When was the last time you had yourself primped up? With the busy lives we moms lead, we often put ourselves at the bottom of our priority list. But hey, we need a makeover once in a while – or, at the very least, we need to have an efficient make-up kit at hand for quick touch-ups before attending a PTA meeting, attending a weekend lunch reunion, or going out on a date with hubby. However, with so many beauty products in the market today, it is quite a haunting task to figure out which ones are worth spending your hard-earned money on. Worry not -- we put together a list of beauty kit must-haves for the mom on the go, whatever your budget is:
1. BB Cream
BB Cream is the ultimate multitasker. It combines a moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock in one. It works like a tinted moisturizer but with a much better coverage that evens out the skin and hides blemishes. It’s also lightweight and gives a natural looking finish, and packed with ingredients that help soothe and regenerate the skin. Majority of BB Creams in the market come in just one or two shades that are too fair for the typical Filipina, but here are two of the few brands with more shades to choose from:
Splurge:
SmashboxCamera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35, available in 4 shades, Php1,900.00, shop.beautybar.com.ph
It has SPF 35 which guards against harmful UVA/UVB rays. It minimizes shine without a chalky finish. It also improves skin moisture in as little as 4 weeks. It can be worn alone or like a primer under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas.
Image from smashbox.com
Save:
Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream, available in 4 shades, Php798.00, etudehouse.ph
It has SPF30/PA++ and offer anti-wrinkle, whitening and anti-darkening components.
Image from http://www.etudehouse.ph
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2. Concealer
Most, if not all, women have discoloration under the eyes. In fact, even kids have them! The lucky few can get away with just a dab of whatever foundation they’re using while others need extra help. Since the undereye area is very sensitive, we have to use a concealer with a light consistency. Liquid concealers are best but thicker formulas offer more coverage.
Splurge:
MAC Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer, Php1,000.00, MAC 2/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
A lightweight and creamy concealer that gives an opaque finish that can cover dark undereye circles and blemishes. It has antioxidants and helps absorb the skin’s oils. Has SPF 35.
Image from nordstrom.com
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The Balm TimeBalm Concealer, available in six shades, Php750.00, beautybar.com.ph
Aside from concealing dark circles, this one is also infused with vitamins and has anti-wrinkle properties. Gotta love its dual-purpose! Tip: This has a quite thick consistency so it is better to warm up the product on the back of your hand before applying on your undereyes. This can also be used to conceal redness around the nose, etc.
Image from beautybar.com.ph
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3. Powder
It is important to set your foundation and concealer with powder to make them last longer and keep the oils at bay. Use a powder brush for a light finish or a powder puff for heavier coverage. Make sure that you use the correct shade that matches your skin color perfectly.
Splurge:
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, Php1,700.00, MAC 2/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
Gives a smooth and flawless finish and is longwearing. Available in numerous shades so skin matching wouldn’t be an issue.
Image from nordstrom.com
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Prestige Multitask Wet/Dry Powder Foundation, available in 4 shades (with darker shades), Php500.00, shop.beautybar.com.ph
This can be applied dry for a sheer finish or use a wet sponge for intense coverage. Perfect for all skin types.
Image from beautybar.com.ph
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4. Lip and Cheek Tint
Another multi-tasker! We love multi-taskers!
Splurge:
BECCA Beach Tint in Watermelon, Php1,850.00, Adora, Greenbelt 5
A multi-awarded product that is great for all skin types. It’s easy to blend and gives a natural-looking flush. Plus, it smells really good and is water-resistant and kiss-proof!
Image from http://www.stylepalace.com.au
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The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip and Cheek Dome in Pinch Me Pink (Limited Edition) Php695.00, thebodyshop.com.ph
This more affordable version is made of cream/powder so it’s very easy to use. It gives a natural looking color to the cheeks and lips.
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5. Eyebrow Kit
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to have well-groomed eyebrows. It makes a whole world of difference to have beautifully shaped eyebrows as it frames your face and just finishes your whole look. If you’re unable to groom them yourself, a visit to a professional is worth the time and money. Then you can remove the stray hairs yourself once they grow out. You basically just need a pair of tweezers, a pair of scissors to trim the hair and eyebrow product to fill in sparse areas of your brows.
Splurge:
Benefit Brows-a-go-go, Php2,000.00, facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines
This is a good kit worth investing on. Aside from the basic brow products, it also comes with some highlighters, brow wax, eyeliner and detailed instructions on how to use the kit.
Image from benefitcosmetics.com
Save:
Prestige Brow Shaping Studio in Medium to Dark, Php550, shop.beautybar.com.ph
A good basic kit, it comes with light and dark brow powders, mini precision tweezers, an applicator brush and even a natural arch stencil.
