5 BEAUTY ESSENTIALS EVERY WOMAN MUST CARRY IN HER BAG

1.Foundation / BB Cream

2.Compact Powder

3.Blusher

4.Eye Liner

5.Lipstick

Makeup plays a pivotal role in enhancing one’s appearance and boosting self-confidence. While some might not agree, the magic of makeup is undeniable. Imagine donning your favorite dress or an elegant saree with a bare face and untamed hair – seems lackluster, doesn’t it? Now, apply some makeup and style your hair – witness the transformation. The right makeup provides the perfect finishing touch to any look, be it Indian or Western, casual or formal. It’s a crucial aspect of personal grooming. Hence, every woman’s bag should always carry the basic makeup necessities, ensuring she’s ever-ready to take on the world. After all, makeup isn’t referred to as ‘war-paint’ without reason.

1. FOUNDATION/ BB CREAM

Nervous about the blemishes and scars on your face for tonight’s gathering? Worry not. The right foundation can give you flawless, blemish-free skin. What constitutes the perfect foundation? It’s a base that complements your skin – a foundation shade closely matching your skin tone and a formulation that suits your skin type. Bear in mind, finding the perfect match may require some experimentation since what works wonders for your friend might not work as well for you, and vice versa.

The importance of an ideal foundation cannot be overstated as it sets the stage for the rest of your makeup. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek advice from professionals at trusted cosmetic stores. For day-to-day use, consider investing in a BB cream or CC cream that provides good coverage instead of a heavy foundation.

Do you really need a concealer? In addition to foundation, some women may find the need for a light concealer in their daily makeup routine. If you’re grappling with issues like dark under-eye circles, prominent pimple scars, severe blemishes requiring significant correction, or freckles, you might want to consider using a concealer along with your foundation. Concealer is particularly useful for targeted coverage and color correction, providing an extra layer of perfection to your makeup base.

Considering a foundation for acne-prone or hypersensitive skin types? It’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting any makeup product, cosmetic, or cream for these specific skin conditions. It’s highly recommended to consult with a respected dermatologist before applying any cosmetic on skin that’s dealing with acne breakouts or allergies. Some top-rated foundations for acne-prone skin include Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation, Cover FX Natural, and Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation, among others. These products may help cover blemishes without aggravating your skin condition. However, individual results may vary, and professional advice is always the safest route.

Application Process – For everyday makeup, clean hands and fingers can suffice for a uniform application of your base. However, to achieve a more thorough and polished application, consider using new sponges or cotton balls. It’s crucial to ensure that the puff, sponge, or makeup applicator you use is completely clean every time you use it. Old, used, damp or dirty makeup pads can harbor bacteria, which can be transferred to your face when used directly on your skin. Therefore, maintaining hygiene with your makeup tools is not just about achieving the perfect look, but also about protecting your skin health.

Application Technique – Begin from the middle of your face, gradually working your way outward. Dispense small dots of BB cream or foundation on all areas of your face (and neck). Now comes the blending! Ensure your skin and base meld seamlessly together. Don’t overlook applying your makeup base to your neck, earlobes, behind your ears, and the back of your neck. Carefully and gently blend around the mouth area and the eyes for a natural and flawless finish.

Pressed for time to apply more makeup? Don’t worry, if you’ve applied your base correctly, you’re almost there. Just add a bit of moisturizer and a swipe of lipstick, slip into your classic Anarkali suit, and you’re all set to take on the world!

2. COMPACT POWDER/ LOOSE POWDER

This is a fundamental product that aids in maintaining your makeup base for extended periods, protecting it from external elements and perspiration. Powders also impart a sense of revitalization. Their texture is airy, ensuring they don’t feel burdensome on the skin. Compact powders, true to their name, come in convenient packaging that is easy to transport, allowing you to carry them around with ease.

When choosing a Compact Powder, make sure the product you select aligns with your skin tone and type. If you have extremely oily skin, you might want to opt for loose tinted powders instead of the typical compact powders.

if you have open pores that often become clogged with makeup, it’s crucial to choose compact and other makeup essentials labeled as Non-Comedogenic. This ensures they won’t block your pores, helping to prevent potential skin issues

For application, allow your foundation and moisturizer to fully dry. Then, using a clean sponge, apply the compact powder, ensuring it blends flawlessly with the base. To avoid an unappealing appearance, make sure the application is smooth and devoid of any cracks or patches.

If you’re in a hurry to catch up with friends, you can simply apply compact powder over a light base of moisturizer and sunscreen. If you feel your skin requires minimal coverage, skipping the foundation is a feasible option. Even for parties, you can showcase a glowing complexion in a stunning red saree, complemented by smoothly applied makeup.

CARE TIP: Avoid applying layer upon layer of powder when touching up your makeup throughout the day. Instead, first use a cotton pad or tissue to absorb any oil and dirt, then reapply your powder. This will help maintain a fresh and natural look.

3. BLUSHER/ BLUSH ON

Nearly every woman owns a vibrant makeup palette that seems to only make an appearance on special occasions. Why is that? Blush is a delightful cosmetic that can add an element of elegance and polish to your overall look. Remember, you don’t always have to stick to pink – highlighting with a deeper toned blush can significantly enhance and sculpt your features.

