m just not that restrained 
These are 10 products I would choose above all others if I was forced to. I have literally hundreds of pieces of make-up, creams and potions in my kit but I could happily live with just these 10.
I haven’t included eyeshadow as although I love to wear it and play with it, I think mascara is all that is truly necessary to open up your eyes and make you feel gorgeous!
1. Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer (all skin types), I discovered this when I was looking for a primer to keep my wedding make-up in check all day. I bought this and Smashbox’s Photo Finish, and although I like the latter it isn’t a patch on Laura Mercier. I use this every day, much like a moisturiser before adding my face. It has the lightest cleanest fragrance, and makes the skin feel incredibley smooth without the waxy, greasy finish I get from Smashbox. I use the all skin types version but it is available in oil free should your skin require that. Its pricey but totally worth it and lasts about 2 months per 50ml tube.
RRP £27.00
2. MAC’s Select Cover-Up in NW20. I know that everyone has a different preference to how they apply concealer, I apply mine prior to my foundation, as I feel just slides off if I try and blend it over it. I think everyone should do whatever works best for them though. Consistency is great, creamy and fantastic coverage, especially on spots, without being drying or overly thick. Lasts for absolutely ages too.
RRP £11.00
3. Revlon Colorstay Make-up with SoftFlex SPF 15 Normal/ Dry Skin, this is a recent discovery. It was recommended a number of times by You Tubers and I decided to see what the fuss was about. I love it! I have and still use (hate waste) various MAC foundations, but to be honest I have never been overly impressed with them. I have found them to be quite drying and patchy as the day goes on. I also feel that there is no one particular shade that completely suits my skin tone.
This make-up is superior to MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid IMO. It gives silky even coverage, that is buildable, without caking or feeling mask like. Comes in 2 finishes, depending on if you skin is oily or dry and it also doesn’t come off on everything you touch. Bonus! I wear shade Sand Beige 180.
RRP £11.99 (NB Boots have 3 for 2 on all Revlon cosmetics at the moment)
4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish MSF in So Ceylon. I can’t begin to describe how much I love love love this product. It brightens and highlights giving the most amazing glow and polish on my cheekbones.
This is it swatched on my hand prior to buffing. The colour is metallic and bronzed without too much glitter. Using a MAC’s dinky 181 brush you buff it into the skin to acquire the finish you want. Go heavy or light, its up to you!
This particular colour is limited edition now and is sporting the triangle of death beside it online so I will definitely buy another and store it.
RRP £16.50
5. NARS Blush in Deep Throat, I adore these blushes. The colour variety, the finish, the pan sizes. I particularly love Deep Throat because it is a beautiful peach with shimmer that doesn’t try too hard. It gives a healthy flush, perfect for attaining that natural make-up look on days off from being a glamour puss
Other colours of note in the range for me are Sin, Torrid, and Outlaw.
RRP £18.50
6. MAC Brow Set in Mink, this was a limited edition colour within the Emmanuel Ungaro collection I believe but its the formula which I love and there are still comparable colours in the range. I normally use it over pencil, but if I had to use just one item it would be the Brow Set. It holds and tames my brows into place, once this stuff is on, I find they don’t budge all day/ night. But not in that cakey, rock hard way some brow gels can give.
RRP £10.00
7. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, its just the best mascara ever. I try others regularly, but I always come back to this one. It makes my lashes thicker, longer and more seperated looking without any clumping. And I always used to think black is black, right? wrong! this truly is dark dark black, really makes my eyes pop. I think the wand and formulation work together to make this unbeatable IMO. Bargain that it is pretty inexpensive too
RRP £6.99
8. Nivea Caregloss & Shine, in the Winter my lips get so dry. I can’t possibly wear lipstick all the time or gloss. This is a saviour, repairing my lips while still letting me pout with glossiness 
Some chemists are doing 3 different flavours in a little gift set for £3.19 which is a total bargain considering one costs me just shy of that!
RRP £2.69
9. Flower by Kenzo Eau De Parfum, this is my signature scent. I wear others now and again, normally at night, but this is my daytime staple perfume. Its a love affair that I know will last forever.
Whats number 10? My MacBook Air *strokes it, hugs it, cries with pride* nuff said
1Karen Quinn
wrote on 20 November 2008 at 16:43
Right I’m going to think up mine tonight and report back tomorrow.
