Whether you're preparing for a big event, a night out, or simply enhancing your everyday look, having the right makeup essentials can make all the difference. Read on as we walk you through the must-have makeup essentials to glam up your look. 

Foundation

While “no foundation” makeup looks are currently trending, it is important to get comfortable with using a foundation when building your makeup kit, especially if you are a beginner. Based on your skin type and requirements, there are different types of foundations such as liquid foundations, powder foundations and cream foundations.

Tips for Choosing the Right Foundation

• Skin Type- Identify your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) to select a foundation formula that will work best with your skin. For example, choose hydrating foundations for dry skin and oil-free or matte foundations for oily skin.
  
  
• Undertone- Determine your skin's undertone—cool, warm, or neutral. Cool undertones have hints of blue or pink, warm undertones have yellow or golden hues and neutral undertones are a balance of both. Selecting a foundation that matches your undertone will result in a more natural look.
  
  
• Coverage- Decide on the level of coverage you need. Sheer coverage is perfect for a natural, everyday look, medium coverage balances a natural look with the ability to conceal imperfections and full coverage is ideal for special occasions or for those who want to cover significant skin concerns.

Concealer

Concealer is a highly pigmented product used to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections that the foundation might not fully conceal. Concealer is perfect for targeting specific problem areas and brightening the under-eye area. It helps achieve a polished and even complexion.

Tips for Using Concealer

• Shade Selection- Use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation for brightening the under-eye area and a concealer that matches your foundation for covering blemishes and imperfections.
• Application Technique- For under-eye concealing, apply the product in a triangular shape with the base under your eye and the point towards your cheek. This technique brightens the face and gives a lifting effect. For blemishes, apply directly on the spot and blend the edges into your foundation.
  
  
• Blending- Use a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingers to blend the concealer seamlessly into your skin. Be gentle around the delicate under-eye area to avoid tugging and stretching the skin.

Setting Powder

Setting powder is used to set your foundation and concealer in place, reducing shine and helping your makeup last longer.Setting powder mattifies the skin, controls oil, and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines. It ensures that your makeup stays flawless throughout the day.

• Translucent Powder- Translucent powder sets makeup without adding extra color. It is suitable for all skin tones and provides a matte finish. It helps to control shine and can be used throughout the day for touch-ups.
• Tinted Compact Powder- Colored powders can add extra coverage and help even out the skin tone. They come in a variety of shades to match different skin tones and can be used alone or over foundation.

Tips for Using Setting Powder

• Application- Use a fluffy powder brush to apply setting powder lightly over your face. Focus on areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Tap off excess powder from the brush before applying to avoid a cakey look.
  
  
• Baking Technique- For long-lasting makeup, apply a generous amount of translucent powder under the eyes, on the forehead, chin and around the nose. Let the powder sit for a few minutes (this is called "baking"), then dust off the excess with a clean brush. Baking helps to set makeup and prevent creasing.

Blush

Blush adds a healthy flush of color to the cheeks, giving your face a youthful and radiant appearance. Blush helps to bring life and dimension to your face, enhancing your natural beauty and complementing your overall look.

Tips for Choosing and Applying Blush

• Shade Selection- Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones look great with light pink or peach shades, medium skin tones with coral or mauve shades and dark skin tones with berry or deep plum shades.
• Application Technique- Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and use a light hand to build the color gradually. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and achieve a natural look.

Highlighter

Highlighter is used to accentuate the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow, adding a radiant, glowing effect. Highlighter brings luminosity to your skin, creating a youthful, dewy appearance. It enhances your natural features and adds a touch of glamour to your look.

Tips for Using Highlighter

• Application Areas- Apply highlighter to the high points of your face where light naturally hits- the cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of the nose and the cupid's bow. For a more intense glow, apply to the inner corners of the eyes and the center of the eyelids.
• Blending- Blend the highlighter well to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless, radiant look. Use a fan brush, a small fluffy brush, or your fingers to blend the product into the skin.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is applied to the eyelids to add color, dimension, and definition. It comes in various finishes, including matte, shimmer, and metallic. Eyeshadow allows you to create countless looks, from natural to dramatic. It enhances the eyes and complements your overall makeup style.

Tips for Eyeshadow Application

• Primer- Use an eyeshadow primer to enhance color payoff and longevity. Primer creates a smooth base for eyeshadow application and prevents creasing and fading.
  
