A beauty editor’s guide to the only products you would definitely need to put your best face forward this party season
By Anjan Sachar
I’ve been testing and writing about beauty for a decade now — it’s safe to say I’ve had the chance to swatch, try and experiment with formulas, textures and product formats of most kinds. As much as I love getting ready to head out for a social event, some days, there isn’t as much time on hand, or frankly, enough energy. That’s when I reach out to my tried and tested favourites to back me up. These 10 make-up and skincare formulas will ensure you look fresh and sparkly in equal measure, with minimum effort.
111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask and Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
Not everyone is a fan of single-use sheet masks, and rightly so; not all of them do a lot for your skin. This peptide-infused duo is my go-to for weddings and special events (celebrities globally — think Jennifer Anniston and Priyanka Chopra — love 111Skin too!) and it never fails me. Once you’ve cleansed your face, use the rose gold hydrogel mask to hydrate, calm and brighten your skin. Next, target dark circles and fine lines around your eye with the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask for another 20 minutes. If you would like to save time, you can wear the eye masks first and layer them with the rose gold sheet mask above to get through two steps at once. After experimenting with more masks than I care to admit, I can firmly say that these two luxe buys are amongst the rare ones that deliver on brighter skin and lighter under-eye circles.
By Terry Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist
Face mists are a quick way to prep your skin and set your make-up, and this one by By Terry delivers on both fronts, packed with a hydrating hyaluronic acid punch. The fine mist also contains ceramides and probiotics, along with high, medium and low molecular weight variants of hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin is plump and hydrated–even if you haven’t sipped on enough water through the day.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Luminous Putty Primer – Universal Glow
Once your skin prep is done, pick a brightening primer to give your base a dewy, luminous finish in a single step. This one by e.l.f. Cosmetics has a velvet, putty-like texture, that leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth, glowy and poreless for a my-skin-but-better finish.
Chanel Le Correcteur De Chanel
Just because you’re doing a full face of make-up, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pile on foundation. Often, the right amount of skin prep and concealer can help give you an even, brightened tone. This Chanel concealer is my new go-to to cover dark circles and pigmentation patches without any cakiness–just a soft, blurred finish.
Moira Liquid Eyeshadow
I discovered glitter liquid eyeshadows about four years ago and I’ve ditched all my palettes since then. You can be precise or simply use a wash of shimmer all over your eyelid, allow it 10 seconds to dry, apply some mascara and you’re done with the whole look! There’s no worrying about fallout, it doesn’t settle into the folds of your eyelid — especially this formula by Moira — and it stays in place for hours on end. If you’ve been worried about mastering glitter eyes for a while, try these and thank me later. Whether you’re an eye make-up newbie or a pro, you can’t go wrong with this.
Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Radical Mascara – Black Over Black
No make-up look is complete without mascara and I rarely step out without some on. I’ve ditched both kohl and eyeliner but I love the eye-opening effect of a good formula and wand that reaches every little lash. Give this YSL Beauty tube a shot for lashes that truly speak volumes.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
I always receive compliments for my blush and I’ve narrowed it down to two things: I use shimmer-infused formulas for a glow, and a method called draping for application. Draping involves sucking your face in like you’re about to contour and applying your blush in an upward motion from each side of your nose across your cheekbones. This lifts your cheeks, adds colour and life, and highlights the right spots — a win-win-win! This Rare Beauty formula is incredibly buttery and goes on like a dream giving you the perfect combination of colour and glow.
Hermès Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick in Rouge Casaque
As a founder of The Red Lipstick Club, there’s no doubt that a bright, red pout is my idea of a well-put-together look. This almost pink-red colour is sure to turn heads — the soft, satin formula that’ll keep your lips looking plump throughout is a bonus.
Hot Tip (As a callout box)
Your scent says a lot about you, and if you’re going to be dancing the night away, it’s important you’re wearing a fragrance that will last into the wee hours of the morning. My pick: The Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club — a heady blend of vanilla, tobacco, pink peppers and rum. It’s perfect for either an evening of revelry or an intimate date night.