First up is the Sleek Makeup Control Shine and Prime. I don’t use this all over my face and only use it on the areas that are prone to shine – mainly my t-zone. But I am very impressed with the results. As with many other primers, this one is silicone based, but I have to say, it does feel a little different to others I’ve tried. The texture is thicker than many others, and works very well at minimising the appearance of my pores. The lightweight formula primes my skin perfectly before applying my makeup to create a lovely even base that controls shine for an all-day matte finish.
Let’s start with foundation and concealer. One of my favourite combinations is the L’Oreal True Match foundation and the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer. I’ve used this L’Oreal foundation many times and I’m always impressed considering it’s a fairly cheap foundation. The coverage is medium but buildable and gives a gorgeous looking glow that instantly brightens up my skin. I probably use this concealer everyday without fail. It’s perfect for covering up dark circles and blemishes and lasts throughout the day.
When it comes to blushers, some of my favourites , and in my opinion some of the most underrated makeup, is the Topshop blushes. These blushers are not only affordable at £7 but they also have a vibrant pigmentation with great staying powder. Plus a huge selection of colours.
Good brows really do enhance the face but a good brow product doesn’t have to be an expensive product. My favourite one if the Model Co More Brows. What I love about this eyebrow product is that the brush-on fibre gel gives the appearance of fuller, thicker brows instantly. The mini mascara brush makes it incredibly easy to apply and shape the brows how you want them, and although the gel applies wet, it completely dries allowing your brows to stay in place all day long.
When it comes to eyes, my love of the Makeup Revolution eyeshadow palettes has been well documented but you really can’t fault them. I use them far more than I thought I would. So much so, that I’ve actually started using these over my naked palettes. The colours are just as pigmented and last throughout the day. I honestly can’t fault them and will be putting in another order soon
The Maybelline Gel Liner is by far one of the easiest gel liners around to use. The angled applicator makes creating a defined line, or cute cat flick ever so easy, and what’s more, it lasts all day long.
No7 do some lovely but affordable mascaras and the Lovely Lashes mascara is no exception. The Argan oil formula makes it easy to manage and get into the inner corners of my eyes. The want is also quiet small which means that you can really coats the lashes with this nourishing formula. I find that when using this the wand separates the lashes perfectly and adds enough volume and length to really open up the eyes.
The Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder is my go to powder. Mainly because it’s texture is fine enough for setting foundation without taking away any glow or being overly mattifying. Also, it’s adds an extra boost of staying power and leaves a tiny hint of coverage on the skin, but nothing too heavy.
So these have been my picks of products to include in a starter makeup kit. What would be in yours?