Essentials

This is Pretty Things' first beauty post and I just thought I would share with you all my absolute make-up staples! My taste in make-up looks is ever changing but whether I'm wearing neon lipstick or panda-riffic kohl, these remain pride of place in my make up bag.

1. Mac Studio Fix Fluid, SPF 15

I love this because it can be used for coverage or mixed with moisturizer for a lighter look and feel. It has lasted me ages so is definitely worth the more expensive price that Mac asks for. My only issue with it is that it is a complete colour match, which is usually very good, but after the summer holiday when I tan very quickly and easily, it makes me look like a vampire...

 2. The Body Shop, Vitamin E Tinted Moisture Lotion, in Natural
This is quite a new addition to my collection but it was love from the start. For no make up days, this is perfect and makes my skin glow but not shine. The colour is really subtle and blends really easily. It was also quite cheap- I would have payed more for it!

3. Lancome Mat Finish Powder
This lasts ages because of the massive pot and lasts ages when you put it on, it doesn't just brush off after an hour or so. It doesnt "over- matt" the skin, still letting skin glow. It is really light and quite to brush on. I love it paired with the tinted moisturizer above. A really natural look. 

4. benefit, Bad Gal Lash Plum
This mascara is my life, and my trademark piece. More people have commented on it than I can count! It makes a lot of volume because the brush is massive and the unusual plum colour is colour intensifying so really brings out eye colour. It is only noticeably purple under bright light but otherwise just looks black. I stick by this product to the end. I cannot recommend enough. It also lasts ages, and as you can see mine has been going a while as the lettering has worn away from the tube- a sign of over use I think!

 5. benefit, Kohl pencil in sable
Another amazing product from benefit, although as benefit goes, very dull packaging! I'm not complaining... I have to say, I prefer brown eyeliner to black because it is much less harsh and compliments my eye colour much better. I like this because it is quite smudgy so makes it really easy to do a smoky eye effect or just outline the eye subtly. The one in the picture has been sharpened down considerably- believe it or not, it used to be a very decent sized pencil! It is but a shadow of its former glory..

6. Neutrogena, Norwegian Formula Lip Balm, SPF 20

When it comes to lips, I'm currently into 'the brighter the better' and I have mentioned in previous posts my love of chanel lipstick (THE BEST) however, I have an addiction to lip balm. I apply it constantly and this is, at the moment my favourite. It makes lips really soft and smooth with no glitter or colour, just simple lip balm. It works under lipstick or just alone. Another one which I love is Burt's Bees which contains menthol so makes your lips plump slightly and feel really tingly.

So yeah! If you liked this let me know and if not, also let me know- Im obviously new to beauty posts so if I have neglected information or something...
Going to Rome for the first time this weekend so very excited about that!
As ever, stay safe,
LB xx