You know those days when you seem to be running on autopilot as your brain refuses to function even after a dangerously large cup of coffee, or you're too distracted to put focus on the makeup process. It doesn't necessarily mean that you need to cut down the routine to fit a 5 minute time frame, it just means that you're unconsciously reaching for the products that won't require any brainpower for the whole process. I made note of the products piled on my table after an autopilot morning and while most of these no fail products won't come as a surprise, I still thought it'd be interesting to show you the ones I tend to reach for when my brain decides that it just can't be bothered.
My base choice shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that's been around these corners for a while, but there seems to be a gravity force around the NARS Tinted Moisturiser(review) that sucks me in every time. It's the Bermuda Triangle in my foundation collection, people. It's one of those do it all bases and will not fail you no matter how you choose to apply it.
Under eye concealing is something that I do whenever I wear makeup and the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer is the one I always reach for when I have a temporary brain lapse. It's brightening and has just enough coverage to highlight the under eye area while still looking quite natural with a tint of shadow showing through.
I tend to go for a simple eye look on these days, with either the options of roughly lining my eyes with a large bronze eye crayon, like the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze, and then smudging it out either with a pencil brush or just a simple q-tip, depending on what I have on hand.
If I'm feeling a little more sophisticated and less 'low key grunge', then the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette is my go-to. Mixing two midtone shades to slightly define the crease before mixing the only shimmery shade and the other two lighter shades to brighten up the lid area. I usually either press the black eyeliner into the lash line or use a brown eyeliner, such as MAC Powerpoint Eyelinerin Stubborn Brown, before going with a couple coats of mascara.
Last but not least. I was more than a bit surprised at my lip product choices when I was making note of the products I reach for when my brain is boycotting. I was sure that it would be entirely of MAC lipsticks (seeing as they're the only part of my makeup that's remotely organised). However, it seems that I have a soft spot for my drugstore buddies. Most probably because they're the more hydrating options in my lipstick collection (explanation here). Anyway. Rather than a bright bold lip, I seem to be a lot more sensible in my autopilot mode, reaching for shades that'll fall under the neutral zone. Catrice In a Rosegarden, Essence Natural Beauty, and Rimmel 08(all swatches here) were all dug out of my jacket pockets, which shows how much I rely on these lip shades when my brain decides to call it quits that day.
I'm sure we've all had those days when your brain just decides to turn off but life just doesn't allow you to roll around in bed all day while watching reruns of your favourite show. As much as I like makeup, it's not necessarily the bit that I want to use the little amount of brain power I have working for me that day. In times like these, autopilot mode means there are certain products that have a stronger gravitational force. What are some of your 'autopilot, no brainer' products?
I have a fairly sizable makeup collection - which means I've spent a lot of money on a lot of products that are just kinda sitting around most of the time. Which also means that I've gathered a fair amount of pricey products that I don't regret buying the first time, but like a summer fling - as great as it was, it's not something that I would go back to once it's over. I am neither confirming nor denying the whole summer fling thing.These are some of the products that fall under said category.
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Boy: Maybe I'm biased as I like a good satin/matte opaque lipstick. But there's something about seeing your expensive lipstick literally leaving a bit of itself behind on your coffee mug that makes your heart (and wallet) bleed a little bit. Boy is a gorgeous beige, pink nude shade that has just the right amount of sheen to add a little pout but still look sophisticated. While I do love the lipstick, I'd hesitate ever purchasing this again as the c/p value of the lipstick just isn't quite there as it wears off quite quickly and is a sheer nude colour that comes with a hefty price tag.
Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in Bad Blood: I had long debates with myself before finally deciding to include this in the roundup. I love almost everything about this lipstick - from the name to the packaging to the formula and the colour. I even wrote up a whole review on this lipstick and deemed it my '2015 holiday shade'. But as gorgeous as it is, there's one small gripe that's preventing me from turning this into a lasting relationship - the shape of the bullet. Now I'd like to think that I'm quite seasoned when it comes to throwing on a red lipstick. But the shape of this lipstick combined with the creamy and ridiculously pigmented formula makes this a lipstick that requires a lot of application work. This would definitely be the perfect red lipstick if Urban Decay didn't get creative with the lipstick shape and just stuck to the traditional bullet shape.
