I’m not going to attempt to delude myself and anyone reading this into thinking that laziest of Sundays make an appearance in my life, involving no makeup, wearing glorified sweatpants and nothing particularly indulgent aside from never leaving my bed and eating multiple bags of chips and the like; however, there are definitely Sundays (of the quite enjoyable variety) where I do like to feel a bit more pulled together, using an edited selection of beauty bits to pamper myself whilst keeping the whole day relaxed and low-key. I’m awfully pleased to talk about ten of them below and these are by no means products that I confine my use of to the weekends.
Lush African Paradise Body Conditioner ($39.95) – I am not someone who would describe themselves as committed to the “natural” effort and this is dominantly because I believe that most “natural” products only differ from the other ones on the market due to marketing, inflated prices and the addition of irritating so-called natural fragrance; considering this, it is rather shocking that I bought and haven’t returned this rinse-off body moisturizer. Despite its gorgeous-albeit-potent fragrance — it smells rich and musky and powdery in the best way possible — the rich cream doesn’t seem to irritate my eczema patches on my legs or any other region of my sensitive skin and leaves my skin nourished.While I do like using it as a rinse-off hydrator, I won’t deny that I’ve been naughty and have been using it in an alternative way to the recommended one. I actually have been enjoying using the cream as a moisturizer without rinsing it off and I might prefer it in this fashion because my skin is so dry and irritated that a heavier cream is by no means problematic.
Jergen’s Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer in Medium to Tan ($9-10) – This is yet another moisturizer that not only agrees with my sensitive and irritated skin but actively soothes it and although it’s a tanning body-moisturizer I would use it in the place of the Lush Body Conditioner, not with it which is lovely considering the much lower price tag. I could easily use this on an everyday basis and I was for a few months earlier but throughout the week, I don’t tend to have the energy to bother with having to make sure the product is applied evenly and that it’s washed off of my hands shortly after. However, it’s a lovely treat as it leaves the body nourished whilst leaving behind a nice natural-looking “tan”.
Pureology Precious Oils Softening Hair Masque ($50) – I will admit that this step — the taking the time to apply a conditioning treatment to my hair overnight — is one that I do much less frequently than I should but it is one of the most worthwhile pampering steps, considering my hair. The expensive treatment not only smells like herbal-y paradise but offers concentrated nourishment that doesn’t weigh down my hair while detangling it and leaving it bouncy and hydrated. Unfortunately for my bank balance, this one is actually worth the price tag and it’s a lovely one to use in the place of conditioner or as a more intensive treatment.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($29) – Although this is only my second foray into the world of hydrating face masks, I’m confident that I can declare this one as a spectacular offering. I don’t care for the peach scent but it definitely is not bothersome and it doesn’t feel particularly heavy on the skin while offering great results — ridding the skin of flaky dry patches overnight and soothing and hydrating things impressively. Plus, when you wake up the next day, it’s obvious that my skin just looks better. This step also takes little to no effort, so my lazy side approves.
Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Rollerball ($26) – As at least a few of you must be already aware, I’m not a fragrance girl but recently I have been converted, loving the energized and perked-up effect that a little bit of scent can provide and this is one of the ones responsible. Without being overpowering, this musky and spicy vanilla-based scent makes me feel confident without screaming mature or juvenile in the slightest. I may be upgrading my sample to a larger bottle soon…
MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Close for Comfort ($20?) – I was not a happy camper when I was informed that the whole line of tinted lip balms from MAC were discontinued. I bought this limited-edition shade years ago and forgot about it for ages but I’ve really fallen in love with this formula that is a fantastic balm on its own but also adds a nice low-maintenance dose of colour and obviously I’m still not over it. It has that typical vanilla-smell but what I love most about this one is its status as a balm-lipcolour hybrid. Not that it matters because it’s no longer available, this shade is a lovely neutral one with rosy-brown undertones that adds a dose of life to my lips. However, the Fresh Tinted Balms strike me as similar – any thoughts of confirmation?
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup in 10 ($48) – As shocked as I am to be typing this, considering that this foundation contains some alcohol and has a velvety finish — and I hate dehydrated, dull and sensitive skin — I do believe that this might actually be my favourite foundation and I’m certain that it’s my favourite for lazy day application. Without sacrificing on the glow or coverage front, this lightweight foundation applies within seconds with my fingers and looks and feels seamless on the skin and it’s an added bonus that it looks amazing for ages and ages.
MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Quiet Brunette ($21) – When there isn’t much going on in terms of makeup, a little bit of brow definition/taming can be a gamechanger and this tinted gel fits the bill perfectly; the result is natural but budgeproof and requires the most minimal of effort. I’ve been mentioning this loads lately but have only been doing so because it’s so good and basic.
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24-Hour Cream-Gel Shadow ($9) – It should be no secret that I’m an eyeshadow girl but the whole blending four colours situation isn’t exactly compatible with low-effort Sunday makeup and using this base-shadow hybrid is the easiest compromise. You just whack some onto the lids for some definition and blend slightly with fingers and viola! It is indeed that easy. My favourite shades are Barely Branded, Bad To The Bronze and the limited-edition Nude Compliment.
L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black ($9-11) – As much as I love eyeshadow, it doesn’t even compare to the love I feel for eyeliner. Liner is a makeup essential for me and while it definitely does not have to be of the liquid or gel variety, I tend to favour the quickly added definition of a small-flick on these days as it’s quick to do but adds that instant polish with the least work. Standard.
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