We’re sure you’re aware of the whole “less is more” concept, but what if more were more? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to enhance your natural beauty through the power of make-up. Bolder brows? No problem. Luscious lashes? We’ve got you covered. Plumped pout? Done. We’ve got all the best make-up products to enhance your favourite features.
But before we get into that, let’s kick-start your inner beauty regimen, shall we? Include these simple, everyday tips to achieve peak glow status:
- Daily water intake: We suggest having at least eight glasses of water per day. It flushes your body of toxins and keeps your joints lubricated. It also helps your skin remain hydrated and maintain its elasticity. If you drink large amounts of water, you’ll suffer from less scarring, fine lines and wrinkle formation. *gulps*
- Get your beauty sleep: How many hours of sleep are you getting per night? There are so many skin-health benefits to getting sufficient shut eye; namely, reducing dark circles around the eyes, repairing and re-balancing the skin’s hydration levels and rebuilding collagen. And due to all of this, your products can penetrate your skin a whole lot better. The ideal sleeping time is seven or more hours per night.
- SPF, your BFF: Applying a daily SPF to your skin is crucial for slowing the anti-ageing process (wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation) down. It also protects your skin from harmful UV rays, as well as essential proteins of the skin – collagen, elastin and keratin. If you live in South Africa, you’re more susceptible to sunburn. Regular usage of SPF (come rain or shine) will shield your skin from experiencing painful burn and blisters. Need we say more?
- Find products that suit your skin type: Don’t overcomplicate your skincare routine by adding plenty of products that you won’t use. Establish what your skin type is and take it from there – we suggest starting off with a great serum/moisturiser, SPF (of course) and cleanser. Once you have those essentials, you’re good to glow.
- Remove that make-up: Make-up isn’t designed to sit permanently on our skin. It’s essential that you remove it each night before you go to bed with a make-up remover, followed by a cleanser to ensure your skin is squeaky clean.
On that note, let’s get stuck into the make-up that’ll enhance your best features.
Essence Eyelash Curler
If you ask any make-up artist what their favourite item is in their make-up kit, 99% of them will say an eyelash curler. It’s the secret to making one’s eyes look bigger, more open and, of course, brighter. The rule of thumb for a lash curler is using them before applying mascara. Mascara is known to stiffen your lashes so using a curler on lashes with mascara can break them. The Essence Eyelash Curler makes curling a cinch. Place the clamps as close to your lid as possible and gently squeeze down for five seconds and then release (remember, lashes are fragile hairs). Move back slightly and clamp down again for another five seconds. Then finish up at the tips.
Revlon Volumazing Mascara in Blackest Black
Who doesn’t want long, luscious, voluminous lashes? Revlon’s Volumazing Mascara is a buildable mascara that allows you to control the volume of your lashes (we suggest three to four layers to get the full effect). Don’t underestimate the colour too – this is an intense black hue destined to give your lashes that rich, glossy finish – and application is hassle-free. The brush at the end of the mascara wand grips onto each lash, equally coating them with this long-wearing formula. It’s as amazing as it sounds.
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil
Bold brows are the best way to make a statement. The formula of Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil has a combination of fibres and powder to give your brows the most natural-looking texture imagineable. It’s a waterproof, transfer-proof, easy-to-apply pencil that gives you the brows of your dreams – even if you have super-light-coloured hairs. Start feathering at the front of your brow, working your way to the tail, and then blend it properly with the spoolie on the other end.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Lip Plumping Gloss in Berry
Essence Lash Like A Boss False Lashes
If voluminous mascara formulas aren’t enough for you, we suggest a whole new set of lashes. The Essence Lash Like A Boss False Lashes falsies are so easy to apply thanks to their flexible lash strip and lash glue to ensure they don’t budge. They’re the perfect solution to creating emphasis around the eye area, be it for a special occasion or just everyday wear. These falsies are reusable too, so make sure to store them safely once you’ve worn them. 3D lashes, here we come!
Sisley Paris Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo
According to 2023 hair trends reports, the bigger the hair, the better. If you’re unsure of how to give your ‘do more va-va-voom, try a volumising shampoo for size. The Sisley Paris Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo targets the scalp and hair through its blend of key ingredients to aid hair in need of more volume. It cleanses gently while supplying it with minerals to nourish and promote ultimate hair health. It also smells heavenly.
