#72 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? Zara from Kiss And Makeup

Today’s bag spy comes courtesy of the lovely Zara from KissandMakeup.tv kissandmakeuptv , I met her at the NARS press event and we just clicked and immediately got chatting about beauty products et al. After Zara had suggested a number of fantastic tips and products for me to try out, I just knew I had to get her to share a bag spy…


Bag Spy: Zara Rabinowicz from Kiss And Makeup

Hi, I’m Zara from KissandMakeup.tv and I’m excited to be sharing the contents of my makeup bag with you. I’ve been involved in beauty ever since I was a little girl, smearing pieces of paper with kisses from 17 lippies to pinpoint my favourite shades. I’ve worked on various magazines, websites and papers in all sorts of fields, but beauty has been my one recurring love. Whether it has been finding the perfect lip balm to combat chapped lips, or the latest facial that plumps and refines lines, I’m at the forefront of testing and trialling and enjoying every minute. I love working online as feedback is so immediate and I find that having people respond to your work is the best way to refine and improve it, as well as sharing details and getting tips on news products. It’s hard to narrow down what are the most essential products in my makeup bag as I try so many things on a daily basis, but the below ten are the most recent staples that I couldn’t live without.

1. Givenchy Phenomen’eyes

This mascara has been a total godsend to me, as it separates and defines my lashes like nothing I've ever seen. Once you overcome your initial distrust of the oddly shaped brush, you'll find it a product you never leave the house without. They’ve just released details of a plum waterproof version for summer, and that’s next on my must-have list!

2. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

I get really dry chapped lips, and though I love using lip balm, sometimes I want something with little bit more colour. This lip conditioner from MAC is the loveliest shades of baby pink and gives you a really rosy looking glow. The texture sinks onto the lips, giving them soft sheer coverage and it really softens your wind battered pout. My Hello Kitty version never fails to get admiring looks either- they should bring this colour back permanently!

3. Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti-Aging foundation.

The idea of anti-aging foundation is something I was originally resistant too, as I feel that your skincare rather than your cosmetics should be the ones targeting lines. However the simply amazing, Photoshop like coverage speaks for itself as it smooth’s out the whole complexion, flattering you face from every angle and evening out any lines or blemishes. It makes you look absolutely amazing in photos and the dewy finish is flattering for everyone, regardless of their age

4. Stargazer Liquid Eyeliner

Stargazer is a brand I use to associate with goth-like wanders around Camden market, but though they retain their youthful associations with an array of ultra-bright and pigmented colours, they have moved onto slightly more impressive formulations. I’m currently loving their eyeliner as it provides a firm black line that can be fine-tuned or thickened as needed allowing me to create both feline flicks and Winehouse style eyes with ease. It dries extremely quickly and is really long lasting- a cult must have!



5. Collection 2000 Illuminating Concealer

Collection 2000 nowadays can be considered a premium brand with a surprisingly low price point. This creamy concealer works just as well as Touché Éclat, easily hiding circles and bags with a simple flick of the pen. The creamy consistency blends extremely easily and it’s magical on circles.

6. The Beauty Blender (get it at cult beauty)

This egg shaped pink tool has revolutionizes the way I apply my foundation as I’d generally choose this above both brushes and fingers. If you use a stippling effect when you apply this to the skin you get a really even finish with your makeup and the design means it’s extremely kind to your product, making sure you don’t use more than necessary.



7. Clarisonic

Whilst strictly not a cosmetic this skin cleaning brush device provides the skin with such a smooth texture and clean surface that it can almost be considered a makeup tool. Originally a sceptic about this product, once I’d used it for over a month I was converted as I never go a day without using this brush. Compatible with all cleansers and exfoliators the sonic powered device whizzes away grime and dirt and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean- a great base for all products.

8. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

5 shimmering shades provide you with a great all over glow, and they can be used individual as eyeshadows as well. The palette is flattering on any skintone, and incredibly long lasting, as I’ve had mine for over three years (probably time for a new one). It’s a great way to create a subtle glow on the hairline and cheeks and the shimmery nature of the powders mean that you can really make your cheekbones pop. It has a nicely sized mirror as well, so it’s great for touching up on the go.

