Make Over Your Makeup Bag This Winter

I had a great idea yesterday. As I don’t know anyone who is bossing January this year – has anyone ever bossed a January? – I thought it might be good if we all just forget about it. Call in sick for the rest of the month, slack off for a couple of weeks. That way, when February arrives, we can all start fresh: the way we probably meant to in January, before the grey weather and post-Christmas comedown made us want to hole up at home for the foreseeable.

No? Not possible?

You’re right – I hate the way work and school runs and socialising get in the way of hibernation, but it is what it is. Which is why we just have to find ways to make January more palatable.

As shallow as this sounds, making myself feel better with what I wear and how I look is one route to to a slightly sunny winter. There’s nothing like a slightly re-vamped make-up bag to give me an extra spring in my step, and I’ve been working with Natural Collection on their wonderful range this winter (watch my 3 minute make-up video here!) to pick out the gems to make you feel better. And the best thing is, nothing from Natural Collection is more than a couple of quid, meaning you can well and truly refresh your make-up bag with a tenner or less.

Here’s what I do to make my face (and my confidence) feel fresher in January. I hope the tips work for you, too!

1.Brighten up with Lipstick
Nothing, and I mean nothing detracts from tired eyes like a slick of bright lipstick. I favour either pink, red or purple, depending on my mood and what I’m wearing. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get when I’m wearing the Moisture Shine lipstick from Natural Collection – it’s not drying at all so perfect for winter skin. Both Crimson and Cherry Red are gorgeous scarlets, I love Raspberry for a subtle pop of pink and Cedar for a browner, more subtle shade.

2. Check your foundation shade
If you’re anything like me, not only does my skin texture change in the winter (it’s dryer) but so does the colour: thanks to the sun (or more likely, St Tropez) I’m a few shades darker in the warmer months. See above; here’s my winter tinted moisturiser (the light one) compared with my summer foundation (the dark). Adapting your base to the season means you’ll always look as natural as possible, and also means there’s less margin for error when you’re slapping your make-up on in the near-dark of those early winter mornings – we all do it with our eyes half-closed, right?

3. Warm up your blusher
I like youthful pinks for blusher in the summer, but come winter I want something a bit warmer with brown rather than pink undertones. Natural Collection’s Rosey Glow is perfect for that right now – and come summer I’ll be reverting to Pink Cloud.

4. Experiment!
One of the things I love about the Natural Collection range is that it is so well-priced and accessible, and therefore really easy to experiment with. I love trying a lipstick that would have otherwise scared me, or giving contouring a go with Natural Collection’s bronzer and highlighter. There’s no product I haven’t enjoyed using yet – I’m particularly in love with the lipsticks – and I’ve adored using a collection that I loved so much in my youth.

Grab a tenner and give it a go!

I’m working with Boots and BritMums in a paid relationship, showcasing Natural Collection make-up, the simple, affordable and easy-to-use line. Find out more here.