Years ago I remember this question was asked of many woman, “if you were stranded on a desert island what make-up product would you want with you? Are you a mascara or lipstick type?”
This question sums up the possible contents of the make-up bag.
Since most of us most likely won’t be stranded on a desert island sometime soon, the question now is what’s in your make-up bag? What do you leave at home and what can’t you do without? We all have our own particular needs for sure. I’ll leave the interpretation of our choice to the therapists!
To determine what we choose to be in our bag we must first know the make-up bag basics.
A good concealer or two are high on the list of priority. One should be a hint lighter than your skin tone for those casual days you don’t wear foundation. And the other should be 1-2 shades darker than the foundation for the days you do wear foundation. Concealer is a must on any day because they act as a reflector of light. Of course it can also act as a highlighter on the brow bone and on eyelids when you’re not wearing eyeshadow.
Foundation is another basic. Once again you may opt to have two. For the casual days use a tinted moisturizer or sheer textured foundation and a fuller coverage for your polished look. Whichever you do use choose the correct colour. Swatch your options on the side of your jaw and don’t be shy to take a mirror into daylight to determine the correct match. Please don’t use your wrist!
Powder is one of those necessities and one of the most feared products. Too much can add years to skin. Choose a loose translucent type for home use and a compact for touch-ups. The colour should be a hint lighter than your foundation. And even though the matte look is in this season don’t overdue it. After your initial application touch-up only the forehead, nose and chin areas. Avoid the under eye area.
Mascara is a must for many. With the vast choices out there how does one decide? From full and volumous to thick and separate, our lashes can have a different mood every day!
Whichever works for you, use a round brush or mascara comb to get rid of those clumps. Apply, comb, apply and comb again. A tip for bottom lashes is to tissue off the excess mascara first.
Lipstick, lipgloss, lipbalm are top ranked in the ‘what I can’t live without’ category. And we see this in the numerous options out there. It’s eye candy! And the beauty of all this choice is we don’t have to choose just one! So go for it and use texture and colour to portray your mood of the moment. And as summer is approaching consider using a sunscreen as well.
Blush has become a must for many in recent years and is getting a boost this season. The choice of colour depends on the look you want to create. If it’s your choice for that deserted island than opt for a colour that gives you a healthy glow. Maybe one with a sheen rather than a matte texture. A smile will show you where the correct placement should be.
Shadows are always in the make-up bag. Ones for the soft, romance look in earthy tones to the intense darker, smokey colours for impact. How many does one woman really need?! But many we have I’m sure. Create your ‘look’ based on what you feel comfortable wearing and add a new colour or texture to update your look for the season.
In the meantime keep any make-up that you don’t often use in the fridge to prolong its lifespan.
So the best advice is this…if you haven’t used it in a year, think about giving it to a friend. Maybe it’ll be her ‘can’t live without it’ colour for that deserted island!
Written by Voula Ampas of The Artist Group
