Makeup Mood-Boosters

January is typically the month where we all tend to feel a little down in the dumps. Whether it be the fact that Christmas and New Years feels like a lifetime ago, the often miserable, grey and rainy weather or simply that money is feeling a tad tight - it's not always the best of the twelve. However, it can only take the simplest of things to change up that mindset and for me personally, makeup can often be one of them. It may sound a bit silly, but in fact I find that when I'm in need of a pick-me-up, rifling through my makeup stash and picking out a select few products and slapping them on my face does wonders. Think of it as my 'Makeup Mood Boosters', or something like that...

L'OREAL LUMI MAGIQUE PRIMER - Personally, radiance is key for me when I want to feel ah-may-zing and a good, luminous primer is always the first step. This one from L'Oréal has been a favourite of mine in that department for ages now - providing an even, subtle veil of sheen to the complexion. It's not glittery, just glowy and I always love how my foundation looks when I've used this underneath.

RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION CONCEALER - When I want to feel really good in myself, makeup-wise, concealer is always an essential for me. It covers those dreaded under-eye bags and just makes my skin in general look a lot more 'flawless' - but surprisingly, it's not the Collection Lasting Perfection that I reach for when I'm in need of a cover-up with that little extra to it. This offering from Rimmel is pretty much identical in coverage (pretty darn good, I must add), though the finish is a lot more moisturising and dewy and so goes along with the healthy, radiant look I'm trying to achieve nicely. It's a tad more forgiving and so will make you feel much better about that under-eye area.

SOAP AND GLORY SOLAR POWDER BRONZER - I just can't help but overdose on the bronzer when I'm feeling a little blue. I'm naturally a pretty pale gal and so my complexion almost always requires a good amount of warming up on a good day, but when things are a tad bleak, that tends to reflect in my face and make me look even more ghostly than usual - so this offering from Soap and Glory is quite the miracle worker for me. A matte formula that simply adds depth without any extra shimmer (trust me, there's more coming up next) and a really nice mid-tone that's not too ashy, nor too orangey - just perfect.

THE BALM  MARY-LOU MANIZER - Sticking with the glow-all-out kinda theme I started with the L'Oréal Lumi Magique Primer - of course, I just had to throw a 'proper' highlighter in here somewhere too, didn't I? This remains my favourite for when I want a serious glow to the top of my cheeks, bridge of the nose, cupids bow - and just generally everywhere. The light champagne-y colour is perfect for my paler skin and it's super intense and pigmented, but the shimmer is really finely-milled and so sits on the skin without looking chunky at all.

MUA VELVET LUXE LIP LACQUER IN 'RECKLESS' - Last but not least - lips. Personally, when I'm feeling like a bit of a pick-me-up, I always love to crack out a good bold lip if I can. Nowadays, I like to keep my lips matte when I go for something brighter or deeper and this range from MUA is great for exactly that. This vibrant, true red is my favourite, favourite of them all and aswell as lasting pretty much all day long whenever I wear it (an not feeling that uncomfortable too), the colour is just the type that is always bound to lift your spirits and make you feel far better about yourself, in an instant.