Share

Have your lips found their soulmate?

accreditation

Finding the perfect beauty product is much like finding 'the one' romantically. You've tried out a few, but there was always just something missing.

So you move on to the next one, hoping this time you'll finally get what you need and deserve.

Yes, I'm still talking about makeup.

So much testing and spending goes into finally finding the brand of foundation, lipstick, eyeliner or blush that just does it for you and makes you feel like you were, in fact, the muse for this product.

Read more: Are you a cosmetics junkie? How SA women shop beauty products 

This year I finally found the foundation which gives me that photo-ready finish I've always wanted in a foundation. You know how you'll be wearing foundation, but in pictures you suddenly look bare-faced? That's that ish I don't like.

If I've spent 20 minutes doing my makeup I need the pictures taken of me to attest to this.

I've always been an avid fan of Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation, but ever since my beauty editor gave me the Black Opal pore perfecting powder foundation to try out earlier this year, I haven't stopped buying it since.

I have oily skin and I'm not going to lie and say it makes me any less oily, but I love how it makes my skin look absolutely flawless (albeit the extra glow); and it accentuates any other bit of makeup I apply thereafter. Yes, the highlighter glistens and blush pops against this dream foundation.

It will set you back by just R270 from Clicks and lasts for up to 6 weeks if you wear makeup daily like me.

Read more: 5 foundations for women of colour to shop now!

I asked nine other women to share the one product their makeup bag can't do without - and the passion with which women describe these products is quite amusing, I must say. It's almost exactly like when a gal pal tells you she's "met someone."

Meet the soulmates:

"The product I’d choose is the Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner (the one with the flat lid and not the round lid). I enjoy using this product because it has a fine tip applicator (the one with round lid has a thicker tip applicator), making it easy to apply eyeliner for day and night - subtle or bold eyeliner, not forgetting those wings.

It is also a smooth application because it is liquid. It is very affordable and because I have sensitive skin and get rashes with other products, it does not cause any irritation. 

It is my go-to for a bad face day, or to make a good face day much better. LOL!" - Naseema

"I’ve been using Avon Glow bronzing pearls in the shade ‘deepest bronze’ for over a year and my makeup look simply cannot be complete without it.

It has multi-coloured pearls and is suitable for all skin tones since it comes in three shades. I love that it gives me a nice golden glow. I probably have another three bronzers in my makeup drawers that I don’t even touch since I bought this.

In addition to using it as a bronzer, I also use it to do subtle contouring, so essentially it’s a 2-in-1 for me. And I bought it on special for just under R100! It’s been totally worth it.

I seriously hope they don’t discontinue it 'cause then I’ll cry." - Zakiyah

"So my first foundation purchase was MAC studio fix in NC50 and its concealer.

I was so loyal that I couldn’t use anything else, until things got a bit weird. So at times, it would be too light, or too dark, until I discovered that I may just be in-between shades and MAC didn’t cater for my dilemma. 

The discovery of Estee Lauder Double Wear in Sandalwood has made me a happy gal. Totally worth it, as it has perfect buildable coverage. Sets in well and gives a flawless finish. I’m good!" - Natasha

"So my 'perfect product' that literally, and I mean literally, changed my life is bronzer.

I'm not heavily into make-up mainly because I'm lazy. But this is ONE item I will never go without wearing out of the house, because I think it compliments my skin, it's the perfect brown shade with a hint of glitter and I'm literally obsessed.

It makes me look and feel pretty!

It's the Mosaic Bronzing Powder from Studio Make-up and it costs over R500. But it's dang worth it. My mom first bought it and I fell in love the minute I tried it out.

Best make-up purchase I've ever made and probably ever will because I'm useless when it comes to make-up." - Lynn


"I used Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour® Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint in Berry and it totally changed the way I look at taking care of the skin on my lips.

My lips and the skin around my nose and mouth often get very dry because of constant nose blowing (thank you, sinusitis!) and when I got this lip cream it made all the difference.

It makes your lips soft and supple and feel great. It also has SPF 15 so it’s great on summer days. It not only coats your lips, but it heals the little cracks and things too. It’s a little pricey, but oh so worth it!" - Carmen 

"One of my all time favourite lippies is Urban Decay’s Pandemonium Mega Matte. It’s a deep and popping purple lipstick that lasts the whole day and always leaves me feeling like I’ve gained some points in edginess.

It’s also the one lippie that has convinced me to not be afraid of trying more matte lipsticks – I mean I still prefer my creamier sticks, but with the Mega Matte, I’ve learnt to embrace and step outside of my lipstick comfort zone.

I couldn’t have found a better confidence-boosting lippie than this one and would highly recommend anyone give this one a try!" - Tammy

"For me it is undoubtedly L’Oreal Color Riche lipsticks. They are so beautifully pigmented, have exquisite reds (Haute Rouge 347 is my go-to for French girl chic lips) and are super budget-friendly." - Marisa

Epic. Epic. ?? L'Oreal Color Riche baby. ??????

A post shared by Marisa Crous-Swart (@stealinglucy) on

"My favourite item is my Fenty Beauty Matchstix item in the colour Cinnamon. There are a few things I absolutely love about it.

It’s not just a highlighter - I can use it on any area that needs some shimmer. I appreciate that because not only do I love highlighting, but I love shimmer on my eyelids. 

It’s one of those items where you know you can get it and it won’t go to waste. Plus, it is affordable." - Uhuru

"Mine’s a bit of a double whammy. I generally don’t use one without the other.

The Benefit POREfessional does well with my porous skin, as does the Catrice BB Allround Foundation Multi-Benefit Make Up. I’ve generally been conscious about my skin since I was born, so these two products help keep my combination skin in check.

I have sensitive skin as well, so I need to be careful about what I use, but these are two of the very few products which made the grade.

There’s speculation that the Catrice BB foundation has been discontinued, I’m not 100% sure yet, but if it’s true, I can’t say I’m excited to be hunting for another good, compatible product." - Stefni


Images: Supplied


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE