Top 10 makeup essentials

Top 10 makeup essentials

You don't need to have a bag overflowing with makeup products to get ready like a makeup pro,   

 all you need is few right products which suits your skin.

 I'm going to take you through the most important makeup products for young women, whether you are a college going girl or a working woman.

These 16 makeup products are all you need for a flawless face.

So, checkout my list of makeup essentials and the tools for applying and storing the makeup and also some essential tips to be followed while applying or buying the makeup.

Makeup essentials

1. MOISTURIZER

The first most important part of the makeup should be to moisturise your skin. Whether your skin is oily, combination, dry or acne prone, you should moisturise your skin before applying any of the makeup.

There are different kinds of moisturizers in the market based on your skin type.

                                FOR OILY SKIN                            

It is a myth that there is no need to moisturise the oily skin, oily skin also need to be moisturised.

For oily skin, always use water or gel based moisturizers which not only hydrate the skin but also oil control.

              FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN           

Whether dry, flaky skin can be disaster, no matter what the season is (winter, summer) of course, no one wants to feel rough sandpaper-like patches on their face. Therefore, dry skin should be moisturised properly. For dry and flaky skin , use thick or creamy moisturizers.

                      FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN                

When you are dealing with breakouts, choosing moisturizer can be tricky. of course, you don't want to clog your pores or leave your skin looking oily or shiny. However, a moisturizer with the right ingredients can actually help your skin to defend against breakout. therefore, if you have acne prone skin, choosing moisturizer specialised for acne prone skin would help.

               FOR COMBINATION SKIN          

For combination skin, any type of moisturizer or moisturizers which are suitable for all types of skin can be used.

2.SUNSCREEN

Whether it is summer or winter, day or night , working indoor or outdoor, sunscreen is must. Specially in summers where the biggest challenges are sun burn and sun tanning, requires extra care for your skin. The only thing that can save your skin from Long Term damage from Harsh Sun Rays is a good Sunscreen (SPF) with atleast SPF30 PA+ formula.

About SPF, P++  and UVA rays

There are mainly three types of harsh Sun rays, UVA, UVB & UVC. We humans don’t need to worry about UVC rays, because the ozone layer absorbs this (UVC) type of harsh rays. However, UVA and UVB sun rays are causing problems. UVA types of sun rays are responsible for premature aging, even out skin tone and wrinkles. And UVB types of sun rays are responsible for sun burn and

sun tanning.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) mentioned on sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays and PA++ mentioned on sunscreen protects your skin from UVA rays. Thus, you should always buy sunscreen lotion or moisturizer with SPF and PA++ both.

               Tips                     

• Always choose sunscreen according to your skin type.( whether it is oily , dry or acne prone skin)

• If you have oily skin, avoid using sunscreen which makes your skin look shiny and glossy.

• Some people think that SPF is enough. but the truth is, to get protection from UVA and UVB rays which causes wrinkles and pre mature aging, for that  you need atleast PA++ . Thus, always use sunscreen which have SPF and PA++ formula.

• Applying sunscreen once in a day is not sufficient,
reapplication is required for complete day time specially in summers.

• If due to harsy sun rays, you face sun burn, consult to your doctor immediately.

• Always apply any hydrating cream like aloe vera gel or ice cubes after you come home from outside to reduce the effect of harsh sun rays.

• Some people think that they don't need sunscreen because they are Working indoor. But the truth is,they also need sunscreen.

• If you have oily skin, go for gel based sunscreen or powder based sunscreen which won't make your skin look shiny specially your T- zone.

3. PRIMER

Some people think that applying primer is useless and it is  only an extra step in a routine but the truth is, makeup primers keep your makeup looks fresh all day. It is actually a must have if you want your makeup to stay last. 

A good primer can even skin tone, camouflage pores and help your makeup withstand in summers or late night.

Many face primers come with such ingredients that holds the power to fill the fine lines, some contains light reflecting complexion and more radiant skin tone.

It acts as a barrier between your makeup and your skin, creating an even surface for your makeup products to sit on.

                 Tips                      

• The best makeup primers are packed with the ingredients, like vitamins,oils and hyaluronic acids.

