Mascara? Check. Lip gloss? Check. Lash curler? Check, check, check. Whether you’re gallivanting for a night on the town or heading for the kids’ soccer practice, there are certain makeup staples you never should leave home without.
Bronzer is another must-have because it’s so versatile. “In a pinch, you can use it to contour your entire face and eyes. Plus, everyone looks good with a little extra glow. Choose a bronzer that is not too orange and that has buildable color/coverage,” he says.
Let’s not forget the tools
To feel and look great, you need the right tools to apply the makeup. If you have only one brush, you’ll want a versatile one such as a blender brush. This has a short handle and a full head that can apply a pressed foundation, bronzer, or even blush. “Natural-hair brushes work well,” he says. “Choose a high-quality brush that will last for years.”
Pucker up
Want to add dimension to your lips and pull the entire look together? Enter lip gloss. It freshens your look and provides a nice sheen. Aldo recommends finding one that nourishes and hydrates while adding color and shine.
Illuminate the face
Emily Kumler, president of national specialty cosmetics retailer, PREP Cosmetics, recommends Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray because it does wonders for your skin and doesn’t kill your makeup. She also likes Shimmering Skin Perfector from Becca. “This is an illumination product that the celebs pray no one knows about. This is what gives every glam goddess her natural glow. It shimmers but doesn’t shine up the face; it’s the perfect way to make skin look naturally healthy and hydrated. It goes on creamy and then seems to disappear. When the light hits just right, your face warms up and you glow.”
Skin care essentials
Stephanie White of BecomeBeauty.com also recommends a good cleanser, toner, exfoliator, eye cream, day moisturizing cream, and a tinted moisturizer with SPF protection. “You need these skin care essentials to create a ‘foundation’ so that makeup is applied onto a beautiful canvas. If your skin isn’t in good condition — properly cleansed, exfoliated, toned and moisturized — makeup can be very aging.”
And if you think you don’t have enough time, think again. Beauty products have become efficient and easy to use. Stephanie lists these as your tasks: Cleanse, repair and renew the skin — and most importantly, slow down the aging process.
Photos 1, 2, and 5 courtesy of Michael Oats.
