Ten make-up kit essentials

With so many different products and brands out there it’s very easy to become disillusioned by the make-up market and get lost in a sea of bright colours, revolutionary formulas and must-haves.

So to keep things simple, this is a break-down of what every make-up wearer should have in their kit. Your kit can show a lot about your style and personality, and these are the foundations on which to build.

1.     Foundation

Foundation is a make-up bag staple. Every make-up wearer should have a foundation that fits their complexion and works well with their skin. Some people wear it every day, others only on special occasions, but whatever you do one thing to always bear in mind when buying a new foundation is your skin type. For example, a foundation that claims to be long-lasting may wear off after only an hour on oily skin, and another that provides full coverage may be too harsh on sensitive skin and cause breakouts or dryness. Everyone has entirely individual skin that behaves in its own way, so pay attention to your skin’s behaviour and spend some time looking for that product that’s perfect for you.

Kett Fixx Crème Foundation – Whether you want sheer or the fullest of full coverage, Kett Fixx Crème can provide. It works with nearly every skin type there is, and comes in 18 different shades that can also be mixed to find your perfect match. It’s waterproof, so once it’s on it won’t be budging. Make sure you have a good waterproof make-up remover for when it’s time to take it off.

2.     Concealer

Although foundation can help to even out your skin tone, concealer is the only way you’re going to hide any unwanted dark circles, spots or persistent blemishes. It can hide a multitude of sins and is always good to have at hand if you feel you need some emergency help. As with foundation, make sure your skin is happy with the concealer you choose.

Make-up Forever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette – These palettes come in a number of different shades to ensure they’ll suit just about anyone. They’re very highly pigmented and dense, so they can be used to provide full coverage on dark circles or scars and even tattoos, or they can be sheered down for minimal coverage.

3.     Setting Powder

If you don’t want the dewy look that some foundations and concealers can give you, a good powder will leave you with a beautifully matte finish. Setting powder is also useful for, well, setting your make-up. It’ll make sure your foundation and concealer aren’t going anywhere. Simply apply with a powder puff by pressing it into the skin, and then brush the excess off with a good quality, soft brush. This method will ensure that you don’t disturb the foundation or concealer beneath and expose any blemishes you’ve hidden.

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder – This silky translucent powder is a favourite with make-up lovers everywhere. It will set your make-up beautifully and leave you with a gorgeous “soft focus” appearance.

4.     Blush

As well as hiding unwanted blemishes, foundation and concealer can also hide your skin’s natural blush and leave you looking washed out. Whether you’re ivory or ebony skinned, you can regain that soft, healthy glow by applying a few sweeps of blush across your cheeks. There are numerous ways to apply your blush, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The most widely favoured technique is to apply blush high up on the cheekbone area and sweep up into the hairline just above your ears; this will accentuate your cheekbones and appear to lift your face.

Cream: Make-up Forever HD Blush – This gorgeous cream will leave your cheeks with a natural-looking dewy glow. It comes in a huge range of colours so there’s bound to be one for you, whatever your skin tone or style.

5.    Mascara

Another make-up bag staple, mascara is fantastic for opening up your eyes and making them look larger and more defined. Mascara can be a little overwhelming to shop for because there are so many different looks you can create with so many different formulas and styles of wand. As with everything in make-up, it comes down to what you prefer. If you want more volumised lashes, a traditional bristled wand will be your best bet. If you want more defined lashes, the comb style wand will help you achieve that. One thing that not enough people know about mascara is that the more exposure it has to air the quicker it will dry out. So don’t pump the wand into the tube to get more product: this will pump in an unnecessary amount of air and you’ll be throwing it away in no time. Instead, simply work the wand in a circular motion around the inside of the tube, it’s much more effective. 

Givenchy Phenomen Eyes Mascara – This stunning mascara captures even the smallest of lashes, so it’s perfect for everyone. The “painted-ball” style wand provides much more precise application than a traditional brush and can be built up over a number of applications and still be clump-free. Incredible.

6.     Eyeliner

Whether you want a dramatic evening look or an all-natural day look, there is an eyeliner and a technique perfectly suited to you. Contrary to popular belief, eyeliner isn’t only good for creating a beautiful cat-eye. If you want to define your eyes but don’t want it to be clear that you’ve got make-up on, simply apply a brown or black Kohl pencil on to your upper waterline. This will create the illusion that the base of the eyelashes are darker and fuller, and it’ll look completely natural. 

Rimmel London Scandeleyes Waterproof Kohl – This ultra-creamy kohl liner is an absolute must. The intense colour glides on beautifully and stays on.

7.     Lip Colour 

Lip colour can define a look; it can subtly compliment it, or it can just top it off nicely. Lip colour isn’t always needed, or wanted, but when you do use it it’s important you know how. There are an infinite number of different products and techniques for applying lip colour, but for a classic look you can’t go wrong with lip liner and lipstick. Something to remember is that maintaining healthy lips is very important, especially during the winter months. The moisture levels in the air are massively decreased, so stocking up on moisture where it’s needed is vital. Apply Nivea SOS Lip Relief before going to sleep and wake up with beautifully soft, nourished lips.

Clarins Rouge Prodige True Hold Colour & Shine Lipstick – You won’t have to worry about your lipstick ending up dried out and cracked after a full day of wearing it with Clarins’ ultra moisturing formula. It keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day and looking just as full and perfect as they were when you first applied it.

Accessories and Tools

1.     Brushes and sponges

No matter how great your make-up, a bad set of brushes or a poor quality sponge can really do injustice to the look you’ve created. Buying a reliable and good quality set of applicators is just as important as the quality you looked for in your make-up.

The Beauty Blender – This amazing sponge is an absolute must for blending foundation or concealer, both creams and liquids. Just immerse it in water and bounce it off the skin to blend your make-up flawlessly.

2.     Make-up Remover

Having a good, reliable makeup remover is very important. Any traces of make-up left on the skin before you go to bed can cause breakouts, dryness, oiliness, or any one of a number of unpleasant skin problems. So make sure it’s all off.

Almay Make-up Removers – Almay do a great range of make-up remover products for every different skin type, so there’s something for everyone.

 

 3.     Make-up Bag

A good make-up bag or case is an important part of any make-up kit. Make sure you get one that can be used at home, for traveling and in your bag during the day and won’t let your make-up get crushed.

Caboodles Pro Cosmetics Case – Caboodles do a great range of cosmetics cases that protect and organise your make-up fantastically. They come in a range of sizes perfect for both amateurs and pros and everyone in between.

Nia Jane Hopkins