Inspired to write a blog post about the makeup must haves for 2016, I started to list all my ultimate favorite products that I have been 1) faithfully using for a number of years OR 2) recently switched to because I preferred it over what I was using at that time.
The list just got longer and longer until I decided to break it down to 3 parts starting with face, eyes and then lips. Most products listed are products that I use daily and is considered an essential (like if I had a minimal makeup kit post gym) to my daily "face" routine. Some products are necessary for use when doing a full face application for nights out or long wear.
The list just got longer and longer until I decided to break it down to 3 parts starting with face, eyes and then lips. Most products listed are products that I use daily and is considered an essential (like if I had a minimal makeup kit post gym) to my daily "face" routine. Some products are necessary for use when doing a full face application for nights out or long wear.
Before any sort of face painting gets done, its always important to prepare the canvas, in this case, our face! Of course there is no better base than great skin but not everyone can be born with even skin tone, blemish free and smooth as a baby's bottom skin- this is where makeup becomes every woman's best friend! Let's get started!
MAC Prep + Prime
Introduced by a friend a couple of years ago, I purchased Prep+ Prime on a whim. After using it, it was love at first touch. Unlike some silicone based primers, I loved the way it even out my skin tone yet did not leave me with a heavy or greasy feeling on my face even after applying layer upon layer of makeup. I have never failed to receive compliments about how amazing my skin looks every time I use this product.
Use: Usually for special outings and nights out
Illamasqua Foundation
I remember like it was yesterday that I walked pass the pre-opening promotion counter in Wisma Atria and seeing Illasmasqua in front of me was like an answered prayer. I had been in the market for a good foundation as all the liquid foundations I had tried either did not match my skin tone (Asian market) or was too thick (not great for Singapore weather) or was not long lasting (I perspire on the nose-A LOT!) but finding a good foundation was starting to be an impossible task!
The day I tried Illamasqua, I was sold!!! Its like a second skin! The fact that they have .5 colors just means that there is a wider range of colors (26 shades to choose from!) to match every skin tone and under tone perfectly. I love that I can layer it on as thick or as thin as I like to determine the coverage. And for this product, a little goes a long way. I introduced this product to my sister and she too swears by it. The price is a bit steep but well worth every single cent!
Use: Can't live without it- daily use and every single time I use makeup!
YSL Touche Eclat
Another product that I have been using for the longest time and can't live without! I have been using YSL Touche Eclat since I was 18 and they had only 3 colors (1-super fair, 2-brightening, 3-dark orangey) to choose from! While I am happy to see that they have expanded the range, I still stick to my No.2 because I like the brightening effect it gives me. This particular product has never failed to make me look more awake than I feel at any period of time!
Use: Daily, but since Illamasquas' Skin Base Foundation, only on days when I look really tired!
I really like the texture of MAC Blushers and the fact that they have 47 shades for you to choose from basically means that you could find a shade for days that you want the lightly sun kissed look to the days when you want to look like a Harajuku girl. I tend to err on the side of caution because my biggest fear of blusher is always over applying and I always tend to under apply but the texture of the MAC blusher is just nice that I no longer have those "Ooops" moments with my blushers.
Use: Daily
NARS Illuminator
So this a kind of new obsession of mine. Everyone is chasing the healthy glow, the dewy look, the post coital glow- call it what you line, ain't nobody got the time to be chasing them glows...unless it comes in a bottle! Hah! Hassle free, light to bright application, now you can have any glow you want! I prefer the liquid illuminators to the powder ones as I can get a bit heavy handed with them too. My personal favorite is the Super Orgasm.
Use: When my skin needs a pick me up or on nights out
Now if you have combination skin like mine, when I make the effort to put on my full face, I want to make sure that it at least looks good and stays that way. I never could understand the reason for the setting powder until I got compliments on how "amazing" my skin looks every time I used it (Thank You Makeup!). Using a primer helps sets the base, the loose powder helps sets the face! It may not look like much especially if your using the translucent one but believe me, you will know its doing its job when you get all those compliments. A little powder goes a long way and it take 5 seconds for a full face application- just do it! Also, if you need to do a quick day to night change, a dusting of this magic powder and a fresh coat of lipstick will do the trick!
Use: When I need my makeup to last a little longer than normal
Urban Decay Make-Up Setting Spray
I have saved the best for last! And its is also the last thing you will need for makeup of steel!!! Now anyone who knows me knows that I have a sweaty nose and this is one product that I wish I had in my dancing party heydays! I use the Long-Lasting version which gives me a flawless finish every time. Do be mindful though that if you are after a matte finish, use the Oil-Control version instead of the Long-Lasting.
Use: When I need my makeup to last a little longer than normal
Thanks for taking the time to check out my makeup must haves for 2016! While my makeup bag is definitely overflowing with and a million versions of each product, these chosen products are my go to products and what I would NEED in any event for a basic face. Stay tuned for next week to read up on my top picks for eye makeup!
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