Last week, I went through my basic skin care routine as in my profession, I find it is the most common question, “what do I use?” This week, I have compiled my basic make-up routine. This is what I use every day, using the looks that I personally love and find the most natural and flattering. In weeks to come I will go more into detail about other specific make-up looks for other occasions; but this week is my everyday look which is also perfect for beginners.
When compiling your basic make-up collection, it is best to start small and build gradually. Make-up formulations are constantly changing, along with the fashions, so going out and spending potentially thousands of dollars on the here and now of cosmetics is foolish. It is only when you start actually using make-up everyday, and exploring your needs first, that you’ll truly realise what YOU need. So lets start from the top.
The basis for any clean, natural make-up is a flawless base. Although we would all love to be airbrushed every day before we leave the house; for most of us, this is not an option. One cardinal rule to remember when creating your flawless base is that less is more. I have to say I am a convert to this idea, as when the acne prone teenager trying to cover those horrid blemishes, I swore that the more the better. But trust me, it isn’t. No matter what skin conditions you may have, less is more. The reason behind this is simple. As soon as you start covering things up by piling on the cake foundation and heavy concealer, people will see you are trying to do exactly that, cover something up. This leads to the inevitable zoom-in to what you are trying to conceal.
When creating a flawless base, you best option is a dewy one (unless you are exceptionally oily, in which case, chose a matte formula as your natural oils will seep through as the day wears on, to give you a slight gleam.) as this is what looks most natural. If you already have a good complexion to start with, I would simply opt for a tinted moisturiser. This will give you a bit of colour, a little coverage, and ideally, sun protection. I highly recommend Megan Gale Tinted Daywear Invisible Zinc SPF30+ retailing at $21.95 for day time, as it gives a dewy finish, a healthy glow, and best of all, gives SPF30+ protection. For night time, and for those who are after a little more coverage throughout the day, I recommend an oil based foundation. Most women are scared of oils, but don’t be. An oil based foundation tends to have more ‘slide’, so you have more control when applying. It gives you the option to put on a thin layer, or powder and repeat again for a heavier coverage. And it WILL stay on throughout the day as long as you powder it properly. I would recommend Estee Lauder’s Futurist Foundation SPF 15+ retailing at $69. Although it is marketed at a mature skin, all this means for this foundation, as well as mature skin foundations on the market, is that is an oil based foundation. Having a higher oil contend ultimately leads to a dewy finish and hydration for a dryer skin.
After you have your base, simply conceal where you need that little bit of extra coverage, for example, under the eyes or a blemish. I would recommend Bobbi Brown for concealers as they are a great consistency and give good coverage without going flakey. Remember, however, to powder both your concealer and foundation, as this will stop it creasing, fading, wearing off, and even out shine.
For a natural, basic, everyday make-up look, all that is left to do is add a lick of mascara and blush. Both are essential as mascara will open up your eyes, and blush will put a desired flush back on your face that foundation takes away. These both result in a healthy, awake look. For the daytime blush, I would recommend a cream blush, and MAC have a fantastic range. Mascaras, however are harder to pinpoint. The range is huge, and for around $12 you can get some fantastic ones. If you don’t already have a favourite, start with Maybelline or MaxFactor. Both are widely used by make-up artists, have a great reputation, offer various consistencies, and don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Before you walk out the door, however, I would recommend one more step, Lip Gloss, and I am so excited to tell you about my latest find. At the supermarket for $4.95, you can get the new Nivea Lip Care Gloss in natural. It last well, gives a great, non sticky shine, and is perfect to finish of your new natural look.
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