• If you have large pores , buy primers which are specially made for skin with pores which helps to minimise the appearance of the pores and gives a good base for next step.

• Always buy primers according to your skin type.(whether dry, combination or oily skin).

4. FOUNDATION 

Choosing the best foundation for your skin is tricky. Some questions need to be answered before choosing a foundation, i.e whether your skin is  oily, dry or acne prone? Do you want full coverage, sheer coverage or light coverage? Do you need matte or dewy finish and are you a warm or cool undertone?

 It's important to find the right formula for your skin which last long so that we don't have to touch up again and again.

  

           FOR OILY AND ACNE PRONE SKIN               

When your skin is naturally shinier and you have  a greasy T-zone , the struggle is real when it comes to finding a foundation that controls excess oil and stays in place all day.

The reason that makeup slips and slides down oily complexions is because it’s the wrong formula. Some of the most common mistakes that people with oily skin make is wearing the wrong foundation.

There are lot of foundations in the market for oily skin. foundation sticks are also available which won't let your skin look more shiny. Choose foundation which is for dry skin or formulas that have a glowing finish to them. You should definitely stick to foundations that are matte and possibly oil free.

                             FOR DRY SKIN                              

Moisture based foundations are good for dry skin which keeps your skin hydrated while giving it a smooth texture and helps your skin not to look patchy and dull. 

• FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS

Full coverage foundations are something you do not require on a regular basis. You use them when there are special occasions such as weddings or parties. These high or full coverage foundations usually have very thick and concentrated particles which provide a lot of coverage and give an air brushed effect. 

• SHEER COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS

For everyday use, you can usually stick to regular or sheer coverage foundations or BB and CC creams.

5. CONCEALERS

When you failed to get some decent sleep or when dark spots brewing up on  your skin , concealer is the superman of skin correcting. 

 If you need a quick fix, the best way to cover them up is with a top of the line concealer.

But finding a formula that doesn't look dreadfully caked on can be tough. Therefore, choose liquid formulas for the thin skin around the eyes, since creams and thicker formulas can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

 Concealers are of different types, some are for colour correcting and some are to hide the dark circles under the eyes. 

These are the different types of concealers.

      Liquid Concealer

The liquid kind is quite versatile when it comes to coverage as it is buildable and it ranges from light to full. If you have normal, combination, oily or acne-prone skin, this is the kind you could opt for. It’s easy to apply, and it does not cake up. There are various finishes available in the market such as – satin, dewy and matte. If you’re a beginner, just pick up one of these to make the task super easy.

    Cream Concealer

The cream-based concealers are perfect for dry-skin beauties. You can also opt for this if you have normal or combination skin. It just depends on your preference. They usually come in a palette or pot packaging. However, a few of the cream concealer tend to crease when worn for long hours which is a big no-no. However, once you blend them in, you can set them with powder, which will help avoid creasing.

      Stick Concealer

These are usually very thick and pigmented. They come in a roll-on stick packaging. All of you ladies with dry and normal skin can use these but it’s not advisable for oily and combination skin – as they pose a risk of clogging pores because of their extremely creamy texture. They give medium to full coverage.

      Colour correctors 

• Green – Green works well to cancel out redness. Whether you’re stuck with an angry pimple, sunburn, rosacea, or intense redness on your face, green is your go-to color for these issues.
• Purple – Purple works miraculously in canceling out yellowness. It reduces dullness and combats sallow undertones.
• Pink – If you are dealing with dark spots and dullness, you need to use a pink color corrector as it cancels brown efficiently. It covers age spots and sun spots and is terrific for pale skin.
• Yellow – Yellow cancels out purple and calms mild redness. If you have purple/blue under eye circles, you can count on yellow to hide them with perfection.
• Red – Red cancels green. If you have stubborn dark circles on dark skin or need to cover hollow under-eyes and tats, red is your color.
• Orange/Peach – If you want to get rid of the blues on your skin, a peach color corrector helps to cover dark spots, bruised skin, and dark circles. It is great for medium to deep skin tones.

