November Favourites

I've been loving a good number of products this month, some being things I've had for a while but never fully appreciated, others being entirely new to me but quickly adored. Notably, I've discovered a primer + foundation + powder combination that seems to actually work. I've also come across a new eyeshadow favourite that (shock, horror) isn't a taupe or bronze. See, I can like things beyond my comfort zone.

l-r: Benefit Busy Signal, Laura Mercier African Violet & Rich Cocoa, Stila Bronzing Powder, Bourjois Powder

Laura Mercier eyeshadows in African Violet and Rich Cocoa (from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek palette)
So impressed with the quality of these two shadows. African Violet is the most wearable and special purple I've come across, it's soft and shimmery but never overdone. I love how it flashes a different colour depending on the light. Sometimes, it appears almost like a pinkish taupe with fine gold running through it. It's such a versatile shade that can be worn day and night. It blends beautifully with Rich Cocoa, a super pigmented blackish brown matte that doubles as a soft eyeliner. I don't care for mattes usually, but Rich Cocoa has proven to be the exception.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Busy Signal
Already raved about here, but this is the product most likely to be elevated from a monthly favourite to HG status. I haven't worn much else on my lower lashline for almost two months. Perfect colour, super creamy and buttery soft in texture, strong pigmentation, and long lasting.

Stila Sun SPF 15 Bronzing Powder in Shade 01
I wore this quite a bit this month, and I've ended up liking it much more than I initially expected. Everything about it is just easy. It's soft and not too pigmented, it blends effortlessly onto the skin, and it adds warmth and a little bit of definition to the face. Even though it's orange-leaning, the colour works well for my skin tone and applied lightly, it gives a natural, summery pep to the complexion. Full review here.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer
I bought this earlier in the year and have never been particularly enthused with it. I tried it multiple times with previous foundations and never thought it did anything special. But somehow, I've discovered it works wonders with NARS Sheer Glow. I have no idea why, but I've noticed a significant difference to how long my foundation lasts when I apply this beforehand. I like that it's not greasy, it's readily absorbed, feels weightless and helps to prep and prime the skin so foundation applies more smoothly and stays on.

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji
I've been reaching for Sheer Glow much more than my Make Up For Ever HD foundation, or anything else. Although it can cake ever so slightly around my nose, overall, I'd have to say this is the best foundation I've tried. I love the softly illuminating finish it gives, the medium coverage, the way it melds into the skin and perfects it while still looking natural. It also photographs beautifully. Fiji is a really good match for me, and the wear time is impressive, especially with primer and powder. Full review here.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume
I take back what I said about the wand being too fat and it being difficult to get to the base of the lashes. It's no Benefit They're Real, but I've really enjoyed using it this month. It could probably do better in the lengthening and curling department, but I love that smudging on my lower lashes is kept to a minimum, and how it magically coats every single one of my lower lashes better than any other mascara I've tried.

Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille
I'm glad that I bought this powder as part of the recent Bourjois gift with purchase promotion at Priceline, because I can't imagine using anything else now. It's very finely milled and so soft in texture. After Face of Australia Face Base and NARS Sheer Glow, I pat this on with my Real Techniques powder brush around my T-zone. It helps to set my foundation, keep greasiness at bay and prolong foundation wear time. It also works brilliantly for touch ups to perfect the skin, whether to add a bit more coverage or tone down any shininess.