My Everyday Make-up: The Products I Am Loving Right Now

I have already written about my routine for a natural-looking complexion without foundation. Today, I am sharing the products I use for my brows, eyes and lips.

My make-up bag has become much smaller over the past few months. I still love discovering new products, but I always seem to return to the same favourites.

At the moment, I mostly use Merit, Victoria Beckham Beauty and Hourglass. It is a small edit that lets me get ready quickly without turning my bathroom into a theatrical dressing room.

My Brows After Permanent Make-up

A few years ago, I had permanent make-up applied to my brows. It was fashionable, a friend had a salon at the time, and I was tempted to try it.

The problem is, once you start, you are STUCK with it!

Then there are the regular touch-ups, which of course come at a cost. And can we talk about the pain? This is coming from a tattoo artist!

This is only my personal experience, so it will not be the same for everyone. I completely understand the appeal of permanent make-up when brows are very sparse, but in my case it simply was not necessary.

Especially as my brows were already quite full. I did not need to reshape them permanently, although that only became obvious to me rather late. They do say we learn from our mistakes.

Over time, the shape and colour no longer felt like me and the overall effect looked far too artificial. I eventually had the pigment removed so I could return to my natural brows.

These days, I prefer to define them lightly depending on my mood.

Most importantly, I am no longer stuck with a brow shape I do not like.

Merit Brow 1990 for Natural Definition

I use Merit Brow 1990 in the shade Brown Black.

Its ultra-fine tip makes it easy to fill in any uneven areas. I draw a few hair-like strokes between my natural brows without changing their shape completely.

I am not after a perfectly sharp finish. I prefer a natural brow with just a little more definition.

It looks subtle rather than overly drawn on, which is exactly what I now want to avoid. After my experience with permanent make-up, the fact that it washes off at night is also a very good selling point.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyeliner for Soft Definition

For my eyes, I use an eyeliner pencil from Victoria Beckham Beauty.

I apply it close to the lash line, then soften it with my fingertip. The result is much gentler than a perfectly precise line.

The colour shows up in a single stroke and the texture remains easy to blend. I can define my eyes quickly without using several shadows or getting every brush out.

That is exactly what I want from an eyeliner: enough pigment to make a difference, but soft enough to forgive a less-than-perfect application.

This one does the job beautifully. Even with very little product, my eyes look more defined.

Merit Mascara for Longer, Defined Lashes

I finish my eye make-up with Merit mascara.

I am not necessarily looking for lots of volume. I prefer lashes that look longer, well separated and free from clumps.

This mascara opens up my eyes without looking heavy. It works particularly well with the softly smudged Victoria Beckham eyeliner.

Those two products are more than enough for my everyday make-up. My eyes look more defined, but the result still feels effortless and easy to wear from the morning onwards.

My Hourglass Lip Duo

For my lips, I use two Hourglass products.

I begin with the Shape and Sculpt Lip Liner in Silhouette, a shade somewhere between reddish brown and burgundy.

I trace the outline, then gently blend the pencil towards the centre of my lips. It prevents the line from looking too precise and makes the colour much easier to wear.

I then apply Phantom Blur Balm in Echo 50, Soft Neutral Pink.

The balm softens the liner and makes everything feel more comfortable. Together, they define my lips without the formal finish of a classic lipstick.

I can also reapply the balm easily during the day without redrawing the entire lip line after every coffee, which is always a bonus.

The Make-up Products I Actually Use

I used to own a lot of make-up, including several almost identical versions of the same product.

Now I prefer to keep a small edit that I genuinely use. Brow 1990 defines my brows, the Victoria Beckham pencil enhances my eyes and Merit mascara separates my lashes. The Hourglass duo finishes the look with an easy-to-wear wash of colour.

I still love new launches and beautiful packaging. A particularly lovely tube can win me over before I even know whether I will like what is inside.