We reveal our Blogstar’s top 10 makeup products

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We reveal our Blogstar’s top 10 makeup products

When it comes to skin care, I admit to being a Little Miss Fickle. Sure, there are a couple of serums that I wouldn’t dream of being without, but as for cleansers, toners and moisturisers, I enjoy trying anything new that crosses my path, and quite frankly it’s a rare thing for me to continue on with a particular skin product for any length of time.

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But when it comes to makeup products, I’m somewhat more faithful. Yes, I do indeed wear different eye, lip and cheek colours (and brands) every day, but I did a quick review last week, and tallied up 10 products that I have either repurchased over and over again, or I continue to use every single day, come rain or shine. The reason is simple – they work beautifully for me and I’ve not found any better in all my travels, so here they are in the order I apply them on my face each morning:

1)    Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer

This is the most recent addition to my HG list, but I can assure you it will have pride of place for many years to come. I recently blogged about it, and my beautyheaven review of it is here. Without a doubt the best primer I have EVER tried – brilliant coverage, can even be worn alone, lasts for ages, AND it has SPF30.

2)    Benefit the POREfessional

Another fabulous primer, but this one I use exclusively on the hooded area above my eyes. It smooths out the creases, minimises the pores, unifies the skin tone, and mattifies the area, providing the perfect base for the shadows I use to diminish the prominent appearance of this pesky area. In short, this base is one of the reasons I can still take close-up photos of my eyes, even though I’m pushing 60.

3)    LancômeTeint Visionnaire (035 Beige Doré)

My ultimate foundation – definitely my skin but HEAPS better. I’ve cheated a bit with this inclusion because I don’t actually wear it every single day – only work days and on special weekend occasions, but I figure that’s close enough to ‘always’. No other foundation is a match for this one as far as finish, colour, glow, longevity, and what is does for my self esteem.

4)    Models Prefer Brow Liner (light)

Of all the brow products I’ve tried, this is the best. Powders, creamy crayons, mascaras or gels – not one of them gives me the natural-looking, budge-proof result that this pencil does. It’s kind of like an artist’s chalk – a powdery consistency (but with no fall-out), and the shade is medium blonde, which is just perfect for my mixture of warm skin & hair tone and cool eye colour.

5)    bhcosmetics Liquid Eyeliner (black)

This is one of those felt pen types. I use this for tight lining my upper lash line to the exclusion of all else – it stays put, it’s the blackest black ever, doesn’t lift off when you go over it, and currently on sale for US3.95. Can’t be beat.

6)    Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

This multi-award winning eyeliner converted me to black eye liner back in 2012, and I don’t let anything else go near my lower lash line except this gem. It’s darn near impossible to make a mistake, even when ‘winging’ it, and consequently there’s always a spare or two in my drawer.

7)    MUA Matt Single Eye Shadow (#17)

I go into paroxysms of fear when this is not listed on their website (like now – yikes!) because it’s the creamiest easy to blend matte powder, and an exact shade match for my skin tone. And it costs $1.88. Can you believe it? $1.88!

8)    Australis Crème Colour blush (Chocolate Truffle)

Regardless of what colour or type of blush I wear on any given day, this goes on first. The colour is the closest thing to my skin when I flush naturally, and that makes it the perfect base for a realistic glow. I apply it to my cheeks and blend it up to my temples. I’ve been wearing this since 2008. Creamy, moist, subtle and cheap as chips, I recently bought seven of them (!) because I worry that one day Australis will stop making it – perish the thought. (edit: it’s now discontinued eek!)

9)    Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

This goes on second last and sets my make-up for the whole day. Some gals have had problems with it showing up white in photos, but I’ve mastered an application technique with my powder puff and have no such issues. Absorbs all the shine on my t-zone and minimises my enlarged pores, and so therefore I can’t possibly live without it! I’ve tried several other brands, but there’s no competition. ‘Nuff said.

10)     MAC Eye shadow (Omega – matte)

The final step. I used this shadow to contour my nose. It was recommended to me by a MAC assistant at Myer three years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. I’ve never been able to find a dupe for this particular colour in a cheaper brand, but each pot lasts me around 18 months (I’m about to purchase my third as I’ve hit pan) so I’m not stressing.

Every single one of these products was discovered thanks to my beautyheaven membership – either through trials, articles or recommendations from gorgeous friends on the various forum threads. I reckon all the answers to your beauty prayers just might be here, too.

Take care of you,
Kats xxx


What are your never-fail HG makeup products? Are there any makeup items you use every day?

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