a few of my make-up 'holy grails'

I'm still a fair way off from finding a 'holy grail' (HG) product for each part of my make-up routine but I do have a few already. Baby steps, eh? There are only four at this moment in time but I'm have a feeling my other HGs are already in my collection - I just need to realise it. More on that later.

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Promade, Tony Moly Panda's Dream Mascara and Bobbi Brown's Extra Lip Tint.

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers
I actually asked my sister to get me one of these when she was in Seoul late last year based on the many positive reviews I read about them and their effect on Oriental eyelashes! They are amazing - I've been using a pair from Maybelline which work pretty well but these are another level. My lashes are quite straight and stubby and these add a lovely, natural looking curl to them without making them look even stubbier.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Promade
I know everyone raves about this product but it really is amazing. It lasts all day and looks natural if you use a light hand! Also, one pot can last forever. I know people have said that it can dry up but if you add a bit of mineral oil, it makes it as good as new.

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Mascara

My sister bought me this as a surprise gift from when she was in Seoul and we were both pleasantly surprised by how good it is! It isn't waterproof in the traditional sense (as it can be removed easily with any water based cleanser) but its staying powder is unreal. I have real trouble with mascaras and their ability to stay just on my lashes so when this one did not transfer at all, I was impressed. It coats the lashes and stays all day (I've worn this for 16 hours straight once and it did not smudge or flake!).

It works just as well as my Estee Lauder Double Wear mascaras I've tried in the past but is a fraction of the price and for that reason, it is my holy grail mascara. Also, just look at the adorable packaging?! It's not the most sophisticated but I can look passed that considering how well it works.

Bobbi Brown's Extra Lip Tint
I'm not a fan of lipsticks as I find them drying on my lips but this lip tint is hydrating whilst still adding the right amount of pink too. This lip tint is perpetually in my coat pocket and because the effects of it last for a good 3-4 hours, I only have to reapply it once or twice a day. Until I find something cheaper which works just as well, this'll be my HG lip product.

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As mentioned earlier, I think I already own my other HGs. The ones I'm still seeking out are a base, concealer and blusher and whilst it is still too early to tell, I think the following have the potential to join the above four as my HG make-up products:

- Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Make Up in Light: I prefer a light coverage and this mineral powder does just that. It is also buildable and easy to apply; perfect for me as I usually get ready in the dark during the winter which makes it hard to tell if I've over-egged my base layer or applied it unevenly! I bought this in the Beauty Bay sale towards the end of last year (for £15!) and I kind of wish I'd bought two now!

- Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX05: This is one of the pricier base products out there and I mainly use this one as a concealer. A little goes a long way, however, and this pot will last me forever as I don't use concealer everyday now. It is perfect for those big red, hormonal spots and it stays in place all day too.

- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion: I've been looking for an apricot blush which doesn't fade and suits my skin tone for a while now and this one has been perfect so far. It is on the pricier side but it gives me cheeks a subtle flush which looks natural and healthy. It also lasts for a good 7-8 hours on my cheeks (without a primer or setting spray!) before I have to reapply it which is perfect.

When it comes to make-up, I try and go for quality over quantity and if that means shelling out a little bit more, I end up saving money in the long run because I'm not buying loads of cheaper products to try and find one that actually works. These are all products I've researched before buying and all work very, very well for me.