10 essential makeup must-haves

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.

Try: Garnier Skin Perfector All-In-One BB Cream - £9.99

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.

Try: L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Pure Reds - £6.99

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.

Try:  Barry M After Glow Bronzer - £5.69

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.

Try: Benefit They're Real Mascara - £19.50

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.

Try: Sleek Makeup Brow Kit - £8.49

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.

Try: Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - £4.99

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.

Try: Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser SPF30 - £14.00

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

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.

Try: L'Oréal Paris Super Liner - £6.49

Current skincare favourites

Looking after your skin is extremely important, so along with drinking plenty of water and trying to eat as healthily as possible, I love discovering new products that help care for my skin on the outside and enhance its natural glow.

I have been a L'Oreal fan for as long as I can remember and I simply cannot fault any of their products. From haircare to skincare to makeup - I love it all - and the fact that it's reasonably priced and usually on offer somewhere is a bonus.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Exfoliator

I remember using this exfoliator when it was first released and found that it did as it said on the tin. The formula is gentle and leaves skin smooth and refreshed without causing redness. The only improvement I can suggest is the orangey smell - which isn't unpleasant, however I prefer sweeter, less citrusy smelling products.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Gel-Cream Wash

My morning skincare routine involves washing my face with this soothing, creamy gel wash before applying my moisturiser. This is my favourite product and is the perfect way to wake up my skin in the morning. The smell is delicious and my skin feels peachy soft, refreshed and has a healthy glow after using it. 

L'Oreal Triple Active Day and Night Moisturiser

I simply love this duo. The smell alone reminds me of lavish beauty counters in high-end department stores where you are surrounded by amazing products and beautiful women - I feel like they add a touch of luxury to my routine. 

Both creams are extremely gentle so I imagine they would be suitable for all skin types. Since using them my skin feels so soft - even first thing in the morning. The cream absorbs almost straight away and isn't greasy in the slightest.

I started using them over two weeks ago and although the pots are quite small, I still have around half a pot of each left, so a little goes a long way. 

The only improvement I can suggest is adding SPF to the day cream as sun protection is important, although I usually apply a foundation with SPF over the top when I go out so I am still protected.

Maybelline Babylips Dr Rescue Lipbalm 

My final skincare favourite is the new Dr Rescue balm from Maybelline. I have spoken before about my love of the Babylips range and seem to have built up a healthy collection of the balms. 

I love how they care for my lips while adding a touch of colour to enhance my daytime 'no-makeup, makeup' look. My dry and chapped lips are instantly rescued with one slick and it leaves a peachy pink tint with a hint of minty freshness. 

A current staple in my handbag wherever I go!

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?

Holly xx