I’ve gone down two beauty rabbit holes in the past five years. The first was during the Covid pandemic when I had time on my hands and realized how important it was to care for your skin, before makeup. I scoured the internet and social media, reading and watching endless videos of skincare routines, ingredients, and testing every product I could get my hands on. The obsession was real, alive, and continues to thrive to this day! The second was two years ago when I started a new job and learned that my coworker had a background in makeup artistry. Makeup has become a bonding piece for us and the insights she’s shared with me about brands, tools, and techniques has changed my outlook on makeup forever.
The ritual of researching products, trying them on, and building my own little skincare and makeup routines daily has brought me a lot of joy. I realized it’s a hobby that’s made me feel uplifted, confident, and happy, especially during difficult seasons of my life.
Below you’ll find a list of insights that have stuck with me the most — from my own research and conversations with various makeup artists.
Skin First…
1) French or Korean Skincare
The base of beautiful makeup is moisturized, plump skin. I’ve found that French skincare brands like Avène, La Roche-Posay, or Vichy have worked the best for me. If you’ve been to France or not, look up “French pharmacy” on social media and you’ll see what the hype is about. A lot of people swear by Korean skincare brands too such as CORSX, Laneige, Beauty of Josean, Dr. Jart, and many more. The key is to use these brands consistently to get results.
2) Lip balm and Moisturizer
Before applying any makeup to a clean face, apply a thin layer of lip balm and moisturize your face to ensure your “base” is ready. Some of my personal favourites are the Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres (perfect for sensitive lips), and the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm.
3) Cleanser
Cleansers should not strip your skin. Your skin should not feel squeaky clean after cleansing. It should feel plump and soft. Milk cleansers are optimal. I recommend either my holy grail La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash or the Avène Milk Cleanser.
4) Serums
Serums are the priciest, but worth it. They penetrate deep into your skin so the ingredients and quality should be the highest. If you choose to invest in an expensive skincare product, let it be for a serum.
And a bonus skincare reminder — Don’t forget your décolletage! Be sure to apply your high quality products there too.
Now On To The Makeup…
1) The Three Musketeers of Makeup
The 3 Musketeers of makeup — MAC, Nars, and Makeup Forever. Most makeup artists swear by these three tried and true brands.
Side note: MAC Cosmetics is the real deal. As per my insider intel, the interview process to get hired at MAC requires you to do a full face of makeup on a test model. All associates receive training and have formal education in makeup school or if not, must be at the same skill level as someone who has had formal training.
2) Primers
Face primers and eye primers are different, and both needed. This was new to me! The skin on our eyelids is much thinner than the rest of our face so a separate primer specifically for the eyes is beneficial as it’s thinner formula which caters specifically to the eyes. My favourite primers include Smashbox Smooth and Blur Foundation Primer or Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser for face, and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion or NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base for eyes.
The photo below shows how this eyeshadow looks with and without eye primer. The difference is stark.
3) Eyeshadow
Using more than one eyeshadow colour adds dimension. The combination of 2-3 different colours (on the crease, lid, outer corner, etc,) helps make your eyes more vibrant and pop, while only one shade can look flat.
4) Lipstick
Matte lipstick is great for special events and stays on longer, but satin lipstick looks and feels more hydrating. Especially if you have drier lips, opting for the satin lipstick (or a tinted lip balm) can be the optimal choice, even if you have to re-apply more often. I recommend the MAC Sleek Satin Lipsticks, Kylie Cosmetics Tinted Butter Balm, or the Winky Lux Purrfect Pout Lipstick.
5) Blush
Powder blushes tend to blend more seamlessly than cream or liquid blushes. I still use both at times, but I have a newfound appreciation and love for powder blushes because of how beautifully they blend. They also last much longer since they contain far less moisture. Try Nars Powder Blush or Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush!
Bonus Tips!
- If your foundation shade is different from the colour of your scalp, it’s likely the wrong shade for you.
- Try a colour corrector! They help neutralize the appearance of veins or dark under eyes. You only need the tiniest drop to lightly dab with your fingers all over your face before foundation and concealer. You may find you need less concealer when using a colour corrector. I personally love Lancôme’s High Coverage Colour Corrector.
- Shampoo can clean your makeup brushes. Specialized brush cleaning liquid is more expensive and typically doesn’t come in large quantities. Shampoo works just as well, and you’ll always have it on hand. (I find using a Beauty Blender works best for applying foundation and concealer, and brushes work best for eyes and cheeks. Hands are always a natural option too).
- Use oil cleansers or balms over makeup wipes when removing your makeup. Using a cleansing balm or oil cleanser is much gentler and more effective. I recommend e.l.f’s Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.
- Sunscreen! Use it daily and your skin now (and in your elder years) will thank you. Try the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen!
- Choose brands by what they originally specialized in — their expertise is in that area! For example, eyebrow products from Anastasia Beverly Hills, or hair care products from specific haircare lines such as Kevin Murphy or Davines.
- If you don’t absolutely love it, then leave it. Sephora’s return policy is handy and (usually) guilt-free. Utilize it! Don’t keep products you feel lukewarm about.
If You’re Feeling A Little Extra Luxurious
Justin Bieber’s stylist, Karla Welch, shares her style advice to just “Wear the dress. Today is special. You’re living. You’re breathing. Today is all you have.”
For better or for worse, I apply this mantra whenever I invest in little luxuries to romanticize my routine. Some of my favourite products to indulge in are the MAC Pigments (stunning and multi-use), Shiseido 100% Facial Cotton Pads and Disposable Towels (gentler on the skin), and the travel-size Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water (refreshes your face and fits in your purse).
All photos are the personal photos of Emilia Benavides.
Written by Emilia Benavides
About Emilia
Emilia is a Communications graduate and current non-profit fundraising professional based in Vancouver, Canada. She manages the beginning stages of the donation gift flow process for a local healthcare charity, notably revamping and improving donation operations and efficiencies that are now built into the organization’s daily procedures. Outside of work, Emilia is an avid reader of nonfiction books and investor in female self-development courses and content. She can often be found with a matcha latte in hand, taking a pilates or HiiT class, meeting up with friends and shopping for the latest makeup and skincare from her growing beauty wishlist. Emilia is honoured and excited to contribute to the growing community of female writers and readers at Pretty & Smart Co. She hopes her writing can incite joy and inspire other women to lean into the greatness of their femininity and the beauty and strength that their perspectives bring to the world.
Related reading: Our Charlotte Tilbury review · How to recognize blush blindness · Our Fancy Face review
Sources
Karla Welch Quotation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IteGzMmEEn0
