Complete Make up haul advice

[Lamelie]

In a “fire in the orphanage” type event I’ve lost all my make-up.
It included Jones Road face pencil and pink miracle balm. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, MAC lipstick in a matte dark pink and Laura Mercier powder which I didn’t love. Any (preferably cheaper) alternatives. Here’s a picture of my face, eyes excluded not just for anonymity but because although I have dark circles I don’t try and cover them as it always looks cakey and I have big green eyes with long lashes and wear glasses so just wear mascara (which was in my handbag, so not stolen)

Thank you so much!

Needy bump with a picture of the lost make up.

Elf make up is good and reasonably priced. Make up Revolution also do a dupe of the Jones Road balm.

Goodness, you are a HELL of an advertisement for that miracle balm!! I've successfully talked myself out of it dozens of times because "it's too much for a blusher" but ... wow.

Seconding the Elf recommendation. One or two products are a bit duff but, on the whole, great. Very good moisturisers.

I used to think I would die without Beauty Flash but it's had its day, imo. Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid confer a dewy glow, there are endless products to add sheen/glow as the mood takes you, and you can get dead cheap setting sprays with a 'dewy' finish.

I use Elf primer in place of Beauty Flash, and their setting spray.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/l-f-Poreless-Hydrating-Complexion-Cruelty-free/dp/B0C7WQ9GG5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/l-f-Setting-Long-Lasting-Hydrated-Cruelty-Free/dp/B0CXQR14J3

Thanks so much! I'll order the elf primer- does it also need foundation and if so any advice? I think I can find Revolution locally. I also have errands to run in town on Friday and can feel Liberty's calling...

@GarlicPintI’ve bought the miracle balm and it’s like putting Vaseline all over my face. Extremely sticky and it doesn’t dry, so hair gets stuck to it all day. I don’t think it’s for everyone.

I hate the miracle balm too. I stupidly bought a second one as thought it was just the colour. It’s so greasy, my hair gets stuck to it, I hate that you have to smush it to apply, and it makes me look about 10yrs older.

Thanks, both. You've definitely saved me £38 and a world of disappointment!

I think you should try a cc cream. Erborian is really hood- a bit more than primer like coverage and not cakey.

Makeup Revolution Balm Glow is a real dupe for the Jones Road miracle balm but not sticky at all. I ended up buying 3 shades online as only around £5 and they're gorgeous. Rose pink, flushed pink and peach bliss.

Hope you like the putty primer! I use it on its own for no makeup days, as it just makes my skin look a bit better. I'll put tinted moisturiser or cc/bb cream over it to even out my colour, or foundation if I'm doing a full paint job.

As with any primer, you need to leave a minute before applying another product on top.

I sympathise - one time my bag was stolen, I was more upset about losing the expensive beauty products it contained than my cash & cards! I never did go back to buying the same ones, though, as the quest for affordable substitutes revealed new lines I'd been unaware of. I think I replaced Beauty Flash (this was a while back) and a Chanel solid eyeliner. I've still got the eyeliner block, and I'm glad I bought it; it was discontinued soon after.

Wishing you an enjoyable journey of discovery!

Another recommendation for Erborian Cc creme - it doesn't look like foundation, I'm not sure what it does but it just makes my skin look better! It's buildable for more coverage, it kind of gives a smooth, even, not flat matt but definitely not shiny look. I'm 52 and bought one for my daughter who's 24 who also loves it.

I’m obsessed with Merit at the moment and they sell a full set of everything for about £150 so not cheap but comparative to buying individual products it’s not bad. There’s also a summer set for around £120 but I prefer this one https://www.meritbeauty.com/en-uk/products/five-minute-morning

You’ve inspired me to buy beauty flash balm again! Used it throughout my 20s when I didn’t need it but clearly now’s the time!

Sorry for your loss 😕. Boots have 20% off Erborian products at the moment.

You have great skin. Are you using an spf? I think you might benefit from a tinted spf as a base. They’re light and give a bit of glow. The new merit one is great.