As everyone probably already knows, most makeup routines change as the weather changes. This is because the skin's needs change according to the change in climate, and certain makeup products that once worked, may no longer be as effective, and the same applies in the reverse.

And then there is also the inevitable (for a makeup junkie, anyway) discovery of new, more effective products, or old products that were forgotten for no good reason!

So here is my brand new everyday makeup routine for Summer 2012, and I am in LOVE with it! It makes me look so bright-eyed, and much younger (I think!).


So here are the products I am using (and loving) at the moment!


BurnOut Clean and Clear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential, and I have been loving this particular sunscreen that came on the very trusted recommendation of JFunnyValentine, who I always look to for sunscreen recs. This does leave a slight film on the skin, but I kind of prefer it that way, because it provides a lovely canvas for my foundation to sit on top of, and helps make my makeup last longer. On more humid days, I top everything off with a little powder, but most days I'm happy with my makeup just the way it is.


Chanel LIFT Lumiere
This is my current foundation of choice. The LIFT LUMIÈRE is a gorgeous, dewy finish foundation with pretty decent coverage, and I am loving the way my skin looks with it on. There is something about this foundation that makes your skin look younger and healthier, and so much more awake! Read my full review here.


Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
I recently reviewed this concealer - it is affordable, effective, and does an amazing job at brightening the eyes! Read my full review here.


Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express Kit in Brunette
This is another product that I have reviewed in more detail, and I had actually strayed from it in favour of a more long-lasting brow product (the MUFE Aqua Brow). However, I tried it just yesterday afternoon, and I fell instantly in love again! In my picture above, I am wearing the Anastasia brow kit, and you can see how it applies so beautifully, and how well it defines the brows.


Skin Food Lecithin Base Mascara (1) and Clinique High Impact Mascara (2)
This is my mascara combination at the moment, and I love it almost as much as I love the Benefit They're Real mascara (which I haven't replaced yet).

Physicians Formula Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio (3) or Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner (4)
Drugstore brands are upping their games and releasing products that are comparable, if not flat out better, than some products on the high-end of the makeup market. My absolute favourite drugstore products to buy are eyeshadows and eyeliners, because some brands make some gorgeous products. My current favourites are the Physicians Formula and Rimmel eyeliners - both are insanely smudge-proof (the Physician's Formula one is more suitable for people with extremely oily lids, though), and perfect to use on an everyday basis! The Physicians Formula is slightly cheaper per pencil, but you have to buy 3 at one go, whereas you have the freedom to pick and choose from a large range of colours with the Rimmel eyeliners, which cost AUD 9.95 each (full review here).
The Rimmel eyeliner is slightly more intense than the Physicians Formula, so I have been gravitating towards it at the moment (I am wearing it in my picture above), but if you have extremely oily lids and nothing stays put, then I would recommend the Physicians Formula eyeliner.

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Sassy Marshmallow (5)
This is such a gorgeous colour and is so versatile because it is so appropriate whether you are wearing it in the summer or the winter. I love it because it actually goes really well with warmer colours - for example, I love pairing it with a peachy blush because it really brings out the warmth in the skin, and looks so amazing with a nude lip!


Tom Ford Cheek Color in Narcissist and Chanel Tweed Blush Duo in Tweed Rose
Blush is fast becoming one of my favourite and essential makeup items. They really brighten up your face, and can bring out such a gorgeous warmth in your skin. Though I don't own many, the ones I do own, I truly treasure. Two blushes that I have been reaching for constantly without fail are the Tom Ford and Chanel blushes above. The Chanel is extremely easy to blend and matches almost any kind of makeup look, whereas the Tom Ford is insanely pigmented (and a little harder to blend as a result!) and can brighten even the dullest of complexions.


Sleek Contour Kit in Medium
This isn't a step that I do everyday, but when I have the time or when I want to look particularly well put-together, I apply a little bit of contour to the sides of my face to add definition. The Sleek Contour Kit is my favourite quick solution, because it is very easy and quick to apply and blend.