  6. BLUSH, HIGHLIGHT AND EYE SHADOW

  

           Blush          

Gracing with a good pinch on the cheeks to create rosy glow instantly transforms your complexion from tired, dull, and lackluster to glowing and radiant. Even if you're a no- makeup makeup kind of girl, just a touch of a cream, liquid, or powder blush is all you need to look fresh and wide awake.
Choosing the right formula and shade of the blush for your skin type is not easy. As there are not only several number of colours available, but also different types of blushes. 
It is important that you select the kind that suits your skin tone, your skin type as well as your undertone.

   POWDER BLUSH

Powder blushes are perfect for those with oily skin as they absorb excess sebum and oil produced by the skin. They also work better for this skin type as they stick to the oil and prevent the skin from becoming too shiny. However, they’re not great for those who sweat a lot or may be in contact with water, as powder types can easily wash away. They also need regular touch-ups, so if you do not have time for that, then you should consider getting a cream type.

 CREAM BLUSH

Cream blushes are especially great for those with dry skin as they are more hydrating and moisturising. They are also more long-lasting as they do not disappear with just water. They’re also a good choice for those who prefer to use just their fingers to apply makeup. They’re not suitable for oily skin types though as the oil does not allow the blush to stay on the skin for too long.

         Highlight          

If there's one product we can rely on to bestow the silkiest, glowiest, healthiest-looking skin, it's highlighter. Whether it comes in the form of powder compact, a liquid gel or a creamy stick, a highlighter's job is to brighten the skin instantly by attracting light.

Depending on the skin type and also your finishing need there are several highlighter formulas from which we can choose according to our desire.

 Powder compact Highlighter

It can be applied with the help of fan brush or with the fingers as well. It can be used for the oily skin because it may absorb the oil and doesn't make the skin look shiny.

  Liquid gel Highlighter

Liquid highlighters are perfect for summers as it gives dewy look. It creates a subtle sheen or building up for the perfect glam glow, a liquid highlighter has the consistency to master any look desirable. Dab a few dots around your high cheekbones, temples, cupid’s bow, and nose for a soft and natural dew, or mix a few drops into your foundation and apply all over for a luminous complexion. 

    Stick  Highlighter 

Stick highlighters are perfect for dry skin. It stays for long on dry skin . All you need is a bb cream , a blush and  a stick highlighter to get a daily fresh glowy look. It is not suitable for oily skin because the oil in the skin won't let it sit in a place for longer.

           Eye shadow               

Finding the best eyeshadow palette  depends on  what occassion you want to use it for.

•If you're looking for an everyday palette, it's worth investing in a nude eyeshadow palette.

•If you need  fancy something with a bit of both, stunning neutrals and bold colourful shades, go for a complete eye shadow palette which includes both the shades.

  Matte eye shadow palette

Sometimes, when you need classic, no frills matte eye shadow look for a day time occassions, all you need is matte eye shadow palette which contains all types of nude and bold matte shades.

  

Shimmer eye shadow palette

When you want to get a metallic look for night parties or when you like it all glittery, shimmer shadow palettes  are all that you need.

• Three- in- one  palette 

 Instead of buying 3 products i.e highlighter, blush and eye shadow , you can invest in a good eyeshadow- highlight- blush palette , which is not only economical but also travel friendly because instead of 3 you only have to take 1 product.

7.SETTING POWDER 

The final step of any makeup look is critical to it having a lasting impact. Whatever we say it  , loose powder, compact powder or a setting powder, it  has the ability to vastly extend the life of your makeup and also give it that extra wow factor by combatting shine and maintaining an even, matte finish. 

Depending on your skin type( oily, dry , acne prone),

there are different kinds of setting powder.

Oily skin

For oily skin, there are setting powders which helps the face not to look cakey and shiny . There are oil control compacts in the market for oily skin and also talc compact powders.

A few dabs can lock your makeup in place, keep shine to a minimum, and soak up sweat and oil.

Dry skin

Some compact powders are available in the market which are specially for dry skin. Compacts containing  Ingredients like vitamin- C and vitamin - E, hyaluronic acids which makes the skin hydrated and brightening which gives the skin more smooth matte finish and stays for long time.

