Makeup Guru

Do you get confused when shopping for cosmetics? With new beauty products constantly bombarding the shelves, who can keep up with the latest beauty buzz? Well, there are some makeup staples that have proven themselves and are recommended by make up artists, beauty bloggers, and beauty editors all over the world. Here’s a cheat sheet for you to get in the loop.

Mascara Magic

Introduced in 1971, Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara is still the number-one best selling beauty product in the world. It’s a light mascara that gives a natural effect. It’s also a slow builder, so you can put on many layers without worrying about clumping. Lancôme Definicils is often touted as the best lengthening mascara out there. It works well at elongating and separating, without buildup. If it’s volume you’re after, Diorshow by Dior is the ultimate choice for that special night out. Lancôme’s best thickening mascara is their Hypnose, which is also great for length. And if drugstore brands are more your speed, L’Oréal’s Voluminous mascara is a great choice for faking fake lashes.

Conceal and Reveal

Finding the perfect concealer that will hide facial flaws without caking up your skin is a challenge. Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat has long been a cult classic for beauty and fashion editors alike. It’s a concealer and highlighter, which is great for hiding those under eye circles, earned from champagne late-nighters during fashion week. Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer is moisture rich and especially designed for under the eyes. Lancôme Effacernes is a newer kid on the block but has won many hearts with its creamy coverage. Bobby Brown’s Creamy Concealer kit comes complete with a powder that creates a dynamic duo for a moisturizing effect without the sheen. Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer is a thicker texture that can conceal anything; just use minimally to avoid buildup.

The Perfect Powder

Mineral powder/foundations are hot and Bare Escentuals come out on top of the pack. They have fifteen different shades so you’re bound to find a good match. Laura Mercier’s Mineral Powder has an SPF 15 and gives a luminous complexion. Givenchy’s Prisme Loose Powder is a quad that gives you a gentle glow with its tiny particles. Guerlain Les Meteorites Powder has four colours of pearl that highlight, brighten, and tone down redness. This is the beauty editor’s secret to irridescent skin. If you’re looking for that perfect pressed powder, try L’Oréal’s True Match Powder, it’s the drugstore choice winner.

Luscious Lips

While lipsticks certainly aren’t passé, most modern gals favour lip gloss for their everyday choice. Juicy Tubes by Lancôme is a classic that has been a mainstay in many girl’s gloss gamut for awhile. Their many colours and flavours is what keeps everyone addicted to them. Smashbox’s Lip Enhancing Gloss is ultra-moisturizing with both vitamin E and sunflower seed oil. Going even more natural is the Bare Escentuals Lip Gloss that is free from preservatives, parabens and artificial dyes. Bare Escentuals also has a Buxom line, which offers a natural lip plumper to give enhanced, juicy lips. Fusion Beauty’s LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Shine may sound like a mouthful, but it will definitely make your lips look full.

Mega Moisturizers

First developed by a NASA scientist, Crème de la Mer is an icon in the beauty world. It’s sworn by many to be the most intensive moisture out there for dry skin. But if you prefer a moisturizer that doesn’t cost as much as a pair of designer shoes, Philosophy’s Hope In a Jar might be right for you. It’s 99.9% oil-free, lightweight, and it hydrates, exfoliates and protects the skin. Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is another popular lightweight lotion that has been a favorite for over forty years. If you prefer a lotion specially created to treat wrinkles, then the Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion is a refreshing option. The best in category drugstore option is the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15; this lightweight moisturizer has made the grade for sensitive skin.