Kryolan High Gloss in Toffee and Vani-T Mineral Lip Definer in Pout
A brand new lip liner that I am so excited about is the Vani-T Mineral Lip Definer in Pout! For the longest time, I have been looking for a lip liner that doesn't overly define the lips, because I want to look put-together but not too polished. The No7 Perfect Lip liner in Nude is beautiful, but defines the lips a little too well and isn't suitable for everyday.
Pout is a little lighter, and perfect for an everyday nude lip! It makes my nude lips last so much longer, and everything I apply over it looks simply fantastic!
My current favourite nude lip product is still the Kryolan High Gloss in Toffee, but I also rotate in the Tom Ford lipstick in Blush Nude, and the Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Beige.

So that is my current favourite makeup routine! Do you use any of these products? Or do you have a product that you highly recommend at the moment? Please share in the comments! Thank you for reading xx

You may all have heard or read interviews and magazine articles on mineral makeup. It is said that mineral makeup is the same as bare skin, and in some cases can be better than bare skin. Mineral makeup is said to allow the skin to breathe whilst still providing good, buildable coverage.

I agree that mineral makeup is much lighter than regular foundation, and when I wear it I don't have to worry about breaking out at the end of the day. However, I don't agree that mineral foundation is better than bare skin, and I will share with you why in a moment.

I had the pleasure of trialling some mineral makeup products from a few different brands recently, and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on them:

Bloom Mineral Makeup


Mineral Plus Liquid Foundation: This is perfect for someone with combination skin, as it provides both oil control and a more dewy finish than regular powder mineral foundations.

Pure Mineral Powder Foundation (brown cover) & b Collection by Bloom Pure Mineral Foundation with spf 15: Both these powder foundations give you an amazingly lovely finish. They are both very finely milled, and contain what looks like minuscule opalescent pigments that give the skin a subtle but beautiful sheen. These are my absolute favourite mineral foundations at the moment - I can't get enough of them!
I am happy to report that the Pure Mineral Powder Foundation does not contain Zinc Oxide, which I will tell you a little more about at the end of this post.

Vani-T Mineral Cosmetics


Mineral Powder Foundation: This foundation is better for those with more flawless skin, as the coverage is very sheer. There are also fine bits of shimmer in this foundation, which I think would look a little out of place in the daytime, but would look amazing at night, especially in flash photography.

Mineral Diamond Dust: This is an absolutely amazing, beautiful product! It is made of pure, cool-gold shimmer, and instantly brightens the skin. Because the product comes in such a large container, this will last you forever, and you can use it on other parts of your body to add shimmer. I love applying this to my legs because they look much healthier, and the shimmer elongates them. I recommend mixing this into your foundation or lotion, so that the shimmer doesn't fall down and get onto places you don't want shimmer getting onto ;)

Alexami Cosmetics


Mineral Foundation Powder: I find this foundation the best one to use for oily skin. It has amazing oil control, but has shimmer particles in it to balance out the mattifying effect of the powder. I wouldn't recommend using this in the daytime, though, because the shimmer particles are large enough that they will catch the light. This is a foundation best used for nights out and photography.

Mineral Blush: This is one of my favourite mineral makeup products! The colour I have is Candy Pink, and it is a beautiful peachy pink colour that is perfect for everyday.

One thing important to note about mineral makeup products is that most of them contain Zinc Oxide, which has come under a lot of debate recently because of its usefulness in products like mineral makeup and sunscreen, but its potential to do harm to the body and skin. What I recommend is wearing your mineral foundation only when you need to, and washing your face properly just as you would with any other foundation. Do not leave foundation on your skin if it doesn't need to be there, as any kind of foundation can clog your pores and cause breakouts and congestion.

Hi guys! I have another highly requested video to share today - how to contour and highlight your face.

The technique that I like to use is inspired by Kim Kardashian's contouring technique. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment box below. Otherwise, enjoy the video!



Products used:

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Generating Cream
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 01
Chanel Pro Lumiere foundation - discontinued (review and possible replacements here)
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate in Intensity One (guest review on The Plastic Diaries)
MAC Select Moisturecover in NW20
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in 05
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder
Sleek Contour Kit in Medium
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface
Sleek i-Divine Palette in Oh So Special
Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Illusoire
Skin Food Mascara Base
Covergirl Natureluxe Waterproof Mascara in #520 Very Black
Vani-T Mineral Lip Definer in Lolittle
Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
Luview Glossy Kiss lipgloss

I hope you guys enjoyed watching the video! It would mean so much to me if you would subscribe if you like my channel and videos. Thanks again for watching! x