My 'dressing table' and everyday makeup!

When people find out I have a beauty blog, they always say "But your makeup is really casual!". Well, yes, my every day makeup needs to be above all office friendly. I can't get away with rocking up with technicolour eyes or fully contoured face - I'm too old for that. Although I get away with any outrageous manicure I like, as that doesn't seem to have an age limit? :) I also don't tend to wear foundation anymore, as I got older it seems my skin hates *everything* including certain foods. The only thing it gets on with lately is Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, but it is now coming to the time of year when the nice shade I bought in the summer is too dark. Last winter I used Bareminerals READY Foundation I got as a sample when I needed a bit more cover, but usually I go 'naked' in the winter. But I always do my eyes/lips as you can see! :)

Now, I am not fancy so I don't actually have a dressing table. I use the top of my baby bookshelf and I do have a full-length mirror with very bright makeup lights on it! I bought these LED lights with self-adhesive backs in IKEA, I think they are for under cupboard lighting in kitchens?.. They are mains powered so very bright. The hairdryer is in a holder which I bought in a storage solution shop. I have a jar filled with small buttons to hold all my makeup brushes, and the green fabric box hold my bedside table essentials such as foot cream, hand cream and gloves, hair spray and asthma inhaler. I stand my pencils and such in a glass jar inside the Really Useful Box I use for my makeup essentials.

My 'dressing table' - far left is my box of everyday makeup, my hairdryer, box of 'stuff' and my jar of makeup brushes! I also have a children's night light and a box for my wedding rings!

My makeup mirror - those lights can shine a light down wrinkles the depth of Grand Canyon!!

It's not glamorous perhaps, but it's practical and does exactly what it needs to do! Onto the makeup I use...

You may wonder how many tinted lip balms does one woman need...

So here is my collection of everyday essential makeup items I use. This isn't to say I don't use other stuff and I also don't use all of these things every day! ;)

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream in 'Light Medium'
Bobbi Brown 'Brightening Nudes' Finishing Powder
Bareminerals READY Foundation in 'R170' (with mini Kabuki brush)
Smashbox Photo Finish Light Oil-Free Primer
Revlon Colorstay Quad '500 Addictive'
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr '65 Pink Gold'
Bourjois Pot Rouge '54 Rose Frisson/Frosted Rose'
Mister Mascara Eye Lash Curler
Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil '002 Hazel'
Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Kohl '004 Taupe'
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm '07 Super Strawberry' *mini size*
Barry M Showgirl Extra Lengthening Black Mascara
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara 'Black'
Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara 'Black'
Nails Inc Cuticle Oil Pen
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 'Medium'
MUA ProBase Eye Primer
Burt's Bees Lip Balm Original (with Blax Snag-Free Hair Elastic wrapped around it)
Lip balms from L to R: Barry M Cor Balmy 'Jam Jar', Maybelline Baby Lips Electro 'Pink Shock', Baby Lips Electro 'Strike a Rose' and Baby Lips Original 'Cherry Me'.

So what about application? I always curly my lashes as they are dead straight... I use Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to put on my CC cream/foundation, and use a large powder brush from Bareminerals for the Bobbi Brown finishing powder. For powder eye shadows/pigments I tend to use small sponge applicators, blending them with the Real Techniques Shading Brush. I use my fingers to apply concealer and cream eye shadows. And for lip product I just slap it oooon! :)

Hope you have enjoyed this peek into my 'drawers' and stay tuned for another

report soon featuring palettes that I own... :)