I'm back today with part 2 of "Do I Really Need That?," posts which examine some of the most hyped up products in the beauty industry and reveal what you really need to look your best. If you haven't read part 1 which covers skincare, you can read it here.
The Product: FACE PRIMER
The Claim: Face primers promise many benefits including smaller pores, extra glow and smoother foundation application. But do they really stand up to the test?
The Verdict: Yes— foundation primers really live up to the hype, especially when it comes to filling in pores and creating a long-lasting base for smooth foundation. In fact, for a natural look, primers can even serve as a skin perfector without foundation on top.
The Couturist Recommends: Benefit POREfessional, Pixi Flawless Primer (Affordable!!!), Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
The Product: EYE PRIMER
The Claim: Like foundation primer, eye primer works to create a smooth base for crease-free eyeshadow all day.
The Verdict: Not necessary for cream shadows, necessary for powder shadows. Long lasting cream shadows can be used as an eyeshadow base themselves, but when it comes to powder shadows or loose pigments, these formulas need a sticky base to bind to in order to prevent creasing from natural skin oils.
The Couturist Recommends: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
The Product: LUXURY MASCARA
The Claim: Luxury mascaras like Diorshow and Chanel Le Volume have been runway staples since their launch, but does spending double digits on a tube really make a difference?
The Verdict: Not all luxury mascaras are created equal. Most of the time, you can get by just as well with a drugstore mascara, especially since it is important to replace mascara every 2-3 months. I've listed a couple of high end mascaras that I think are worth the big bucks, as well as some drugstore staples that will give you almost the same effect.
The Couturist Recommends: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara, Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, Maybelline The Colossal Volume Mascara
The Product: LUXURY LIP BALM
The Claim: Youtubers and bloggers alike love a good luxury lip balm. Filled with natural oils and to-die-for fragrances, these balms promise full, hydrated lips all day long.
The Verdict: Yes, the perfect little luxury. There is a huge difference between normal lip balm and the two luxury lip products I've tried out. While Burts Bees and Chapstick are perfectly fine, for the most model-esque lips, try one of my two favorite balms.
The Couturist Recommends: Diptyque Soothing Lip Balm, Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm
The Product: Brow Products
The Claim: To get trendy, Instagram-worthy brows, cosmetic retailers offer a slew of brow taming and shading products.
The Verdict: Use what you have, specialized brow products are not a priority. To tame unruly brows, apply Vaseline or hairspray to a Q tip and run through brow hairs. For definition, use matte eyeshadow you already own (almost every eye palette contains a few shades) that matches your brows. You can blend shades together for the perfect match if necessary.
The Couturist Recommends: Vaseline, Matte Eyeshadow
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