These are the true bare essentials to have in your makeup bag for under $25 from L’Oreal, Revlon, Rimmel and Wet and Wild to name a few. All can be picked up at major drug and department stores.
Concealer with wand applicator – Select one for your eyes that is a half shade lighter than your powder foundation to reverse under eye darkness and another one that matches your foundation for covering blemishes. $4-7
Dual Powder Foundation – Get a two-in-one base that provides coverage and finish in one step. A sponge will deliver maximum coverage and a brush will deliver sheer coverage. Select your shade to harmonize with the skin tone of your neck. $9-20
Clear Brow Gel – Removes excess make-up, instantly grooms brows. Tinted ones are available for blonde and gray brows. $4-7
Mascara – The instant eye opener. Select a formula that applies a desired effect in one application. Thicker formulas build the lashes body and length quickly. Thinner formulas will darken, lengthen and separate lashes for soft definition. $7-8
Eye Shadow Duo – Two contrasting tones to highlight and shade the eye simply. Neutral tones are natural and the easiest to use. The lightest shade should be two to three shades lighter than your complexion. Ivory, bone, soft sand – a shimmer texture will amplify the effect because it will reflect light. These are especially alluring at night. Use on the lid and under the eyebrow to highlight them.
The deeper shade can be three or more shades darker than your complexion, depending on the desired effect you’re after. Taupe, Medium brown (without red) and grayed browns should be matte. Use these tones to softly line the eye, contour the crease or on the lid. The darker the colour, the stronger the effect will be. $4-9
Eye Liner – For more eye definition, use a brown or black pencil along the lashes. Smudge with a cotton swab to soften and then set by tracing a matching shadow overtop with a small angle brush to set and waterproof. Add the liner to the inside lower ledge of the eye (the tarsal plate) for instant sexiness. $3-7
Lip Colour or Gloss with wand applicator – Choose a colour and formula that feels best and is easy to apply without a mirror. $4-10
Bronzing Powder – This is a multi-purpose beauty tool. Use it alone on clear bare skin for a hint of sun glow, instead of blush for a natural alternative, over blush to warm up colours and to contour facial features at night. $9-15
Blush – A soft muted pink or peach blush applied to the apples of the cheeks gives the face an instant glow and is especially useful on days where you feel a little on the pale side. $5-10
Companions:
- Cotton Swabs to clean up boo boos.
- Tissues to absorb perspiration and blot away shine.
- Two eye shadow brushes: One fluffy for colour application and a small angle brush for eye liner.
- Pencil sharpener.
- Blush brush.
Don’t forget a make-up bag that fits all the above. | |