Inside My Make-Up Bag: Nikki Cruz
Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, $26
This is the one mascara I always go back to. It makes my lashes look natural, just with a bit more definition. I like that it doesn’t make me look as if I’m wearing mascara – it’s just a little hint of something.
Available at MeritBeauty.com
The Daily Edited Cosmetic Case, $90
I keep everything neatly stacked inside here. Not only is it durable, it’s also transparent so you can see all your favourite products immediately and don’t lose too much time rummaging in the morning.
Available at TheDailyEdited.com
Rose Inc Soft Light Luminous Hydrating Concealer, £23
Another Rose Inc buy, this has also found its way into my make-up bag. Long-wearing, buildable and a great colour-match, this is the perfect concealer. A small amount goes a long way and it’s really hydrating. Best of all, it’s non-comedogenic, so it never clogs my skin up or feels too heavy.
Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour, £23
Right now, I’m loving everything in the Rose Inc range, but this blusher is my favourite. I put it on my cheeks, temples, eyelids, nose and lips – using the warmth from my fingers to blend it out. The texture melts into my skin for a natural-looking flush.
Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, £21
I don’t do too much to my lips as they already have shape, so natural is the look I tend to prefer. I love the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. My lips soak this stuff up – it’s so good and leaves behind a healthy, plumped-up finish.
Available at CultBeauty.com
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15, £28.90
For special occasions, I love this foundation. It’s long-lasting, gives great coverage and provides just enough glow. I’ll often pair it with my Mecca Max Off Duty Glow Stick. I don’t love an intense highlighter – I prefer a dewy-looking glow that still looks natural.
Available at JohnLewis.com
Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Pencil, £27
My brows need to be fluffy and full at all times. I’ll start by brushing them up with my Mecca Max Brow Guru Super Soap. Then, I’ll fill them in lightly with the Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Pencil. It’s the best brow pencil I’ve tried and lends such a natural effect.
Available at JohnLewis.com
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, £21
I am a long-time lover of this contouring stick. It’s so easy to use and can be scribbled on in minutes for a quick hit of colour. You can’t go wrong – it’s so silky to blend out, even just with your fingers.
Available at Clinique.co.uk
Shiseido Eyelash Curler, £22.50
Everyone needs a good lash curler and these Shiseido ones are always in my make-up bag. They’re a cult classic for a reason. They have the best grip and give a great curl. I’m never without my Merit Blending Brush either – it buffs everything in seamlessly, including concealer, contour and blush.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Fluid Highlighter, £40
Though this is a highlighter, I don’t tend to use it as such. Instead, I buff it in all over as a base after my primer, but before my foundation. It gives a lovely, subtle lit-from-within look – the kind you get post-facial. It’s expensive, but so worth it.
Available at JohnLewis.com
For more product tips & advice, follow Nikki @Nikki.Cruz
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