9. L’occitane hand cream

L’occitane hand creams are ultra-rich due to having 20% Shea butter in their formulation and they sink in really quickly. I love the fragrance of the limited edition honey and lemon version (out every Christmas and think the fact they’re handbag sized is a major plus point.




10. Urban Decay eyeshadows

I love the texture and pigmentation of Urban Decay shadows, as they can be used as sheer washes or built up for a stronger look. They’re extremely long lasting and they manage to combine glitter with shine without flaking all over your cheeks. My favourite colours would be Polyester Bride (a great white, fab as a brow bone highlighter) and Midnight Cowboy (a universally flattering brown shimmer). They feel really silky on the eyelids and make the eyes sparkle.

See, I told you she was fab didn't I? Drop by her blog for more tips and info ...I'm already eyeing the beauty blender and the clarisonic .....Thank you so much for taking part Zara.

#60 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? - Aquahearts Makeup Obsession

Today’s Bag Spy comes from the ever so lovely Stephanie from the Aquahearts Makeup Obsession blog (you should check her out aqua-heart. Stephanie is a makeup artist and cosmotologist and her blog is fantastic because she offers honest reviews and information about makeup and beauty products. She also offers some makeup looks and a breakdown of all the products she used for you to be able to try it out. I caught up with her to spy in her bag and find out just what she uses…

Chanel Imitable Mascara in Black

I have been buying this mascara for years and I love it. It does everything you need a mascara to do. Curls, seperates, volumizes, lengthens, everthing!

Clinique 3 Step Skin Care Set

I have really sensitive skin where anything can make it easily irritated and dry. I use the 3 step set because it doesn't dry out my skin. It makes my skin feel soft and moisturized. I use it every morning and every night.

MAC Fix +

I always need to have this in my makeup bag. Such an essential for everyday use. I use it to make my eye shadows more intense. Also when I use mineral eye shadows, so the product will stick better to my eyelid.

Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner in Black

I actually did a recent liner test to see which would be better among expensive liners and drugstore liners on my blog. This is one won against MAC. This one is smudge-proof and very easy to use. I love how dark and rich the black is and a great inexpensive buy.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Now everyone needs to wear eye primer, and there are many different kinds you can use. I really like Too Faced Products and I like the Shadow Insurance. My eye shadow never creases when I wear it and it always makes my eye makeup last longer.

Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer and Highlighter

I just started using this recently and I cannot get enough. I heard about this from a fellow blogger and when I saw it at CVS, I grabbed it to try. I love it! The concealer is creamy and smooth, and the highlighter gives light to your cheekbones.

OCC Lip Tars

Everyone should own at least a couple of Lip Tars from OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics). They are so pigmented, you don't need a lot, and a little goes a long way. They go on like a lip gloss would and dry to a satin finish. I have about 4 of these and I can't wait to get more.







Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturizing Cream

This cream is amazing. I tend to use it for everything. I will use it on my entire body after a shower. I sometimes will use it to moisturize my face. If I'm out of makeup remover, I will use this cream. It's so soft and gentle, it will leave your skin feeling so moisturized and silky smooth.

Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil

This one I keep in my makeup bag and in my purse. Perfect for use at home and when you’re out on the go it's great for touch ups. Pencil on one end and brow brush on the other, makes it super easy to take with you and use whenever you need it.

Simply Organic Lip Balm

BEST lip balm you will ever find! I have tried so many different lip balms. Expensive ones and cheap ones, nothing has ever worked to get rid of my chapped lips. Until I used this one. The very next day my lips were smooth and soft. This lip balm is a definite in my makeup bag.