Bobbi Brown Brightening Powder: I think the £40/$54 price tag speaks for itself. The packaging is also stunning if you take care of it and don't chuck it wherever. However, I'm a firm believer in drugstore powders - in fact, this is the only high-end powder I own. Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful powder - to look at and to apply. But give me the same amount of money to splurge on one product and it definitely wouldn't be this. I was young and naive and ridiculously irresponsible with money when I bought this. I'm only slightly less mortified by my insane 'I GOT ALL THE MONEY' way of spending because this is without a doubt, one of my most used powders. That said, it is one of my oldest powders, so that factor should also be taken into consideration.
Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush: Yes, this is the second Bobbi Brown product in a list of four. I really really like the brand, but it was also one of my first ever makeup brands, meaning that I bought a lot of products when I didn't know what I was doing. This brush was one of those products. Not going to lie, I totally bought this brush for how soft it was. Plus, I was just getting into eyeshadow and after alarming messages of how blending was the absolute key to not looking like a clown, it seemed only right that I get an 'eye blender' brush. Fast forward to now, I'm not actually sure what to do with this brush other than pretend that it's a kitten paw? The large size makes it quite hard to blend eyeshadow without getting it all over the eye area. I do use it for setting my under eye concealer and sometimes to highlight and contour. But quite frankly, I only bring out this brush when I'm putting more effort than the usual 'one brush fits all' routine.
These are in no way bad products or 'ordinary' products and I do adore the ones I've mentioned. But I just don't love them enough to justify spending the price tag the second time around. Do have products like this?
Once upon a time, I was one of those people that would walk into the drugstore for a pack of q-tips, walk out with a couple new makeup products, later realise I still didn't get the cotton buds, repeat cycle a couple times before giving up and texting a family member/friend to help me grab some q-tips when they're at the drugstore.
While I can't say that I'm not one for impulse buys yet, I've gotten a lot better at smart spending the last year or so. I'm proud to say that I'll be able to walk into department and drugstores alike and browse the makeup aisles without making a purchase I'll regret within 24 hours. I've learned some methods to stop blind reckless spending during the process, which will inevitably save you a lot of pennies, who doesn't like that, right?
write down every single thing you spent money on: I find this is the most effective method for me. Writing down that fourth fancy coffee of the week and seeing exactly just how ridiculously unnecessary and expensive it adds up to is the bucket of iced water I need to snap me back into the reality of how sadly poor I am.
go through everything in your stash: Whether it be clothes, makeup, shoes, or whatever - go through every single item you own. I've lost count the amount of times I've bought a new lipstick/eyeshadow only to realise I already had 6 similar shades. Being conscious of what you already have and the amount of it, will likely pause you the next time you're on the verge of impulse buying that mauvey pink lipstick.
sit on it: Put it down, yes, put down that eyeshadow palette that's in your hands right now and walk out. Go on with your life, eat dinner, read a book, and watch the latest episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., continue your day as if you never encountered that eyeshadow palette in the first place. 144 hours later, if the palette is still haunting you at 2 P.M., then by all means, go back to the shop and see if it's still in stock. Some people tell you to make note of the product in your phone before walking out empty handed, but don't do it. If it's something that you truly need want, you won't need a reminder to remember.
one in one out: A pretty straightforward one - stick to the 'one in one out' rule and you'll more likely to be able to control your wallet and the size of your collection/closet. Allow yourself a cheat every now and then, but careful, they should be exceptions and not the norm.
how many XXX can I buy with this lipstick/jumper?: A lipstick shade that I *might* use or 7 cups of coffee? I think the answer is clear.
wait for it: Chances are, you'll be able to get it on sale if you wait long enough. Every penny saved, right?
It's easy to use the smallest reasons to binge shop, but if we're honest with ourselves, how often do we end up thinking that the money we impulsively threw at capitalism was worth it? I'm not saying don't ever do therapy/celebratory shopping, I'm saying be smart about it. What are some of your tips when it comes to curbing reckless shopping?
