Kristabel Loves… #1

OK, so I’m finally joining the favourites bandwagon.  I can’t help it, I’ve been using a few new bits on my face and I want to shout it from the rooftops!  To help differentiate I’ve given it a title that only I could use and I can’t guarantee that I’ll be doing these every month.  I guess the theme of this bunch is that they are all items I’ve been previously quite insecure about and have now learnt to embrace.  I’m talking short-sightedness, a fear of lipstick and an unwanted bosom.  Fortunately I’m a lot happier about these things now as they’re a part of me and have helped shaped my perspective.  The main reason for the beauty additions came after researching my recent Buzzfeed article on make-up for darker skin tones.  I realised that even though my foundation options are pretty limited, there are some gems to cherrypick from the High Street and I’ll probably be wearing them for the foreseeable future.  You’ll be seeing the word ‘natural’ featured here a lot, I just want to pretend that I woke up like this! 

Cleo Kira set via Bravissimo c/o – Since my last, slightly TMI post about underwear went down so well, I thought I’d update you on my progress.  I’ve now got a go-to brand by way of Cleo and a fitting at Bravissimo confirmed it.  Their bras make me look and feel my best and it’s great to see fun detailing instead of the usual tack that some manufacturers assume that bigger busts want.  I also finally got fitted for a new strapless bra (after wearing the wrong size for goodness knows how long), so now I can make the most of my wardrobe and stop hiding my straps.  Summer, I’m ready for you!

Revlon Super Lustrous in Smokey Rose – Yay, a nude lipstick option for my two-tone pout!  I’ve tried so many kinds in the shop and gone home only to realise that I look a bit like a dodgy cartoon, so I’m glad I didn’t suffer the same fate with this one.  This is great for the natural look I’m fond of and I don’t get that uncomfortable feeling that has put me off wearing others.  I’ve also stumbled across this article on ‘nude’ lipsticks for every skin tone with a few other recommendations that I’d like to try.

Bourjois Colourboost in Sweet Macchiato –  This lip crayon does just that and the colour is a little bit addictive, it enhances my natural shade rather than just matching it.  I do have to worry about it melting in my bag in the heat though, you should have seen my face when I was looking for my keys!

Sleek Bronze Block (Dark) – Another hero product I’ve discovered, this is a blush and bronzer all in one handy product, which you just swirl together for an effect that looks far more complicated.  You can use it for a half-hearted contouring attempt or just a slight flush.  It’s pretty hard to overdo and I’ve had a few compliments since using it, which is good enough for me.  

Nars Blush in Exhibit A – Whilst this is not quite so High Street, I had to put this on my list after a make-up artist used this on me (luckily a £10 off voucher for Liberty appeared in my inbox at just the right time).  It looks pretty scary in the pan and since Nars blushes are so pigmented, you have to be quite careful not to look like a rag doll.  When applied correctly though, it can look pretty subtle so it’s all about being patient and slowly building up the colour. 

Toyshades Gortey Glasses c/o – Maybe it’s a result of living with Lucy, but I’ve finally become a lot braver with my specs.  A few years ago these sorts frames would have been unthinkable to me but now I’m willing to be as adventurous as I am with my cat-eye Miu Mius or Vow London pair.  Speaking of sunnies, the best thing about Toyshades is that you can go for a tinted or clear lens, whether it’s in your prescription or not.  This means you can go for styles typically reserved for pure posing at a really reasonable price (mine would have been £80 and the lenses have been thinned for my minus 8, yes minus 8 prescription). These did seem strange at first but I’m so used to them now and the way they frame my face.  Who knows what I’ll move onto next?

Have you ever struggled with some of the same issues as me?  I’d love to know!