What's In My Makeup Bag - Karen Tippet-Lehane
Karen Tippet-Lehane is the founder of Tippet PR who has worked for great brands such as Virgin Holidays, Errol Douglas, Ultrasun and skinSense by Abi Cleeve. She took time out to show me the products in her makeup bag.
Describe the items in your makeup bag.
I have typical mixed race skin pigmentation, both cheeks same positioning as my father, so I saw it coming, Regardless of the SPF in makeup (nice bonus) my makeup primer is always a heavy duty over 90% UVA filter. Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF 50+ delivers at that high percentage and has additional ingredients proven to prevent further pigmentation. Since using it not only has it subsided in terms of new clusters, but existing spots are less noticeable. A product I’d have considered a boring additional step when I was younger, is now my non-negotiable. Late to the party.
IT Cosmetics CC Illumination formula has been my favourite find of the last 12 months. The elusive balance between coverage and letting the skin show through. I didn’t get on with the original CC, but the illumination injection in this totally changes it for me and I’m glad I went back. Cliché as it sounds it does deliver on “lit from within” and evens out skin tone without flattening it. The additional ingredients skincare wise are a welcome bonus, but it’s the finish on this I rely on it for.
I’m no pro, but I’m an enthusiastic enough punter to have learned much from buying and trying. This Zoeva Stippling Brush 125 is fool proof: Even blended base, no skill required. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light is a non-OTT contour, but subtle shaping and glow for the amateur. Love it.
Jill Dempsey Cheek Tint in Petal Petal was a recent gift, and I did think it looked way too pale for me in the pot. It turns out it’s all kinds of delicious colour pop and totally works. It’s creamy, blends like a dream and that almost 60s too pale pink actually lifts my face a little when I apply it just above the usual “apple” spot.
Ultrasun Ultralip Protector SPF 30 – If only I’d known the nitty gritty of UV protection earlier, the finer details. Like your upper lip has no “hood” like the lower lip to protect it from UV blasts, but we often overlook applying SPF to it. Those fine lines on the top lip? UV damage. I’m a convert and start my lip make up application with this.
MAC Lip Liner in What A Blast is part of my “instant confidence” lip duo choice. Filling in with this neon orange match before lipstick gives it a vibrancy boost. When I mean business (or need to mean business I should say…) I wear Lipstick Queen in Jungle Queen. I always get compliments and it suits my skin tone. Loud in all the right ways, confident but not shouty.
I went from curious to converted VERY quickly with Beautypie – would there be enough choice to have a monthly membership? Would the products really be as good as premium brands? That’s a double yes on so many items. So much so that with the exception of my beloved Jungle Queen, all my daily staple lipsticks have morphed into Beautypie picks. Beautypie Moisture Lock Wondergel Lip Liner in Rummy Pink is part of my default daily lip duo. Nude pink with sufficient punch on my skin tone.
Beautypie Future Lipstick Luxe Shine in Naked Pink is silky with staying power, nude pink with presence. Given they’re only £4.69 for members, I have a rolling handful of this shade at all times (discontinuation lessons learned over the years!. Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealer in Honeycomb – the trials and purchases have been multiple but I’ve finally found the concealer that suits my skin, giving smooth under eye coverage without caking. Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl Pencil in Eye Cheat is less harsh than white in the water line and literally does what it promises, adds a few extra hours sleep to a tired face.
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush is a new straight from a magazine purchase for me (but not new to market) Nic Chapman called it “the one” in a Grazia article, for highlighting more mature skins – and predictably given the source of the advice that’s exactly what happened. I love insider tips. Creamy, glowy, but thankfully not space age stroby. I’ve lost count of how many mascara launches I’ve bought with hope of it being the one. IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara comes close, one stroke and it opens up my eyes. Too heavy for a neutral make up, but brilliant for completing a bold lip polished day or night look.
Every time I wear Glossier YOU Eau De Parfum I get compliments, and it’s a scent (layered with their body wash) that’s up lifting. Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream travel size is the on the go non-crispy frizz halo solver. Smells great also.
Which is your favourite item in your makeup bag?
My Jungle Queen Lipstick – it’s my “game face” for important days – personal and professional. I feel confident, ready and just bold enough.
Where did you get your makeup bag?
It was a gift from a friend, a small indie website. I’ve had it for a few years now. It was gifted as a post-workout essentials bag as I have quite a strict weekly routine, but it’s actually way better for daily makeup essentials. Slightly oversized, bit of sparkle, I can see everything quickly and it’s wipeable on the inside.
