Makeup Essentials You Should Know About
India’s beauty care market is steadily growing and constantly evolving. Products such as highlighters, BB creams, and liquid lipsticks are being customized for diverse skin tones and types, making them more popular in the market. Along with the evolving products, messages of body positivity, diversity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity are becoming more pervasive.
The right product can transform the way you look. Whether you’re a 9-5 veteran, commencing college, or starting your first job, it’s time to hit the basics and learn about the absolute must-have beauty products to sport the perfect look and to make getting ready super easy. From blushes to brushes and everything in between, here’s the ultimate, must-have makeup checklist that you can’t possibly live without.
Eyeshadow palette
Eyeshadows are necessary to highlight the eye. An eyeshadow palette gives you the liberty to start with flattering neutrals for instant dimension, and work your way towards adding pops of colour for an evening look. With so many palettes out there, you can create a multitude of flattering looks, from natural to smokey.
Eyeliner
From luxuriously smooth pencils to super sharp liquid pens, with the flick of a wrist and a few strokes, eyeliners have the magical ability to instantly transform and add definition to your eyes. Plus, they last all day! It’s a beauty product that one simply can’t live without. Well-applied eyeliner can make all the difference to your look. Your eyes appear brighter, your lashes look fuller and thicker, and your eye colour ‘pops’. The best part is that it’s a tool without rules; you can wear it thick or thin, wing it or not, line the full eye or just half!
Tip: To add some oomph to your usual look, simply add a cat-eye to the mix. You can even steer away from blacks and try different colours to go with your outfit.
Mascara
If anything can instantly spruce up your look and get you ready to face the day, it’s mascara. Whether it’s a hundred coats or just a quick flick, this magical wand can make your lashes look stunning by giving it more length, volume, thickness, curliness, or definition in flat 30 seconds! Mascara has incredible versatility. You can use it in any situation – seconds before your Zoom meeting, or before a night out in the city. Mascara is like the white t-shirt of your make-up routine; once you find the right one, there’s no stopping you from using it all the time!
Tip: Don’t forget to get close to the inner corner of your eye to coat the inner lashes. Really wiggle the mascara wand into the roots for defined, fluttery lashes.
Blush
On days when you feel anything but bushy-tailed and bright-eyed, and you need the ultimate pick-me-up, you can turn to the trusty blush for a burst of pink on your cheeks. While the dramatic cat eye or the bright lip outshine the humble blush, don’t underestimate its power. A few dabs of cream or a quick swipe of powder imparts a rosy, fresh glow, and makes your face look healthier, brighter, and more radiant in seconds. Today’s formulas are lightweight and blend into your cheeks like a dream. Remember, blush is not a one-shade-suits-all product. There are plenty of shade options for every skin tone.
Tip: Blush should be near-natural looking. Anything above two shades of your skin tone can disturb your look.
Highlighter
Thanks to makeup-loving celebrities like the Kardashian-Jenner clan and popular body positivity beauty vloggers, highlighting has become an Olympic discipline among beauty lovers. With the right highlighter that melts into your skin with a flattering shade, you’ll give your skin an instant refresher and luminosity that can awaken your complexion. Infuse life into your look by perfectly dusting on highlighter diagonally along your cheekbones, on the inner corner of your eyes, on the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow. It’s time to get in on this glowing beauty trend.
Lipstick or lip gloss
When in doubt, wear lipstick! Lipstick makes you look confident, adds glam, and makes you feel like a million bucks at night. It’s the perfect antidote for the midweek blues. It’s impressive what a single splash of colour can do to your lips, face, and mood. A colourful pout can instantly brighten up your complexion and lift your spirits. If you’re not feeling bright and bold, pick nudes or natural shades. It’s all about finding the one shade that complements your skin tone. When all else fails, lipstick is sometimes enough to give you a pulled-together look. Pick from shades of pinks, browns, reds, corals, and many more. After all, there’s no such thing as too much lipstick!
Tip: Use creamy or liquid lipsticks on the high points of your cheekbones as blush. The same colour will give you a clean, tied-together look.
Makeup brushes and tools
Da Vinci didn’t paint the Mona Lisa with his fingers. To apply your makeup evenly and effectively, you need the right tools. For your eyes, brushes are essential for perfect precision. Pick from a few must-have types like fluffy, stiff, angled, flat, and a detailed brush. A larger brush is best for your blush as a fan brush is for a highlighter. A beauty blender works well for the effortless blending of your base.
Foundation or BB Cream
Why are BB creams and foundations so desirable? They’re lightweight, they stay in place even when you’re sweating, and they give you a clear, flawless look. A face base is a must for any makeup ritual. With a plethora of options available in the market, there’s something for everyone. The right product will leave your skin looking radiant, fresh, and flawless.
Tip: For a more natural look, bring down the foundation to your neck and a thin layer over your ears.
Makeup removers are also an important part of makeup essentials so don’t forget to stock up on some wipes. They’re easy to use, hassle-free, and a convenient way of keeping your skin clean and healthy, even on the go.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to go KonMari on your stash, these makeup essentials will get you through anything! You can use the items on this list every day and also fit them into your purse for weekend trips or for on-the-go touch-ups.
(Edited by Varsha Roysam)
