VANITY ALERT! VANITY ALERT! In the past few months I’ve made some small changes to my makeup routine and since I last posted my entry on my daily paint and slather routine. It definitely makes a difference that I’m now grey-blonde rather than dark brown. Since then, I’ve been moving away from the every day heavy under eye liner and darker shadows and kicked pink blusher to the curb- so I’ve been getting more “what makeup do you use?”. So here it is in all it’s girlish glory. Kiss kiss?
Day
Under the harsh fluorescence of an office (just kidding, we don’t have fluorescent lights just really unflattering ones) and running around town on the backs of motos, air kissing, lunching, conferencing, wining, dining, and plenty of networking- I’ve got to make sure my face is on and looks fresh, neat, and polished as I meet the CEO of some law firm or get several bites into my turkey sub.
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder: This powder goes on light for just enough coverage to erase any unwanted shine (no touch ups needed throughout the day!), is satiny smooth, and leaves no cakiness.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in 2: When I’ve lost a few hours of sleep or had one too many glasses of whatever, this highlighter and/or light concealer is a savior for under the eyes. Two clicks of the button and it’s more than enough coverage for any lingering shadows and covers a multitude of sins.
MAC Freckletone Lipstick: The perfect nude (for my complexion): a blend of honey, caramel, and taupe.
MAC Eyeshadow in Shroom: The perfect satin shadow base. Enough said.
MAC Eyeshadow in Saddle & Cork: I’ll interchange these- both go-to’s for subtle, (no shimmer) shadow. Cork, a matte medium brown ideal for every day wear and Saddle, a matte camel tone: both look excellent layered or worn alone.
MAC Fresh Honey Mineralize Blush: I’ve just recently added this back into my cosmetic repertoire feeling like I needed a little more color. It was a limited edition and has a bit of shimmer (which I usually hate) but brightens up my complexion on dull days.
MAC Blunt Powder Blush: Ideal for contouring where needed and a great step-in for bronzer if I’m feeling extra vamp.
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black: The best liquid liner I’ve used and the cheapest- stays on through a workout (don’t judge! I know I should wash off before hitting the treadmill but if I give it too much thought, I wouldn’t go…upstairs…) and glides on like a dream. I’d say even novice users could easily make this work, although I did hear a joke recently to “never ask a woman why she’s late when she’s wearing winged liner.” Fortunately I’ve been doing this since I was getting my driver’s permit- so no issue there!
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Blackest Black: Now using this less during the day and more for evenings- but a little extra swipe on the outer corners of the eyes can add a little brightness to the whites of the eyes. I like the Brown in this version also for day wear for more subtle enhancement.
NYX Eyebrow Pencil: A tidy, thick brow has become increasingly popular thanks to models Bambi and Cara- but I find that not only do they accentuate the rest of my face- but add definition right where I want it. This comes in a few colors with a handy little brush for cleaning up stray hairs, which is always a plus. I’ve tried plenty and don’t have a particular one I’m in love with- so I’m using NYX for the moment but switch it up with randoms from Asian makeup shops every other day.
Night
Since my daytime look is pretty much put together and I rarely have time to pop home in between work and an event, I have to keep add-ons at a minimum. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to add that little extra pop of glimmer or color to take my look one notch up into cocktail hour.
MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Sweet Heat: Even though I highly dislike most shimmer and glitter- this shadow is so subtle it’s ideal for highlighting the browbone, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and wherever else you want a little gleam. It also looks lovely by itself as a shadow…sometimes you’ve just got to shine.
MAC Lipstick in Hang Up: My go-to for a dark lip, I love the Merlot stain this lipstick imparts after it’s been worn a while. While I adore Brave Red for a true Hollywood glam lip- there’s something elegant that just works with this color. Also, a perfect match for the beige and nude base I tend to have on the rest of my face.
Givenchy Mister Mat Mattifying Foundation Primer: While I never wear liquid foundation- there are some days I know are going to last longer than 14 hours on the go. When I know it’s going to be one of those? I smear some Mister Mat on my face before applying anything. The silicone extracts leave a velvety finish and hold your face in place. I’ve yet to try Makeup Forever’s Primer- which I hear is a tough contender- but so far this has been the best.
Every Day
Avéne Cold Cream: Once again, I praise the effects of Avéne products- particularly their cold cream. Non greasy yet dewy beyond belief, this moisturizer forgives air conditioned days and nights and cigarettes galore…for now.
Avéne 50+ SPF High Protection Mineral Cream: Same as above- but with SPF 50. Can you go wrong with an extra dose of coverage? The answer is a hard “no”.
Soap and Glory Hand Food: I love a heavy slather of Soap and Glory’s Hand Food before heading out to work in the morning and right before dozing off to sleep. It keeps my cuticles in check, my workout callouses somewhat smooth, and smells delicious.
Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker: Like most lip glosses that promise a bigger, Jolie-like pout, I highly doubt that the Sexy Motherpucker does much more than give the lips a bit of tingle for a few moments. However, the formula is the perfect blend of not too sticky and shiny. Kind of like if MAC Lipglass and Chanel Lévres Scintillantes had a baby. I prefer the non-tinted versions and it smells and tastes somewhat vanilla-y. Can’t argue with that, can you?
Mixa Soin Des Lévres (lip balm): The perfect lip balm from France (not shown in products), simple, non-scented, and ultra nourishing. This goes where I go and I usually have an extra stashed on my nightstand, in my purse, and somewhere around my desk.
CocoKhmer Coconut Oil: Every night I either slather my entire face and body with coconut oil or press a few drops around my eyes for extra moisture. Use a coconut oil that is unrefined with no additives for the best results. Plus, you can drink it straight (1 tablespoon recommended per day)- which just adds to it’s perfection: the lauric acid in coconut oil can kill germs and fight off viruses and fungi, aids in digestion, and improves blood cholesterol levels. They do say it’s what’s on the inside that counts…
(you can buy CocoKhmer products at Artillery in Phnom Penh)
And last but DEFINITELY not least…the fragrances.
While I tend to stick with Tom Ford for my signature, it’s always fun to throw in a few other’s here and there when you’re in a different mood. Here’s what’s on my vanity:
Tom Ford Black Orchid
Tom Ford White Patchouli
Boucheron Place Vendome
Jil Sander
Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Travel Perfume (perfect for on the go, super cheap, and well…very sexy)
Lolita Lempicka
Chanel Coco Noir
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Paco Rabanne Lady Millions
Spritz and go!
mischke business 