Make up therapy - GIVEAWAY (UK & IRELAND)

My relationship with make up is like  a bell curve (okay Mrs Bates, I did use it). When I'm feeling really down, like Orange is the New Black, season 4 finale, low, I wear no make up. There doesn't seem to be a point, in anything, let alone lip liner. When I'm feeling okay, I like to stick on some slap; I'm motivated to cover up some of the dodgier bits of my mug. When I feel really, really good; I'm talking Beyonce level fierce, which is rare but it has happened, I go bare faced again because why do I need it? I'm fabulous already.

Make up often gets a bad rep, it's seen as silly and frivolous and ridiculously overpriced. I agree with the latter but I for one, do not think the investment is a waste. Most women have a very personal history with make up but for some of us it's a genuine form of support. Here's how I use make up as my own personal therapist. 

EXHAUSTION: Make up took on a whole new meaning when after motherhood. It's bad enough spending every day feeling like you could fall asleep standing, without everyone pointing out how exhausted you look. There are some amazing concealers and highlighters that can help you reconstruct eight hours. 

YSL TOUCHE ECLAT is the original and the best but I also like SLEEK LUMINAIRE HIGHLIGHTI for a cheap as chips alternative. 

LOW CONFIDENCE: Nothing says 'I'm a strong independent woman' like a strong lip. Let's be honest it was Candace Brown's lips that was the real winner of Bake Off. The great thing about a brilliant lipstick is you barely have to bother with anything else. Jeans, T shirt, messy bun and bright red lips - so French chic darling. 

MAC RUBY WOO is a gorgeous, brick red lipstick. It's matte look gives it a really retro, film star quality. If that doesn't float your boat something from MAX FACTORS THE MARILYN MONROE LIPSTICK COLLECTION will. 

FUGLINESS: I think if you're feeling low on self esteem, it's all in the eyes. Go for something that will make you feel all fluttery and girly and like bluebirds are waiting to help you hang out your washing. 

If you haven't tried THEY'RE REAL! PUSH UP LINER today is the day. This is the only product that I have been able to get that flicky, sexy liner look with. It's sister product THEY'RE REAL LENGTHENING MASCARA makes my eyes water but I imagine they're a powerful combination. I've never been able to get the hang of falsies but now I've found JML MAX LASH FIBRE LASH EXTENSION MASCARA (yes the mop people!) I won't have to.

DISORGANISATION: When I'm low my ability to organise is the first thing to go and it isn't that hot in the first place. When I need to feel put together, I always paint my nails. Go for glossy, grown up colours for that, I'm busy and important vibe. 

I fell in love with CHANEL ROUGE NOIR when I was fifteen but I still can't afford it so MAYBELLINE COLOR SHOW BURGUNDY KISS makes an effective alternative.

I'm giving away a tube of my favourite red lippy - Mac Ruby Woo. To win leave me a comment and let me know your favourite part of your makeup routine and/or watch the video below and let a comment to let me know something about your everyday routine.

NEW POST AND GIVEAWAY NEXT TUESDAY!

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photo credit: AnnieAnniePancake Summer Make Up via photopin (license)