And there you have it, thank you so much for sharing your bag with us Stephanie - I'm going to be hunting out the Mac Fix+ and the OCC Lip Tars - they sound fab. Don't forget to check out her blog guys
Xoxo

#49 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? - The Beauty Edit

Today's bag spy comes courtesy of the very lovely Laura from The Beauty Edit. I was uber excited when Laura agreed to do a bag spy for us, as with over 20 years of working in the beauty industry (she was a beauty director on Company magazine and a beauty editor at British Cosmopolitan as well as working on other publications) she is an amazing source of beauty information, knowledge and secrets (I had to stop myself from bombarding her with loads of questions). She is also really lovely (as mentioned previously) check out her blog for everything beauty related at thebeautyedit

So guy's here is her bag spy and a bit more info about her.

I'm Laura from The Beauty Edit and I'm excited to be asked to contribute to Bag Spy!

A bit about me? I have been a beauty journalist for longer than I care to remember, most recently for Company Magazine. I won't lie, it was a great job, doing shoots here and abroad, going backstage to the shows in Milan, Paris, New York and London, attending product launches all round the world, meeting and interviewing experts, and of course, the run of the beauty cupboard! But the recession took its toll, I was made redundant (like I would ever leave?!) and so the logical step was to join the world of beauty blogging - guess what - I love it! It's great to be able to comment and share and to have content that's so fresh, new and inspiring. I'm in awe of the detailed research that so many dedicated bloggers apply to their posts. I love discovering new sources and it's a thrill every time I get a new follower! Blogging feels like a democracy where everyone's opinion is valid, quite different from magazines. In my blog, I cover trends and new products, introducing beauty experts that I've worked with and showcasing some of the shoots I have done from my portfolio, and basically anything beauty-related that's caught my eye.

OK, so I've tipped out my make-up bag and here's what's inside! These are my trusty standbys. With these I can do my make-up in the car in five minutes or less (as long as my husband is driving!) and they work for day or night. Usually for evening, I'll add more mascara, bronzer and the darkest eyeshadow from my palette.

#1) By Terry Soleil de Rose Freshtone Hydra-Reviver. I love to use this as a make-up base, or for those days when I'm not really wearing any make-up apart from this. It's meant to act as a bit of a tan accelerator, but to be honest I haven't noticed any difference in that respect. What I do notice is that the scent and the feel of it make my skin feel and look fresher.

#2) Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige. I was a mineral make-up novice until I paired up with the brand for a charity Beauty Editors Day at Selfridges last year. I spent the whole day at the counter and learnt a lot about it! I love the way it gives skin a 'finished' polished look, blurring blemishes and dark circles but with none of the creasing that you sometimes get with liquid foundation. I was shown that you only need to use a tiny amount too, so it lasts ages.

#3) Bare Escentuals Max Coverage Concealer Brush. I use this small flat brush to apply the mineral powder all over.

#4) By Terry Bronze-Expert Sun Compact Brush. There are probably more affordable bronzing powders that are great, but for a treat, try this! You just stamp it on, once to each cheek, and your forehead and then blend it all in with the built-in brush. Definately makes me look more awake.

#5) Bourjois 1001 Lashes Mascara is my mascara du jour. I prefer mascaras that separate, lengthen and define rather than thicken, which is exactly what this does.

#6) Estee Lauder Brow Setting Gel. Nothing revolutionary, but somehow makes me feel a bit more groomed.

#7) Clinique Eye Contour Brush. Short, fat and round. Not me, the brush. Makes any eyeshadow go on better.

#8) Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Palette. Confession; this is absolutely ancient! So old the writing has worn off it, so I don't know the shade names. But I love the combo - a pale ivory for below the brow, a warm, sunny goldy-peach for the socket, a shimmery mid-brown for lids and a deep navy for occasional added emphasis. The new Revlon ColorStay quad in Sunrise, Sunset has similar shades.

#9) Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly. A light, wearable grey that actually looks quite fresh and classic - if you haven't tried grey yet, this would be a good way to start.

#10) Estee Lauder High Gloss Plump in Lilac Plump. I'm not really into lip colour for me (love it on other people) but sometimes I'll add a dab of this to finish off. Not sure why it's called Lilac, to me it's a great nude.

Thanks again Laura, I'm already planning a Bare Minerals trip to try out the foundation. Don't forget to check out her blog.

Xoxo