Holy Grail Foundation

Mac Strobe Cream, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 

This foundation has remained a firm favourite in my make-up bag for quite some time now and it's actually the only foundation I have actually repurchased time and time again. After a brief dalliance with Illamasqua Skin Base in the summer and a disappointing romance with Estee Laude Double Wear Maximum Cover, I found myself going back to my old Bobbi Brown ways. I definitely don't have the best skin and it can be quite dry in places thanks to a cocktail of different acne creams but it's fair to say this foundation is a definite staple for creating a good base. The coverage is medium to full and definitely build able and overall the foundation does a great job of concealing my spots without looking to matte or cakey. I find that a combined use with my mac strobe cream adds a hint of dewiness to the foundation to avoid a heavily made up look.  I  use this with my pro long wear concealer, a bobbi brown face touch up stick and my mac studio fix powder and my makeup really does last throughout the whole day, which is a big selling point for me. The fact that my skin is properly concealed gives me more confidence and other foundations I have used in the past have never lasted properly and have left my skin looking patchy and generally gross halfway through the day, so to find something that actually does what it says on the packaging is a real winner for me! 

In terms of colour matching, I am quite pale but find the shade 2.5 perfect for me all year round. When I am particularly pale, I sometimes have to blend some of the foundation around my neck to avoid the dreaded tideline but when accompanied with my bronzer and highlighter, the overall look is natural with a hint of tan/colour to my otherwise light complexion! Whilst most foundations have yellow or pink undertones, Bobbi Brown tends to argue all people have yellow undertones in their skin therefore all there foundations are created with yellow tones and I have found their colour match with me to be great, so perhaps the yellow theory is right! 

Retailing at £31, this isn't the cheapest foundation however I have a theory that your foundation should be the one thing you splash the cash on, especially if you have spot prone skin like myself as more high-end foundations apparently contain better quality, less reactive ingredients than drugstore versions, so I don't mind spending a bit more so my skin doesn't suffer. Equally, it lasts me such a long time and I use about two pumps of it a day! 

Love Amanda 

xxx

1. whistles medium shiny croc clutch 

I have been lusting over these whistles clutch bags for I don't know how long and every time I look they seem to get more and more pretty. They come in a black version and the sizes vary from to small and medium, but I was instantly drawn to the shiny, white version. Monochrome is currently having a massive fashion moment and this little bag would compliment any all-black outfit.   I don't, however think I will be purchasing this anytime soon as the £60 price tag makes them slightly unreachable! 

2. premium marabou feather gilet 

This Topshop feather gilet has completely stolen my heart. Faux fur gilets were really popular last winter especially (remember these?) and I like the way in which they can instantly be quite a transitional piece. This gilet in particular could be layered over leather jackets in winter but similarly paired with black shorts or playsuits in the summer. 

3. Acne Rita Leather Jacket 

All I can say is mmmmmm. Their leather jackets look almost too nice and hurt me to even look. This is an extremely extravagant favourite and I think I will be sticking to my trusty Topshop leather jacket for now! 

4. Black Lace Bralet 

Lace Bralets are another item experiencing a huge fashion moment and I can't help but be drawn to their prettiness. I really like when they are worn with high waisted skirts or midi skirts, with either a duster coat or leather jacket thrown over the top so you don't feel to cold! 

5. Mac Fix+ Spray 

I have been wanting to try this since forever, apparently it doesn't properly 'fix' your makeup but instead just adds a hint of dewiness to your face base, which is always welcomed for me. I think this would be particularly handy for refreshing my makeup throughout the day but also spritzing over my face when my makeup if all done to avoid any cakey foundation patches.

6. Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap 

This lipstick is such a matte, bold pink it would instantly create a statement make up look. In terms of lipsticks, I usually stick to more neutral pinks and oranges but this image of schiap paired with a natural base and neutral eye makeup I was instantly in love! 

7. JOLIE Double Strap Heels 

I LOVE the versatility of these shoe/boot/sandals, and could definitely see them being worn both day and night, either casually with black skinny jeans or more dressy with a skirt or shorts. They also have a mule type vibe, which instantly attracted me as mules seem to be a must-have shoe this summer!