Makeup
Makeup with a point of view — complexion, colour, technique and the products that earn their place.
Makeup stories
29 storiesWhy makeup that looks fine in the mirror can read wrong on camera — and the quick fixes to test before you leave.
face-valueThe makeup I wear when I need to look employed6 min readWork makeup, polished survival and the face you put on when the inbox is winning.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Lipstick Feathers — Even When You Use Lip Liner (And How to Stop It)Vivienne March · 4 min readLip liner alone won’t stop lipstick from feathering. Try this practical prep, prime and layer routine to prevent colour migration and keep edges crisp.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Makeup Brushes Still Feel Dirty After WashingVivienne March · 3 min readIf your brushes feel tacky, smelly or leave residue after cleaning, it’s likely process — not the bristles. Quick fixes for rinsing, ferrules and drying.
The Grown-Up Edit Why your foundation flakes, separates or looks patchy by lunchtime — and what to actually do about itVivienne March · 3 min readDiscover why foundation flakes, separates or looks patchy by midday, plus the skin prep, formula and application fixes that help your base last.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Concealer Suddenly Looks Dry After 50Vivienne March · 3 min readDiscover why concealer can crease or look dry after 50 and simple texture, prep, and application tweaks to keep under-eyes smooth and natural.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Foundation Separates Around the NoseVivienne March · 4 min readLearn why foundation beads or flakes around the nose—and simple fixes: texture prep, smarter layering, reduce friction and quick morning repairs.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Makeup Looks Worse in a Magnifying MirrorVivienne March · 3 min readMagnifying mirrors exaggerate texture and light. Learn a simple workflow to use them for precision — then step back and stop overcorrecting.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Powder Starts Looking Old After 50 — and What to Do About ItVivienne March · 7 min readWhy powder starts sitting on texture — and how to use it surgically instead of flattening the face.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Blusher Starts Looking Wrong After 50Vivienne March · 6 min readPlacement, texture and colour choices that stop blusher dragging the face down.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Cream Blusher Works Better After 50Vivienne March · 6 min readThe grown-up case for cream colour: softness, movement and a fresher finish.
The Grown-Up Edit Why Your Blusher Disappears by MiddayVivienne March · 6 min readBlusher that vanishes is usually a prep, placement or texture problem — not proof you need more product.
The Grown-Up Edit The beauty counter ignored me, so I bought better lipstick elsewhereVivienne March · 7 min readA field report from the customer brands keep underestimating.
The Grown-Up Edit Foundation has to survive daylightVivienne March · 7 min readVivienne March on base makeup that looks good in the real world — not just under a bathroom bulb.
The Grown-Up Edit The grown-up guide to cream blushVivienne March · 7 min readFreshness, yes. Greasy little circles, no.
The Grown-Up Edit Shimmer is not the enemy after 50Vivienne March · 7 min readA grown-up defence of gleam, sheen and strategic sparkle.
The Grown-Up Edit When menopause changes the makeup rulesVivienne March · 3 min readNot a tragedy. Just a new brief.
Beauty Watch When a brand discontinues your makeup drawerIsla Hart · 6 min readGlossier’s latest clear-out says more about brand memory than one sale page ever could.
The Gloss List Merit and the rise of the quiet makeup wardrobeEmma Collins · 6 min readThe most useful beauty products now feel less like a full routine and more like a wardrobe: edited, reliable and quietly flattering.
Launch Radar Charlotte Tilbury isn’t selling makeup anymore — it’s selling moodEmma Collins · 6 min readThe modern prestige launch is less about a single product benefit and more about the feeling around it.
Global Shelf Dubai gloss is not subtle, and that is the pointYasmin Al Noor · 6 min readLuxury beauty in Dubai understands theatre better than most markets.
K-Beauty Note The cushion base is back, but quieterMina Rhee · 5 min readThe new generation is less shiny, more flexible and far less desperate to impress.
Global Shelf Cushion foundations are quietly becoming relevant againMina Rhee · 5 min readThe format once felt trend-led. Now it looks useful: portable, sheer, controlled and better aligned with how people actually touch up.
Launch Radar Foundation finally got interesting againEmma Collins · 6 min readCoverage is no longer the headline; adaptability is.
Skin Culture The skincare foundation promise is growing upMina Rhee · 6 min readHybrid base products are becoming more serious, not just more dewy.
Base Notes Serum foundation fatigue has arrivedMina Rhee · 5 min readA formula can be skincare-adjacent and still need to perform as makeup.
Opinion Why Some Makeup Looks Better in Daylight — and How to Make Yours Work There, TooIsla Hart · 4 min readLearn why makeup that looks right indoors can read wrong in daylight, and discover the product families and application tricks that keep your look natural and dimensional.
Global Glamour Evening makeup needs a little weight againYasmin Al Noor · 5 min readThere is nothing wrong with looking as though you made an effort.
Global Glamour Summer gloss without punishmentYasmin Al Noor · 4 min readHeat is no excuse for lip products that behave like syrup.