aka “MUAs made me buy these”
Foreword
We are blessed to live in an era, where the World’s most famous makeup artists inspire and educate us (absolutely gratis) through social media on a daily basis. In today’s post I am going to feature five game-changing products, that I have discovered through my favorite MUAs; at this point - these are the things I cannot picture my makeup routine without. Curious? Then please keep on scrolling.
#1 Magic Cream
Expensive, but worth it
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer (100 USD; Made in Switzerland) is packed with collagen-boosting, nourishing ingredients like Rosehip-, Camellia Oil, Shea Butter, Peptides, Vitamins C & E, Damask Rose Water as well as Hyaluronic Acid that will help prep your skin like no other. It is a pricey product, yet quite well-formulated and potent, where even the smallest amount gives you immediate results.
While I would not use Magic Cream Moisturizer as part of my actual skincare routine, I do find that it is an excellent makeup “priming” formula, that transforms even the most dull/tired skin into a smooth baby bum in no time. My base always looks its best whenever I use it. Little goes a long way, which is exactly why I apply the smallest amount of product all over my face (by gently massaging it into the skin) right before I do my foundation.
Best for: dry skin, that craves instant hydration. If you are unsure about the price, but are still tempted to try it, I would recommend either getting a free Sephora sample or mini-sized 0.5oz/15ml version for 29 USD first.
#2 Face & Body Foundation
I can serenade it all day long
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation (40 USD; Made in France) is an instant “glow up” in a bottle. If you are a friend to the blog (hugs!), then you already know just how much I love this product - and for all the right reasons.
This Dior foundation comes in a plethora of shades/undertones and is the most picture-perfect formula I have ever tried (and I take makeup photos all the time). It is watery enough for you to sheer it out, but also quite easy to layer, so you can build it up to a desired level of coverage. With a satin/natural skin finish - it lasts all day long, feels weightless and never budges. It is also sweat-resistant (a godsend for those living in a humid climate) and absorbs/sets quickly.
Best part? It looks just like skin, but better. For the most effortless result - I use the smallest amount of product, less than a pea-size, gently blending it in with my fingertips (wearing shade 1.5 N on the photo above; natural lighting).
Best for: pretty much all skin types, combination and dry in particular.
#3 Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Rumor has it Oprah is a fan too
Yet another universally flattering product, that has been in MUA’s kits since the beginning of time (and nothing compares to it). Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (39 USD; Made in USA) is an iconic product that does it all. Not only does it work on beauties of all ages, skin types and colours ("Medium Deep" being an excellent new addition), but it transforms your skin into the smoothest, blurred out perfection. Goodbye pores, bad decisions and haters.
This silky, finely-milled powder will set your makeup, with no extra weight or coverage added. I love the fact that I can use it on my “no makeup” makeup days to set something as sheer as the brand’s very own Tinted Moisturizer and it will never look cakey or dry. Oh! There will be no flashback either.
Best for: anyone, who needs an excellent powder in their life. Don’t even sleep on it.
#4 Secret Camouflage
Scarring, spots and trolls – begone!
One of the greatest MUA techniques, that I have learned over the years, was spot-concealing. Idea is simple: minimize the amount of concealer used by only targeting specific areas of the face, that actually need coverage. The best product in this category is undoubtedly – Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer (35 USD; Made in USA). Get one of these compacts and you’re sorted for life!
While you would want to use something light/liquidy underneath your eyes, when it comes to covering minor imperfections – the drier your concealer is, the better. Secret Camouflage is designed as a two-toned duo, where you can either mix both shades to create a custom-blend or use them separately to color-correct various parts of the face. This formula is rich in pigment and is perfect for covering up active breakouts, acne-scarring and even sun damage.
Since this texture is so dense, it needs a bit of warm up at times. Nothing a slightly thicker eyeliner brush couldn’t handle – a perfect tool to get the most precision when spot concealing. I normally run the tip of my brush in small circles over the concealer’s surface to pick up the product.
My favorite part – Secret Camouflage lasts all day long, without accentuating dryness or texture. Plus your skin doesn’t suffocate under layers of unnecessary coverage.
Best for: people obsessed with creating the most au-naturel base possible.
#5 True Velvets
In the 1700s you’d be accused of witchcraft for wearing these
I wouldn’t be me, if I didn’t include a lip product and one, that I am about to mention, is absolutely epic. Yes, I am talking about Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipstick Color (34 USD; Made in Italy). I dedicated an in-depth review to these little guys back in April (read here) and my opinion remains the same – this is one of the best and most uniquely curated lipstick collections that I have tried in a long time.
Lisa, being my absolute favorite makeup artist, created the most beautiful soft-matte formula here, that graced covers of fashion magazines, music albums and red carpets. In 2019 we have seen two of Lisa’s collection releases (during summer and autumn), both of which sold out globally in a matter of minutes (even with pre-ordering). Luckily, her original reds and some of the new nude shades are still available online, so I would highly encourage you and your mama to get one of each while supply lasts.
I love just comfortable, pigmented and long-wearing True Velvets are. Not only do they have this one-of-a-kind, luxurious vintage design, but all of the colors here are inspired by different periods in the makeup history. I own a ton of lipstick, but nothing even remotely similar to what Lisa created for her line – her velvet reds will turn your lips into actual rose petals and her nudes will fulfill your wildest 20s, 90s and even Brigitte Bardot 60s dreams.
Best for: all of us; order first, thank me later.
What do you guys think about these products? Let's chat some more in the comments!
More online: sephora.com
PR samples and purchased products; full disclaimer here
