HOW-TO: FULL COVERAGE BASE THAT LASTS ALL DAY

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Most recently in my summer summary edit, I talked to you about the importance of good coverage in a base. I never used to appreciated coverage, as it meant heavy cakey finish. I thought it wasn't possible to find a base that not only covers but also lasts all day looking perfect (well ish!) on my dry skin. There are a lot of misconceptions about dry skin. Drier types will experience very similar problems with the foundations that combination and oily types. Lately, I have found the holy grail trio, which allows me to relax as it lasts all day, gives the most flawless finish and covers everything I need covering. This is a how-to for a busy woman, who can't afford to check on her makeup every couple of hours. Boss babe, who rarely finds time for lunch, not to mention a powder top up. Girl boss who walks tall and confident to a 4 o'clock meeting knowing her skin just like her is flawless and ready to take on another challenge. Finally, a woman who finds herself torn between wanting a glowing complexion and getting a full coverage base at the same time. If you too struggle to find that perfect in-between, allow me to show you the three products that will not only allow you to kick arse no matter what time of the day or night it is but also save you time and energy worrying. Late night? I have a concealer that will lighten the hell out of your dark circles and contour at the same time. All in less than 5 minutes in the morning. Are you ready?

Smashbox Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation

It all starts with a foundation. Let's skip the skincare bit, as I've only recently talked you through my morning skincare routine - POST. I truly believe that by following a few skincare steps, you can forget about primer. Lately, I can get same results with my foundation with or without primer. Smashbox Studio Skin truly offers a 15-hour wear, smashing coverage and a unique formula which offers dry skin-hydrating benefits. No oils mean you won't have to struggle with oxidation either. The formula doesn't darken at all, which is always a plus, especially for fair skinned ladies. I managed to find my shade in their lightest neutral toned 0.5 which is only slightly pink but light enough to match with my neck (hallelujah!). I use only a pump of product and it's enough for a nice light base. You can build it up of course, but one pump gives a strong medium coverage and it's enough for day to day. I apply it with my fingers massaging the product in roughly, building coverage where needed and finish off with a Beauty Blender for the most flawless finish. Also, Smashbox continues to be a cruelty-free brand and I know it's something a lot of my readers identify with.

♦Ingredients/INCI

WATER\AQUA\EAU , CYCLOPENTASILOXANE , TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE , TITANIUM DIOXIDE , BUTYLENE GLYCOL , TRIMETHYL PENTAPHENYL TRISILOXANE , SILICA

Buy me (£29.50 for 30ml): Smashbox UK | Boots

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

The concealer to end all concealers. Incredible coverage, light formula sits well under eyes and an ultra light shade that highlights even my extremely pale skin. I really need to order a backup and will probably go Tarte directly next, maybe just order a couple at the same time to justify the customs and delivery charges. If you have had any experiences with ordering from Tarte to the UK, please let me know. Let's circle back to the formula. When first applied I worried it'll be heavy as the creamy formula looked everything but light. Then the first application (Beauty Blender of course and set with powder) and it felt like angels singing. Ultralight shade actually contoured my features which rarely happens and it's one of those concealers you can actually apply crease-free around eyes. I don't know what it is, but it just works. It's not drying either and works with all foundations I have tested it with so far. I'm in love. I stopped using other concealers and I'm not even tempted to buy any either. Tarte Shape Tape is perfect and I can't see any replacing it anytime soon. 

♦Ingredients/INCI

WATER/AQUA/EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, AMYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, CONVALLARIA MAJALIS BULB/ROOT EXTRACT, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GERANIOL, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM FLOWER EXTRACT, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, MAGNOLIA LILIFLORA FLOWER EXTRACT, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED BUTTER, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TBHQ, TOCOPHEROL, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, ULMUS DAVIDIANA ROOT EXTRACT. (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Buy me: Tarte US (£21.00) | QVC UK (£28.00)

RCMA No-Colour Powder

The holy grail powder you probably heard me and other bloggers talk to death about. I have tried many powders before such as Lancome, Estee Lauder, and MAC to name a few and not a single one compares. It's so universal, I've used it on my own dry skin but also on the skin much more dehydrated and even oily once and it works every single time. The matte finish it offers is anything but flat and the natural finish lasts at least 8 hours on me (truly depending on foundation and primer). Used alongside Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation and Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, I am known for wearing the combination for at least 12 hours each day. And guess what? It's not drying either. I have been using it non-stop for a good year and I barely made a dent in the packaging. It is known to sell out constantly but I have found you a couple of places to shop safely in the UK (some with worldwide delivery!) 

♦Ingredients/INCI

TALC, SILICA

Buy me (£11.95-£13): Beauty Bay | RCMA | Love Makeup | Beautylish

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Love