 Ruby and Millie Sheer base - £16.50
I’ve never been a fan of foundation, as I always felt caked and smothered. However, things have come along way in a very short space of time, and this Pump Action Sheer Foundation Pen from Ruby & Millie melts into the skin effortlessly giving superb coverage without feeling cloying.
I put it to the ultimate test by wearing it on a busy day trip round London. Despite the cloying heat of the tube, the fierce damp winds outside and falling asleep on the train home, I found that even after 8 hours my complexion still looked fresh and natural.
The Brush applicator gives a fine coating on the skin that is easy to blend seamlessly into the skin. It sits well under concealers, highlighters and blusher and its sheer, yet matt appearance reflects light off the skin without it appearing shiny or greasy. The best bit about using Rubie and Millie Sheer Base Foundation is that people noticed a visible difference to my appearance, and I was complimented on how well I looked, which gave me confidence all through the day.
 Flawless Skin Protecting Concealer from The Body Shop - £8
The skin under the eye is thinner than the rest of the face, which is why dark shadows from stress and exhaustion show so visibly, leaving you looking drawn and fatigued. Cover up and repair simultaneously with the Flawless Skin Protecting Concealer from The Body Shop. The moist, twist action concealer has a hydrating “active essence” core-structure, containing a unique, volatile silicone gel full of vitamin C, to protect and restore the delicate skin and promote the growth of collagen to keep the skin firm and toned.
The Concealer also uses Baobab Oil, from the “Tree of Life”, is packed full of vitamins and natural moisturisers, encouraging skin regeneration, elasticity and hydration, Zinc Oxide to help fight impurities, and Vitamins A, E and F to improve, condition and maintain healthy skin.
It’s a cream-to-powder concealer that sits lightly on the skin without caking in fine lines or wrinkles, and provides an excellent base for eyeshadow and foundation. Ensure you exfoliate and moisturise thoroughly before application to avoid dry areas.
 Lightening Touch Highlighter from the body shop £11.70
A low-cost alternative to Yves Saint Laurent’s Touch Éclat, The Body Shop Lightening Touch Highlighter is a fine liquid full of light diffusing particles, that minimises fine lines, dark shadows and lacklustre skin. With a brush-tip for precision application, It’s light, silky texture slides easily over foundation without removing it, and gives skin a bright, dewy look without appearing sweaty.
Its light enough to be applied to even the finest skin without creasing or looking too heavy, and can be used in combination with, or in place of a concealer, depending on how much coverage you need.
It uses South African Marula Oil, which is rich in oleic acid, essential to the maintenance of healthy-looking skin, Organic Beeswax and Antioxidant Vitamin E to keep the skin supple and smooth whilst sealing in moisture. The ingredients used are fairly traded, and provide Namibian women with the rare opportunity for regular, sustainable work.
 Illuminating Touch Light Diffusing Concealer from Collection 2000- £4.88
If you’re feeling really stringent with your purse strings, then this is an even cheaper highlighter. It has a thicker texture than the Body Shop highlighter, which means it can be used without concealer, but can gather in creases and fine lines. Another brush-tip pen, It gives excellent, even coverage, and a little goes a long way, so if you’re in a rush or low on purse space, you can use it in place of foundation and concealer.
The light diffusing particles soften skin tone and blemishes so it serves to highlight, conceal and illuminate, but it does feel more “present” on the skin surface because it is quite dense. I found it worked surprisingly well concealing dark shadows under my eyes but as my skin is very fine there it did have a tendency to collect in creases after a few hours of wear. However, it remains mobile enough on the skins surface to blend back into place without the need to reapply. |
