Some people like to say diamonds are a girls best friend. Others say makeup is a girl's best friend. Makeup is a right of passage for girls and sometimes that goes unnoticed. Whether you like to go "all natural" with just a dab of concealer or you go all out with a full face of makeup, there are certain things that will improve your routine and overall appearance that are "need to know" things. Here are the 10 most underrated products that you should consider using:
1. Setting Spray
Most people forget about setting spray because they don't think it is necessary. I was one of those people until I tried it. It not only does it help your makeup stay on longer, but it makes your skin look fresh and photoshoot ready. Try NYX dewy finish setting spray for a nice glow or Urban Decay de-slick makeup setting spray for a matte look.
2. Beauty Oil
Add this to your products to thin them out, make them more moisturizing, or add more pigment. You can use it to prep the skin so everything goes on smoothy or use it as a moisturizer on its own. One of the most popular beauty oils is Tarte's Maracuja Oil.
3. Eyebrow Pencil
While this isn't necessarily a necessity, it does make a great improvement to your eyebrows. Full, thick eyebrows are very in, just look at Cara Delevigne. Eyebrow pencil can help fill in missing patches or define the overall shape of your brows. Most drugstore brands are good but if you are looking for good quality, Brow Wiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills is a great choice. Benefit Gimme Brow Gel is a great filler if you prefer a gel over pencil.
4. Primer
This is a necessity. Primer preps the face before makeup goes on and makes it stay better than if makeup was applied straight to the skin. There are so many different kinds depending on your skin type. Currently water-based primer is very popular and good for your skin. Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer by Stila is a roll on primer that feels smooth to the touch and helps hydrate the face.
5. Transluscent Powder
This goes on your face after all your other makeup is applied. It sets the face (before setting spray). It helps keep certain areas dry where makeup could sweat off and it keeps the more liquid-based makeup, like concealer, stick. Laura Mercier and MAC both make great options.
6. Pressed Pigments
As my friend says, these are like "eyeshadows on steroids". The color is stronger in these pigments because they aren't dried like regular eyeshadow and there is a higher concentration of the pigment itself. They have a lot of reflection and look great on any scale. You can use them as eyeshadow, highlighter or just a dash of sparkle. They are just fun! MAC has a great collection with tons of colors and different reflectants to choose from.
7. Highlighter
Highlighting has become a recent trend that has swept the faces of every major model and celebrity. The best places for it are the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, cheek bones and your cupids bow. Just one swipe of highlighter and you have an instant glow to your face. Laura Mercier makes a great pressed powder that is foiled and fabulous.
8. Tinted Moisturizer
A great alternative to foundation, tinted moisturizer is lightweight but still offers decent coverage. It is a great option in the summertime, especially those formulas containing SPF. Laura Mercier has great options that come in oil-free and illuminating.
9. Color Corrector
Cover up those small imperfections with a color corrector. Green is good for covering red spots, orange helps cover dark marks and purple illuminates. It might be an extra step in your routine, but it will make a big difference. MAC has a good palette that comes in different shades for each skin type.
10. Clay Masks
These aren't a necessity in your everyday makeup routine, however, they are great every once in a while. These masks will make your skin feel clean, fresh and glowy. Muddy Body's clay masks in a jar come in a set of 3 different types, so grab some friends and get muddy.
