Woohoo, it’s make-up bag refresh time! I know, I know — a
refresh has January written all over it, but actually that
month is more for the “be the best version of you” mantras.
You’ve got to get through 24 hours of Blue Monday, 31 days
of Dry January — whereas February is when the fun begins.
The sales are over, the high street has finally dismantled the
glitter- bomb mannequins and you could technically, sort of
— if you mumble it — say it’s almost spring. Which means
it’s time to give your make-up bag a makeover.
For me that starts with a new foundation. As you know,
I review them for a living. Some are lovely in the moment but have vanished by lunchtime;
some look great in my bedroom lighting but too made-up and cakey when I catch myself in
the mirror at work; but some garner compliments from the moment you apply them.
“You’re glowing — what is that? Have you done something to your skin?” Over time I’ve
realised that’s the secret of a good foundation: when people compliment your skin rather
than your make-up. That is exactly what I get with Nars Light Reflecting Foundation
( 1 £37.50). It conceals all my acne scars and little burst capillaries, the creamy consistency
doesn’t turn chalky and the overall finish is still radiant and bouncy and fresh.
Next, something to layer over my new skin canvas is Suqqu Melting Powder Blush
( 2 £39). However many years in the industry and I’m still a sucker for words like “melting”
in a name, especially when the product lives up to it. So many blushes sit on top of the skin
à la Krusty the Clown. In fact more do than don’t. It’s rare to find one that blurs and blends
seamlessly into “picture of health” second skin. This one has a translucent, almost fluffy
texture to it that, when applied, looks part of you rather than something you’ve added on
top. My tip for those feeling weary is to apply it high on the cheekbones and keep it on the
outer plains of the face. I sweep my blush upwards towards my hairline for a lifting effect. It
makes all the difference.
I’ve discovered a vegan brand called Deck of Scarlet, which has proceeded directly to my
make-up bag. The new entry is its Threeway Solid Lip Oil ( 3 £25), which is exactly what
we need now that so many of us are up and out again. A speedy on-the-go swipe gives a
balmy high-shine finish with pigment that packs a punch. If you wear a red lip every day
(I’m jealous — it has always been more of a special occasion look for me), then this formula
is what you’d whack on top throughout the day to keep your red fresh and balmy. Or like
me, opt for Buff Rose, which is a mauve nude that reminds me of blush for lips.
Mishel Makeup Liquid Concealer ( 4 £19.50) is the secret to my bright-eyed make-up
when I’m on This Morning. I think people always imagine TV make-up to be heavy and
caked, but this is one of those buttery textures that I especially love because it glides over
the bruised tones around the inner corners of my eyes without creeping into lines. As each
presenter has their make-up done at This Morning, you can see their reactions to their own
eye transformations. I love this product so much that I now keep it with me and dab over
any make-up wear and tear throughout the day too.
Finally, Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel ( 5 £21). This is a fabulous low-
maintenance brush-and-go wand. There is a slight tint, so it subtly fills in gaps as well
as keeping brows in place, and it works on all styles, from thin and barely there to thicker
and fluffy.
I’ve just realised that all today’s products are less “Zoom make-up” and more about lasting
for a long time and looking great in real life, which brings an instant smile to my face.
Make-up bag refresh sorted. Next stop it’s a skincare shelfie overhaul. See you next week
Cat Garcia for the skincare special. ■ @sarahjossel
Sarah Jossel
It’s February – time to get out of hibernation and give
your make-up bag a makeover
54321The Sunday Times Style • 47