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If you browse through your local pharmacy or department store, you’ll come across hundreds of beauty products to choose from. While you may never use them all, it’s challenging to decide which ones are worth your money. Here are 10 must-have beauty products that should be part of your regular routine.
1. Concealer
Unless your skin is flawless, concealer should be your best friend. Dab it on under-eye circles, acne, scars, dark spots, and inflamed red skin. Use it sparingly and ensure it’s blended well with the rest of your makeup. Experiment with the right shade of concealer. Use one that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Try one that’s more pink or yellow than your foundation. Experiment with different colors to find the right shade.
2. Foundation
Foundation is the backbone of beautiful skin, but it’s easy to go overboard. Use a sponge or your fingers to apply foundation evenly. Use enough to cover imperfections that your concealer missed. Make sure the edges of the foundation are well blended into your skin. You don’t want people to see where the foundation ends.
3. Red Lipstick
Every woman should have at least one tube of red lipstick. Keep one in your purse wherever you go. It works just as well at work as it does for a night out with friends and complements any outfit. Take your time testing lipstick before buying to find the perfect shade. Bring a friend along for a second opinion while you shop.
4. Eyeliner
Eyeliner isn’t always necessary every day if you have dark skin, but if you have light hair and light eyelashes, lining your eyes can go a long way with good mascara. Don’t line your eyes from corner to corner. Keep it natural and start about 2 or 3 millimeters from the tear duct on the upper lid and about halfway on the lower lid.
5. Blush
Blush is a great way to brighten up your face. It gives you a healthy glow with a pop of color. Gently apply blush to the tops of your cheekbones. A little goes a long way. Choose a color that complements your eye shadow if you’re wearing any.
6. Moisturizer
Moisturizer is crucial for your entire body. Always apply a night cream before bed. Use a lighter cream if you’re prone to oily skin. Shea butter or jojoba oil are excellent natural alternatives. Moisturize your skin after showering, as hot water, often filled with chlorine, will dry out your skin. It’s also the perfect time, as your pores are open and ready to absorb moisture. Keep a hand cream in your purse to keep your hands and cuticles soft and prevent dry, cracked skin, especially in winter.
7. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate. Don’t use the same cream or moisturizer you’d use on your face or body. An eye cream will hydrate your skin and help prevent wrinkles. Pat it gently with the tip of your ring finger instead of pulling on the skin. The less you touch your eyes, the better.
8. Clay Mask
No amount of makeup can completely cover bad skin. Use a clay mask once a week to tighten pores, dry out acne, remove toxins, and reduce inflammation. Rinse off the mask before it completely dries and use a lightweight moisturizer afterward. Don’t apply clay too close to your eyes on delicate skin.
9. Clarifying Shampoo
Shampoo commercials always claim their product won’t leave your hair “dull and lifeless.” The problem is almost any hair product can build up on your hair and make it look a bit less beautiful. Switching your regular shampoo with a clarifying one at least once a month can help you get rid of gunk and buildup that shampoos, conditioners, and styling products leave behind. You can use a clarifying shampoo up to once a week if you have oily hair, but don’t use it more than that. Clarifying shampoos can be drying and potentially damaging if overused.
10. Deep Conditioner
Soft, silky hair is achieved with conditioner. If you have dry hair, using a deep conditioner 1 to 4 times a month can help keep frizz away. If you’re prone to breakage, look for a deep conditioner with protein to rebuild and strengthen your hair. If you have thin, oily hair, a deep conditioner might not be necessary. Try adding it just to the last 3 to 4 inches of your hair once a month. That’s the oldest hair that might need the most help.
If you can only afford a limited amount of beauty products, make sure these 10 are on your shopping list. Most of them will last a few months. Test the products until you find the best ones.