Makeup is one category where I buy less stuff than I used to (although I might end up paying more…). That said, I did buy quite a few things for this autumn, as I usually find autumn more inspiring in makeup terms than other times of the year. It is foundation season and lipstick season and this is clearly reflected in my buys as well. The other personal trend I’ve noticed is that my makeup purchases are starting to follow my skincare purchases into more niche, less mainstream luxury territory. But enough chatter, this is what I’ve recently bought/am currently using:

BASE
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (shade 2). I use this glow-giving product underneath my foundation and it makes me look more alive. And shiny. I do not put it on my nose, for obvious reasons, but might add some extra on the top of my cheeks and cupid’s bow after foundation. Becca’s Backlight Priming Filter is another one I have in rotation – a little less glowy, but also very effective.

YSL All Hours Foundation (in B30). I wanted a proper foundation for the winter and this is a good one: decent coverage and lasting power without looking too unnatural (I think that people who say that a full coverage foundation looks ‘totally like skin’ are deluding themselves). Tom Ford and Cle de Peau are in my view better, but they are significantly more expensive. YSL has an edge also if you want a more matte finish.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick (in Shell). I didn’t really need that, after buying the YSL, but I also do not regret getting it, as it’s impressive. It has serious coverage and I like it especially when I don’t want to use foundation AND concealer on my face: this fulfils both functions unless there is some major trouble going on. My only issue with this foundation is that it’s not best applied with fingers or a BeautyBlender (my preferred methods), so I tend to apply it directly on skin where I need it and then improvise.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer (shade 4). I’m not a huge under eye concealer person, but if I’m going to use one, it better be good. I really like this one – enough coverage, gently brightening, doesn’t crease (much). On the face, I prefer my Cle de Peau stick.

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. I have mentioned this one already – it’s a great powder for a powder-phobe like me. Not too mattifying, but enough to take down shine where it’s not welcome and set the makeup lightly.

EYES
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara. The newest addition to my stash, this gives length and separation and volume, mostly the first two. I think it’s very nice, although not my absolute favourite. I’m also still using my Monsieur Big by Lancome and continue liking it a lot. When it’s back in stock, I’ll also repurchase Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, the best office mascara ever made.

Surratt Beauty Lid Lacquer (in Kira Kira). I’ve wanted an eye gloss for a long time and Surratt is a brand I really like, so I gave it a go. This is a very pretty transparent sparkly gloss/lacquer. So far, I’ve only worn it on its own and although it creases a bit, I don’t mind. It adds some life to my eye lids and I also rather like it as a highlight. I’m very curious about the other colours, especially red and black.

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (in Bronzed Bell). Jesus, what’s up with those product names? Anyway, I’m out of my Stila Kitten Karma which I love, but wanted to try a different shade and went for this pretty bronze. I like it, but prefer Kitten Karma and plan to repurchase.

LIPS
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick (in Flesh 3). I’ve finally got my hands on Pat McGrath’s lipsticks and they are rather impressive. Not necessarily my kind of impressive, as they are seriously matte and very pigmented, but that’s a question of preference. Flesh 3 is a beautiful rusty brown, a very ‘now’ shade, and I wear it smudged on after lip balm. I imagine it would last forever if I wore it straight up.

Pat McGrath LuxeTrance lipstick (in Madame Greige). This is a very nineties colour, a cool (in both senses of the world) brownish mauve. Not the most flattering of shades, but it will instantly give you a look. Although LuxeTrance is not supposed to be matte, it is according to my standards. I find it comparable to Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution series, which is a compliment, as that’s my favourite non-glossy formula.

Isabel Marant X L’Oreal Paris Smile Lipstick (in Bastille Whistle). Another matte lipstick! Who am I?? In my defence, I bought this because it said ‘Isabel Marant’ on the packaging. It’s a nice warm nude and as I don’t own anything else like this, I’m happy with it.

Tom Ford Lip Lacquer (in Red Corset). For gloss and glamour, I still turn to this plummy red Tom Ford (mine is in the old packaging). It works for me and can be worn as a sheer veil of colour or a rather intense dark lip.

CHEEKS
Isabel Marant X L’Oreal Paris Amaze Lip and Cheek Gloss (in Canyon Avenue). I’m putting this under cheeks, as it’s more interesting that way. Most people would probably wear it on the lips, as it looks and feels pretty much like a lip gloss. I’m in fact not opposed to this as blush – I prefer liquids and creams to powders anyway. It stays slightly sticky, but looks pretty. Just a word of caution: both this and the lipstick have a strong scent. The colour is a pretty, coral pink, possibly better suited for summer than autumn.

For more autumnal shades, I like my Glossier Cloud Paints: Dusk is a warm nude with apricot and brown leanings, Haze is a pretty berry colour. For a moody mauve, there’s Rituel de Fille’s Inner Glow Cream Blush in Desire and for a healthier look, Kjær Weis Sun Touched.

I feel I’m pretty well stocked on makeup, although I wouldn’t mind a lighter foundation/tinted moisturiser (I don’t need full coverage most days) and maybe another eye product or two. Have you found anything spectacular this autumn?