I have used and tested so many different make-up brands over the years and wow there are some brilliant products, but unfortunately there are also some not so good ones.
But how do you know what to buy??
Every skin is different and everyone has their own make-up styles, but if you want a professional opinion, read on.
Most people’s criteria for a good product or brand may differ slightly from mine, as one thing I judge a product on is whether I can use it professionally under photographic conditions and whether it does what it says and is durable for long wear, because if it’s not, then I can’t use it for my clients. I also only use and recommend Cruelty free, because no one wants hurt bunnies on their conscience.
However many of the products I test, end up in my own personal kit if they are not good enough for my pro kit. Except foundation, a critical element to a good make-up. For my foundation, I usually wear the best, unless I am testing a product.
Firstly, I’ll let you know my criteria for a good quality product;
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High pigment products is a must
If I buy a colour, I want it to be durable, versatile and when the colour is applied, it should look true to colour on the skin; eg.; If I buy a hot pink eye-shadow, it should not be a sheer pink on the eyes, unless I apply it that way.
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It must reflect the correct colour in photos
Have you ever done your make-up and although you look awesome in person, when you look back at photos, your face is all white, pale, pasty and/or patchy? That’s not the wrong colour, that’s the wrong product for photos. A good foundation should look just as good in photos, as it does in person.
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It has to last and be durable
If I do a bride’s make-up at 8am in the morning, I need her to still look stunning at the end of the night when they leave the reception and I know she won’t have much time for too many touch ups.
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Price
You really don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on one foundation. In my personal and professional experience, I have found that in general, the higher the cost = the more advertising the brand does, the less quality you are buying. However, there are always exceptions to every rule.
So, If you agree with my criteria, then my make-up choices might just suit your needs nicely.
Lets start with a good foundation;
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Atelier Paris’ Waterproof Liquid Foundation and Face Atelier’s Ultra Pro Foundation (Yes they are different brands)
They are so easy and smooth to apply. A medium to full, flawless coverage, gorgeous in photos and durable. Atelier Paris has the added benefit of being water resistant, Face Atelier is perfect for a more matte look. These are my top picks for liquid foundations, both professionally and I wear these myself!
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Kryolan’s Ultra Base Cream Foundation (if you prefer a cream or stick)
It’s a full coverage product. I prefer this over their famous TV paint stick, as I find it easier to apply and gives a smoother, more natural full cover finish. It’s around $50, so another great price point.
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Ben Nye Stick Foundation (my fave in this category)
I tend to prefer to use sticks for stage and editorial however. But if you like the consistency of a stick, this one can’t be beat, especially on price. You can apply it as a concealer, softly for sheer and medium cover, or build your layers for a fuller coverage. At just a mere $30 it is an absolute steal and proof that price means nothing in the make-up world!
Concealer;
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Ben Nye Cream Concealer, or Atelier Paris Cream concealer
Both smooth, creams that glides on with ease. There are so many colours to choose from too, so no matter what you need, there is a colour for you. Atelier is slightly higher in pigment, less is needed and it lasts a little longer, so this concealer is my first choice. The best part about the Ben Nye concealer… the price at just $15-$25!!!! That is craziness!!
Primer;
- Scotty’s Liquid Powder Shine Eliminator, at around $35 it suits all skin types, smooths over lines and takes away strong shine while hydrating at the same time, or the Kryolan Underbase Primer at $52 for a larger bottle, it works out as being the cheapest option and is fantastic. Embryolisse Cream is a legend amongst makeup artists. This cream is ultra hydrating and is brilliant for dehydrated skin. These primers resemble moisturisers and apply clear on the skin. Very easy to apply too, just put it on like you would your moisturiser, or I use my foundation brush. Great for any skin colour.
Mattifying primers; the ones I highly recommend are the Paris Berlin Top Lissage as a gentle light weight mattifier at around $30, or the Kryolan Ultra Mattifier which is fantastic for more mattification. If you prefer sprays, the Face Atelier Ultra Matte spray and the Skindinavia oil control sprays are great preps for oily skin. I still use my all skin type primer first, Scotty’s shine eliminator usually, then I apply the mattifier.
Eye Base;
What the hell is an eye base? I hear you asking.
A good eye base is the first thing you put on your eyes to help hold onto eye make-up and help prevent creasing of eye shadow. Some people have oily eye lids and find eye shadow a nightmare to keep on. This product may just be the answer to your prayers.
Kryolan’s Eye Primer is worth a strong mention. It has no colour at all, so great for any skin colour, but doesn’t cover any discolouration, but that is easily remedied with a sheer application of foundation or concealer. It has a gorgeous soft creamy texture that is so simple to apply. It retails at around $45.
