Make-up Masterclass Must-haves

Paddy McGurgan is one of NI's best-known beauty experts and this week he writes about the hero products every girl should have in her cosmetics kit

Lipstick

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Lipstick

Paddy McGurgan

December 12 2020 11:00 AM

Whether your cosmetics collection is in need of a refresh, or you're simply a make-up magpie, these are the products that you need to know about…

When it comes to choosing a new foundation, think about what type of a finish you desire. If you love a bronzed, dewy effect, then look out for key words such as 'glow' or 'radiance' on the packaging. Personally, I love using the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (£33) thanks to its buildable coverage and ability to even out the skin tone. The foundation leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, and looking more luminous.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

When it comes to a bargain buy, look no further than The Ordinary Coverage Foundation (£5.75). With 21 shades to pick from, you'll be sure to find the right one for you. Suitable for all skin types, the cream-like textures smooth seamlessly on to the skin to disguise fine lines and wrinkles.

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

A good full-coverage concealer will provide a flawless finish to any make-up look. Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer (£5.99) is perfect for hiding blemishes and dark circles. Available in six shades, the product's light texture leaves skin looking brighter, whilst reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.

Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer

To add longevity to your make-up, use a pressed powder or compact powder foundation.

For this, try the L.A. Girl Pro Face Matte Pressed Powder (£6), which evens out the complexion and minimises excess oil. And, as a result, you get longer out of your make-up and a beautiful look with minimal touch-ups required.

L.A. Girl Pro Face Matte Pressed Powder

There are no rules for night-time make-up and you can go as subtle or as dramatic as you want. Your look can easily be changed up with a new bronzer or highlighter.

For your bronzer try a shade darker than you would normally buy. Use it to sculpt underneath the cheekbones and around the outside of the forehead to create warmth and shape the face.

The right highlighter applied to your upper cheeks and browbone can be a blinding look for any Christmas party. I adore Bourjois Delice De Poudre Bronzer Bronzing Powder Medium/Dark (£7.99). It has beautiful warm undertones, which means that it blends and contours perfectly on most skin tones without looking harsh or, God forbid, ashy.

Bourjois Delice De Poudre Bronzer Bronzing Powder Medium/Dark

Regarding eyebrow products, I find powder to be quite versatile as it can be used to create a soft or strong brow, depending on how much product you use. I would recommend trying Make Up Studio Brow Powder Refill (£8.50). I love the pigment of this product and you can build up the finish so easily.

Make Up Studio Brow Powder Refill

When it comes to lipstick, multi-task products are the way forward, for example a cream blusher can be used to add a pop of colour to the apples of the cheeks, and acts as a lip gloss or tint too.

Don't hesitate to try KIKO Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush (£8.99) which glides seamlessly on to the cheekbones for a subtle, natural, healthy flush of colour.

KIKO Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush

Daytime make-up tips

1. Keep a compact pressed powder in your handbag to mask shine and keep your make-up looking as matte as possible throughout the day.

2. Invest in an eyebrow brush for shaping and applying product. This is the staple buy you need for a good brow routine.

3. If you don't already use an eyeshadow primer then you should start now. A good primer will not only keep your shadow in place, but it will also keep your eyelids hydrated during the colder winter weather.

4. Before applying lipstick, use a toothbrush to exfoliate lips for a smoother application.