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MY FRENCH-INSPIRED BEAUTY REGIME: MAKEUP.

14 January 2019 5 comments

makeup-bag-routine-French-inspired-beauty-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

As a content creator, blogger, 'influencer', whatever you care to call us, I inevitably get to try a vast number of beauty products, so it's not always easily to pin down a particular, specific style that I truly call my own.

I don't know whether it was the two trips to France last year, but the Francophile in me has absolutely been reignited with zest and vigour. I've found myself brushing up on my rusty French again and  perfecting how to make all the best French delicacies; demi-glace, beurre blancs, french tarts (with the help of this fab book). France has always been a big part of my life growing up and I suppose I just forgot about it the last few years. But it's a wonderful feeling to welcome it back.

Anyway the purpose of today's post is that the 'French revolution' extends to my beauty regime too. I've given all aspects of my beauty routine somewhat of a makeover to more rigidly reflect the simple, natural, clean-where-possible, undone and effortless look of the French ethos.

So makeup today (including the 3 cornerstones to my French-inspired makeup regime), and skincare to follow - I hope you enjoy!




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THE NATURAL BASE

I've tried countless a foundation now. And I've learnt a lot about what I actually like vs what I thought I liked (and in fact vs what everyone else might like!)

The fact of the matter is, whilst I thought I was one of those barely there base people, my preferred coverage is buildable. I love to sheer my foundation out, always, and as I don't use concealer, something with a bit more pigment is handy for covering any troublesome areas.

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When I feel like it, I'll start the whole shebang with a little of YSL's blur primer, which I think is great if you're in a rush and have applied too much skincare - it just takes the shine and tack off things.

To start with an old favourite, the more foundations I try, the more I realise I enjoy Bare Minerals. The Blemish Rescue and Complexion Rescue specifically. No real bells and whistles or fancy packaging but good, solid products with a medium, buidable/sheer-able coverage, a relatively clean formulation and great wear and finish. And of course I adore the La Mer foundation with all my being. Which you'll have heard many a time if this isn't your first rodeo here..

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A newer product in my collection is this Shiseido foundation. I thought, from the name, that it might be a little heavy and full coverage but it's not. It's beautiful. Really light, thin and fine, with the coverage level I'm after, it leaves my skin with a demi-matte finish that sort of melds with my natural oils throughout the day and looks beautiful.

I've another foundation that I've been trying and am dying to share but I want to test it out thoroughly before reporting back.. so TBC!


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makeup-bag-routine-French-inspired-beauty-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

CREAMS/LIQUIDS + BRINGING LIGHT TO THE FACE

I've given contouring a go. But the French philosophy of shunning creating shadow, for a gentle glow and bringing light to the face suits me far better (both in terms of result and skill level). Cream or liquid products are my favoured choice at the minute, with their lovely emollient or gel textures that give the skin a natural look about it.

Not many talk about Burberry beauty anymore but their Nude Glow really is a superlative product for me. Whilst there are countless liquid highlighter/illuminisers about, this one is particularly fine and radiant without being shimmery. And that's why I keep coming back to it time and again.

And whilst I'm forgoing contour, that's not to say that I don't wear a little bronzer from time to time. I quite like it in place of blush for example. Or specifically the Dr Hauschka bronzing tint. Clean, blendable, buildable/sheerable, it looks a tad intimidating in the bottle but I'm quite fair at the moment and it's not overwhelming - just giving a lovely glow to my pallid complexion!

As far as blushes go, a light wash of fresh colour is what I reach for. I tend to mix or layer the two shades in Charlotte Tilbury's Pretty Youth Glow compact for a natural flush and delicate sheen. Really really flattering.


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makeup-bag-routine-French-inspired-beauty-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

makeup-bag-routine-French-inspired-beauty-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

LIPS: BALMY OU RED?

I've many balms (clear or tinted) that I love. La Mer's lip balm or Baume de Rose if you're feeling fancy. Emile Cordon's Lisa if you can get your hands on it. Clarins' Instant Light lip in Rose Shimmer because the shade is beautifully youthful. And my latest, Lanolips' Rose because it's the nicest SPF 30 lip product I've tried.

As for red lips, I've found my new favourite in Chanel's No5 lipstick. The colour (the slightest cool undertone) and finish (satin? velvety? neither matte nor creamy) are both gorgeous.


Nothing about my brow or eye routine has really changed. I'm still loyal to my Chanel mascara, I still tend not to wear eyeshadow really ever (apart from maybe some of this Huda Beauty palette because it's so good, in fact you can see how here too). I still like my brown liner over black, if I do wear liner. Although I have rotated in the Chanel brow pencil (from Dec's gifted Cohorted box) and it's, as to be expected, lovely.



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And lastly, a little mention to my new makeup bag. Other than being personalised, the full zip across the half-moon shape means it opens right out for you to easily find your contents. They've some lovely pieces so thank you for the gift Azurina!


(Also, in case you're wondering how all this looks on the skin, I'm planning to do a separate post to show you so keep your eyes peeled for that if you're interested).

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xx