Do all your make-up with a set of crayons
SPRING — the perfect ti me to streamline and lighten the load. Even something as simple as downsizing your handbag can make a difference to your life. But there is a drawback: I can’t fit anything more than the absolute necessities inside my mini bag and certainly not t he amount of makeup I usually carry around.
I am not brave enough to face the whole day without my makeup bag, but I may have found the perfect solution.
Among all the makeup products launching this spring, there are plenty of multipurpose pencils and crayons that you can use for just about everything — eyes, l i ps, cheeks and brows.
The new Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, £ 19, makes application easier than ever. Draw, blend, and you’re done.
Crayons are the ultimate space saver and make everything easier to do. Eye crayons are foolproof because they blend so well and hide errors. They j ust need to be smudged along the lash line. For a smoky eye, choose a soft crayon blended over the eyelid. I once saw Lulu do this in a restaurant without a mirror — it looked perfect.
Crayons are perfect for travelling as they can go in your hand luggage on the plane. Simply use them to draw on clean, hydrated skin and blend. You’ll need a good sharpener — try Superdrug’s double pencil sharpener, £1.89. Last week I put several crayons to the test, challenging myself to replace my usual products. Here are the results.
MY PICK OF THE PENCILS
MAYBELLINE Brow Satin in medium brown (£5.99, Boots) has a soft sponge tip for easy blending. It will tame unruly hairs and can be used to add definition on the lash line.
L’Oreal Paris Perfection True Match Crayon Concealer (£5.99, Boots) is another product I’d heartily recommend.
Foundation is the hardest thing to do with a crayon, but this creamy concealer is easy to blend and can be used as a concealer and foundation. It can be drying so make sure your skin is well moisturised.
For perfect lippy, try the new soft twistup lip crayons from Danish brand GOSH, Forever Lips Shine (£5.99, Superdrug).
No 7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick in Mango Sorbet (£9.95, Boots) is a light coral, chubby crayon that is perfect for brightening skin with a natural flush, and lasts all day.
Bourjois Colorband 2in1 eyeshadows & liners (£5.99, Boots) are my favourite eye product — smooth and waterproof.
THE VERDICT
IT FELT liberating going out for the day with just a couple of crayons in my pocket, knowing I could retouch my makeup whenever I liked. I did miss mascara, but since spring calls f or natural makeup, I can call myself a crayon convert.