I was sitting down to do my makeup last week when it occurred to me that much of what I'm currently using has been in my daily rotation for almost a year.. if not longer. I don't award any product 'holy grail' status lightly so I can't tell you every single thing I used here is irreplaceable by something else but there are definitely a handful of serious must-haves that I'd run out and repurchase immediately if I had to start over.

Estee Lauder Double Wear (Bone)

I have tried COUNTLESS low cost foundations and for a time was totally in love with Revlon's Colourstay however when they changed the formula I could never find anything affordable to replace it. I eventually caved and picked up Double Wear and never looked back. By far the best foundation I've ever used and if you're looking for something buildable (anything from light to high depending on how you apply it/which version you choose) and super long wearing this totally lives up to the hype.

Freedom Pro Highlight in Ambient

I have the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette and it's really beautiful but it's HELLA expensive, y'all! It was a gift and I love it but I would never repurchase it because the lighting powders from Freedom and Makeup Revolution are just as good for a fraction of the price. This one in particular is my absolute favourite, a subtle sheen I can use lightly all over or heavy high on my cheeks. There's a slight warmth to it that can almost replace a blush (for a cheek-colour-phobe like me) too, just super pretty for an amazing price.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I have a post coming up pitting this against the Benefit Roller Lash and *spoiler alert* this still comes out on top. Mascara is so subjective but for me this is the perfect balance of a dry enough, thick enough formula and a brush that manages to grab and coat every lash while separating and defining.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Faux

Ahhh it's the my-lips-but-better nude lipstick I always dreamed of. When I first started blogging nude lips were a major trend and nothing that everyone else seemed to love suited me AT ALL so this deeper nude trend is a big winner for me. Faux is the perfect rosy mauve on me and worn with Essence Plum Cake liner (as below) it's my go to lip combination and one I'm always questioned about.

You can see each of these items in action as well as what else I used in this video..