What's on my face right now.

As new products make their way into my hands, my make up/skincare routine has changed steadily over the past few months.  This is what I'm loving right now...

Dermalogica Microfoliant

This was thrust into my hands by my mother last time I went to visit, as I lamented the cost of a good cleanser.  Her sensitive skin doesn't need a daily exfoliator, but mine definitely is starting to show the benefits.  It's a funny old product - a water activated powder that promises to even skin tone, reduce uneven pigmentation and clarify.  And it seems to be working pretty well so far! Fingers crossed in a few months my spot scars will be gone and my concealer can be thrust aside.

Illamasqua Skin Base (#8)

As soon as I heard about this foundation I had to get it, but I decided to hold tight and wait until I could get into a store rather than guessing my shade online.  And boy I'm glad I did, as I was matched with a shade about 4 up from what I'd imagined! 

I know a lot of people have had issues with this, primarily due to flaking, but my combination/normal skin loves the stuff.  This may be due in part to the fact that I use a primer first, but the finish is fantastic and lasts ALL day.  One of the main selling points to me was that this doesn't contain SPF.  I don't know why so many foundations do as there will be so little protection from the little blob of foundation, and there is no way it will provide the same coverage as a good sunscreen. By eliminating the spf, the dreaded 'flashback' white face is avoided...hello cameras!!

Mac Prep & Prime Skin

Whilst on the subject of foundation/primer - this is my current 'go-to' primer.  It's my second tube and I am still loving it - just one pump covers my entire face and smoothes my skin perfectly before I apply foundation.  And it definitely cuts down the 'mid-afternoon shine' that has blighted me many a time.  Will it be another re-purchase when this one runs out? I think so!

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4D

I am a cynical mascara purchaser, to say the least.  Being a natural redhead I am 'blessed' with blonde lashes and brows, so a black mascara is never far from my clutches.  I'd heard a few good things about L'Oreal's latest offering and I am so glad I picked this up.  This adds the perfect amount of volume, length and colour without clumps. 

My mascara application method? As much as possible!

I bought this when on offer in Boots (which may be over but is still on at Superdrug) and got a free colour infallible eyeshadow to replace the Mac Brule I smashed a few months ago - thanks magnetic palettes! I am also a big fan of this shadow, which does in fact seem to last all day without a primer...pretty good for a 'drugstore' product.

Mac 'Musky Amethyst'

The only item I picked up from the Semi Precious collection that debuted a few weeks ago, this lipstick is a bit of an unseasonal purchase, but I had been after a rich plum/berry lipstick for about a year and this fitted the bill perfectly.  It's a frost finish so perfect lips are a must, but the colour is exactly what I was after, and the finish means it can be worn as a sheer stain or layered up for a rich vampy pout.  Perfect with soft dewy skin and I can see this sticking with me right through winter.

What are your beauty must haves right now?