Eyes & Cheeks
First up, two cream eyeshadow products. For those a little timid about such bold tones, Bourjois’ new Colour Edition 24H cream eyeshadow in Prune Nocturne is the perfect option, which you can read about in more detail in my previous review. Quite light on pigmentation, it can be worn as a wash of colour or built up a little for a subtle smoky eye.
Makeup Atelier Crème Eyeshadow in Aubergine is a completely different animal. Highly pigmented, soft and creamy, don’t go plunging brushes or fingers into this little pot as the smallest sweep from the surface is all you need - as you can see in my swatch. I adore this colour, but must admit it’s a touch bold for my kinda look (& skillz!). I’d love to see an expert / MUA in action with this one as it really is a beauty… I’m currently enjoying the formula in a safe-bet Taupe.
This gorgeous plum shade from Kiko’s Lounge Palette in Warm Tones falls somewhere between the two and is a breeze to work with. Check out my full review of the palette here and Instagram pic of me wearing it here.
Onto cheeks, and Liz Earle Peony (full review) is a shade I only reach for at this time of year as it delivers a flush of just-back-from-a-beach-walk that’s really flattering on pale cheeks. There are plenty of much more overtly plum/berry toned blushers around, which I fancy experimenting with, so if you have any recs, please let me know!
Lips
This is where I’m much more willing to go for a bold look and I have three options today (and many more in my stash!). I’ve already written an ode to By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipstick in Sangria Appeal, which you can read and see applied pics here. The texture is second to none for a forget it’s there, wearable bold lip.
I discovered Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick this Summer and if you haven’t tried it already, you absolutely must as the formula is mind blowing (to a lipstick fanatic at least!). Priced somewhere between Hourglass and Sleek options, the key to mastering this liquid lipstick is all in the application. It’s very pigmented, you only need a little and once it’s set, it’s set - so try to get it right first time. For me this means prepping my lips with a good balm, outlining with a lipliner and going straight in with an almost clean wand (it has a doe wand, so wipe off any excess on the inside of the tube). For an extra smooth line, I start at the outer corners of my mouth and work up to the cupid’s bow on each side, then apply downwards on my lower lip. It literally feels a bit like painting your lips and sets to a matte finish, which I pat with a little ESPA balm for a comfortable finish and slight sheen. Once all that’s done I’m good to go - and will reach for this when heading out for dinner and drinks, or any occasion where I don’t want to worry reapplying all evening. It really doesn’t budge and if anything, might need a mini top up in the centre of the lip after dinner. See me wearing it here.
Completely coincidentally, my foolproof berry option is another Stila formula - Lip Glaze in Tropical Punch. This barely there berry looks gorgeous for an everyday look and is one of the few glosses I reach for in Autumn. Another longterm everyday berry/plum favourite is Boots No7 Sugar Plum Moisture Drench lipstick, a gorgeous mulberry shade which I couldn’t find it to swatch here, but it’s a beauty - give it a whirl next time you have a Boots No7 voucher.
I haven’t forgotten about nails - I was going to add them here but think they deserve an ode of their own.
Do you have any berry/plum beauty favourites?
