I had one of those days yesterday. You know the ones. When you feel a bit MEH.
My MEHness could be put down to the fact that Mr I’m-6-Next-Week had me up in the wee hours of the morning with a raging fever.
I phoned the school to say he wouldn’t be in (we have to call an absentee line and leave a message – it seriously feels like you’re ringing in sick for work and you think your boss will think that you’re faking it) so that meant I we could stay in bed for another two hours.
I was still feeling and looking, how shall we say it, crap. I did not look anything like this.
The new Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator illuminates the skin on contact but also works over two weeks to improve skin tone so you can get your glow on more easily
A shower helped and then I called on my new illuminating makeup friends to make me look anything but the MEH on CRAP that I felt.
Here’s what I used on my face
1. Estee Lauder New Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator 30ml $105 (Available from July 17, 2011)
2. Illamasqua Light Liquid Foundation 30ml $55
3. Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Concealer 10ml $11.95
4. Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Brightener 10ml $11.95
5. Illamasqua Illuminator in Halcyon 7ml $34
6. Jane Iredale Moonglow Golden Bronzer 8.5g $90
And the icing on the glow? A pair of bright earrings. Nothing like a pop of colour close to your eyes to bring on the comments and make you smile. In the video I’m wearing some faves from Lydia Jewels (here are some similar ones).
You also might like the look of these:
1. Sophie Kyron Turkish Delight earrings $110 at Boutique Accessories*
2. JJ Sisters Printed Striped earrings $19.95 at Birdsnest
3. Sportsgirl graduated fan earrings $14.95
4. Samantha Wills Constantine earrings $220
So, how do you fake it till you don’t look like crap when you’ve had a rough night? Spill … I need tips for today.
* You must check out Boutique Accessories and not just for the amazing collection of statement pieces. And the best bit … you can actually “virtually” try on the accessories before your buy. This video shows you how.
Comments 27
Don’t worry ladies, eventually your babies will grow up. There’ll be no more “temps” but sleepless nights wondering where they are!! The “mehs” in the morning can be fixed somewhat by a good blow-dry/straighten, foundation and lippie, a good cup of coffee and a laugh with a friend going through the same thing!
Author
I almost have that end of the spectrum too, Robyn, though thankfully they’re not out at night as many teens their age.
I love the constantine earrings! gorgeous.
I use an avon product. it’s called something like, visible results lifting serum or something, then a brush of mineral makeup on my cheekbones and I’m good to go… and sometimes a hat and sunnies.
Author
I know, so pretty! Sounds like you’ve got your glow routine down pat!
Foundation is a must. And under eye concealer. Fake it till you make it!
Author
Can’t live without concealer!
Oooo, perfect for Winter! Thanks Nikki.
yes, perfect for when that glow isn’t happening naturally!
Hi Nikki
What kind of brush do you recommend for foundation?
Author
Hi Kellie
A specific foundation brush is best. I like and use a range of brushes by Napoleon Perdis, MAC, Jane Iredale and Benefit. It’s worth paying that bit more for these as they will do the job best.
Thanks Nikki. I had no idea there was actually a brush specifically for foundation. I’ve just googled to see the shape. Will definitely get one.
Nikki, I bought the Australis concealer recently after you recommended it. Such good quality for such a tiny price! 🙂
Author
Isn’t it? I love finding products like this – I’d suggest getting the brightener to use in conjunction.
Can’t imagine that you’d ever look MEH Nikki! Love those earrings 🙂
Author
Thanks Jen! But broken sleep doesn’t help!!
How do you find the Illamasqua Illuminator? I’ve been using YSL Touche Eclat for ages now. It’s a oldie. But a goodie. Hope your little one feels better soon.
Author
Thanks Linda, I use the Illamasqua illuminate on top of my eyelids as a canvas for my eye colour. The YSL is great – I used it off and on since its release. I layer it over a concealer much like I did with the Australis products above.
Sunglasses and hair in a ponytail! Especially after a big night
Author
Big fan of dark sunnies!
Great post Nikki! I really want to try the Illuminator. I hate to tell you this, but that same size bottle will cost you about $50 here. (I know, you didn’t buy it, but tell Woog to stock up on her makeup while in SD.) Love the earrings too. I’m an earring junkie. Can’t leave the house without them!
Author
I know! It’s the same with all makeup! Crazy.
Is it sad that a mid 20’s woman who has been pregnant twice has not once been told she is “glowing”.
I had no idea about illuminators! I am now going to have to go looking for some.
Also, i’m not a brush person. I use my fingertips for everything, foundation, concealer, blush, eye shadows, lip glosses. Should I be using brushes? Will they make a difference to how my makeup sits?
Author
Brushes will make a difference to how it sits but the biggest difference – particularly with foundation – is that you use less product to get the same result. So what you spend on the brush actually means spending less on products in the end.
Thanks for the tips Nikki, I really need them! I have found especially since moving to Melbourne I feel as though I don’t have as much natural glow because I don’t see the sun that often, well compared to when I was on the coast. I even had low VitD levels when pregnant with Aston!
Author
How scary is that about your Vit D levels. We’ve got our first grey day up here in weeks – it really does make a difference when you don’t see a bit of sun. Go get your glow on!
Late night last night – I need a bucket of illuminator today x
Author
Me too. Your’s was probably more fun. Flynn had temps all night again.