Flawless skin – much desired, often difficult to achieve! As someone with imperfect skin, who lacks even the most rudimentary makeup application skills – discovering easy-to-use, dependable products to help me fake a glowing complexion has been a journey!
Today, I would like to introduce you to my top five products that I depend on to help me create a “natural” make-up look.
1. Guerlain Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation Second Skin Effect (in Nude) – $57.00
I discovered this product after reading numerous reviews on Sephora and other cosmetics websites. While I was initially weary of utilizing this product due to some reviewer complaints of skin irritation, I have had no such issue. Due to the mousse-y texture of this product, I find it ridiculously easy to apply and spread. With this foundation, a little goes a LONG way. I simply spread a minute amount of the foundation onto my cheeks and forehead – it acts to airbrush out my complexion and leaves a sun-kissed glow.
2. Nars Orgasm Illuminator – $36.00
I use this product as my highlighter to assist in contouring my face. I apply a small amount to the bridge of my nose and just above my cheekbones. Like the Guerlain foundation, very little of this product is needed to achieve the desired effect.
3. La Mer Baume de La Mer – $50.00
While the cosmetics market is saturated with countless variations of lip balm, I depend on my La Mer lip balm to keep my lips from chapping as the cold weather sets in. While expensive, I have found the investment to be worthwhile. As it is tremendously moisturizing, I don’t find myself needing to re-apply often throughout the day, thus assisting in the conservation of the product.
4. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Power (in 00) – $57.00
In the past, I experimented very little with bronzers – I continuously used a MAC bronzer that I had become relatively comfortable with. However, after testing out Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder, I have left MAC behind. Finely milled, this bronzer blends like a dream and resists taking on the orange tint characteristic of so many bronzers on the market. This bronzer has become my favourite contouring tool.
5. Chanel Joues Contraste (in 64 Pink Explosion) – $43.00
I did not experience love at first sight with this blush. While I adored the colour in the pan, I found that the blush was not particularly pigmented and could be difficult to gather with a brush. However, over time, I have developed a deep appreciation for this formula – while it does require a heavier-handed application than other blushes I have used, I have found that this blush lasts well on my skin, resulting in all-day wear without re-touching.
After finishing off creating an acceptable base with my five essentials, I like to top off my daily make-up look with a strengthening of my brows (using Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in 56 Hot Stone) and a swipe of sheer colour on my lips (using Giorgio Armani’s Rouge d’Armani Sheers in 502).
What make-up essentials do you recommend?
The above mentioned products are available online at http://www.sephora.com/, http://www.cremedelamer.com/ and http://www.chanel.com/
