Some people wonder why something as frivolous as make-up is such a big deal. Well, if they could experience just how much fun it is to wear make-up, they’d happily join the dark side. Since I’ve firmly lodged in the dark side, make-up — especially eye make-up — features heavily in my current favourite list, with a bit of skincare thrown in.
1. Tarte Cosmetics’ Tartelette Toasted palette
Red, warm tones of eyeshadow are super trendy right now but it took me a while to jump on that bandwagon. Quite frankly, putting reddish tones on my eyes was intimidating because I didn’t want to look ill or like I had a weird rash. But Tarte’s palette makes wearing this shade pretty easy. The 12 shadows not only work well with my tan skin, but they’re not so orange or red that they’re hard to work with. There is enough variety in finishes and shades to play around with, such as browns, golds and bronzes. The shimmer shades are exceptional — they go on so smoothly and offer a brilliant metallic foil look on the eyelid. You can’t go wrong with this palette. (Dh226 at Sephora.)
2. Luxie Small Tapered Eye Blending Brush 231
I wasn’t expecting much from this brush when I first got it... I’d never even heard of this brand before. But after using it I was pleasantly surprised to find a new favourite to add to my collection. Luxie Beauty makes only synthetic vegan brushes, which is a plus point for many, and they make them well. This particular one is so soft it’s like brushing a feather over the eye. Its softness doesn’t hamper its ability to pick up eyeshadow well and blend it like a dream. I don’t know what magic was used to create this brush, but I’m hooked. (Dh50 on asos.com)
3. Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick
If powder eyeshadow isn’t your cup of tea, then an eyeshadow stick is a brilliant and easy-to-use substitute. This particular one has become a favourite as it’s cheap, comes in loads of colours and glides smoothly over the eye. The ones with glitter are a bit too chunky and need some effort to build up a good amount of colour, but the more shimmery sticks are creamy and pigmented. Just apply, blend out the edge, and you’re on your way.
4. The Ordinary Buffet serum
I’m not even halfway through my first bottle of this serum and I’m already thinking of buying a backup. The Buffet serum is a targeted anti-ageing product that contains peptides, amino acids and — my favourite — hyaluronic acid. I’m approaching 30 so anti-ageing products are definitely on my mind, not because I’m worried about wrinkles or growing old, but because I want to take good care of my skin and prevent whatever damage can be prevented. This serum is easy to incorporate into a routine because it’s just so simple and pleasant to use. It instantly plumps up the skin and makes it feel moisturised with just two-three drops. I don’t see any major changes in skin texture just yet, but I’m sure consistent usage will reap benefits. Right now, I’m just enjoying an extra layer of hydration and goodness. (Dh66 on cultbeauty.co.uk)
5. Ren Skincare Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream
Even though I have combination skin that leans oily, I prefer heavier moisturisers for my night-time routine because it always ensures that I wake up with perfectly hydrated skin. This thick, rose-scented cream is like a cosy blanket that locks in all my serums and treatments, and leaves my skin feeling calmer and taken care of. Those with dry, tight and sensitive skin will find this particularly helpful as it’s full of moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, cranberry seed oil and camellia oil. If you’re perpetually oily and hate ‘feeling’ your skincare on your face, then this cream might be too rich for you. (Dh134.23 on lookfantastic.ae)
