Current Beauty Favourites

 

1. Max Factor CC Cream in Fair (€14.99): None of my everyday foundations stood a chance when this colour correcting cream entered my life, it’s like Photoshop in a tube! While the coverage is light to medium, it neutralises redness, covers imperfections and softens the appearance of pores and fine lines. The lightweight formula is really hydrating; this is definitely best suited to those with drier complexions.  But the best part? The finish. Max Factor CC Cream imparts a gorgeous, dewy glow. The shade Fair blends seamlessly into my pale visage, another big plus. Application is easy; I use either my fingers or the Real Techniques Stippling Brush, and you only need a tiny amount so the 30ml tube lasts for ages. €15 well spent.

Max Factor CC Cream in 40 Fair

2. Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair/Light (€16.49): When it comes to affordable pressed powders, I know my stuff. I’ve tried them all; from Natural Collection to L’Oréal, and everything in between. However, this one is in a league of its own. Revlon Photoready Powder contains light reflective particles that give skin a natural but luminous finish. If you prefer a matte look, this probably isn’t for you. Nevertheless, it effectively sets foundation and eliminates shine. As it’s so finely milled, it doesn’t look cakey on the skin - a problem with many budget powders. The compact itself is sturdy and contains a mirror and a brush, perfect for touch-ups on the go.

Revlon Photoready Powder in 010 Fair/Light         

3. Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm (€16): Continuing with the glow theme, this balm (it’s more like a lotion really) was a gift from a friend. I apply it after moisturiser and before foundation, and on occasion, on top of my cheekbones after my makeup has set. This delivers a very subtle sheen to the skin without any shimmer. I’ve been really enjoying using this; the minty fragrance is refreshing and I feel it makes me look less fatigued. However, there are more affordable dupes out there such as Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm, which is what I’ll be purchasing when this runs out.

Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm              

 

4. No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Paprika (€8.75): Orangey-red lipsticks are everywhere this summer but it’s hard to find a liner to match, especially an inexpensive one. This moisturising pencil is the answer to your coral-hued prayers. I love pairing it with Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger.

 

5. MAC Lip Pencil in Currant (€16.50): This is the product of a Brown Thomas gift card, I wouldn’t normally spend so much money on a lip liner. It is, however, incredibly long-lasting and worth every cent. I was advised to team this with MAC Rebel but I feel Rimmel Glam Plum Fulham is a more suitable mate.

 

6. Essence Lip Liner in 07 Cute Pink (€1.29): Yes, another lip liner! This creamy pencil is the ultimate my-lips-but-better shade. I like to wear it on its own or with No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Pink Hint. I strongly recommend checking out the Essence range of lip liners; they have some gorgeous shades for mere pocket change.

 

                                From left to right: No7 Paprika, MAC Currant, Essence Cute Pink          

Thrifty Treat Of The Week: Essence Liquid Eyeliner

 

I’ll get straight to the point – this €2.89 eyeliner is outstanding. The deeply pigmented formula (I’m talking black black) is one of the most long-lasting I’ve tried. This stuff doesn’t budge; it stays in place all day without smudging or flaking. The sponge-tipped applicator, similar to L’Oréal’s Super Liner, takes a little getting used to if pencil or gel is your liner of choice. However, after one or two attempts, a smooth, precise line will be yours. I find it ideal for creating a dramatic cat eye. The compact tube fits snugly into my makeup bag, and removal is a cinch with an oil-based cleanser. Good job Essence!

 

Thrifty Treat Of The Week is a weekly series on The Retro Suitcase. Occasionally, the series will only appear on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram so follow me for excellent bargains, tips and offers!

My Brow Routine

When it comes to eyebrows, big is proving to be beautiful. The power brow trend is showing no signs of going anywhere, which is great news if you have, like me, naturally thick eyebrows. Brows are a touchy subject for many women. We've all been a bit too enthusiastic with the tweezers or heavy-handed with the eyebrow pencil. I aggressively tackled my bushy brows for the first time at the age of 16 and came away with sad stubby eyebrows. I literally tweezed half of them off and they still haven't grown back fully. 

Personally, I recommend threading over any other form of brow shaping. I've only had my eyebrows threaded once, in Threads Brow Bar in House of Fraser, but I've been able to maintain the shape and that was almost two years ago! Below is my current brow routine, it takes about 3 minutes.

 

1. After applying foundation, I brush through my eyebrows using a brow brush.

2. Next I brush a light sweeping of pressed powder over my brows to absorb any excess oil from my moisturiser/foundation. I find this increases the longevity of the eyebrow pencil.

3. Using an eyebrow pencil, my favourite is Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black/Brown, I begin to define the highest point of my brow using light strokes. Starting at the highest point helps to determine the shape of the rest of the brow. It also makes the brow appear bolder. I prefer using pencil over powder as it’s quicker to apply and creates a more intense look.

4. When my brows are fully filled in, I use a cotton bud to gently soften any lines. I then brush through them using brow gel. My current favourite is by Essence.

Don’t worry if your brows aren't totally symmetrical. Remember eyebrows are sisters, not twins!

Eyeliner Pens: Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner Vs. Essence Extra Longlasting Eyeliner Pen

What girl doesn’t love a retro cat eye flick? This classic look can be achieved by using pencil, liquid, powder, cake or gel eyeliner.  I personally prefer to use liquid eyeliner in the form of a pen. Eyeliner pens are a doddle to use and create a precise line and a flawless wing with little or no mess. They’re ideal for those of you who find the cat eye flick troublesome.

 

I’ve been using two budget eyeliner pens recently, Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner and Essence Extra Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen, and I’ve decided to put them through their paces and see which one comes out on top.

 

Claims:

Collection: ‘All day wear felt tip liner for perfectly defined lines. Easy to apply, fast dry formula.’

Essence: ‘Eyeliner pen for a precise line. Colour intensive and extra long-lasting. Smudge proof.’

Price:

Collection: €4.79

Essence: €3.09

Pigmentation:

While they are both strongly pigmented, Collection’s formula is slightly darker. Also, Essence’s felt tip may look more pointed but Collection’s is sturdier making application easier.
 

 

Longevity:

Collection: After 8 hours smudging occurs. Fading is noticeable after 10 hours.

Essence: After 6 hours smudging and fading occurs.

Conclusion:

It may be more expensive and not live up to its mammoth 24 hour claims but Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner is the winner. Essence Extra Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen on the other hand should not be sniffed at. Despite its tiny price tag it puts in the work and would be perfect for a cat eye flick novice.

 

Beauty Tutorial: Pink And Gold Nails Perfect For Spring/Summer

Pastel coloured nails dominated the spring 2012 runways. Armani, Marc Jacobs and Chanel sent their models out sporting nails dipped in creamy beiges, soft lemons and rose pinks. I've recreated this feminine look but by putting my own spin on it - adding a sparkly gold making it a little less demure. I've used Essence nail polishes which I love. Their wearability is just as good as other budget brands such as 17 and Rimmel  and at just €1.29 a pop you can throw two or three into your shopping basket without feeling too guilty.

Left to right: Essence Nude Glam in 04 Iced Latte, Essence Colour & Go in 50 Irreplaceable, Essence Gel-Look Topcoat

I started by putting on a base coat, currently I'm using Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat. Then I applied two thin coats of the nude polish letting it dry completely between coats. This helps prevent chipping. Next I applied the gold polish; using small vertical strokes I covered just the tips of the nails. After this dried I applied the gel-look topcoat. This gives a really glossy shine, much better than the Sally Hansen.