“Ch-ch-ch-changin’”… That’s my anthem (or would be if I could carry a tune) for what happens to me throughout the day. I’m not talking about a Juno-like “food baby” at lunch or my 4pm Diet Coke bloat (yes, the label says ”no calories,” but no, there’s really nothing good about it, really, truly). Over the course of the day, every day, my skin changes dramatically. As does, sadly, the placement of my makeup. I’ve been graced with fairly good skin throughout my life. It’s olive-coloured (or, err, a “burnt-sienna” if I’ve been a tad overzealous with the fake tan spray) and generally clear, but it’s not matte, and it certainly doesn’t look like the girls’ in a Prada campaign. OK, yes, I am familiar with airbrushing, but still, me and them? One of these things is not like the other. I’m uneven—I’m not a Caribbean road after the rainy season, but I’ve generally got red (or black, depending on the day) circles under my eyes, a red blotch or two (“spots” for the Brits, “zits” for the Americans), and just plain and simple patchiness. I use a liquid foundation and powder each morning (more on that in a later post), but before I leave work in the evening I always need a touch-up. Girls who say they don’t are either lying or they’re lying.

Benefit’s “Erase Paste” comes in a tiny pink jar that looks like it should be part of an art kit belonging to your 6-year-old cousin who is going through her princess phase. The unguent within looks like more of an “erase solid” than a paste. It comes in three shades (literally 1, 2, and….wait for it…3). I use #3. One of the biggest challenges I face when looking for a product for touch-ups is colour. The Boots brand makeup wand with witch hazel was too light, as was Chanel’s and Estee Lauder’s (Goldilocks ain’ t got nothin’ on me). The “Erase Paste” is a perfect color match, and although it’s thick it blends beautifully and covers well (juuuuuust right). My only concern is that due to the shape of the container, I worry that when supplies are getting low I’ll be like a bear in a honey jar (there are so many bears in this post…paging Dr. Freud!). According to the write-up on Benefit’s website, “Erase Paste” comes with a mini spatula, but I’ve managed to lose that already. I’ve also used Benefit’s “Boi-ing” concealer, which is slightly cheaper (£16.50 vs £19.50 for “Erase Paste”), but without a doubt that £3 gets you a lot: the coverage is far superior and “Boi-ing” has an unimpressive greasy texture.

We all have things we’d like to erase in our lives (Grade 8: why, oh why?!), and now finally you can cross a couple of them off your list.