Select your makeup look thoughtfully, taking into account your mood and the event. Opt for a bold, dramatic style for a glamorous party, whereas for a corporate or daytime setting, consider softer shades of earthy colors for a more subtle appearance.

Just as with any outfit, Indian ethnic attire can be greatly enhanced with the right makeup application. A touch of the lightest powder blush, expertly blended over the cheekbones with a large blush brush, can sculpt your face beautifully. This simple addition can transform a basic Indian trouser suit into a truly stunning ensemble!

The secret to selecting the right blush tone for your skin involves finding a shade that seamlessly blends with your natural cheek color. For daytime appearances, adhere to these shades, but feel free to explore darker or shimmering tones for more adventurous looks.

Additionally, consider the shape of your face before applying blush — this can help you achieve either a glamorous or a sweet, girl-next-door look.

Face Shapes

· Apple — Rounded face. Right application of highlighter and blush on can help create an illusion of slimmer face.

· Oval — Perfect shape, but still needs some definition. Lift up your look by accentuating your already balanced jawline.

· Long — May look extra-long or stretched out, in absence of definition. Blush up your cheeks to add some strategic volume to your face.

· Square — May appear strong or harsh. Blusher will help soften facial contours of your square jawline.

· Heart — The chin in this facial shape may look disproportionate. Highlight your cheeks nicely, which will nicely divert attention from your narrow, jutting chin.

4. EYE-LINER:

Eyes, without a doubt, are the most impactful features on a face. They have the power to elevate or diminish any look. Indian styles benefit greatly from well-done eye makeup, as it can bring a dramatic flair to any traditional saree or festive lehenga. In fact, during weddings and special events, eye makeup forms a crucial part of both party and bridal aesthetics. Just picture how understated a bride would appear in her luxurious bridal lehenga without those striking, doe-like eyes! Therefore, whether it’s just with kajal or eyeliner, remember to add some personality to your eyes — even for everyday looks.

Enhance your eyes by applying a sleek line of eye-liner. Accentuate your eyes with the choice of a gel, pencil, or convenient long-lasting liquid liner. Select an eye-liner based on your needs and comfort of use. Working professionals might prefer long-lasting liners, while those who are constantly on the move may find waterproof liners more suitable.

Regardless of your choice, always aim for smudge-free, high-quality eyeliners and eye cosmetics from reliable brands. It’s essential to replace your eye makeup every three to four months because these products can harbor bacteria, and it’s not advisable to continuously expose your delicate eyes to potential infections and allergies. If you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes, ensure that your eye makeup is appropriate and suitable.

Develop your unique eyeliner style for daily wear and make it your signature. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with different eye makeup trends for special events. Why not try a seductive smoky eye look with a sensual black saree or a little black dress for an evening party? Or create a bold cat-eye look for a blind date to instantly turn up the glamour!

Be imaginative with your eye makeup! Experiment with unique styles to enhance your eyes. Watch a few tutorial videos to learn fresh techniques and look absolutely stunning in your sparkling party dress!

SAFETY TIP: Avoid using an eyeliner that appears dried out, emits a bad odor, or looks unusual. Dispose of such products immediately. Moreover, when removing makeup, treat your eyes and the surrounding skin gently. Utilize soft, clean cotton pads or tissues along with an appropriate makeup remover or cleansing milk to eliminate eye makeup.

5. LIP STICK:

I remember an aunt of mine who would always apply the darkest shade of lipstick whenever she felt ill or was in low spirits. As a young girl, this puzzled me – until I grew up and understood the enchanting power of lipstick! There’s no better item than lipstick to instantly uplift your mood and add a touch of feminine charm. Thus, it’s an indispensable beauty and fashion accessory that you should always carry with you.

o Amplify your girl-next-door appearance with a swift application of nude or shimmering lipstick.

o Combat dry, chapped, or flaky lips during winter with traditional waxy lipsticks and notice the immediate boost in your mood.

o Add a touch of intrigue to a simplistic white or black georgette saree by pairing it with a bold, deep red lipstick. Surprise those around you with your transformed look.

o Experiment with the latest collagen-infused lipsticks and long-lasting glossy lip colors to create a fuller lip appearance that promises to last an entire 8 hours!

o If you are not so keen on standing apart from crowd, go for a lip shade in sync with your clothing style. Trick is to find a perfect shade of lipstick that easily enriches your skin complexion, without over-powering your look.

Confused as to which lipstick would work the best for you? Take clues from your complexion –

· For Fair Complexions — Opt for hues of orange, pink, peach, or coral to create a perfect look.

· For Dusky Complexions — Choose shades of red, brown, plum, purple, or nude to highlight your best feature.

Complete your look with the right shade of lip hue, and flaunt the flawless you.

CARE TIP: Always select a lipstick shade that’s one or two tones darker than your natural lip color. Keep your lips smooth and clear by gently massaging them. Apply olive or almond oil before bedtime. To combat dry, flaky lips, apply warm melted ghee and let it work its magic overnight.

Leveraging these five beauty and makeup must-haves can assist you in presenting your best self! However, remember to cleanse your face and neck of all makeup before retiring for the night. Hydrate your skin, allowing it to breathe and rejuvenate while you sleep.