       Compact powders for touch ups        

Pressed compact powder is more dense than loose powder, which makes it great for quick touch- ups throughout the day. It can appear cakey if you apply it too much. 

For people with normal or dry skin, compact powder is also a great alternative to liquid foundation.

       Translucent powder to minimise shine       

Translucent powders are great for reducing shine that's caused by oil accumulation on the skin. This may be helpful if you want to improve the texture of your skin by preventing and decreasing oiliness.

It is available in either loose or compact form and can be applied over foundation or on your bare skin.

    Loose powder for lightweight full coverage     

Setting powders either loose or compact, but loose powders have finer particles. These finer particles tend to feel lighter on your skin. Get this powder type, if you are hoping to use your powder as a light, uniform coating rather than a second layer of concealer.

8. LINER AND MASCARA 

Liner 

Whether winged or cat eye , liner is must to enhance the beauty of the eyes.

Pencil Liner 

This is the most commonly used eyeliner (50% of women surveyed said it’s their go-to). It’s typically easier to use than liquid because it’s more forgiving when you make a mistake. Use on the upper lid and inner waterline and if you want a smoky eye.

Liquid liner 

When pigment is applied through a saturated felt or sponge tip, it tends to result in a more intense, rich color. Close the liner and shake before use for a more consistent color application. You may have to practice a few times to get the hang of liquid liners, but you’ll get a super-precise line. Just be sure to only use on your upper lids, not on your waterline.

Gel liner  

This formula usually comes in a small pot, and you need a special brush to apply it. But newer gels like Benefit’s They’re Real! Push-Up Liner come in twist-up applicator packaging. You’ll get the best of both worlds with this type — the stability of a pencil with the pigmentation of a liquid liner.

Mascara

Perfect base, perfect liner eyes, what else you need?? curly lashes?? 

When a lash extension job or false lashes fail, all you need is a good mascara.

But finding your go-to mascara is not that simple it can be reaaally freakin’ hard. You just need something that thickens, lengthens, and curly lashes and lasts for hours without smudging or flaking.

9. LIP BALM AND LIPSTICK

      Lipbalm          

Stepping out without a few products in our bags. A good lip balm is one of them. Whether our lips are tired, have turned sore, or just need a hint of tint, this is one beauty product we always reach out for. Shimmery, long-lasting, tinted, glossy, affordable, quick-dry formula – you ask for it, and you get it!

         Lipstick        

Whatever the shade is, we bet most women would agree that there is no better way to finish off a look with a pop of the perfect lip colour.

Based on your liking, the formulas are different , whether you like nudes or bold colour .

Some women like the basic daily look with the nude shades, whether the pink nudes or brown nudes.

Some like to go with the bold looks with dark vibrant lip shades. Girls have so much to choose from. Multiple shades of red as well pink, which makes it difficult to choose the right shade.

Liquid lip colours

Finding a Matte liquid lipstick that wears comfortably and lasts all day without fading, smudging, or drying your lips seems near impossible. To complicate things, the market is full  with hundreds of products that claim to do it all—but rarely deliver. So choose lipstick which stays for long and does not dry out the lips.

Crayon lip colour

Lip Crayon is a great multi-usage product to have in your makeup vanity as you can use it as a lip liner, as a lipstick or as a lip stain. You will get lip crayons in different textures from glossy colors to velvety matte to creamy texture and so on. So go for crayon lip colours if you want smooth texture lippers.

Bullet lip colours

Bullet lipsticks are the most trendy lipsticks which are easy to use and to carry. These lipsticks give a matte look .

10. Tools for application

          Sponge           

The beauty blender helps you blend foundation, liquid highlighters, cream blushes, and so much more. And since it's reusable, you'll definitely get your money's worth. Formulated to absorb minimal product, the makeup stays on your face and doesn't get absorbed (i.e. wasted) by the sponge. Extend the life of your blender by cleaning it regularly.

         Brushes        

• You don’t have to get your makeup done from a professional makeup artist to achieve that flawless, to-die-for look, because, with a set of useful brushes, every woman can be an artist. so, get a set of brushes  and rock every look like a pro.