As a teenager I didn't really wear much, if any makeup. However, I started "collecting" makeup in my 20's, a little later than most, but I have made up for it, trust. In my day-to-day life, I am asked quite often about the makeup basics - what are the essentials? I generally have to probe a little further and see their comfort level with makeup.
One doesn't need to spend an exorbitant amount on basics as the drugstore brands have some really great products. Honestly, unless you are willing to fork over $40 to $50 on a foundation, stick with the following:
Base:
This includes liquid foundation, cream,powder, BB Creams, tinted moisturizer. Depending on your skin type and desired look, a base is literally like your house's foundation. It is the base on which everything else relies and depends on. Be the pickiest with this and choose the proper colour, finish and type.
For those with:
Normal to Combination-Oily
Revlon Colour Stay
Maybelline Fit Me stick
L'Oreal True Match
Marcelle BB Cream
Revlon ColorStay Whipped
Normal to Dry skin
Rimmel Wake Me Up
Marcelle BB Cream
L'Oreal Magic Lumi
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
If you want to "set" your base, which isn't always necessary and an extra step, I recommend Rimmel Stay Matte.
Additionally, concealer is a girl's best friend. If you are blessed to have fabulous skin with minimal discolouration or spots, all you need is a concealer.
Rimmel Wake Me Up
Revlon Photo Ready - not under the eyes
Maybelline Age Rewind
Maybelline Fit Me
Mascara
Most makeup artists will tell you that mascara is the little black dress of makeup.While, I understand this, I didn't start wearing mascara until about 5 years ago. However, I believe if you want to draw attention to your eyes and wear the minimum, choose mascara.
Rimmel Sexy Lashes
L'oreal Voluminous
Maybelline The Falsies and Colossus
Drugstore mascaras are brilliant and they are so much cheaper than their high end counterparts. I do not like throwing away money and every 3 months, that mascara has got to go.
Cheeks
Once you use your base, you need to bring the colour back into the cheeks to give you some dimension. This is where the mass brands need work. Most do not carry cream blushers and the powder ones are chalky and not finely milled. However, NYX makes fantastic powder blushers as does Revlon. Most recently Marcelle brought out a Jelly Cheek Flush reminiscent of Givenchy's cheek product. Rimmel also makes a great matte bronzer.
Eyeshadow
I love eyeshadow and playing up my eyes. This is the easiest way to look "done". Cream shadows are so nice and new formulations make them easy to use and not crease. I personally love Maybelline Colour Tattoo shadows. Additionally, L'Oreal make fabulous loose powdered shadows that are smooth like butter.
Along with shadow, one can use eyeliners, but this is an accessory and therefore not necessary. Eyeshadows can be used as an eyeliner and they create a softer look than a kohl or liquid liners. However, you want to use an eyeliner, Rimmel ScandalEyes are better than most high end liners.
Lips
Lest we forget the lips. Most brands have amazing lipsticks, glosses and balms. Honestly, depending on how sheer or opaque you want them, there is a product for you. Revlon's Lip butters are hugely popular and for good reason. They are sheer but still give you enough colour to be noticeable. Additionally, you don't need to fuss with them and they come in a variety of colours. Revlon also brought out the Kissable Lip Stains. They are long lasting without drying the lips. Another long lasting lip range are the Maybelline 24hr lip series- stains, lipsticks. Fantastic!
If you want a more lacquered and opaque look Rimmel just recently launched the Apocalips in Canada. I can't rave enough about them.
L'Oreal and Revlon have always had great lipstick shades and formulations. However, I can't get over the fragrance. Therefore, it is hard for me to recommend them. With that said, they are trendy and smooth with some great classic colours.
Thanks for coming by
cheers,
xo Megs
