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Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Vancouver Sun
These are the 3 must-have makeup products, according to a beauty pro
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. I often get asked what my favourite makeup products are. So I thought it would be fun to create a little makeup must-haves list that are tried, true and totally worth it. From bronzer to brows, these are the beauty products that I reach for time and time again, and often feature in my column. Whether you're a minimalist or a full-glam enthusiast, these products can easily be incorporated into anyone's makeup bag. No hype, just honest favourites that have earned their place in my beauty routine. I've also include my favourite drugstore dupes for an affordable alternative. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. When it comes to eye makeup, I prefer simplicity and efficiency. Eyeshadow sticks are a no-brainer. My favourite are the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks ($45), which are super rich in colour and glide on effortlessly, are long wearing and blend out beautifully. Drugstore dupes: Marcelle Long-Wear Eyeshadow Pencil ($16.99). Bronzer is a must for most beauty routines. NARS Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder ($57) has been a staple in mine. It creates instant warmth and a long-wearing natural glow all year round. Drugstore Dupe: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer Powder ($12) . I can't leave the house without defining my eyebrows. I'm a diehard fan of the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely Brow Pencil ($36) . With just a few strokes, I can instantly transform my brows and make them look full and fluffy. If I don't have time to fill and shape my brows, I always like to use a brow gel to set my brows, and for that, I reach for Milk Makeup KUSH Clear Brow Gel ($30). Drugstore Dupe: Essence Fix it Like a Pro Transparent Brow Fixing Gel ($5.99) .
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Louise McSharry: Heading to the sun? Here are the six holiday makeup bag essentials I always pack
The truth is, in the heat, I don't want to wear a lot of makeup. When things are sweaty, it's impossible to maintain a full face, and stressing about eyeliner running is the last thing I want to do when I'm trying to relax. Instead, I focus on products which will wear well and enhance the holiday glow I'm determined to attain. Here are my holiday makeup bag essentials: 1. Cream bronzer — Even if I'm protecting my face from the sun, I still want to look a little bronzed, and cream products deliver the most natural finish, in my opinion. My absolute favourite is Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (€36 via A light balm which blends so easily into the skin that I don't believe anyone could mess it up, it delivers a little coverage and a natural dewy finish. 2. Blush — To enhance the 'I spent all day in the sunshine' look, a rosy or red blush is ideal. Again, a cream formula delivers a natural, skin-like finish with a little luminosity, so that's my preference. I'm a huge fan of the LH Cosmetics Artisticks (€35 via formula which comes in blush, bronzer and contour shades. Canvas is a beautiful red. 3. Sparkle — A little sparkle on the eye is beautiful in the sun, so I always pack an eyeshadow with some glitter in it. Powder shadows like Kash Beauty's Glitter Glaze in Glisten or Urban Decay's Space Cowboy work beautifully. I use a fluffy brush to deliver a wash of sparkle, but you can use your finger to apply if you want more intensity. 4. Eyeshadow Stick — If sparkle isn't your thing, I highly recommend an eyeshadow stick for a warm holiday. These are easy to apply and blend (your fingertip can usually do the job) and these days the formulas tend to be long-lasting. Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks (€35 via are the OGs in this category and are still some of my favourites (try Brick if you have blue or green eyes — it's incredible). Kiko Milano's Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks (€9.99 via are a great alternative. 5. Cream/liquid highlighter — A cream or liquid highlighter is essential for holidays, in my opinion. Tap it onto your cheekbones, collarbones, cupid's bow and anywhere else you want to glow and you'll look glossy and polished. Sculpted by Aimee's Liquid Lights Highlighter (€21 via comes in three shades, so you can choose the best one for your skintone. 6. Glossy Balm — A glossy lip balm is the perfect product for a low-key but polished look. The shine delivers a glam finish, while the balm aspect means your lips will be comfortable and hydrated. I like Iconic Bronze's Lip Balms (€11.99 via which are available in four shades and don't break the bank. Lost in Translation You may have noticed that an increasing number of products these days are labelled as 'paraben-free', but what are parabens, and are they really a problem in our beauty products? Parabens are chemical preservatives, used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria or mould. ADVERTISEMENT There is some evidence that parabens can be harmful. However, in cosmetics, they tend to be used at very low concentrations which have been deemed to be safe for use by regulatory and scientific bodies. Something old... I've been recommending La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (€22.50 via for many years now. While what you want from a facial SPF might seem simple (comfortable high protection that sits well under makeup and doesn't leave a white cast), there are lots of products on the market which simply don't deliver that. Anthelios, however, knocks it out of the park. Developed specifically with sensitive skin in mind, it's resistant to sweat and water and doesn't sting your eyes. It can be used by those with all skin tones, plus, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. ... Something new The Ordinary has made a name for itself via effective skincare products that don't break the bank, so I had high expectations when it shared that it was launching a new SPF. UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (€19.90 via comes in the wake of an existing formula by The Ordinary which was criticised for its thick texture and white cast. Admirably, the brand pulled that product and went back to the drawing board, and what it has produced is genuinely excellent. The formula is lightweight and, as the name indicates, feels like a serum on application. It disappears into the skin almost immediately, leaving no tint of whiteness, and leaves the skin looking healthy and glowing. It looks great on its own but I've also found that my makeup sits perfectly over it. Truly, it ticks all the SPF boxes.
