To splurge or not to splurge on make up?

Has the global economic meltdown hit your dressing table as well? Is it time to decide which bottle or tube to retain and which to dismiss? If it is time to tighten your vanity bag’s strings, then let Natasha Khalid, a Dubai-based make-up artist, help you decide when to save and when to splurge:

Save on

• Moisturiser: Buy a tinted moisturiser as it serves a dual purpose. It will moisturise as well as provide light coverage. Alternatively, you can opt for a pharmacy variety moisturiser and a body lotion. Also, if you and your family members have a normal skin type, you can invest in an all-skin type moisturiser and everyone can use it. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator to prolong its life.
   
• Cleanser: When it comes to cleansers, the supermarket variety are just as effective as expensive ones. A cleanser containing aloe is a good idea as it’s gentle on the skin. Check for descriptions like ‘dermatologically approved’ and ‘non-comedogenic’ (this means it will not block your skin’s pores). A reasonably priced brand serves the purpose.
   
• Mascara: A dizzying variety of mascaras is available on the market, each with its own promise to make your eyes look fantastic. Remember, a mascara, expensive or otherwise, has a shelf life of about three months. So, a good supermarket brand works just as well. However, in summer, it is a good idea to skip heavy mascaras and dress your lashes with clear mascara. Save on eye make-up remover by using olive or almond oil as a remover.
   
•  Lipliner: What makes a lipliner expensive is the quality of wax it is made from. An expensive brand has soft wax which makes application smoother. Here’s a trick to make a cheaper brand give you the same effect: Blast your hairdryer at the nib of your lipliner for 30 seconds. The heat will soften the wax and will give you a smooth line when you apply it. If you don’t wish to buy a lipliner but want to achieve a neat effect, use a lip brush to line your lips with a darker shade of lipstick and then fill in the lighter colour.
   
• Eyelash curlers: These are optional as a mascara will do the job of curling your lashes equally well, provided you use the wand gently but firmly to lift your lashes at the base and sweep the mascara. Apply a quick second coat to get a ‘fan’ effect. If you do want to use a curler, use a hairdryer to warm it up a bit and then curl your lashes for an unbelievably fluttery effect.
   
• Lipgloss: This is a product to give a shine rather than colour your lips. You do not need more than two lipglosses in your vanity box – a clear one and a coloured one. Try this tip: To make lipgloss last longer, use it in sparing quantities. For maximum effect, place a tiny blob at the centre of your lips and pat in as this will heighten the effect better than smearing it all over your lips.
   
• Eyeliners: You can save on eye pencils and liquid liners, as both the cheaper and expensive ones give you the same result. For those addicted to liquid liners, you can achieve the same effect by wetting a liner brush, swirling it on a solid eyeliner cake and drawing a fine line with it.
   
• Make-up sponges and make-up wipes: These are necessities. Make-up sponges can be bought in every size possible, even from supermarkets. They are easy to wash and very cost-friendly. Just make sure that the ones you buy soften instantly when dampened. Make-up wipes are also available in less expensive varieties and some find them to be better than their high-end counterparts. They are a great short-cut to a squeaky clean skin. They are gentle and do not dry your face. Wipes also work as make-up fixers. You can use them to wipe off excess eyeshadow, eyeliner or even smeared lipstick.

Splurge on

• Foundations: This is a product that should be like a second skin, so it is imperative it be of the highest quality. It is best to buy a very good quality foundation, never mind the price as it is the one thing that will help your face look flawless. Good make-up is only as good as the foundation on your face. It is important you buy a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. In order to pick the right one it is better to shop at a high-end counter where experts can guide you in picking the right shade. The pigment and formulations in high-end brands tend to last longer, ensuring your make-up stays intact for longer, an important consideration when selecting foundation.
   
• Eyeshadows: Pigments in a cheap brand are not as rich in colour and do not have the staying power. Cheaper brands use a lot of talc in their formulations which makes the product vanish rather quickly. A point to note is eyeshadow does not end up looking exactly the same shade on your eyelids as it does in the box. A high-quality eyeshadow is rich in colour, remains fast and goes on to your lids smoothly. What makes some brands extremely expensive is the quality of colour pigments in them.
   
• Lipsticks: When it comes to lipsticks, buy quality brands. Pigments in high-end brands tend to be richer and creamier. This is the reason why a small amount goes a long way. Also, they usually contain ingredients that nourish the lips while providing a rich colour. When the lipstick is reduced to a stub, scoop it out and mix it with another colour to create a new shade that can be applied with a lip brush.
   
• Blushers: High-end blushers and bronzers are very finely milled and, to a degree, you can layer them for a soft effect, without ending up looking caked. Less expensive brands have colour pigments that are not fine and come over as too strong. They may also dust off quickly. High-end blushers, on the other hand, have great staying power and colour. Choose a peachy hue for a peaches-and-cream look and a pink hue when you want to look rosy. Splurge on them
   
• Bronzers: Ever since Jennifer Lopez wore them with flair, bronzers are a hot ticket to beauty. They add instant radiance. Bronzers are great to brush all over the face for a sun-kissed look or used on the cheekbones, over the temples and under the jaw to give a sculpted look. Cheaper versions are not milled finely enough hence the colour can come over as too strong and may also not stay on for long. It is important to get a bronzer that suits your skin tone. Buying a good brand means you can really build the colour the way you want.
   
• Concealers: The one product that enhances your complexion by hiding signs of fatigue and stress is a concealer. When used along with a foundation, it makes your face the perfect canvas to apply make-up to. If you have decided to wear minimum make-up, a concealer can instantly brighten your eyes and lift the face.
  So it is a good idea to invest in a high-end brand. Cheaper versions may not have a variety in shades, formulations and coverage.
   
• Make-up brushes: Your make-up is as only good as the tools you use to apply it. However, you do not need a whole set of brushes to achieve a professional finish. Just a few good quality brushes will do. The bristles on good quality professional make-up brushes are made of various natural fibres and hence are smoother on the skin and are great for blending. The essential brushes are: foundation blending brush; basic powder brush; eyeshadow applicator brush and, most importantly, an eyeshadow blending brush. With these you can be well on your way to achieving a smooth, flawless face. Cheaper brushes have rough bristles that can harm skin. Also they do not last long. Professional brushes, on the other hand, if you look after them, will last many years and yield returns on your investment.
   
• Skin brighteners and illuminators: These are all the rage today. They give the skin a dewy look. High-end brands offer formulations that one can apply before foundation, and the pearlised elements in these creams really lend skin an enviable brightness. Powder illuminators when dabbed lightly on cheekbones, in the inside corner of the eyes or lightly dusted all over the face, give a gorgeous sheen to the face. Cheaper versions do create the same look but do not have the staying power or the refined finish.
  
  Natasha Khalid can be reached on natashakhalid83@gmail.com