Which Face Makeup Products Do You Need?

When it comes to makeup, there are many options out there. Different brands and different products, which all say they do different things. The question is, what do you need to own in terms of face makeup?

What items do you need to have in your makeup bag at all times for almost any event? We’ve researched so that you don't have to. These are the face makeup items that every makeup lover should own.

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Face Makeup You Should Own

If you’re a big-time makeup fan, you’ll probably already have a collection that offers every shade and every brush imaginable. If you take a more pared-back approach to makeup, or if you’re new to makeup entirely, you might not know yet that you don't need a kit that takes up two boxes of space to make a good impression.

Even professionals can do with reminding that there are a few basics you simply can't be without regarding face makeup.

A Priming Mineral SPF

Rain or shine, the sun is still there, and its rays can do much damage even if they don't seem particularly aggressive. You must use a sunscreen to protect your face. If you get your hands on a priming sunscreen, it can act as an anchor for the rest of your makeup and keep your skin protected at the same time.

We recommend a mineral SPF in particular. Mineral SPF is a far better, safer choice because the active ingredients (like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) create a barrier on your skin that bounces off harmful rays. Leave the chemical sunscreens on the shelf.

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An Illuminating Concealer

If you’re not one to wear a full face of foundation, make sure that you have, at the very least, an excellent concealer. Concealer is not only there to help you hide blemishes but also to help shape your face if you use it right.

A little bit of fair concealer on the high points of your face and a little bit of concealer that's a shade or two too dark used as a contour color will help give that no-makeup makeup illusion you want with minimal coverage.

A Natural, Warm Eye/ Face Palette

Another basic in the face makeup department is a neutral to warm face color palette. This will form the basis of many looks — even if you go for a natural or no-makeup look. Choose one that includes a blush, soft contour, and soft highlight powder.

The palette should also have a small selection of neutral eye colors and one shimmer for extra pizazz.  

Powder Foundation Compact

If you need a little all-over coverage, why not try a powder foundation compact? Choose one that comes complete with a puff and a mirror for touch-ups on the go. Powder foundation is a win on two fronts: firstly, it offers a bit of complexion smoothing and evening.

Secondly, it provides a shine-minimizing effect that will keep your face looking fresh for hours and hours.

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Tips and Tricks

Now that you have your essentials, we’ve got some tips and tricks for you to look as stunning as possible. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take on anything.

1. Put your SPF on your face and down your neck to your shoulders. The skin in this area is almost as sensitive as the skin on your face and is also regularly exposed to lots of sunlight. You’ll thank us when you’re older.
2. Use your powder foundation as a blotter under your eyes if applying a dark eye color. Pat on an excess of the powder before you do your makeup, then dust it, and the dark color splotches off to finish the look.
3. Apply illuminating concealer in the corners of your eyes to brighten your look and make your eyes appear slightly wider than usual.
4. Remember to wash your powder puff and all your brushes weekly. You can extend this to fortnightly if you don't use them daily. Bacteria can breed in unwashed accessories and transfer to our face, causing blackheads or acne, so remember to keep them clean and sanitized. 
5. If you drop your powder foundation compact and the powder cracks, don't throw it out. Tap the powder shards into a pestle and mortar or onto a clean tray. Crush apart the pieces into a fine powder, then return it to the compact and tamp it down as you would ground coffee before putting it into the coffee machine.

If you have this face makeup available wherever you go and pay attention to our tips and tricks, you’ll have a flawless face for every occasion.