From TV to magazine features, it’s surprising how often I have to show up to set “hair and makeup ready.” As someone who is somewhat challenged in this skill department, I get by as best I can and have come to rely on a few products to get me camera ready from body scrub to finishing powder. Here’s what they are:
BODY
BLISS Grapefruit+Aloe Soapy Suds
This awesome body wash and bubble bath that smells of grapefruit and aloe is refreshing and really helps wake me up on an early morning.
Elizabeth Grant, The Socializer’s Dare to Bare Arm Care
If you’re showing off some skin you want to make sure its freshly exfoliated. Elizabeth Grant’s Dare to Bare gets your arms ready to party.
Obviously you can’t neglect the rest of your body! Soyaskin’s Cayman Sugar Scrub is my favourite way to end a shower, it leaves your enter body moistened with a luxurious oil.
When it comes to moisturizing my skin post shower, I toss between regular body lotions and body oils. I love Barelove Body because its a cross between the two. Not only does it leave your skin with a nice sheen, but it smells amazing!
FACE
Giovanni D:Tox System Purifying Cleanser
Giovanni’s detox system purifying cleanser is my ultimate way to start (and end) my day. With its volcanic ash, advanced charcoal and super antioxidants, it gets my skin clean clean clean (!) without drying it out.
Essencia Eau Florale, Rose Water
Recommended by my friend Nina while I was visiting her in Paris a few years ago, I’ve been addicted to using Essencia’s Rose Water as a toner ever since. It’s so refreshing and it also smells beautiful!
Elizabeth Grant Organics Concentrate
This concentrate promises to help “transform the look of your skin into a smoother, radiate and more naturally elegant complexion” can you ask for anything else? I apply it after toner and before my moisturizer.
Osmotics Eye Surgery, Under Eye Rejuvenator
Lately I’ve become rather obsessed with eye creams and lather the stuff on like it’s going out of style. I actually found this one at Winners and was easily sold by its higher price and no-joking-around name “eye surgery.”
Along with drinking a lot of water, a good, hydrating, moisturizer is key to keeping your skin looking fresh and happy. Aqualia Thermal is luxurious, thick, and does just that.
MAKEUP
Dermalogica’s Age Smart Skinperfect Primer
In general, I don’t like to wear much makeup, especially foundation as it often makes me feel like I’m wearing mask. But if I’m going to be on camera, it’s an essential and it better stay on while I’ve got it on! I love Dermalogica’s primer for it’s high end quality, great smell, and SPF30 protection.
Micabella Cosmetics Mineral Foundation
If, like me, a heavy foundation isn’t your thing, I recommend trying a powder. Micabella’s mineral version absorbs lightly and brilliantly overtop of the primer, and it provides just enough coverage without looking cakey.
The tag line “high definition make-up” might make you think of streaky, eighties cheeks but this Blu_Ray blush from Cargo provides the furthest thing from that look — just a nice modern glow that we all love.
The amount of people I come across who tell me this is their secret beauty weapon is alarming! It’s definitely the most props I’ve ever encountered for a beauty product. But who doesn’t love dewy cheeks and highlighted brow bones? No one.
Although I’m not into eye shadows, standout lashes and a good eyeliner are everything to me! Lay it on, and lay it on thick.
Hands down, this is probably one of my favourite lipsticks I’ve ever owned. That’s saying a lot considering how much red I wear and how many different kinds I own. This one is such a great shade, and also wears matte while keeping your lips super moist.
TO GO
You might remember my love for mini sample products from my post The Beauty in Minis. Along with the essentials like my red lipstick, I don’t leave the house without a good lip balm and cream (my go-tos being from Ella’s Botanicals) and something for a hair-fighting emergency such as John Frieda‘s sheer solution lightweight frizz control.
Do you have any beauty products you can’t live without? Share them!