  
• Blending- Use different brushes for applying and blending eyeshadow. A flat brush is ideal for packing color onto the lid, while a fluffy brush is perfect for blending colors seamlessly. Blend the edges of your eyeshadow to avoid harsh lines and create a gradient effect.
  
  
• Color Choice- Choose eyeshadow colors that complement your eye color and skin tone. Neutral shades are versatile and work for any look, while bold colors can make your eyes pop. Experiment with different color combinations to find what works best for you.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner defines the eyes and can be used to create different effects, such as winged liner, tightlining, or a simple line along the lash line. Eyeliner enhances the shape of your eyes and can transform your look from subtle to striking. It adds depth and dimension to your eye makeup.

Tips for Eyeliner Application

• Steady Hand- Rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady while applying eyeliner. This will help you create precise lines.
  
  
• Tightlining- Apply eyeliner to the upper waterline (the area between your eyelashes and your eye) to create the illusion of fuller lashes. This technique, known as tightlining, enhances the eyes without looking overly done.
  
  
• Winged Liner- For a winged eyeliner look, use tape or a card to create a sharp edge. Place the tape or card at an angle from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow, then draw the wing and connect it to your lash line. Remove the tape or card to reveal a clean, sharp wing.

Mascara

Mascara is applied to the lashes to darken, lengthen, and volumize them, making your eyes appear larger and more defined. Mascara completes your eye makeup look by adding intensity and definition to your lashes. It makes your eyes stand out and enhances the overall effect of your eye makeup.

Types of Mascara

• Lengthening Mascara- Lengthening mascara adds length to lashes, making them appear longer and more defined. It typically contains fibers that attach to the lashes, extending them.
  
  
• Volumizing Mascara- Volumizing mascara adds volume and thickness to lashes, creating a fuller, more dramatic look. It usually has a thicker formula and a brush designed to coat each lash thoroughly.
  
  
• Waterproof Mascara- Waterproof mascara is long-lasting and smudge-proof, making it ideal for humid conditions, watery eyes, or emotional events. It can be more challenging to remove, so use a good makeup remover.

Tips for Mascara Application

• Wiggle Technique- Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upwards. This technique helps to coat each lash and avoid clumps. Apply multiple coats for added volume and length, allowing each coat to dry slightly in between.
  
  
• Lower Lashes- Use the tip of the wand to apply mascara to your lower lashes. Be gentle and use a light hand to avoid smudging.
  
  
• Lash Curler- Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to lift and curl your lashes, enhancing the effect of the mascara.

Lip Products
Lip products like lipstick  adds color and definition to the lips. It comes in various formulations, including matte, glossy, and satin finishes. Thy can add a pop of color, define your lips, and complete your overall look! 

• Lipstick- Lipsticks come in various finishes, including matte, satin and glossy. Matte lipsticks offer a long-lasting, non-shiny finish, while satin lipsticks provide a subtle sheen. Glossy lipsticks add shine and can make lips appear fuller.
  
  
• Lip Gloss- Lip gloss adds shine and can be worn alone or over lipstick. It comes in various shades and finishes, from clear to highly pigmented. Lip gloss provides a youthful, fresh look.
  
  
• Lip Liner- Lip liners define the lips and prevent lipstick from feathering. They come in pencil or retractable form and are available in a wide range of colors to match your lipstick.
  
  
• Lip Balm- Lip balms keep lips hydrated and can be worn alone for a natural look. Tinted lip balms add a hint of color while moisturizing the lips.

Tips for Application

• Exfoliation- Exfoliate your lips regularly to remove dead skin cells and keep them smooth. Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips.
  
  
• Liner- Use lip liner to define and shape your lips before applying lipstick. Start from the center of your lips and work your way outwards, following your natural lip line. Fill in your lips with the liner for a longer-lasting base.
  
  
• Blotting- After applying lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and prevent smudging. For a more intense color, apply a second layer of lipstick and blot again.

Achieving a glamorous look is all about having the right makeup essentials and knowing how to use them effectively. By incorporating these must-have products into your beauty routine, you can enhance your natural features and create stunning looks for any occasion. At essentials.lk we bring you a wide selection of makeup products from top international brands, all at affordable prices. Browse the full collection here.