With all of the beauty products out there, it is sometimes quite confusing to know which ones are necessities, which ones are “nice to haves” and which ones should be left on the store shelf. So, here is a woman’s guide to cosmetics!
MUST-HAVES:
1 – No woman should be without the “Core Three”: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. But, the most important factor in choosing the set is not money; more expensive, in this case, does not equal better. The most important factor is to make sure to choose the core three that match your skin type. And that your moisturizer does its job. Avon does a good job of targeting the core three based on age groups, as a woman’s skin requires different attention at different stages of her life.
2 – A good foundation. Even Reese Witherspoon doesn’t wake up with flawless skin! Choosing a good foundation is relatively simple. Test out the foundation prior to purchase by smoothing onto the inside of your wrist. The inside of your wrist is the closest to the skin of your face. If the foundation goes on smooth, matches in color, and leaves your skin feeling silky and soft, it is a good foundation.
3 – Mascara. A little mascara goes a long way to brightening and accentuating beautiful eyes. Even with no other make-up whatsoever, a little mascara adds a certain “je ne sais quoi” to your face. Again with mascaras, more expensive does not equal better. As long as the mascara is not the cheap, clumpy kind, you are pretty much good to go.
4 – A good lip gloss. Either clear or slightly tinted, nice shiny lips finish off the clean and clear look. Just make sure to choose a color that suits your skin tone.
NICE-TO-HAVES:
1 – Primer. Sounds weird to “paint” a primer on your face before you add the make-up but it actually works wonders! It smoothes out the “canvas” (your face) so that your foundation and concealer become more effective. Lise Waitier has developed a great primer, although it is a little on the expensive side ($30). Avon’s version works almost as well but at a fraction of the price ($10).
2 – Concealer. If you have acne or dark circles under your eyes, you know what I am talking about! There are several goods ones out there but the important fact to keep in mind when shopping for a new concealer is that, for under eye circles, it should be a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. The skin around your eyes is slightly lighter of shade than the rest of your face. It should also go on smooth, but a little thickly so as to cover the blemish or dark circle.
DON’T EVEN BOTHER:
1 – Acne cream. The creams that claim to dry up your blemish as soon as it comes out don’t work. Your toothpaste works just as well to dry them up and smells much better (if you get the minty one!)
Products that were mentioned:
Lise Waiter Primer: http://www.lisewatier.com/en/products/bases-2/base-miracle-1
Avon Primer : Contact your local Avon representative. Or, click here for a Montreal Avon Representative.
