BELOW, THE STYLISH NANCY BUCKLAND KIRK SHARES HER NEW MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS AND BEAUTY WISDOM AND IT’S A TESTAMENT TO HOW MUCH WE CARE ABOUT YOU, THE READER, THAT WE’RE STILL ONLINE SHARING THIS WITH YOU, RATHER THAN AT THE BEAUTY COUNTERS SELFISHLY STOCKING UP!
The clued-up millennial is an expert on all things beauty before they have even sat a GCSE. They know their ‘looks’ and are proficient in how to create the perfect face for social-media finishes, or even that old fashioned event, the real life meet-up. Filtered, contoured, highlighted and shimmering, it’s all about keeping up – and we know exactly who with!
Speed forward a few decades on the planet and I am still holding on to my MAC Spice Lip Liner. Beloved by Linda Evangelista, it’s part of an ensemble cast of usual beauty suspects that definitely need an update. I have been lucky enough to try so many beauty products, but if you look inside my make-up bag, sometimes my face still thinks it is 1995.
If am sticking to tried-and-tested formulas then I am often in good company. The world’s most famous Jennifers, both Aniston and Lopez, often revert to their go-to favourites. However, sometimes not only is it great to try something new, it is also necessary. You might still love that winged black eyeliner, as inspired by Naomi Campbell in George Michael’s ‘Freedom’ video but, 28 years on, it could start to look a little Elsie Tanner.
If you know who Elsie Tanner is, then you are definitely in the right place. Read on.
Trinny London Flush Blush
If you think Trinny is just a fashion guru, it is time to adjust your perception. She’s bringing make-up for women into a whole new sphere. Trinny recently filmed an Instagram story featuring her favourite make-up look from the past and a newer version. She totally won me over. Out went the heavy eye and matte lip, and in came something far more glossy. Flush Blush (£20) is the perfect antidote to overdone, chalky looking cheeks and is part of Trinny’s stackable system, which means you can pop all your beauty products into one stack, to move as you do. Creamy and easy to use, Flush Blush is all about the glow that complements luminescent skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
As time moves on, getting your foundation right is probably the most difficult beauty hurdle. Step forward, Charlotte Tilbury, who showcased some dazzling looks at the recent Academy Awards, and this was the product that stole the limelight. Flawless Filter (£30) can be applied before your favourite Charlotte Tilbury foundation or mixed with it, as it is the ultimate primer, highlighter and illuminator. The quality and texture of skin is what women really talk about over and above other concerns, and this little discovery is not to be missed.
Beauty Pie One Pot Wonder
If you haven’t heard of Beauty Pie, it’s time to listen up. Founded by industry legend, Marcia Kilgore, it allows members to buy luxury skincare and cosmetics at factory prices. One Pot Wonder (£4.16 to members) is an absolute must if you don’t get on with heavy, pressed powders. It helps to give skin a matte finish where it is needed, but is so fine and translucent it doesn’t weigh your complexion down. Marcia calls it Uberlucent, and she certainly knows her stuff.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint
We cannot mention natural, wearable make-up without acknowledging the brand that started it all: Bobbi Brown. It is impossible to walk away from a Bobbi Brown experience without feeling your best self. Having walked away from a few other beauty counters looking a little more Lily Savage, in my time, I know which look I prefer! Extra Lip Tint (£25.50) solves so many dilemmas at once, it deserves every accolade it receives. First of all, the natural shades enable you to have a gorgeously glossy daytime look. The brighter shades allow you to sport an evening colour pop whilst keeping your lips plump and moisturised.
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth_infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer
Back when a tube of Hide The Blemish sat in my school blazer pocket, I dreamed of being an Estee Lauder girl. I never got that far, as Paulina Porizkova beat me to it, but now I am well aware that a one stop, do-it-all concealer is no longer my friend. Perfectionist Youth Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer (£29) is a double ended multi-tasker. It covers imperfections and dark circles, without the waxy feel of so many cover ups. It is great for eyes, but can be used anywhere on the face. Estee Lauder might be a traditional name but it is spot-on at innovation.
Try not to be overwhelmed. Get the basics right and you can be playful with eyes. Modern formulations will get you through summer in style. Do you have a beauty station at home? Me neither! I don’t have a You Tube channel, and I’m not sure I want to be airbrushed with matching dog ears, but I reserve the right to keep up with trends. Knowledge and experience allow you to filter out what you don’t need. I’m already in possession of the above and I would be lost without them, but I will never give up that lip liner.
The summer of 1995 is making a comeback, I hear, and no matter your age is, every girl needs a little Spice in her life.
About the author: Nancy Buckland Kirk is a writer with a keen interest in fashion and beauty and a career which has spanned modelling, teaching and spreading the word about leading beauty brands.
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