The Luxe List

For the past year or so, I’ve kept a dedicated makeup bag which is organised to exclusively be kept in my handbag. It’s a fabulous little iridescent pouch, which is wipe-clean and see through, so I can always find what I’m looking for; and inside I keep only mini versions of my favourite products. I’ve got teeny tubes of everything from moisturiser to mascara, and it means I’m never without go-to products.

When MAC released their limited edition line of mini Fix+ Setting Sprays in a variety of scents, I couldn’t resist picking up a handful. I like scents to be light and fresh, so the first of my choices was the stunning Peony (I also picked up Green Tea and Cucumber). Not only is the bottle absolutely beautiful (just look at those illustrations!) but it smells absolutely divine. I love keeping it on hand for long days when I’m out and about – it’s perfect for reviving hours-old makeup when you want to freshen up. The scent is delicately floral, and is wonderfully calming to use. It’s such a fun little product – I’m already plotting the purchase of a few back-ups so I don’t run out!

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray in Peony is priced at £12.50 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

When it comes to skincare concerns, my focus tends to focus mainly on hydration. Naturally I’ve got dry, sensitive skin, so now we’re heading squarely into the season of cold, harsh weather and central heating, I’ve got to be particularly careful.

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the very best ways to hydrate your skin – skin cells produce Hyaluronic Acid naturally in a bid to maintain moisture levels, but as we age the levels of it produce dip considerably. As the levels nosedive, skin looks more textured, uneven and fine lines become more prominent – it’s not great. Happily, it’s pretty easy to amp up your levels of Hyaluronic Acid – and I’ve been turning to Pestle & Mortar’s Pure Hyaluronic Serum for a gorgeous dose of hydration.

Each morning and night, I’ve been smoothing a couple of drops of the serum into freshly cleansed skin. If I hadn’t just had Profhilo injections (first post here) I would use the serum post dermal-dermal-rollering (but I’m being careful not to break down the collagen created) as the micro wounds created by needling are the perfect way to get the serum deep into layers of skin. As it is though, I’m loving the stuff. It’s gently hydrating, and skinks easily into skin, and is the perfect add on for my regular moisturiser. Since it’s so pure, it’s perfect for all skin types, even if you’re naturally oily or sensitive – kept in the fridge, it’s a super refreshing to apply, and makes skin look and feel absolutely incredible.

Pestle & Mortar Hyaluronic Serum is priced at £39 and is available here

Is it just me, or does blogging about a MAC lipstick feel weirdly nostalgic? Remember when everyone used to get excited about Teddy Girl? I don’t usually head for the MAC lipstick stands when I’m out, purely because I always have a handful of empty MAC packages which I can use to exchange for a freebie.

I’m always on the hunt for the perfect nude lipstick though, and when I caught sight of Bosom Friend, I couldn’t resist (despite my 5 lonely empties sitting at home). Despite the current trend for tawny browns, I really can’t get behind it – it feels too 90s, and who need to worry about teeth looking yellower? So I’m sticking with the pinky nudes.

Originally launched as part of a Nicki Minaj collaboration, Bosom Friend is a stunning cool-toned pink which is the perfect all day lip colour. It’s a cremesheen formula, so it’s not too trying to wear – it can be applied direct from the bullet, and I love it tapped on top of a balm for a subtle touch of colour.

What I didn’t realise when I bought the lipstick, was that the shade is part of MAC’s new Inclusive Nude Lipstick Collection. Shades range from deep chocolates to pearly nudes, so no matter what shade you’re looking for, it’s a good shout to head to your nearest MAC counter.

MAC Bosom Friend is priced at £17.50 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

When it comes to eye makeup, it pays to be picky. There’s nothing worse than shelling out far too much money on a single product, which leaves you looking like a racoon by lunch. Even worse? Those products which fail to leave so much as a mark, no matter how hard you try. Happily, Benefit’s newest offering – their BADgal BANG! 24 Hour Eye Pencil is the stuff of dreams – smooth, buttery and full of pigment which stays exactly where you put it.

Released a few weeks back, there are four shades to choose from (black, brown, blue and plum) and they’re all surprisingly wearable. I opted for Deep Brown since it’s a bit softer looking for day wear, and I’ve become more than a little obsessed with the pencil. Each morning, I’ve been lining my upper waterline with the pencil, smudging a little into the lashline using the handy little smudger. The effect is soft, pretty and subtle i.e. my dream makeup look for day, and I love how much colour comes from such a fine tip. If, like me you hate the mess of sharpening pencils each morning, Benefit has you covered with this one – it’s got a twist-up tip which always stays sharp, and mess free.

Once I’ve applied (and smudged) the liner to my lining, I give it about a minute, and that’s it set. No matter how hot or bothered I get during the day, the liner doesn’t move or fade – it’s like magic, only disappearing when the makeup remover comes out at the end of the day. Benefit promised this lasts a full 24 hours, and I believe them. It’s the perfect accompaniment for their BADgal BANG! Mascara (reviewed here) and has found a new home in my everyday makeup rotation.

Benefit BADgal BANG! 24 Hour Eye Pencil is priced at £18.50 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Is it just me, or do Monday mornings always feel like a little extra effort? As a rule, I try to avoid booking meetings or anything too important for Monday mornings – I’d rather tackle my inbox and schedule my week so I can start my week on the strongest possible foot, so multi-tasking beauty products on busy mornings feel like a real lifesaver.

Whilst I work through my inbox, I apply a generous layer of the Rose Flash Balm and let it get to work – it’s a clever 3-in-1 formula which moisturises and brightens skin, whilst prepping skin for makeup application. It’s a gorgeously silky cream, which feels super-hydrating and nourishing. If you’ve had a busy weekend, this really amps up skin, making it look and feel gloriously healthy.

Unlike some rose products I’ve tried in the past, the fragrance of the Flash Balm is perfect – it’s not heavy and overpowering, instead it’s beautifully light and fresh. Since the formula is so hydrating, it can be used in place of your regular moisturiser too – so it’s perfect if your skin needs a little extra help as we head into autumn and winter.

Pixi Beauty Rose Flash Balm is priced at £26 and is available here (UK) and here (US)