I'm a bit of a floozy when it comes to makeup. I'm happy to swap items in and out, put old favourites on the backburner or just generally try something new - because that's how you discover little gems like these ones. As we step into the new season we're already thinking about changing up our beauty regimes (darker tones, heavier foundations and more dramatic looks,) so it's the perfect time to invest in new bits and pieces that will help you feel fabulous every day of the week. I've picked out five great buys that I think will aid the transition while working hard to provide the results you want; starting at only £2.50, they're all deserving of the 'worthy investment' title as you'll be enjoying them all the way to spring.
1. Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick (£19.00)
I've had a thing for the Too Faced chocolate liquid lipsticks all year, but these super matte versions provide a dramatic finish and striking result that ups-the-anti just a touch. The sponge applicator helps the colour to glide over lips and line the contours for a super precise look, while the texture of the lipstick prevents any heaviness or dryness; in fact, there's no creasing, caking or splitting once the liquid is applied. There are a billion liquid lipsticks out there at the moment, but the strength of pigment and amazing colours of the Too Faced versions makes them exceptionally covetable. I adore this bold pink shade (It's Happening-Bright Magenta) as an alternative to traditional reds and burgandy tones during autumn, particularly as it brings freshness to an otherwise autumnal and dark look.
2. Benefit Ka-Brow (£18.50)
When Benefit launched their whole new range of brow products back in June (see my full feature here,) this was actually the product I couldn't get undone to test. (Gutted.) Thankfully I was able to get my hands on another one and it's become possibly my most favourite of brow tools of all time. The creamy-gel texture is easy to build up a strong, yet still natural and not 'over done', result which is only aided by the little angled brush that sits within the lid. As someone who doesn't have a full brow arch, I find this is the perfect helping hand to help create great brows from nothing; I just have to dip the brush and use it to do the hard work for me in pretty much one swoop. Thankfully it doesn't budge or transfer, plus it adds a little texture to help brows look fuller instantly.
3. Pur Eye Polish (£17.00)
This unusual wet 'polish' comes packaged in a little pot and is applied by 'bouncing' your brush on the mesh seal. It's incredibly saturated with pigment and is super easy to apply to lids, creating a beautiful bronze smokey eye that stays put; it doesn't crease or budge once it's left to dry for a few seconds. Pur claim this can be used as an eye primer and top-coat, but too be honest I don't get that at all - this is just a great liquid eyeshadow. You can use it over the top of other shadows, apply as a liner or simply buff into lids for a subtle metallic finish; it's a great alternative to dry eyeshadows if you're after a bolder look or aren't that great at blending too. I wore this in New York over the summer and I had more comments on my eyeshadow than I think I've ever gotten before.
4. Lancôme Cushion Blusher (£28.00)
Cushion foundations are already becoming pretty mainstream (I love them, FYI) so it's about time this trend started to emerge in different categories. The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation that corresponds to this blush is amazing, but it unfortunately runs out really quickly; as an alternative this cushion blush helps to add a touch of subtle colour to the cheeks in a really natural way, that's great both over a dewy base or a heavier foundation. I love to gently pat this onto my cheeks for a natural flush that's both on-trend and great for autumn - it's the perfect alternative to heavy contouring as a way of adding natural radiance to skin. Although the formula inside is nothing spectacular, it's buildable and long-lasting, as well as being subtle enough for those that don't like to overdo their makeup look. A dusting of powder helps to keep this in place and create a uniform finish, but don't apply too much or you could dull the effect.
5. Essence 2-in-1 Lipstick & Liner (£2.50)
A complete bargain at less than the price of my morning hazlenut latte, this tapered bullet acts as both a liner to frame the lips and a lipstick to fill them in with colour. Available in a multitude of colours, including this gorgeous berry shade that's so perfect for wintery nights it hurts, the formula is non-greasy and really comfortable to wear. Although it does wear off quite quickly and transfers easily, at less than three quid you can't really complain. So many of my favourite lipsticks are tricky to apply because of their chunky tips, but this makes the application process a doddle - precise results and strong pigment will be yours in a jiffy. (Essence is only available to buy in Wilkinson stores nationwide; the link is for reference only.)
Have you tried any of these five makeup gems? Do you have any others you're loving right now?
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Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.