I haven’t been getting out much lately, which feels more intense than it actually is. It seems like I’ve been confined to my office for months, although it’s really just been a few weeks. I’ve been so engrossed in my work that I often miss meals and sleep, suddenly realizing that it’s almost morning again. I’ve even forgotten to take breaks, leaving me with numb legs from sitting in one spot too long.
Apart from occasionally watching “The Good Fight” on Amazon Prime with my partner, which I enjoy more than “The Good Wife,” and quick trips to Sainsbury’s for healthy food that I then forget to eat, I haven’t left the top floor of my house much. My fridge is probably crammed with wilted salad and expired fish. Makeup hasn’t been a priority.
However, there was an amusing incident at the petrol station. I startled a man there—he probably thought I looked like a creature from the underworld. My hair was wild, my eyes had dark circles like they were painted with kohl, and my skin looked ghostly pale. My lips were dry and cracked, my eyebrows unruly, and I wore a huge old cardigan that resembled a cape.
The man at the tills was visibly shocked when he saw me, as if I was something out of a horror movie. Luckily, no one actually called an exorcist while I quietly paid for my petrol and a single cereal bar. The cashier avoided eye contact while asking me to enter my card pin, perhaps wondering if I needed a tax receipt from the valley of the damned.
This episode made me realize I should pay more attention to my appearance. So, the next day, I mixed some gradual tanner with my moisturizer—Tan Luxe, though I still prefer my old favorite, Hylamide Glow—and added some makeup. I went for simple, creamy textures that made my tired skin feel fresh. I used tinted moisturizer instead of full foundation, a bit of creamy bronzer and blush, some shine on the eyelids, and a touch of brown mascara. It wasn’t a transformational before-and-after look, but I imagine the petrol station man would have been less alarmed if he saw me again.
I enjoy using lots of cream makeup because it offers a natural finish, unlike the polished look from full coverage foundation and powder. While it might not last as long as a powdered base, I like its flexibility and subtlety.
Instead of YouTube, my latest makeup video is on Instagram IGTV. You can check it out if you’re on Instagram, though I must admit it’s easy to get sidetracked there. I’m often drawn into random posts, reading comments, and exploring profiles, which can consume hours.
If you can’t catch the IGTV video, here’s a list of products I used with links to find them online. I’ll also be reviewing Code8 BB cream separately—it’s a great base with impressive coverage and a dewy finish. For more on the Chanel cream bronzer, you can refer to an older review I did.
Products Used in my IGTV video:
– Code8 Beauty Radiate BB Cream in shade W20
– Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel
– Trinny London Blush in Electra
– L’Oreal Glow Mon Amour in Loving Peach
– Armani Power Fabric Concealer in Shade 2
– Trinny London Virtue Shadow
– Charlotte Tilbury Cream Shadow in Bette, I think!
– L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara
– Clarins 4D Mascara Brown
– Clarins Supra Mascara in Brown
– Glossier Boy Brow in Blond
– Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Hot Gossip
– Lancôme L’Absolue Mademoiselle Shine in Mademoiselle Plays