I was on set the other day when an assistant mentioned how she’s falling into a #BBH (apparently it stands for Beauty Black Hole) because she couldn’t stop hoarding products. Naturally, this got me into a Carrie Bradshaw state of pseudo-deep consideration: if we’re able to pare our wardrobes down, ease up on consuming food excessively and, get rid of the clutter in our houses, why is it that we’re unable to trim unnecessary beauty products? And that’s where Melissa Yeo (@misar_melissa on Instagram): the go-to makeup artist for brides, celebrities and fashion magazines comes in with her 18 years of experience.
Though most of these products are incredibly basic and no-frills, these 10 are ones you can create more than three looks with: think about the number of times you can press the snooze button in the morning and then, slide into her dm with a word of thanks.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: This isn’t exactly a makeup product but is an essential before putting on your makeup to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. I love how light weight (it’s has a watery gel texture) this product is and it does not feel sticky after application. I have already have used a couple of tubes from this brand because it’s ideal for people who have oily skin and are afraid of burdening their skin with heavy sunblock. The dewy finish it gives is a great touch too.
Editor’s Tips: The back of your hands develops pigmentation extremely quick so remember to reapply sunscreen after washing your hands.
READ MORE: STYLISH SUN HATS THAT PROTECT YOU FROM UV DAMAGE.
Melissa: I am actually an eye cream fanatic: I believe I have finished more bottles of eye cream than any face cream. As the skin around the eye area is the thinnest, signs of fatigue or age show very easily and are hard to reverse. Also, in order to achieve flawless eye makeup, an eye cream must first be applied as a base. Skin around the eyes feels moisturised and nourished after application and it also it helps with reducing puffiness and darkness.
Editor’s Tips: It’s tempting to pack on the product because hey, if I pack it on, it’ll moisturise more intensely right? The answer is no: you really just need a pea-sized dab.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: Incredibly easy to blend yet offering incredible coverage, this concealer contains SPF 25 PA+++ too. This makes it even more ideal for the thin skin under the eyes as most eye products do not contain SPF. On days when I’m using very minimal makeup, I’ll use this concealer around areas like under the eyes, sides of the nose and on blemishes without using any foundation and powder.
Editor’s Tip: For pitted scarring, a lighter shade of concealer visually “lifts” the depressions in your skin so it looks evened out.
READ MORE: STYLISH SUN HATS THAT PROTECT YOU FROM UV DAMAGE.
Melissa: Not only does this moisturise the lips well, this lip balm has a slight tint of colour which is good if you are not into lipsticks. I know many ladies who are not into putting on too much makeup so this would be perfect to give a slight tint of colour.
Editor’s Tip: If your lips are constantly chapped no matter what you do, check if you are a mouth breather. Moisture evaporates faster from your lips because of all the hot air you’re breathing out.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: Everyone needs to use some kind of foundation be it a cushion, liquid or powder for a polished, flawless complexion. What’s great about this foundation is that you do not have to set it with a powder. Plus it is oil free and claims to last up to 24 hours! I also love that it makes the skin look dewy with a your-skin-but-better finish.
Editor’s Tip: It’s quicker to go into a makeup store, swipe a shade on your skin to test and mosey out after purchasing it. But try this instead – swatch on two or three shades closest to your skin tone on your face and leave that for two to three hours to check for oxidation and see how it looks in natural light before purchasing.
READ MORE: STYLISH SUN HATS THAT PROTECT YOU FROM UV DAMAGE.
Melissa: While most women go for waterproof, gel or liquid eyeliner, I personally like a basic khol pencil for the eyes best. I use this almost every day and instead of black, I especially like a dark brown colour as it intensifies the eyes without looking harsh like the former. The other end of the pencil is attached with a blended sponge to soften lines for a more natural look.
Editor’s Tip: For those who find it difficult to do a cateye, follow these steps. Draw with kohl, smudge it a bit and then finish off with a liquid eyeliner.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: A classic red that looks classy and modern because of its matte finish. One of my favourite reds: YSL #203 can be worn for day or night as it pairs easily with both minimal and strong eye makeup.
Editor’s Tip: For dramatically darker or intensely bright lipstick colours, outline your lips with a clear lipliner first before using a brush to fill in for a more natural look.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: I have raved about this many times to those who have lashes that refuse to curl. This has been on my essential list ever since I started using it on myself as it visually lengthens the lashes. To me, it’s a must have for every woman who has straight and stubborn lashes.
Editor’s Tip: The rule of thumb when using a lash primer? It works best when it’s tacky: apply it on, let it set for 10 seconds and go to town with your mascara.
READ MORE: STYLISH SUN HATS THAT PROTECT YOU FROM UV DAMAGE.
Melissa: These warm browns (especially Vibrate and Hot Spell: 2nd and 3rd shades on the palette) work great on almost all skin tones and suit both day and evening makeup looks. They are also my default eyeshadow colours when I have a bit of time to hype up my daily look.
Editor’s Tip: For ladies with monolids, do your eyeshadow with your eyes open and make sure you apply everything upwards. It looks strange when your eyes are closed but looks perfectly fine when your eyes are open.
READ MORE: HOW TO STORE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS, ACCORDING TO BEAUTY GURUS.
Melissa: I’m not a blusher kind of person but I do think that blushers should be included in a basic routine as it can revitalise your look. If you’re game, it can also be the only makeup product you can use on a lazy day. Not only does it brighten and add colour to the face, it can also enhance features if applied strategically. A basic never go wrong colour would be a coral-hued blush like this one.
Editor’s Tip: To find the perfect placement on your face for blusher, we’ve got a trick for you. Using your right hand for your right cheek, place your index finger along your cheek bone and your middle finger tip against the corner of your mouth. Your elbow should be lifted up slightly: the triangular wedge of cheek between your two fingers is where you should be applying your blush. Repeat with your left hand for your left cheek.
READ MORE: STYLISH SUN HATS THAT PROTECT YOU FROM UV DAMAGE.
