My Everyday Makeup Essentials and Non-Essentials

First of all, full credit for the topic of this post goes to Rachael from Overdose de Maquillage, which is one of my regular blog reads. Rachael did this post not too long ago, which I loved reading so much that I decided I would do one of my own. I wear makeup pretty much every day unless I'm staying at home for the entire day (which isn't very often). I work full time 5 days a week so am often rushing in the mornings and don't have lots of time to spend on applying lots of different products. Taking each type of makeup product one by one, find out which I class as my everyday essentials and which I can take or leave.

Primer: Essential

I always, always apply primer without fail. With an oily t-zone, I need all the help I can get in making my base products last longer and primer is a good first step in ensuring this happens. 

Currently using: Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer

Concealer: Essential

I am a pale gal, with dark circles and problem skin, so concealer is an absolute must for me. I can't ever see myself not using concealer, although of course I would like the problem skin to disappear so I use a lot less! 

Currently using: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Foundation: Essential

For the same reason as concealer, I could not live without foundation. At the moment I steer towards high coverage foundation, but even if when my skin improves, I think I would still wear a base but go for something lighter. I would love to be able to go out just wearing a tinted moisturiser!

Currently using: Vichy Dermablend Foundation

Powder: Essential

I feel like powder provides the perfect finish to my base; I apply it lightly on my t-zone to set my makeup in place and stop it slipping so quickly. Throughout the day I'll top up as needed with a translucent powder to get rid of any shine.

Currently using: Green People Pressed Powder SPF15 & theBalm Sexy Mama Translucent Powder

Blusher/Bronzer: Essential/Non-Essential

I don't use bronzer at all, but blusher gives my skin a natural flush of colour and perks up my otherwise pale skin. 

Currently using: Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher in Cherub

Highlighter: Non-Essential

Having added a couple of highlighting products to my collection recently, I have been really into using highlighter but I could easily take it or leave it. I tend to use it mostly at weekends when I have more time.

Currently using: No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter

Eyeshadow/Eyeliner: Both Non-Essential

Again these are products I tend to save for weekends, though if I've had a particularly bad night's sleep in the week I will quickly apply a wash of a neutral toned, shimmery eyeshadow to help brighten up my eye area.

Currently using: No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define in Cool Mink and Bourjois Contour Clubbing Eyeliner in Up and Brown

Mascara: Essential
I did have a phase where I stopped wearing mascara - what was that all about?! I feel like my eyes look too small without mascara, as my eyelashes are long are completely flat. Mascara opens up eyes and makes me feel like I've made some kind of effort!
Currently using: Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara

Brows: Essential
Now that I have a little arsenal of brow products, from tints to powders to gels, this type of product has changed from non-essential to essential. As already mentioned, my work makeup is minimal so I find that filling in and tidying up my brows gives my face more definition and makes me look a little more polished.
Currently using: Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil

Lipstick/Lipgloss: Both Non-Essential
Over the summer I've unconsciously seemed to abandon most of my lip collection apart from lip balm. If I've wanted a light wash of colour I've just used something tinted but still hydrating. Hopefully I've re-discover it all again soon!
Currently using: Korres Lip Butter in Quince & Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry

What are your day to day makeup essentials and non-essentials?

Beauty Bird xx