A Sneaky Peek Inside My Makeup Bag

I’m a big believer that beauty comes from the inside out. It’s about how we look after  ourselves, speak to ourselves (yes, that naughty chimp on our shoulder putting us down) and the food that we choose to feed ourselves. Regardless of what any cosmetics companies promise us, looking our best has much more to do with self-care and self-love vs quick fix potions. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun or that there aren’t products out there that can enhance what’s already radiant.

While I’m definitely more in favour of the 'natural' look (possibly down to time or laziness),  I know how glamorous I feel when I do my makeup done for a night out. I’ve found some really great products along the way, and today, I'm giving you all look inside my makeup bag so you can see what I’m currently using.

Since I don’t wear a lot of makeup every day (I can't live without my mascara though), I don’t mind spending a little extra on high-quality products that I simply love.  Through my knowledge as a nutritionist I'm well aware that what I choose to put on my body is just as important as what I put in my body. This means that I try to use products I know aren’t harmful—to me or any other creature.  All the products I use are cruelty free or vegan and where possible toxin free too.  

And while I try to keep everything as high-quality and clean as possible, I’ll be honest—I’m still searching for healthy options to products I just can’t quite find an alternative for! So I’d love to hear your suggestions, tips, favourite brands, and go-to products below in the comments.

And now, without further ado, if you dig around in my makeup bag, here’s what you’ll find!

Eyeshadow
I’m really quite fussy about the eyeshadow that I use, texture is really important. There’s nothing worse than eyeshadow that sits in the creases and makes you look 20 years older, As I'm sure you are aware, not all eyeshadows are created equal. Whilst some of them can look patchy or uneven, others are super-pigmented, buttery and bendable.  Here are a few of my favourites that I'm using right now:

Arbonne  I love all their shades, and they've got incredible lasting ability - some of the most beautiful neutrals you'll find.  My favourites at the moment is a double palette: sequoia / malt (£32)
Makeup Geek Highly pigmented shadows - favourite shades right now are Cosmopolitan / and Goddess (£4.95 each)
Sugar Pill Cosmetics Offers some fantastic colours my fave's for a night out are Money Maker and Poison Plum (£8.50 each)

Eyeliner
I'm a sucker for a black liner. I usually prefer a gel (which is applied with a brush) or a wet shadow because I find that it’s easy to glide on and the colour is buildable so you can go as dark as you fancy - and if you make a mistake with the wet-to-dry shadow you can just blend away the mistake.   I've also included my favourite 'pencil' as this is great if you aren't quite as steady handed.

Beauty Bakerie GELato - I'm actually such a fan of this product that I have it in all their colours. (£15.50)
Ofra - I actually love to use this eyebrow palette (which i use for eyebrows too) - I just grab a thin brush, dip into water and use as an eyeliner (£16)
Arbonne - Its a fine Line Pencil Eye Liner - This is a seriously creamy eyeliner and I love the fact that this has a sharpener hidden in the top (£23.00)

Blush
Don't underestimate how important a little blusher is.  It totally completes your look - and also can add a glowing hue to your skin when you might not be - just remember to use a light touch!

Arbonne My favourite colour right now is Taffeta - I know it looks ridiculously bright - but I promise that when you use it the colour is actually very subtle and just adds a sexy flush to your cheeks. (£24) 

Bronzer
A little bit goes a long way—that’s my mantra when it comes to bronzer. You don’t want to look like a Jaffa orange. This powder is so light, it adds just the perfect hint of color to make ya look sun-kissed.

Arbonne Glow On Bronzer (£25)

Concealer
I have 2 is go-to concealers. I probably use the Arbonne product the most out of these products listed here, because I find it lighter and I love that it reflects the light. It’s made to enhance skin, not just cover it up—hence the clever name!

Arbonne - The Real Conceal - I use the shade Medium Neutral - but there are 7 to choose from. (£26)
Zoeva - Concealer Spectrum Palette (£18)

Mascara
I couldn't live without mascara, well obviously I could - but this is my absolute makeup everyday essential.   Mascara can be tricky because I always want it to look natural (not clumpy) and this one is the best I have ever found.

Arbonne - Its A Long Story (£31)

Powder
Honestly, I’m not a big powder gal—until I tried this stuff. It’s super fine and it will set your makeup to last all day - the ultimate finish for all my brides. 

Lily Lolo -  Finishing Powder.  I use both the Matte and Translucent Silk - it just depends on your finishing preference (£14.50)

Primer and Foundations
I'm a huge fan of the Arbonne Primer and Perfecting Liquid Foundation.  I’ll put a little primer on first, then follow it up with foundation. The two go hand-in-hand with each other. I thought I would never stray from this combo, until I came across LA Girl BB Cream. I was recently researching cruelty free BB creams when I came across this one — and it was so light and fabulous!

Arbonne Primer (apply first) (£32)
Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation - There are 15 shades to choose from and mine is Soft Blush or Rosy Beige depending on how tanned I am. (£37)
LA Girl - PRO.bb cream HD High Definition Beauty Balm - there are 8 shades to choose from.  Mine is: Light/Medium (£6)

Brow Filler
I’m obsessed with brows. I love a good brow filler because it is a wonderful face framer.  I have 2 go-to fave's
Ofra  - Eyebrow Palette -  contains 5 shades.  Start lighter than you think and then build up.  Remember to brush away the excess powder ! (£16)
Arbonne - Tinted Brow Cream - I use the medium/dark colour (£28)

Lipstick / gloss
Throwing on a little colour on my lips is one of my favourite beauty tricks. I love these products—some are more glossy and others are in lipstick form. Depending on how I’m feeling, I’ll switch up which one of these I use.
Arbonne - Smoothed Over Lipstick -This lipstick is nourishing and hydrating - these are my 3 favourite colours  Zinnia / Hibiscus / Lotus (£23)
Lime Crime - Metallic Velvetines - I have lots of favourites when it comes to Lime Crime lipsticks - but for now I'll call my favourite shade: Happy
Arbonne - Glossed Over LipGloss - Plant extracts and peptides leave lips feeling quenched and intensely moisturised for a smooth looking, plumped up pucker - and it has a fruity taste - yum.  My favourite colour is Mimosa.

So what are the favourites in your makeup bag?  I'd love to know as I'm always looking for great new products to try and use on me and my clients.

​Emma x