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We’ve all thought about it: what if our entire make up collection just disappeared one day? I actually think it’s useful to consider this (hopefully) hypothetical situation as it helps to hone in on the best of the best. This is a list of my favourite Western Make Up products in every category – things that I would repurchase in a heartbeat. Hopefully, this is useful for people looking to simplify their routine, declutter their life or even make up beginners who don’t have where to start.
Let me know what you think in the comments and if you end up checking any of these out! I may also put together some skincare and k-beauty lists in the future.
Primer & Foundation
What is it: MAC Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion & MAC Studio Fix Fluid
Prices: AUD$68 (Moisture Infusion) and AUD$55 (Studio Fix Fluid)
This is my ride-or-die duo and I’ll keep re-purchasing this until they don’t let me anymore! I love the matte finish of this foundation and the primer keeps skin super hydrated – as a duo, this pretty much guarantees me a whole day of great skin. If you have very oily skin, all you’ll need is some blotting paper because this doesn’t go patchy or break up at all.
Concealer & Powder
What is it: Maybelline Age Rewind & MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Prices: AUD$20 (Age Rewind) and AUD$55 (Powder Plus)
Mixing up high-end and drugstore products is totally my vibe. The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer is a cult favourite for a reason – it gives great coverage with a hydrating formula that doesn’t dry out skin at all, giving you the perfect skin line finish. Meanwhile, the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is the best of both worlds – it mattifies and also has great coverage, making it perfect for touch ups.
Brows
What is it: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
Prices: AUD$35
The Dipbrow Pomade takes a bit of practice but it’s long wearing and gives the perfect, full brow look. I tend to fill in my entire brows with an angled brush, but you can also draw in individual brow hairs if you prefer.
Mascara & Liner
What is it: Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara & Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner
Prices: AUD$52 (Smokey Eye Mascara) and AUD$18 (Hypersharp Liner)
These two are staples that I can never put down. The Smokey Eye Mascara perfectly volumizes lashes and the Hypersharp Liner can get the perfect winged liner in one second flat with its unique tip.
Eyeshadow
What is it: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette
Prices: AUD$74
I’ve been raving about this since it first came out. This palette has a perfectly blendable formula and a versatile, neutral colour scheme with can take you from day to night. It’s the one essential palette that I bring with me when I travel, so it’s an easy choice for me!
Blush & Highlight
What is it: Milani Flower Powder Blush & Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette
Prices: USD$10 (Flower Powder Blush) and USD$68 (Strobe Lighting Palette)
The Flower Blush is more than just pretty – the formula is so blendable and soft, giving the perfect flush every time. Meanwhile, the Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette packs a serious punch with a seen-from-outer-space metallic reflect.
Contour
What is it: Fenty Match Stix Contour Skinstick (in Amber)
Prices: AUD$48
Aside from k-beauty, this contour stick is the most perfect shade ever! It had a natural cool-tone that’s super flattering for people with a lighter skin tone and I also love the diversity in the overall range. The only downside is that this tends to set quite quickly, so learn to work fast!
Lip Colour
What is it: Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip
Prices: AUD$44
Another holiday essential, this is something I’ve worn for an entire one month trip before. It’s a hand bag essential because it has great, bold pigmentation and a very comfortable, moisturising finish so you can use it over and over. My personal favourite is the shade ‘In a Jam’.
Setting Spray
What is it: Urban Decay All Nighter
Prices: USD$33
This one’s been a favourite for many years and I’ve never found a setting spray that I like more. It doesn’t have the most pleasant scent but it keeps make up locked in all day, even for someone with more oily skin like mine. As a make up staple, I’d also recommend buying this in packs when it’s available.
And there’s my personal favourites in each and every category. Check out the links if you want to pick something up to try (or if this reminded you of an essential you need a refill for). If you want to save some cash too, check out the below:
By Stella
