Well we're all behind the mask now!
I did not realise how uncomfortable masks are until I had to wear one for more than ten minutes. They're hot, they can rub and they are irritating. They are, however, essential and part of the new norm so we all better get used to them.
What they've also meant is a downturn in lipstick sales and an upturn in eye products so here's my rundown of where, if you're going for a mask makeover, you should spend your money.
EYES
Code Beautiful has come first because there are three amazing products in this range that you should try.
First up is Code Beautiful FFL (RRP £18.00). The FFL stands for "Forget Fake Lashes" and while personally I love a good fake lash many of you don't. FFL is beige and made up of tiny fibres to lengthen and thicken your lashes. It's a "use under mascara" product. Brush on, leave thirsty seconds and then move onto the best mascara you will ever use, Code Beautiful VLM Mascara (RRP £19.95)
VLM was in the TOYL box late last year and I was blown away by just how good this product is. VLM stands for "Volumise, Lengthening Mascara" and it does just that. It doesn't drop off under your eyes leaving you with a coal-like trail, it doesn't clump. It is, in fact, just perfect and I'm absolutely not paid by them to say this. It is the best mascara you'll ever try, but that's just my opinion. We'll get it back in the box asap so you can test it too.
Then, this amazing range created a new product called Code LLE - "LIft, Lid, Enhance" (RRP £22.00). It comes in two shades Light Hearted and Deep Moments. I got mine and was utterly unconvinced that it could work as an eye shadow, creating the impression of a "lifted lid" and as a concealer. I was completely wrong. It's not like any other eye product I've tried in that it's as thick as some foundations, gives good coverage but dries almost powdery. It is genius and will make your eyes look more open without the need for surgery, which none of us want.
Explore this range, it is unlike any other you'll come across and is run by two gorgeous sisters, one of who I podcasted with HERE
www.code-beautiful.com
I've recently been converted to a bronze eye pencil. Charlotte Tilbury does one HERE but my weapon of choice is an NYX pencil HERE which is less than a third of the price of the CT one. I use this all around the eye as it's a really flattering shade.
I'm then onto a really strong, bronze/garnet/brown shimmer shadow right in the middle of the lid such as this one by Bellapierre in the bottom right of the picture HERE. I then mattify with lighter colours outer corner and then highlight from the inner corner up to the brow bone.
The drama here is mid lid, but if you want to extend it further go under the opt lashes and on the inner rim get the black kohl on the go. This is an art if you're to do it without stabbing your eye, but the stand out look is strong and more subtle than black eye liner on the lid.
If you're still desperate for a liner, then go with a brown on the lid so that it's not quite so catastrophic if your hand isn't as steady as it should be. The good thing about lock down is that we all got a chance to practise fake lash fittings and eye liner without being judged by the whole office.
BROWS
Not only do brows define, but they can drop years off your look if that's your thing. Pluck from underneath with your tweezers of choice (Tweezerman are great, but others are around) and don't overdo the plucking. At the time of writing this blog you cannot get your brows shaped at a salon so it's a DIY job. Less is more, just keep repeating that to yourself and you'll be fine. Just to be clear, less plucking, is what I mean, not less eyebrow. So long as we've got that straight.
Shading brows is a matter of personal choice. Pencil or powder palette, they both have their charms, but I always use a mascara brush (one from a brush set, not a mascara) to move the colour around and make it more natural. To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong at this stage unless you're very heavy handed
Finally,
BALM
Several companies do great balms so that if you are finding chafing going on you can soothe sore skin. My balm of choice is Jane Scrivner's Morning Barrier Balm HERE at RRP £49.00. This is a lot of money and I do realise that, but it's the same old, you get what you pay for. Organic, packed with vitamins, soothing, lots of anti-bacterial properties, nourishing - your skin will love this.
BROWS
Not only do brows define, but they can drop years off your look if that's your thing. Pluck from underneath with your tweezers of choice (Tweezerman are great, but others are around) and don't overdo the plucking. At the time of writing this blog you cannot get your brows shaped at a salon so it's a DIY job. Less is more, just keep repeating that to yourself and you'll be fine. Just to be clear, less plucking, is what I mean, not less eyebrow. So long as we've got that straight.
Shading brows is a matter of personal choice. Pencil or powder palette, they both have their charms, but I always use a mascara brush (one from a brush set, not a mascara) to move the colour around and make it more natural. To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong at this stage unless you're very heavy handed.
So that's it, a bit more drama on the eyes, soothe the cheeks, lay off the lippie and you're a Mask Master!
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