Image from prestigecosmetics.com.au
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6. Eyelash Curler & Mascara
Curled lashes open up the eyes and applying mascara defines them beautifully. You may skip eye makeup altogether on a regular day but not the eyelash curling and defining part. You can’t do just either one, unless of course, you have naturally-curly lashes.
Splurge:
ShuUemura Eyelash Curler, Php1,050.00. 2/F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City
A long time popular choice amongst makeup professionals and enthusiasts.
Image from shuuemura.com
Save:
Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler, Php175.00, available in major department stores
This works just as well as the Japanese brand’s but a lot cheaper.
Image from fscosmetics.com
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For mascaras, I refuse to spend a lot on a tube since they must be replaced often (every 3 months) for hygienic purposes. There is also the confusing decision of which to get- the lengthening or volumizing formulation. If you can’t decide, look for something that offers both.
Splurge:
Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara, available in Black, Php1,100.00, facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines
A longtime top-seller, this product gives lashes a full and voluminous finish with a big brush that generously coats lashes.
Image from benefitcosmetics.com
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CoverGirlLashblast Fusion Mascara, available in black and black brown, Php625.00, available in major department stores
Volume + length in one! The fiberstretch formula and oversized brush make every little lash bigger, fuller, longer looking, and more dramatic.
Image from covergirl.com
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7. Lipcolor
It’s nice to have a couple of lipstick colors to play with and mix around. Here are some recommendations for daily wear:
Above P500:
Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick, Php595.00
This lipstick has an Elixir formula that contains 60% blend of skin emollients, conditioners and antioxidants including vitamin E and gives rich and gorgeous looking color.
Image from beautylish.com
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, Php525.00
This feels like gloss but packed with color. It keeps your lips soft and beautiful and they’re perfect for everyday use.
Image from kaboodle.com
Below P500:
CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain, Php445.00
A water-based marker-like pen that gives a lightweight flush of color that lasts hours without drying your lips.
Image from covergirl.com
Maybelline Color Sensational Lasting Lipstick, Php399.00
Amazing vibrant colors with nourishing honey nectar that keeps lips moisturized.
Image from http://leftoverluncheonmeat.blogspot.com
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8. Makeup Remover
At the end of the day, we must remove all the makeup and dirt on our faces to avoid our pores from clogging, developing blemishes and whatnot. Here are some makeup removers that work well.
Splurge:
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water, Php1,695.00, beautybar.com.ph
A gentle makeup remover that quickly takes off all your makeup – including the waterproof kind. Rich in natural ingredients which are good for the skin and it is also oil-free & rinse-free so you can have more time to catch up on your beauty sleep.
Image from beautybar.com.ph
Save:
Human Heart Nature Sunflower Cleansing Oil, Php250.00, humanheartnature.com
It gently removes all traces of makeup even waterproof mascara and with its natural oil, it helps condition your lashes and skin. 100% natural.
Image from humanheartnature.com
Pond’s Cold Cream, Php135.00
This has been around for ages because it simply works. It not only removes makeup but it also moisturizes your skin in one easy go.
Image from drugstore.com
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9. Makeup Palettes
When shopping for eye makeup, aim for palettes. It takes out the guesswork of which colors complement each other since they are pre-selected for you. They also come out a lot cheaper than if you buy them in singles. Also look out for a more complete palette that also includes a blush, lip product, eyeliner, mascara, etc. It’s basically everything you need in one container. Again, they’re customized to complement each product and they’re great for travelling.
Splurge:
Benefit I’m Glam… Therefore I Am (Limited Edition), Php2,100.00, facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines
A palette filled with new shades and bestsellers. It also includes a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Image from benefitcosmetics.com
Save:
Revlon Customeyes in Sweet Innocence, Php850.00, available in major department stores
A basic neutral palette that can take you from day to night.
Image from revlon.ca
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10. Makeup Brushes
It helps to have the right kind of tools to put on makeup properly. You don’t really need a whole lot. The essentials are powder brush, blush brush, blending brush, eyeshadow brush and eyebrow brush. The Landmark has a lot of good quality yet affordable makeup brushes. Or you may check out Suesh for some sets.
Splurge:
Suesh Personal Essential 10-pc. Set, Php2,000.00, suesh.multiply.com
Includes powder brush, blush brush, foundation brush, large eyeshadow brush, small eyeshadow brush, smudge brush, eyeliner brush, brow brush, mascara brush and lip brush. All natural hair.
Image from suesh.multiply.com
Save:
Suesh Personal Portable Brush Set, Php950.00, suesh.multiply.com
Includes powder brush, blush brush, eyeshadow brush, brow brush and lip/concealer brush. All natural hair.
Image from sites.google.com/site/sueshsg
Thumbnail photo by Rene Magueriano
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