My Current Beauty Obsessions

MAKEUP ESSENTIALS

I was scrolling through Twitter for blog posts to read when more than once I came across tweets mentioning 'current beauty faves' and 'current obsessions'. That, of course, reminded me of all the new favourites I had picked up over the past few weeks and I could not resist writing up a post on all of the ones I've come to love.

1. ModelCo VolumEyes Mascara: My friend picked this up for me at the DownUnder Makeup Sale, because my then mascara was past its use-by, and it needed replacing. I saw this on the ModelCo website, and being very impressed by the mostly positive reviews. I really love this mascara, believe it or not. It may lengthen your lashes a tiny bit, but its charm comes from the creamy formula that coats each individual lash, and the wand, whilst looking like a regular spoolie, is anything but regular. It properly separates the lashes, making them look thick and plentiful without clumping. You know, for research purposes, I have a travel-sized tube Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes Mascara, and that doesn't even perform half as well as the VolumEyes Mascara.

2. Milani Shadow Eyez Eyeshadow Pencil in Champagne Toast: I picked this one up because I really wanted to see how eyeshadow pencils would work with my oily eyelids, and I wanted something champagne-coloured so that I could wear it on its own. Worn without a primer, it is useless as it begins to crease like a mofo in a matter of minutes, but with a primer, oh yeah, baby! It imparts a layer of warm pink shimmer, and the intensity depends on how much you use. It is easily blendable, and dries quickly. It became a staple in my daily makeup bag, and I'm going to buy a few more shades the next time I go to the DownUnder Makeup store.

3. Speaking of eye makeup, I cannot not talk about my latest discovery, the Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Take On The Day Eyeshadow Primer. This little baby has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, and now all I can think about is wearing eyeshadow every single day, regardless of whether I'm going out or staying home. This provides the longest anti-crease wear I have ever had the fortune of experiencing, especially with my greasy eyelids. I wear this with a bit of powder for some extra protection and nothing budges. I also love this on the under-eye area, as it prevents creasing and caking when I apply powder to set concealer.

4. Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose: Oh look, another Milani product. Problem is that I really, really like their stuff, and this is no exception. I could go on about a handful of other Milani products, but I won't, not yet. This one is my go-to blush, out of a dozen other blushes that I have in my arsenal. It's a warm subtle shade of rose, one that leaves a natural flush of colour. It's vegan, the packaging is sturdy and secure, the colour is pigmented and not powdery at all, and the rose motif is super adorable.

5. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, one of the latest additions to my makeup game. Aside from the gorgeous 50's themed design of the packaging and the really creative names the brand comes up with, this product packs a punch. The highlighting game is on point, being more metallic than glittery, and capturing the light with a warm glow, that can be anywhere from subtle to lighting up the entire room. I use this on the tops of my cheeks, my nose, cupid's bow and sometimes above and below the brows. This lasts all day, and you really only need a tiny bit to give yourself a dewy look. Oh, and this compact has a mirror built in on the underside of the lid, which certainly makes the transition from day to night makeup while on the train that much easier.

And now, I'm going to go back into my bedroom and lovingly gaze at the Manizer, and tenderly caress it like Gollum does with the Ring in his cave. Am I absurd? Probably.

What are your current makeup faves? Paste a link in the comments if you have one like this, or at the very least, a link to your blog so I can check it out!