But my fave?? I have recently discovered the Depixym Emulsion, it’s absolutely brilliant! A multi-purpose gel. It comes in an array of colours and has a thick gel consistency, I always get the clear, as it is the most versatile. It is a very versatile product, you can use it as an eye base, gel eyeliner, gel eyeshadow, a mixer to make your own gel liners and eyeshadows, gel blush… you name it. And it holds eye make-up really well for hours as an eye base to avoid creasing of colours. It also works brilliantly under the eyes and on smile lines to eliminate lines and creases in concealer and foundation. Do not put too much on though. It is thick, so keep it ultra sheer. It retails for around $35 and as far as I am aware can only be purchased online. This is honestly one of those miracle makeup finds that very few people seem to know about!
Eye Shadows;
Where to start? There are some fantastic brands to choose from with so many colours.
I have Ben Nye, Atelier, Paris Berlin, and Ilmakiage for my matte compact eye shadows and all are gorgeous. All range from around $15-$35 each
For my loose shimmer dusts, my favorites are; Napoleon. They have a lovely texture and lots of great colours. They are a little pricey at around $42 each though. Paris Berlin and Graftobian also have a beautiful shimmer dusts with lovely consistency without being too gritty. They come in individual circular pots. They are around $15-$30 each. But the big winner is Ben Nye in the shimmer eye shadow department. You can get extra large pots (double the size of most) for just $25!
Lip sticks;
Model Rock lipsticks. Cruelty free (as always), silky smooth, comfortable, high pigment, matte for durability and great colours. I love them so much, I chose to stock these for our clients to purchase. We stock all 12 colours in the Haute Creme Couture Velvet Matte Lipstick range. At only $25 each, these are so good, you’ll want all of them.
I also absolutely love Ben Nye lipsticks. There are lots of colours and again, like all things Ben Nye, they are a brilliant price of just $20.
Kryolan lip stains are non-drying Matte liquid lipstick that lasts so long on the lips comfortably. They come in about 10 colours, I can’t wait for more to come out. They are a little pricey at $40, but so very worth it.
Eye Liner;
Now those who know me, know eye liner is my thing. Ever since I was 14 and started wearing makeup, eyeliner is the one makeup item I cannot live without. Yes, even over mascara!
My all time favorite is the Atelier Paris or the Stila Gel eye liner in Black. Why? Gel liner is so versatile, I can do the perfect crisp flick, I can smudge it up for a smokey look, I can use it in the waterline and it stays longer than most other liners, and I can do creative liner work with it. Check my Instagram for an insane creative liner look (you’ll know it when you see it!). Once it dries/sets, it stays and is water resistant, but comes off with cleanser without scrubbing. It just does everything I need. They retail between $26-$40, so wont break the bank either. Keep in mind you need a good brush for it. Just always remember to put the lid back on, otherwise it will dry out and then it is useless. Despite the idea that you can reactivate gel liner with oil and/or heat. This has never worked for me with any brand gel liner.
The best pencil is Gorgeous Cosmetics Gel Eye Liner Pencil. It has all the staying power of a good gel, but in a pencil form. Great for inner water line and those smokey looks. It retails at around $25.
Liquid liner pen goes to Ben Nye Precision Liner. It’s not the type of product I can use professionally due to hygiene reasons, but for personal use this is great and for only $25 it’s not too badly priced.
Mascara;
Now this is one product I am still researching, after 25 years trying to find the perfect one. But never the less, I still have some favourites.
Ben Nye has my fave natural look mascara. It is a cheap, no fuss, no smudge, durable mascara. It gives a little volume and length and only costs around $15.
Atelier is the best for a waterproof mascara. This means it is great for weddings. I am still looking for a good honest waterproof with stronger thickening and lengthening talent, but this one is not bad. At around $32 it is a bit pricier than Ben Nye, but when you need your mascara to stay put in the rain, it’s worth the upgrade to avoid panda face.
Blinc is another good option. Similar in price to the Atelier, it coats the lashes in a rubber-type coating and slides off the lashes gently with warm water. It is a revolutionary type of product. I have seen Thin Lizzy advertising their new mascara with a similar description, although I have yet to test that one, so I can’t tell you if the Thin Lizzy is any good or not.
Essense This one is the surprise choice, as it is so cheap. Their waterproof mascara is simple and it works. Cruelty free of course and at under $10, you just can’t beat it. A win win.
Blush;
Ben Nye blushes come in an array of different colours and are a brilliant $15 each price point. There is an 8 colour blush palette too, if you want to save more $$ and have some variety. At around $75 for the palette it works out to less than $10 per colour…brilliant!! You can’t beat this brand for quality and value for money!
I also love the Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol, but I have a feeling that has been discontinued and replaced by a shimmer Bronzer Patrol. Sad Face…..
Now there are many other stunning brands out there, and lots that may not have made the cut due to either I haven’t tried them yet, price, difficulty to find, discontinued or they may test on animals (and testing on animals rules them out automatically in my books, no matter how good they are).
Feel free to send thru your thoughts (please keep it positive) and if you have any questions about products and brands, let me know. 🙂
Want more information on average hair and makeup costs? Check out this blog; https://makeoversaust.com.au/hair-and-makeup-artists/average-aussie-hair-and-makeup-costs-per-capital-city
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