Nervous laughter and even slight looks of horror are the normal responses when I ask to see my clients’ makeup bags. Here’s the thing about your makeup bag; if you can organise it properly with the right products, you don’t need too much. Now, don’t get me wrong, we have all been there, in a makeup shop, a bit confused, lost and overwhelmed. But now is time to get those summer dresses out, retire our tracksuit bottoms (at last!) and have a makeup bag cleanout!
Primer
Simply put, primer creates a beautiful canvas for the face, filling in any lines and enabling the foundation to sit on the skin for longer. I’m loving the Catrice Ten!sational 10 in 1 Dream Primer, which I picked up in Wells Pharmacy. This 10 in 1 primer is a real game changer, priced at only €6.89. It hydrates, minimises pores, evens skin tone, and even has a SPF15. Sometimes I wear this on its own to give a pretty glow.
BB Cream
I feel like the older I’m getting the more I’m reaching for my BB cream rather than my foundation. It’s such a great all-in-one product. ‘BB’ stands for ‘Blemish Balm’. It offers buildable coverage, smooths and blurs imperfections. I love Trinny London BFF SPF30 Cream. It has precious extracts of antioxidant porcelain flower, tones down redness and wakes up tired-looking skin. €42 – www.trinnylondon.com
Foundations
There are so many varieties out there, it’s far from a one-fits-all deal. From formula, coverage and finish, it really depends on your skin tone and the coverage you want. For my brides, I adore Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, Kim Kardashian’s foundation choice for her wedding. This award-winning foundation comes in 40 shades, is lightweight, oil-free and is suitable for all skin types.
Undereye concealer
Without this makeup gem, I look exhausted! It masks dark circles as well as brightens the eye area. I apply it after my foundation with my fingers in a gentle tapping motion. I love Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind. This multi-award-winning concealer retails just under €10 and is infused with goji berry and haloxyl.
Finishing powder, bronzer, blush and highlighter:
Finishing powder locks your foundation in place – especially good for oily skin. Bronzer gives the appearance of a sun-kissed look while blusher adds a flush of colour to the cheeks, bringing the whole makeup look together.
I love the ambient Lighting Edit – Sculpture from the amazing brand Hourglass. It has all of the above in one palette, which also saves space in your makeup bag. €84 – www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Lipstick
I’m a self-obsessed lipstick lover and have about 100 shades in my professional kit – crazy but true! Finding that right shade is like finding your lifelong partner in crime. MAC offers such an amazing colour range. Add a lip gloss in the evening and you’re good to go!
Mascara, eyeliner and brow pencil
They say the eyes are the window to the soul so a good quality mascara and eyeliner are a must. As it gets so hot here in Portugal, I recommend waterproof mascara and long-lasting eyeliner. I love Kiko’s Stand Out Volume Waterproof Mascara and Intense Colour Long-Lasting Eyeliner (16 shades). Kiko also has such an impressive range of good quality eyebrow pencils, gels and palettes.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow palettes are great as you can create different versatile looks. I love Dior Backstage Eye Palette. It’s super blendable and even has a primer. There are eight shades in mattes and shimmers and are available in four different colour palettes to complement any eye colour. €50.50 – www.sephora.pt
Lastly
I recommend you have your eyelash curlers, tweezers and a setting spray in your makeup bag. Setting spray maintains your makeup. It is like a hairspray for the face. I like to spray on bare skin before my makeup application and straight after. Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray is a favourite of mine and has won so many beauty awards. It’s the Ferrari of setting sprays! €33.50 – www.sephora.pt
Until next time!
By Sharon Phillips
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Sharon Phillips is a well-known, fully qualified makeup artist from Ireland. She has been working in the makeup industry in Portugal for nearly a decade and specialises in bridal makeup, editorial photoshoots and film and television. Her passion is helping women feel and look fabulous through makeup.
www.makeupalgarve.com
