Like food, air and water, makeup is a basic necessity, although knowing exactly what to buy out of the hundreds of products on offer can make shopping more of a pain than pleasure. Make things a little easier with this list of essential beauty must-haves and a few of my favourite products.
BB cream
Also known as a multi-tasking miracle in a tube, BB cream is a foundation, moisturiser, primer and toner in one. Offering buildable coverage that not only hides blemishes but also treats them, this double-duty dream cream is the ultimate beauty-bag staple.
Red lipstick
Just one swipe of a classic red lippy can transform a look from boardroom to bar creating the ultimate confidence boost. With a shade to match every skin tone and a colour to suit every taste – just like a signature scent, every girl should own one.
Bronzer
A good bronzer can contour, define and instantly warm up your face. Use it to add definition by brushing into the hollows of cheeks or add a touch of shimmer by applying to the nose, cheekbones and forehead for that just-back-from-holiday glow.
Lengthening mascara
Long, luscious lashes are the desire of every lady therefore investing in a good-quality mascara is key. Just a few coats can make a huge impact and emphasise eyes making them look big, bright and beautiful – just like the person behind them.
Eyebrow kit
Eyebrows frame the face, balance features and define your eyes, so it’s important to get them right. The secret to achieving great brows is to highlight the bone directly underneath before filling in hairs with a pencil or powder which is slightly darker than your natural hair colour.
Micellar water
Once a well-kept secret of the French, this cleanser, toner and make-up-remover in-one is the ultimate solution to gorgeous, glowing skin. Using tiny particles to melt away dirt and impurities, micellar water is a much gentler alternative to harsh face wipes and makeup removers.
Moisturiser
Beauty starts at the base and there’s no product more effective than a good face cream. For optimal results use both a day and night cream and choose products that are best suited to your skin-type. For day choose a cream with added SPF which provides that all-important UV protection and at night an ultra-hydrating lotion will see you waking with super-nourished skin each morning.
Dry shampoo
For days when you’re short on time this light-weight powder formula is a hair-care saviour. Effectively absorbing excess oil, dirt and odor, dry shampoo is a quick and easy way to clean hair and leave it looking fresh without even getting wet.
Try: Batiste Floral & Flirty Dry Shampoo - £2.99
Concealer
Whether you're looking to hide under-eye circles, small blemishes or that annoying red pimple, concealer is the answer. A true beauty hero when it comes to disguising imperfections and signs of a late night, this little gem is a makeup-bag must.
Try: Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - £4.99
Concealer
Whether you're looking to hide under-eye circles, small blemishes or that annoying red pimple, concealer is the answer. A true beauty hero when it comes to disguising imperfections and signs of a late night, this little gem is a makeup-bag must.
Try: Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - £4.99
Eyeliner
A simple flick of liner in the corner of each eye can completely transform a look and make you feel 100 times sexier in seconds. Invest in an easy-to-use liquid liner pen to create the perfect cat-eye in seconds.
