This post is a beauty bonanza. From my favourite looks, to my favourite products, to my number one product that you must add to your list; I'm covering it all.
Eye-lash curler
Easy to use, compact, and recommended by top make-up artists such as (my fave) Chantelle Baker. Using 3 squeezes (outer, mid and inner) this super easy tool gives you the perfect curl. I prefer this curler, to the bigger eye lash curlers, as it picks up the spots that the bigger tools miss. Note: Curl the lashes prior to applying mascara.
New Generation Eyelash 'S' Curler
RRP $24
Shu Uemura
David Jones
Mascara
It has taken hundreds of different types of mascaras to get here, but I've finally done it. An inexpensive lash curling, volumising and lengthening mascara.
Origins - GinZing
RRP $26
Brushes that I recommend for this products:
Body Shop - Lash Comb
(RRP $14.95)
The comb (brush facing upwards) is particularly useful for detangling the bottom lashes. EyelinerForget the hype around the felt tip eye liners, it is gel liners all the way. Ensure you close the lid securely after each use to ensure the product does not dry out.
Napoleon Perdis - China Doll Gel Eyeliner (Equinox)
RRP $35
MAC Cosmetics - Eye Kohl (Feline)
RRP $32
Note: the Eye Kohl is very smudgy, and hence the third brush is perfect to use with this pencil.
Brushes that i recommend for these products:
Napoleon Perdis - 2H Fine Line Sable Brush
RRP $25
Napoleon Perdis - 5A Precision Angle Sable Brush
RRP $25
Sigma Beauty - E30 Pencil Brush
RRP $12
Setting powder
This product is one of those ones that I absolutely cannot live without. I use this under my eyes (applying with a cue-tip) when I am using eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadows or all of the above. Your eye makeup is guaranteed not to budge when using this product.
Clinique - Blended Face Powder (03 Transparency)
RRP $50
When it comes to your face, set your foundation with this product to maximise longevity.
MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - Light
RRP $47
Brush that I recommend for this product:
Sigma Beauty - F30 Large Powder
RRP $24
Concealer
The perfect disguise for any blemish is this concealer. Apply with your fingertips to the required areas, and like magic see those spots and redness disappear.
Lancome - Effacernes Longue Tenure
RRP $53
Primer
It's true what they say, it's a crime not to prime. And to stop you from being a fashion criminal, here is my fave primer.
Napoleon Perdis - Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer
RRP $59
This formula has a nice fresh smell, is quite thin (thick primers are just too heavy on the skin), and glides on easily with hand application. Ensure to prime prior to putting on your foundation, to stop the product from moving.
Foundation
This light formula is longlasting, gives you a dewy finish, and can give you full coverage (depending on how much you build into your skin). The thing I like about this foundation (compared to MAC foundations) is that it does not sink into any of your lines (forehead, eyes) to give you that aged look.
Clinique - Superbalanced Makeup (03 Ivory)
RRP $50
Brushes that I recommend for this product:
Real Techniques - Buffing Brush
RRP $45 (Purchased in a set of 4 - all of which will be featured in this post)
Real Techniques - Pointed Foundation Brush
RRP $45 (Included in the set of 4 as per above)
To be used for detailing around the eyes, nose, and mouth
Bronzer
One of the most important make-up products in my opinion; especially for days where you are not wearing foundation is the bronzer.
Recommended for when you have a tan (whether real/fake)
Model Co. Glow Summer Bronze
RRP $28
MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - Medium Plus
RRP $47
Brushes that I recommend for these products:
Sigma Beauty - F10 Powder/Blush
RRP $21
Real Techniques - Powder Brush
RRP $10 (This is the only RT brush that was not featured in the 4-pack collection)
Blush
I always get so many compliments when using this blush! Don't let the look of it fool you, there is no shimmer to be seen when applying.
MAC Mineralise Blush - Dainty
RRP $43
For a cheaper alternative, and equally as good (bonus that it comes with a mirror, for those who travel), try this powder.
Model Co. Blush Cheek Powder - Amaretto Sunset
RRP $18
(Note: the packaging of this product has recently changed)
Brush that I recommend for these products:
Real Techniques - Contour Brush
RRP $45 (Included in the set of 4 mentioned under the 'Foundation' category)
Eyebrow
Glides on, does not look too heavy, and will match the majority of peoples eye brow colour; use this pencil to fill in the gaps in your brow, and give definition in form of an arch. The perfect MUA trick!
MAC Cosmetics - Lingering
RRP $30
Brushes that I recommend for this products:
Sigma Beauty - E80 Brown and Lash (otherwise referred to as a 'Spoolie')
RRP $12
Eyeshadows:
When it comes to eyeshadows, you cannot (and I mean canNOT) go past the highly pigmented, longlasting MAC cosmetics. Here are my top 6 eyeshadow colours to add to your palette.
Greys:
Electra (this is perfect for the inner corner of your eye)
Knight Divine
Satin Taupe
Mystery
Darks:
Nehru
Carbon (this is good to use in conjunction with Nehru, as I do not find Carbon as black as I thought it would've been)
Each of these retail for $33. I have had mine for months, and I still cannot see the bottom of the pans, so definitely money well spent.
