Whether you are a make-up newbie or a veteran, these must-try products should be on your list (if you don’t own them already).
The Drunk Elephant Marula Oil has quickly become a go-to product, and it’s easy to see why. It is rich in Vitamin C, as well as Omega 6 and 9, making it a must-have for those with hyper-pigmentation. Hydrating and quickly absorbed into the skin (due to its small molecular size), it lasts longer because of its stable nature. Whatever type of skin you may have, if you want to try an oil, this would be the one I would ask you to start with. At ₹5,750 for 30 ml on Cult Beauty. A less expensive option is The Ordinary’s Marula Oil at ₹575 for 30 ml.
The Drunk Elephant Marula Oil
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light is a pale yellow product that was designed to create a blur on the skin, reminiscent of several layers of Photoshop. As the name suggests, it mimics the effect of ambient light. This lightweight powder has a barely-there hint of a sheen that is perfect for setting your make-up without leaving your skin looking matte and powdery. This is particularly great for mature skin, as it does not emphasise texture, but adds a subtle radiance. At ₹3,350 on Cult Beauty.
Viseart Theory II in MINX is an eyeshadow palette consisting of three mattes and three shimmers in neutral brown tones. It is practically impossible to find any fault with its quality — their mattes are easily the best formula on the market, and while it isn’t particularly difficult to make a good quality shimmer, their shimmers have no kick up or fall out, and glide on to the eyelid with ease. You don’t need fancy brushes or amazing technique, making it the perfect palette for someone who is just getting started. At ₹3,250 from Cult Beauty.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II is a warm terracotta brown with a matte finish. The formula is long lasting and lightweight, with opaque coverage that glides on to the lips effortlessly. This isn’t the type of matte that dries out your lips and flakes away. Instead, it stays put for several hours until it fades slowly and evenly. This shade is one of the very few that I find suits almost all skin tones. At approximately ₹1,500 on sephora.com.
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara or as I like to call it ‘false lashes in a bottle’. I firmly believed and actively advised against spending a lot of money on something that has a three-month shelf life. Until I used this mascara. It gives your eyelashes a lot of volume as well as length, but it never looks clumpy or flaky. It layers wonderfully, and can be built up a fair bit. It holds a curl with ease and does not budge. Be sure to say goodbye to your eyelash glue. (₹1,920 from Sephora.com)
Honourable mentions to the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquids, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheats and the Beauty Blender Original.
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