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We all know what we have hiding at the bottom of our makeup bags. FYI that eyeshadow from five years ago is never coming back around! But forgetting about that, do we know what our 18 makeup essentials should be? Read on to find out how your makeup bag could work for you.
1. Primer – You can’t create a masterpiece without a base that works. How often do we say I wish my makeup would just last? Applying primer will help you conquer this mission.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched face base primer or MACs Prep and Prime are two brands to look out for.
2. Foundation – Choosing a foundation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Make sure you get your colour matched perfectly to create a luxe flawless finish. If you need a high-coverage look then take a look at Estee Lauder’s Double Wear.
Looking for something a little softer? Try Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation. Remember there are endless foundations out there, make them work for you.
3. Tinted moisturizer/CC creams – For the weekend or downtime we don’t always want a full face, try something lighter and opt for a tinted moisturizer or CC cream. Up-and-coming brand Lumene, a Finish company harnessing Nordic ingredients has created.
Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum. This product glides across the skin and creates a glowing radiant look, perfect for that lazy Sunday vibe.
4. Concealer/correctors – Concealer, is the secret weapon in any makeup bag. One of the hardest working makeup essentials if used correctly.
The trick is to get yourself two different shades of concealer. Firstly, one that is two shades lighter than your base to apply directly under and around your eye. It will also work as a gentle highlighter.
Secondly, purchase a concealer to match your foundation and use this for coverage and hiding those unwanted blemishes. There are many amazing concealers out there but two to look out for are Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Yves Saint Laurent All Hours.
5. Powders – A secret tip for powders, you don’t need to go all out in terms of price. The cheapest translucent powders can set your base in place.
If you still want to leave a glow to your skin just gently dust your brow, nose and chin. If you want to go for a full camera-ready flawless finish then apply an even application over the whole face.
Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a great one to try.
6. Bronzer – There are so many bronzers to choose from, matt, pearlized, cream, pressed, loose, the list is endless! Ask yourself, do I want to create a natural glowing look? Or a look that will reduce shine, give colour and help to sculpt the face?
If you chose glowing, look out for a cream bronzer, great to use with an unpowdered base. If you went for the second option, choose a powdered bronzer and apply just under the cheekbones, across the temple nose and chin.
7. Blush – Can really create a pop to finish the look and elevate your makeup to the next level. A small amount of liquid or powdered blusher to the apple of the cheek can create a youthful and fresh look. Make sure you match your blush to your skin tone.
8. Highlighter/illuminator – Highlighters can take your look to celebrity proportions. Use a subtle highlighter on the highs of the cheekbones and above the brows. KIKO Ultimate Glow Highlighter is a great everyday highlighter to turn to.
9. Setting spray – You’ve gone all out and created the most amazing look of your life, you’re working it, snapping selfies, you’re ready to head out.
Hold on! Two more seconds, grab your setting spray, apply an even all over spray and your makeup is going nowhere. You’re selfie ready for the whole night, not just the first hour! Try out Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray.
10. Eyebrow pencil/powder – Finish your makeup look by framing your face with a well-groomed full brow. Use a pencil for a more defined look, gently outline the area and fill with small strokes.
For a more natural look opt for powder and apply using an eyebrow brush, whilst using small strokes in different directions.
11. Brow gel – Unruly brows making your morning routine a nightmare? Say hello to your new best friend, brow gel, apply to shape and tame. Try Morphe Brow Finishing Gel in Translucent to keep those brows in place throughout the day.
12. Mascara – Mascaras are an array of complexities and if we are honest with ourselves we gravitate to the same one time and time again.
Ask yourself, what do you need from your mascara? If it is longer lashes, go for a mascara that will help to define, curl and lift your lashes. Take a look at Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara for a natural, flake-free finish.
13. Eyeliner – Eyeshadow looks can be time-consuming when it comes to eye makeup. You have the option to go simple and define the eye with a sweep of eyeliner.
Keep this look simple in the day and build up to intensify for the night. Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil creates impact or Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil will stay in place all day.
14. Eye primer – This little lifesaver will stop your carefully applied eyeshadow from creasing or slipping. Apply before your eyeshadow and you will have a faultless look from morning till night.
A little hack if you are struggling to purchase this extra addition, use your concealer with a touch of powder over the top to create a base that will help the longevity of your eyeshadow.
15. Lip pencil – Get those luscious lips ready with a hard-working lip pencil. A lip pencil can enhance your lips and make your lipstick pop. MAC Cosmetics lip pencil is an exceptional go-to. Use this with your lipstick for an instant makeup hit.
16. Lipstick/lip stain/lip gloss/lip tint/lip balm – You’ve completed your makeup look, be it an everyday beat or a full glam look, don’t forget to dress those lips! Going natural, swipe over a gloss, tint or stain.
Taking your look bolder or dressing up a natural eye, go for a full lipstick. MAC lipsticks are great for adding more colours to your collections.
17. Brushes – Purchase the best that you can afford. Great brushes will last a lifetime and they will work harder than any other piece in your makeup tool kit.
If you are choosing which to go for first, look at a strong eyebrow brush, a well-defined, rounded eyeshadow brush and a large powder brush. Morphe and Bobbi Brown create beautiful brushes that last and last.
18. Applicators – Beauty blenders, Powderpuff – Beauty blenders make applying foundation easy and natural. Choose one that is sculpted towards the end so that you can blend and also use it to apply your concealer.
If using a liquid bronzer or blusher, a beauty blender can be used for application. If you have already purchased your large powder brush then no need to add a powder puff into the collection, the brush will work as effectively if not more so.
Create a hardworking makeup bag by filling it with the correct makeup essentials. From primers to concealers, lip liners to mascaras, the correct makeup essentials will help you create the look you desire with ease.
Using the correct essentials will help you create a flawless look that lasts.
With an overwhelming array of makeup essentials, it’s hard to choose where to start as a beginner.
Opt for a lightweight buildable foundation that can be used day or night, one concealer that is two shades lighter than your foundation, a glow-giving liquid bronzer, a lash-defining mascara, and a tinted lip balm.
Clear out the old and build a makeup collection that works for you with our 18 makeup essentials laid bare for you to go ahead and experiment with. Why not reread the list and choose which ones you are missing from your own essentials list.
Try out the suggested makeup essentials to create a glowy and fresh look or create a bold look for your next night out. Whichever option you choose, these 18 essentials will effortlessly help you achieve your desired look with ease.
