Glamoursleuth

Makeup is therapy.  There are some who would call it camouflage (men, probably) however most women feel happier catching sight of their face in the mirror with blush and lipstick.  Having been marketed to ad nauseam to purchase one or many of the millions of cosmetics out there who manages to resist?  Not I and probably not you.  And for a guilt free fix or treat – or gift – what could be better than a little pot of something shimmery and beautifully scented?

Radiance boosting, light enhancing makeup has grown up in a big way over the past few years, and for those who haven’t thought about updating their makeup case recently, or want to add some radiance into their routine but aren’t sure how without getting lit up like a Christmas tree, these will do the trick nicely, provided you don’t slather them on, of course.  Let alone all at once………but they will all add light and shimmer and radiance where you need it most.

Nars The Multiple is a highlighter that comes in quite a few colors.  The paler sticks, such as Copacabana, add a shimmering highlight wherever you want it, and are great for adding light to cheeks and a quick lift under the eyes over your concealer. 

I’m never very far from one of these, particularly when travelling long haul, when my makeup has disappeared by the end of the trip.  It will stop you looking tired in a couple of seconds but as with everything, don’t over apply or you could end up looking a bit like a panda.


Nars blush in Orgasm -  Nars have given names with sexy overtones to most of their products, but this, judging by how many variations there now are from The Multiple in Orgasm to nail polish, lip gloss and illuminator is the most successful and no surprises there – I haven’t come across a colour that suits everyone as well as this one does, nor that gives such a great wake-up call to the face. 

With a soft peachy glow you don’t need very much of Nars’ bestselling blush -  it’s an all time favourite for thousands.

Another great product to hit the market recently is Laura Mercier’s Face Illuminator in Spellbound.  If you want this one you had better snap it up fast, as it is a Limited Edition product, some stores never received it and upon searching I can see that some have sold out. 

Spellbound adds a wash of very subtle golden colour over the face.  Having always been sceptical about such promises I had no intention of buying it when I tried it in the US but my resistance flew out of the window when I saw just how good it really was.  Order yours as soon as possible.

Here’s one that I’ve been using for a very long time and have no intention of changing as I have never found a lipstick as good.  Clinique’s Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Soft Bronze is not just long lasting, but moisturising and with a soft very slightly shimmering colour that won’t detract or distract from anything you’re wearing.  

For those with cooler colouring try Baby Kiss Soft Shine in the same lipstick.  Those addicted to reds and plums will already be running away but those colours can look harsh and drain skintone in the light of day so if you haven’t changed your lip colour for a while it may be time to have a rethink.

Trish McEvoy is one of my all time favourite cosmetic brands from the US and you can find it here in Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.  I never travel without her makeup planner, which allows me to completely re-do my makeup before arrival.  This can be expensive to set up initially, although you can (shhhhh) use your own products as well however your planner will last for years. 

For pure therapy go and visit your nearest branch of Selfridges or Harvey Nichols and have them do your Trish McEvoy makeup for you, then start your collection but be warned these products are addictive.

Her Eye Base Essentials are designed to use as an eyeshadow primer which stops creasing, or to create an overall more vibrant and bright-eyed look on its own.  Sheer Gold, shown here, has a metallic sheen, and there are other matte colours from Sand to Nude.