ONE STOP MAKEUP
The grande finale to my ONE STOP series, for now [previous edits here, here, and here] sees a compilation of tried and tested makeup heroes brought to fore. These are the products which achieve a single look/effect all on their own - ideal pieces to reach for if you're in a rush or on-the-go.
Keep this line-up on standby for the next time you hit snooze, and prepare to be impressed.
One-stop skin prep : Clarins Radiance Boosting Complexion Base*
Tinted illumination and hydration. This silky formula is ideal for use on its own ["no-makeup" days just reached new heights] as it provides a delicate tint which balances and corrects an uneven skintone. It also works amazingly as a makeup primer, rendering additional glow-getting products useless for it create a fresh, luminous finish which transcends all layers.
One-stop lips : Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysteriously Red
Despite the name, these pencils are satisfyingly not overly matte, resulting in more of a satin-sheen finish via a creamy texture. Unlike most matte offerings they don't emphasise or increase dryness, and the formula is infact enriched with Vitamin E for on-the-go hydration. The pigment is rich [meaning only one coat is necessary] and lasts impeccably [rendering Lipcote unecessary]; and coming in crayon form, even lip liner becomes redundant.
One-stop brows : MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Brown Ebony
My brow routine puts the travels of Odysseus to shame [i.e. seriously lengthy] so when I'm in a rush and find myself having to whittle it down to just one product, MAC's Brow Set comes up tops. It does a little bit of everything - adding tint, shape, and volume, with a groomed but natural finesse.
One-stop lashes : L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara
Probably the most purchased product in my stash; I've been using this mascara since my high school days and despite occasionally straying, I always return to it. It's incredibly similar to Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel mascara, both in its formula and effect; and earns its place in this edit for the fact that it delivers on every front. Length, volume, curl, last, and not impossible to budge [à la Benefit].
One-stop base : RMK Creamy Foundation*
I am quite simply obsessed with this product [see it in action here], which also happens to be Japan's bestselling foundation. It has a deliciously creamy texture which is a dream to work with, blending into the skin for that much-sought 'second skin' effect, and not a brush stroke in sight. It's a little thicker than Sheer Glow, providing better coverage but by no means feeling heavy or even present upon the skin. As for the finish? Positively luminous [less shine and more sheen], with a more than commendable durability. Like I said, obsessed.
One-stop concealing : MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35
Regardless of how much [or perhaps I should say how little?] sun we see over here in the UK, applying SPF is still a vital step, and is hugely beneficial if you suffer from acne scarring or hyper-pigmentation. Lazy girls will be relieved to discover that MAC's high-coverage concealer not only masks blemishes with a prowess like no other, but contains an SPF of 35 and blends into the skin without leaving a chalky cast or creasing [meaning it can be used on blemishes and under the eye]. Talk about skin-saver.
One-stop contouring : Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
This single palette may come with an eyewatering price tag, but effectively provides three products in one; serving as contour, highlighter, and bronzer, and making it ideal for travel. The darker shade is cool-toned, so with the right brush and a light hand can serve beautifully as a contour shade for even those with pale complexions. For me, the star of the show is the highlight shade, which boasts a beautifully buttery formula and champagne like finish - ideal for highlighting the cheekbones. I also love bending the two together for an all over luminous finish. Now that's what I call a one-stop product.
One-stop finish : Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder*
When it comes to applying a setting powder my demands are high. My ideal product should keep foundation in place and prevent shine, but without leaving a matte effect. This powder hits the nail on the head; it's all about the glow, but keeps the midday gleam at bay - resulting in a naturally radiant complexion with an airbrushed effect which lasts all day long.
One-stop eyes : Sisley Phyto-Ombre Glow Eyeshadow*
Sisley's eyeshadow game is every bit as solid as their skincare game. The highly pigmented creamy formula of this product is one-stop makeup exemplified, for it can be applied in a matter of seconds, lasts incredibly, and the formula is such as requires minimal blending. The shadow can be used lightly all over, concentrated in the crease, and detailed along the lower-lashline for a one-stop smokey eye which even a novice will achieve with finesse.
What are your one-stop makeup favourites?
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*PR SAMPLE