Each week, we’ll be taking a peek into some of our faves’ makeup bags to see their must-have products, because we’re nosey. This week, it’s the turn of blogger Sue Jordan (Cherry Sue, Doin’ The Do).
Her earliest makeup memories
“As with many that came of age in the 90s, my makeup staples were consistently Max Factor’s Pan Stick in Alabaster, Constance Carrol Concealer in Porcelain & a slick of clear Lancôme Juicy Tube.
Essentially I went about my day like someone that had been laid out in a Massey Bros Funeral Home for a week. Never a good look.”
“With age, came colour and, while I’ve never been a fan of the drag-esque Kardashian contouring, I’ve managed to perfect a swish of bronzer, highlighter & blush to bring a little light and shade to my face.
“For the most part I’m a matte shadow lover now, though if I’m leaving the desk to go straight to disco (or beauty event) of an evening, I might pop a dot of glitter to my lids & a slick of liner to my waterline to liven up the look.
“While that’s my daily go to, I’m a makeup obsessive & make no apologies for that. I regularly mix things up, try bolder colours and do my utmost, as a 39 year old women to break every BS makeup rule anyone has deigned to concoct.
Makeup, to me, is pure joy. It’s literally playing dress up. It’s one of the only things in my life that’s just not that serious. It should be fun.”
Her makeup bag
“I’d be lying to myself & you if I didn’t admit that every bag I own has a treasure trove of beauty products stuffed inside. Predominantly lip products (13 in this one) but concealer & liner too. I like to be prepared.
“As a beauty blogger and freelance beauty writer, I’m constantly swatching and trialling new products but my essentials, the ones I spend my own cash on when the press samples are used up, are below.”
What’s inside?
Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics: “Probably the most underrated of the Naked palettes, Ultimate Basics is one I reach for almost daily, whether alone or with other shadows.
“The recent introduction of Naked Heat (warm coppers and reds) means this one has been knocked as my favourite all time UD palette but even so, as an everyday palette of flattering mattes and shimmers, with huge versatility, Ultimate Basics is the one I recommend time and again, regardless of who’s asking.”
Bourjois City Radiance: ”With the recent discontinuation of Bourjois CC Cream (*sobs*) City Radiance is my new staple. I may fall in and out of favour with more expensive foundations, but when it comes to luminous, even coverage, with SPF, Bourjois are always the brand to beat.”
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow: “My grá for this high end bronzer & highlighter duo is pretty clear. This is my second palette since its introduction in 2015 and the one product, when I’m asked what to splash out on I recommend again and again. Ideal for everyday use for most skin tones, the cost per use on this luxury palette means it’s forever my holy grail purchase.”
Hourglass Ambient Light Blush: “I have yet to be let down by an Hourglass product, though my Accountant hates me for it. Their Ambient Light range is a manna from heaven for those wanting real life blurring from their beauty products.
“Like photo shop for your face, this blush is seriously flattering, looks like an actual blush on your skin. If the €34 price tag is too saucy, Max Factor have a very similar product in their Crème Puff blushes for €12.99. Not dupes, but very similar.”
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: “The best concealer I’ve used for dark circles and fine lines, Age Rewind is lightweight & provides good coverage. While many don’t like the sponge tip applicator, it’s my favourite for use in the delicate eye area (especially good after an eyebrow wax too).
“Until recently you had to take a trip Stateside to get the full range of colours but this year Maybelline brought both the neutraliser & the brightener to our shores. I never leave home without at least one.”
Benefit Gimme Brow: “This mini brow mascara, a tinted gel with microfibers is a fool proof way to have great brows in a jiffy. Instagram brows never suited me so with a tint, maybe once every six weeks, Gimme Brow is literally all I use. A cracking little product.”
Jordana Eggplant: “Both my favourite emoji and my favourite eyeliner shade, Eggplant is the most flattering colour blue/green/grey eyed ladies can wear.
“I first purchased this in a New York drugstore on a whim but have since been feeding my addiction through Amazon for practically pence!”
Smashbox Always Sharp: “The most important feature of liner, second only to longevity of wear, is sharpness. Smashbox Always Sharp liners just need one click in the lid for a precision point every time. I have most colours in the line but when it comes to waterline liner for me it’s always Smashbox & it’s always Always Sharp.”
Clarins Mascara Supra Volume: “Mascara may be the only product, aside from lip products that I pick up with alarming regularity, despite having only two eyes. Public appetite for mascara is also at an all-time high, which means I have product drops every other day with the latest & greatest.
“Despite all of that, I have never found one that comes close to Supra Volume for lift, curl & colour. The trifecta of lash heaven for me. I’m on my third tube now, I repurchase every time I run low and don’t see that changing any time soon.”
Charlotte Tilbury Lost Cherry: ”There is no matte lip formulation more comfortable than Charlotte’s Matte Revolution shades. Lost Cherry by name & nature is one of my all-time favourites. A bright red toned coral, even with just mascara, this is a beauty.”
Wet ‘n’ Wild Liquid Catsuit: ”A recent discovery, Liquid Catsuit lipsticks are ridiculously good for the €5 price tag. Richly pigmented & seriously comfortable, they last a good 8 hours & are my go to when filming for Elaine.”
Urban Decay All Nighter: “The setting spray to end all setting sprays, nothing on the market compares to All Nighter. I’m often in the office from 7am, with Digital clients until early evening and at events until the last bus home. Nothing, NOTHING holds my makeup in place like this face saving mist. It’s like lightweight, super strength lacquer for your visage.”