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2dressjunkie
wrote on 20 November 2008 at 16:56
Yay! Can’t wait, I love a good ole nosey in other peoples make-up bags
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3Karen Quinn
wrote on 21 November 2008 at 16:23
Ok will do my top ten later as I dont have time now but just wanted to let you know that apparently Nars have released the blush in Orgasm with gold glitter in it. How blinging is that??
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4dressjunkie
wrote on 21 November 2008 at 17:37
I know and I was so excited too but its having nothing but bad reviews, apparently the gold glitter is a nightmare fall out wise and very chunky. Some good reviews on You Tube. Still gonna pop into HoF at some point and see for myself though!
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5Karen
wrote on 22 November 2008 at 13:51
Ok gonna have a stab at this today while sat here waiting on the Virgin man to finish installing our tv thingy!
I’ve got what I call my ‘essentials’ make-up bag in front of me so shouldn’t be too difficult.
1. Superdrug Illuminating Moisture Cream. £2.99
I’ve included this over my foundation ( Clinique Superfit) because I find that I use it all the time whereas I frequently will go without foundation. Its a great little find that I usually slap on to give my skin a nice glow when I’m not wearing foundation or actually mix with my foundation for a lighter daytime look. It has a nice shimmery look and I like its ‘primer’ like qualities. Plus its super cheap!!!
2.No. 7 Natural Blush in Petal, £9.00 (I think)
Absolutely love this blusher I was previously using a Clinique one but bought this on a whim one day and I haven’t looked back, its just the lovliest sweet pink. It suits my white/blue skin really well.
3. Benefit High Beam, £23.00
First purchased few years back on a trip to New York and have never looked back. Been through goodness knows how many of them now and are considered a Birthday/ Christmas gift staple by family and friends.
I think I like it so much because it makes me look like I have good cheekbones and does exactly what its supposed to.
4.Rimmel London Eye Liner pencil in Jet Black £3.99
Another must have as far as I’m concerned, since the day I first started wearing make-up I’ve had one of these pencils in my make-up bag. I was using the Mac pencil but my silly sister went and lost it on me but it is on my ever increasing make-up wish list, I’m happy to use this in the meantime as it’s a great wee pencil.
5. Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner in Black £4.49
I love this eye liner as the actual applicator is quite rigid which means you can get a lovely thick line which is my personal preference. It really lasts all day and the actual product is long lasting as well. I’m a major eye-liner fan and have quite a few coloured ones but this is a staple.
6.Eyelash Curlers
Currently using a cheapo pair with pink grips I got in the S’drug. I have had them for ages and they are probably the best pair I’ve ever had. I curl my lashes all the time and love how they look when done. I don’t have very long lashes but unlike DressJunkie I’m relatively happy with them. My sister has fab lashes though and her eyes look amazing when she’s made up.
7.Bourjois Brush Concealer. £7.99
A recent addition to my kit. I love this concealer as its in a brush format that I find easier to use than the likes of the Mac Select which I also have. It also helps that its a perfect match for my skin. I’m suffering with a few red patches at the minute so I’m finding this really good at covering those without looking cakey and unnatural.
8. No.7 Lash Extension Extreme Length Mascara £9.00
Ah the boul Mascara! The hunt for the elusive perfect mascara continues for me,as I think it does with every make-up wearing woman on the planet. Currently using this on the recommendation of the afore-mentioned sister. I like it as its a very ‘wet’ mascara and the brush is nice and spiky which seems to a feature with a lot of the new mascaras. I have also bought the Loreal telescopic this week but cant decide whether to open it or not. It may be getting returned we’ll see!
9. Body Shop Large Powder Brush
Not sure how much this cost as it was a present. Brilliant brush, so soft and I use it for powder but also bronzer just depends on what I’m wearing that day. Keep meaning to get more of their brushes, more things for that list.
10.Carmex Lip Balm £2.69
Great lip balm which does a similar thing to the sexy motherpucker soap & glory thing i.e make your lips tingle and feel plumper. Excellent for a kissable kisser.
So there you go that’s my hitlist. On reflection I am a total Budget beauty queen!!!!!!
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6Karen
wrote on 22 November 2008 at 13:52
Forgot about Chanel No 5, my signature scent!!!
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7Aaron
wrote on 22 November 2008 at 14:35
Needless to say, I haven’t got a clue what anything my wife just typed means.
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