Brushes that i recommend for these products:For blending
Sigma Beauty - E40 Tapered Blending
RRP $14
For shading the eyelid
Sigma Beauty - E55 Eye Shading
RRP $12
For the crease/socket
Sigma Beauty - F70 Concealer
RRP $12
For the inner corner
Real Techniques - Detailer Brush
RRP $45 (The fourth brush Included in the set of 4)
Highlighter
Perfect for the tops of your cheek bones, and easy to use with finger application.
MAC Lustre Drops - Pink Rebel
RRP $40
To highlight facial features, or to slim down (frequently referred to as a 'cheap nose job'), add this baby to your collection.
MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - Soft and Gentle
RRP $47
Brushes that i recommend for this product:
For cheekbones
Sigma F40 Angled brush
RRP $19
For nose area (sides and down the middle)
Sigma F60 Foundation brush
RRP $18
Contour
Celebs like Jennifer Stano (pictured below) have really brought the art of contouring to get that chiseled cheek bone look, to our attention. Use these products to get Jen's definition.
MAC Bronzing Powder - Matte Bronze
RRP $39
Ideal for travelers, or for those wanting to save a few bucks - this trio (highlight, blush and contour) is sure to interest you.
Napoleon Perdis - Ultimate Contour Palette
RRP $60
Brush that I recommend for these products:
Sigma Beauty - F35 Tapered Highlighter
$21
Lipgloss
I have this lipgloss in every one of my purses. I highly recommend you use this on top of a lipstick (whether it is a nude shade/pink), so that it does not show the imperfections in your lips. This has a decent staying power, and is not as tacky as other lipglosses I have tried. I have gone through quite a few bottles of these. Note: no lipbrushes are needed, just use the doe-foot applicator.
MAC Cremesheen Glass - Fashion Scoop
RRP $43
Lipstick
Forget spending big bucks on lipsticks, I have discovered these very long-lasting, easy to use, and full coverage beauties that can be purchased from any drugstore.
Don't want to go too dark and mature, this pinky/red lipstick will have you standing out of the crowd for all the right reasons. Oh and you can totally forget about getting this all over your teeth - these Revlon lipsticks are truly magical.
Revlon - 440 Cherries in the Snow
RRP $21.95
Another reason for not wanting to spend too much money on a lipstick, is that if the colour is only seasonal (just like our purple shades for 2013) there is no point spending lots of money on a product that you may only use a handful of times. Have fun with this not too dark, just right violet.
Revlon - 027 Violet Frenzy
RRP $21.95
Even cheaper, with a silky smooth application this Model Co. nude is a keeper.
Model Co. Party Proof Lipstick - Nearly Nude
$16.95
I definitely find these cheaper lipsticks to be more long-lasting, and have better staying power than any of the MAC lipsticks I own. Again, no lipbrushes required for these just use them straight from the dispenser.
Throw away your face wipes, and say goodbye to any left over residue when removing your make-up. I have discovered, the world's most thorough make-up remover by Shu Uemura.
Gentle on the skin, perfect for all skin types, non-fragrant, and easy to use. This Ultim8 Cleansing oil retails for $56, and is available from David Jones.
Storage
For eyeshadows in particular (can be used for some blushes and bronzers - especially MAC), using a palette is a much more convenient way to store your products. It is perfect for travelling, is slim-line, and gives you more of a chance to use each shade.
Once you depot (Youtube have plenty of tutorials on how to depot your makeup), use the product sticker (so you know which shade your are using), on the magnet bottom of the pans. Once you have done this, you are ready to stick these into your palette.
Z-Palette
Large:
$20 (USD)
RRP $16
Introduced to us by Kim Kardashian, this jumbo storage will have your make-up station looking neater than ever. Storing all your makeup products (including your brushes!), you will never lose a piece of your make-up collection again. It is also a perfect way to remember what make-up you actually have, as each drawer is clear. As you will have this storage for forever, this is a great investment piece.
Make-up cube
RRP $199
You may be able to find a slightly cheaper version of the cube on Ebay.
Now, this brings me to my number one product, for my final day of the '12 days of Christmas'. If you only buy one product after reading this post, this is the one you NEED.
Number one goes to the MAC Paint Pots. If you haven't heard of a paint pot, it acts as a primer to the eye lids. It allows the eyeshadows to stick to the eyelid, with no movement whatsoever. And when I say no movement, I mean you could go to sleep, and wake up the next morning with your eye make-up still looking perfect (I have tested this for you, that's how I know...shh don't tell any MUA). Now there are many colours to choose from whether you use Tailor Grey under your Electra/Knight Divine, Groundwork under your Satin Taupe and Mystery, or Black Ground under your Nehru and Carbon - but the one colour you need is Painterly.
Unlike the other 3 paint pots that I have just mentioned Painterly is a neutral colour. You can use this under any eyeshadow, for a blank canvas. Although there are other neutral colours (such as Soft Ochre), it is definitely the Painterly that you need to add to your collection .
This universal colour not only intensifies the shadow colour, and prolongs the eye colour, it also stops your shadows from creasing. Retailing for $35, this paint pot is easy to use - either with the Sigma Beauty E55 brush (mentioned above), or with your finger.
This is one product that you cannot miss out on.
I hope this post saves you from wasting money on products that are just too hyped up about, but have no real value to your make-up collection. If you choose to buy any of these products, let me know your thoughts on them on Instagram @jspstyling
To everyone that reads my blog, subscribes, and checks out my Instagram, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fashionable New Year. I am looking forward to more styling to come with you in 2014!
JSP xx
Most images courtesy of Google
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