Every now and then I realise how picky, fussy and annoying I am when it comes to buying makeup... I am also very predictable - so I decided to write this post to show you the bits I look out for when i'm buying something new, wether it be formula, shade.. to see if any of you have different preferences, and maybe encourage you to write similar posts.. and maybe help me get over my pickiness...
Foundation:
I am expecting a high coverage, but without cake effect. Most of all I am expecting the shade to be correct. I am pale with a neutral undertone (Yellow Based) so when I am watching in store I am looking out for my shade more than anything, it needs to be just right... or i'm not buying it. It also has to blend in flawlessly & cover the red on my knuckles.
Prefect Example: Nars Sheer Glow in "Gobi"
Concealer:
Just like the foundation my main issue is shade. Mostly I look out for whiter than white concealers. Most are not pale enough to highlight, so that is my biggest concern... the next one is the texture. I cannot handle balm like concealers, they are too much effort to blend without looking cakey. I also stress over the process of blending them, I don't want to be pulling at my eye bags more than I need to be, so tube liquid concealer is best. I simply won't buy anything else now.
Perfect Example: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer.
Eyeshadows:
HAS to be pigmented, I will run my finger across it once and if I am not getting a full stripe of pigment on my arm I simply will not buy it. It also needs to be even, thick and buttery. I cannot stand bad quality eye shadow, the thought of it makes me weep. Colour wise any warm toned shadows are the one for me... especially gold shimmery ones... I cannot say no to them (hence why I have so many!)
Perfect Example: Urban Decay Naked Palette (Half Baked is THE one)
Liquid Liner:
Smudge proof, Quick Drying, SUPER black, honestly my demands are never ending. The brush also needs to be thin but workable, I also need to see a clear even black line on my hand (without the brush/applicator leaving its own mark) not a lot to ask right? well it seems it is, cause eye liner is a nightmare to find. It also needs to last a good 12 hours swatched on my hand before I buy... minimum!
Perfect Example: Seventeen Wet Look Liner
Blush:
Powdered or cream to powder, no sticks, liquids or gimmicks. It also needs to be pigmented but not too pigmented, no glitter. The packaging also needs to be nice, I like blushes to look pretty... shallow I know but it is a product I enjoy looking beautiful. Colour wise a dusky mauve/pinky shade will do perfectly... meet all the above requirements then it shall be mine.
Perfect Example: Hourglass Ambient Lighting in "Mood Exposure"
Highlighter:
The biggest issue I have with highlighter is finding one pale enough to highlight my skin and not just look like I have put gold eyeshadow on my cheeks. It needs to be icey or cool toned typically. I also prefer powder, but love a liquid (as long as it doesn't move my foundation under). As for the formula I need a good swatch of high pigment on my arm to be interested. and no chunky glitter. Nothing worse.
Perfect Example: The Balm Mary Lou-manizer
Lip Liner:
Pencil not twist up, twist ups break or don't last as long. But it also needs to be super creamy, which is hard in a pencil format... the best ones are the ones which are not wooden but plastic, but still need sharpened. They too need to last a good 12 hours on my hand before I will buy them. Harsh demands, but they need to fulfil their purpose.
Perfect Example: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner
Lipstick:
Buttery Smooth, not patchy, not greasy, not shiney, preferably Matte, SUPER opaque, hate see through... and definitely NOT sticky. Smell is also an issue, it needs to smell good (I'm talking to you Loreal, you smell icky) The bullet shape also needs to be easy to work with (not flat & round) The packaging also needs to be pretty... it's going to be in my handbag, I want it to look pretty and feel nice to re apply out and about. The lid also needs to stay on well, no faffing about. Colour wise I am always drawn to a nude. No matter how many I already own.
Perfect Example: MAC "Honey Love"
Liquid Lipstick:
HAS to dry down. HAS to be non sticky and non flakey. Cannot transfer. Without either of those I won't even consider buying it. Tacky lips are horrible and I hate the feeling, so lipgloss and sticky lipsticks are my idea of hell. The Smell is also a factor, but if it meets the above then it shouldn't stink for long. It too has to be super pigmented and not require layers. One and done.
Perfect Example: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks
Make Up Brushes:
I much prefer round dense brushes, but of course it depends on the use. For buying them I just need a good shape for its use, it also needs to have super soft bristles, I prefer spending more and getting the right shape for its use, as it can make the world of difference. In my opinion you cannot go wrong with Real Techniques. They smash it with all their brushes.
Perfect Example: Real Techniques Sculpting Brush
So, now that I have aired out my fussiness on what I expect I can ask are you fussy about things too? Let me know in the comments below :)
