I’m not a beauty addict. There, I’ve said it. My mum, from a large, rural Indian family never wore make-up and has always been uninterested in fashion. And as I grew up, geeky and awkward, frightening off all the boys, I was convinced that THE CORRECT WAY for an intelligent feminist was not to wear make up or waste time with such fripperies as fashion. At university I constantly wore denim dungarees, yes, really. I didn’t wash my hair from week to week and some days didn’t even bother to brush it. I must have looked frightful.
Years later I moved to Paris, where for Maman not to put her best foot forward with heels, a jacket and a full face for the school run at 8.00 is considered an insult to everyone. This is emphatically not an urban myth.
So, now back home in Beckenham, new habits die hard and I have realised that looking nice doesn’t mean that one is not serious, after all. Generally I just like to find stuff that works for me so that I can look good with no fuss and then go off and do something more interesting. On days when I’m running errands, doing chores or walking the dog, spending huge amounts of time perfecting a polished business look is just silly, but I do find that a touch of natural refinement makes me feel good to face the day.
Occasionally, I find a product that works for me, so I thought I might share my thoughts on my blog. That’s what it’s for, after all. I’d like to say how much I like Bobbi Brown Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF.
There are days when full make up makes little sense. This foundation is fantastic as it takes about 30 seconds to apply either with a powder brush for extreme speed or by dampening its own little sponge for slightly more coverage. Then just a hint of creamy blush, a lick of mascara (always waterproof in my case) and a sheer lip tint and I’m casually polished in a flash. I love it. It costs £27 either online or from department store concessions and is available in 13 yellow-toned shades from alabaster to almond.