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 freelance makeup artist Sandra Gillen. You can follow her on Instagram here.
Her earliest makeup memories
“Well, my earliest memory of makeup prob came from my grandmother, she loved a lil’ powder but it was especially her lipstick that caught my eye!
The senses have such powers, if I close my eyes I can still smell the lipstick bullet and to this day is one of my favourite smells! I’m the weirdo at the lipstick counter that doesn’t swipe to test, I smell first!
“Crayola crayons also spring to mind! I liked pretending they were lipsticks and sure I was every sort of lady in my head with the change of each colour!
Her makeup bag and what’s inside
“It’s like a treasure trove for any makeup lover but I have taken a few key pieces I cannot be without! For the purpose of the pic I put in a nice makeup bag but I’m a zip lock lover so really in true life that’s where you’ll find the goods! #basicbird
“I have a very simplistic personal style when it comes to makeup, I’m not a huge fan of eyeliner or dramatic makeup! I’m more of a soft edges, blended smokes, grudge kinda gal!
“A recent discovery is the Blush Liquid Mineral foundation, you need to try this to understand. Every time I apply it, it shocks me! Perfect for everyday wear, kind to the skin, so kind it can even be worn post microneedling!
“I like a dewy look so I always wear MAC Strobe Cream but what I like to use to set my base is this Paese powder. It leaves a satin, glowy juiciness on the skin! It’s a softer alternative for those afraid of highlighters and doubles up as an eyeshadow!
“Bbold Contour and highlight palette is literally life, it has both warm and cool toned contours with a highlight that was seen from the international space station … Well … I’d say it was!! I love to create definition and give the face subtle dimension, this palette does exactly that! Again, doubles up as an eyeshadow palette – perfect!
“Eyebrows are key and whether you wear makeup or not you need brows! I recently dropped in to Penneys for these Brow Sketch pencils - a dream to use, perfect brows in seconds for literally peanuts!
“A little blush can create the healthiest of glows and this one by Collection is a favourite, soft pink, applied and then smudged back down with a sponge, perfect squeezy cheeks!
“For lips – I’m boring nude nude and nude all day! I love the tone in this Maybelline liquid lipstick, reminds me of my fav MAC lipstick Myth but in a liquid form! I’ll always carry Ruby Woo as well, instant drama (if needed) in this red bullet but there’s always enough of that flying around so I stick to the nudes!
“I cannot go without my Buff and Blend BB24, Blank Canvas F37 and my Real Techniques Sponge! Try them and you’ll understand why!
“I have Penneys lashes in there cos d’ya know why, they’re cheap as chips and are just as good as higher end, save your money for cocktails ladies! Never apply any lashes without Duo glue, they will not budge! Lashes and foundation is a look in itself!
“Also just cos I’m super weird about hygiene when it comes to makeup I have my squeaky clean brush cleanser! It cleans and sterilizes your brushes in seconds and a little spritz on other products helps kills those little germs too! No excuses for being a dirt bag boys and girls!”
