Skin Prep - Best Hydrating Primers.
I went on record saying primers were a waste of money, but the Heir Atelier Face Primer 1oz. changed my mind.
I find prepping my skin with a hydrating primer like this one, or even a hydrating, glow-giving moisturiser like Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser makes my foundation look infinitely better.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen also serves as a hydrating base for makeup, too.
Best Foundation for Freckles.
Because I like my freckles to shine through, sheer to medium coverage foundations work best for my complexion. Then, I rely on concealer for coverage only where I need it.
M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation might be the best sheer, dewy foundation I've tried.
My skin still looks like skin (freckles included!), but with an even, luminous coverage that looks fresh and well-rested.
It's the ultimate 'no makeup makeup' foundation, now in 30 inclusive shades that cater for different skin tones and undertones.
I'm wearing the shade C1 Light Cool, which is described as being a 'rosy beige with a neutral undertone for light skin.' You can read my full MAC Face & Body foundation review here.
Amy's Favourite Concealers.
There are two types of concealers in my makeup bag: A concealer for dark circles, and a full coverage concealer for under eyes and concealing blemishes.
My all-time favourite concealer isn't actually a concealer, it's a colour correcting under-eye product. Bobbi Brown Corrector is basically eight hours of sleep in a pot.
You can see my Bobbi Brown Corrector review and before/after photos in my full review here - it's important to note this product won't work as a concealer on all skin tones.
If I want a full coverage concealer to conceal dark circles, redness and blemishes, I'll reach for Napoleon Perdis The One Concealer because it delivers high coverage in a thick, creamy formula.
Plus, this concealer somehow manages to completely cover and drastically brighten the appearance of dark circles, while still looking flawless.
It's also very easy to apply - a tiny bit blended under and around the eye using your finger or a small buffing brush will do the trick.
You can read more about it in my new makeup review article.
The Best Bronzer for Fair Skin.
Hands down, Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer is the best bronzer shade on fair skin tones.
Rather than looking muddy or dirty like the traditional 'beach babe' bronzer shade, Hoola Lite adds natural-looking warmth to the skin.
I apply using a powder brush in a 3 shape along my hairline, down the cheekbones and along my jaw line. I also use this as an eyeshadow, or even as an all-over setting powder.
Cream Blushes & Highlighter.
Legit, I only started wearing blush at age 27. I always thought blush would make my already warm complexion look even redder...
Instead, a tiny bit applied using my colleague and makeup artist Megan's blush hack makes my face look alive.
My favourite cream/liquid blushes are: M.A.C COSMETICS Glow Play Blush in the shade That's Peachy, and Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush in shades 31 (peach), 32 (rust) and 51 (fuchsia).
I've moved away from the blinding highlighter trend, but a bit of Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer mixed into my foundation or blended on my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose is *chef's kiss*.
Eyes, Lashes & Brows.
Controversial, but I hate wearing mascara. I do love what it does for my translucent lashes though, so I get regular lash lifts and tints instead.
If I do wear mascara, it'll be a cheap and cheerful one like Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara - Ultra Black because I won't get much use out of it before it dries out.
An eyeshadow cream pencil is also unstuffupable, and you can use it blended over the whole lid as eyeshadow, or smudged into the lash line in place of eyeliner. Napoleon Perdis Luxe Lids Eye Stix in the shade Ron Burgundy is a winner for green eyes.
Another lazy person hack - get your brows tinted and shaped every six to eight weeks, too. Then, whack on a clear brow product like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze and you're done!
My brows are also translucent naturally, so when I'm nearing my next tinting appointment, I colour them in using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Brow Filler and brush through with a spoolie brush.
Best Tinted Lip Balms & Lipsticks.
Now, for the pièce de résistance - a coloured lip product.
My natural lip colour is what I like to call 'corpse', so I feel like death warmed up without some kind of tinted balm or hydrating lippie on.
These are my favourites, in order of balmy-ness to lipstick-ness:
And that is the end of my makeup manifesto.
Gold stars for anyone who made it this far!
You can shop Amy's favourite makeup products for dry skin and enhancing freckles here:
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