At Woman & Home, we’re lucky that we get to try and test the best new beauty products on the market. And we must admit, there are some makeup essentials we can’t live without!
We reveal your secret weapon for flawless foundation
That said, beauty is also subjective. Your age, skin tone, type and budget may differ wildly from your friends and family members and what works for you might not work for them.
That long-wearing lip stain that stays put for hours and looks great on your lips, might suck the life out of your friend’s sensitive lips, just as your mom’s favourite volume mascara does nothing for your lashes.
The good news is, we’ve discovered that there are some products that are universally good and loved by millions. Now and then a smart multi-purpose primer, hair formula or iconic fragrance is just so fabulous, it transcends taste and type, so that’s what we’re focusing on today.
The prized selection of beauty products that we can’t live without and that suit almost all tastes and types.
The stand-out beauty products we love
The ultimate eyeliner
Eyeliners are a great tool to accentuate and reshape the eyes. However, when it comes to choosing the right liner, there’s a lot to consider. Longwearing black liquid liners might have the staying power you want, but require a very steady hand and can look too bold for the day, whereas pencil liners might be too subtle and rub off by lunchtime.
The good news is, we’ve discovered the perfect long-lasting liner that adds flattering depth and interest to every eye colour.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Liquid Liner in Golden Bronze Sparkle, R435, helps to make the eyes fresher and more wide awake than a black liner ever would. It’s formulated with a blend of iridescent pearls which is fast-drying so it won’t smudge.
It’s made with a brush tip, so you’ll never need a sharpener, and you don’t need a super-steady hand to apply a solid line. Available online or from select Bobbi Brown stores.
The perfecting primer
We’re all about multi-dimensional products that deliver on their promises, and we simply can’t get enough of this new finishing primer from Estee Lauder.
Think pore minimiser, line filler and skin brightener in one, The Mattifier from Estee Lauder, R430, truly makes skin look fabulously even and smooth. A tiny amount – we’re talking button sized – will cover your entire face.
And unlike other primers which tend to leave the skin looking too dull and matte, this one adds a shimmering, dewy iridescence to skin, to prevent it from looking tired and give it that all-round glow. We find it’s best to apply after your moisturiser and works best under make-up.
It’s also ideal for touch-ups throughout the day to keep your skin and make-up looking fresh. Available from Red Square stores.
Watch this video on how to make your lipstick last longer
The iconic unisex scent
Everyone needs a great fragrance in their life and they don’t come much better than Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, R875. This signature fragrance is an iconic masterpiece and we think it’s one of the best cologne’s in the Jo Malone range.
The unisex blend appeals to both men and women, thanks to the peppery basil and warm white thyme scent. And of course, the zesty lime and mandarin base has a wonderful spicy undertone that we’ve become addicted to.
Plus, it looks utterly fabulous in your bathroom, and lasts for ages. Available from Jo Malone stores. Visit www.jomalone.co.za to find a boutique near you.
The anti-ageing lip colour
If you buy no other lip colour this season, you’ll be sorted with Clarins signature Rouge Eclat in Rose Praline, R320. Hailed as the queen of day-to-night shades, this lip shade offers a fresh, modern look and somehow manages to suit most skin tones.
If you’re anything like us in the w&h beauty team, you’ll also jump at the chance to try a product that promises age-defying benefits… and this lipstick has it too!
The satiny texture is made with a Nutri-Youth complex that boosts collagen while protecting lips from dehydration. It also contains soothing vitamin E and a blend of essential plant waxes to glide on the lips and give them a hydrating boost.
We simply can’t stop applying it! It’ll be the smartest investment you’ll make for your lips this year, and the next five too. Available from Red Square stores.
