Beauty Front Benchers
This lip care trend is all about intense hydration—have you tried it yet?
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It was just a few days ahead of starting college in 2017, when I borrowed my sister’s red lipstick for the first time. One swipe, a quick glance in the mirror and boom. Brain chemistry permanently altered. That was the moment I just fell in love with makeup. The bold red on my lips made me feel great. Since then, I’ve tried, tested and tossed more products than I can count. It took years (and many questionable purchases) to figure out what actually worked for me—because back then, I had zero guidance.
So here's a no-fuss guide to building your first makeup kit from scratch, so you don’t have to wing it like I did. Think of it as a capsule wardrobe, but for your face. Whether you’re new to wearing makeup or just want to hit refresh on the basics, this is your shortcut to a routine that works, feels good and won’t take an hour to apply.
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The last thing you want when you are navigating the summer sun’s scorching glare is a cakey foundation that feels like it is weighing your skin down. This is where Maybelline’s long-wear formula comes in to deliver a weightless, feathery light finish that will keep you sweat-free and fuss-free all day long.
This mascara gives you that lifted, fanned-out lash look without the smudging or flaking that some waterproof formulas are guilty of. It holds a curl nicely and lasts through everything from a sweaty workout to a packed commute. The brush catches even the tiny lashes in the corners of your eyes, giving you that wide-awake look without clumps. Great for days when you need your lashes to survive the weather and whatever else comes your way.
The truth is, a great base doesn’t require 10 layers of makeup. Just a foundation, a concealer and a setting spray are enough to get you glowing and out the door.
Start with foundation. You want a lightweight formula that feels like second skin and doesn’t melt off by noon. Go for one that offers a natural, luminous finish that wears well all day. Think: breathable, transfer-proof and sweat-proof. As your first ever pick, I recommend Maybelline New York's Super Stay Lumi-Matte Liquid Foundation that blends easily without looking patchy. You can work it in with either a foundation brush, a makeup sponge or simply with your fingertips.
Next, a concealer. For your under-eyes and breakouts, look for a creamy, no-crease formula like the Instant Age Rewind Eraser. It has a built-in sponge applicator for easy swiping and it’s packed with goji berry and Haloxyl to provide skin-loving benefits. Bonus: you can also use it to highlight the high points of your face.
Finally, set it all in place with a setting spray. A hydrating option like the PAC Makeup Prime and Setting Spray will smoothen texture, keep shine in check and give you a fresh-face finish. It’s so lightweight, you can spritz it throughout the day without worrying about buildup. No powder needed.
This is where it gets fun. Even if you’re not yet doing a full eye moment, having a couple of eye staples on hand changes everything.
First up: kajal. It’s the easiest way to define your eyes, instantly. Use it to tightline when you’re rushing, wing it out for special occasions and smudge it for a soft, lived-in vibe. Reach for Lakme's 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal that is waterproof, lasts for hours and glides on smoothly. It comes in eight shades. Black is classic, brown is low-key and if you want to play, there are multiple bold colours waiting for you.
Then there’s mascara—arguably the one product you’ll reach for every day. Whether you’re after length, volume, curl or all three, you want a formula that won’t flake or weigh you down. The crowd-favourite Panorama mascara by L'Oreal Paris gets it. One coat gives you a soft flutter, two give you full volume. It’s smudge-proof, waterproof and stays put all day—no touchups required. Just wide-awake lashes that make you look fresh even if you snoozed your alarm (three times).
How you do your lips and cheeks will make or break a look. So go for products that are easy to apply and are fail-safe for a makeup newbie.
First up, pick a shade of lipstick you'll actually love—something you’ll reach for without thinking twice. Nude, red, mauve, berry—there’s no wrong answer here. I recommend the Hya Matte Lip Liquid—it has a range of colours available. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so it doesn’t just sit there—it keeps your lips feeling soft and hydrated all day. The colour payoff is no joke, either. It goes on bold and stays put, no fading, no smudging, no feathering. If you live for a matte finish, this one delivers.
If glossy is more your thing, you’ll want this Kiko Milano pick in natural rose—or whichever else you prefer. It’s high-shine, ultra-cushiony and gives your skin a mirror-like finish without the stickiness. Plus, it hydrates. So your lips not only look good, but also feel good.
A quick swipe of a great blush and suddenly you’ve got the I-slept-for-eight-hours glow. And cream blush is your go-to if you’re new to it. Try Maybelline New York's Sunkisser—it blends smoothly with fingers and gives your cheeks a healthy, buildable flush. Start at the apples and blend up towards your temples. Besides, it works as a highlighter on days you want to go out-out.
The truth is, a great base doesn’t require 10 layers of makeup. Just a foundation, a concealer and a setting spray are enough to get you glowing and out the door.
Start with foundation. You want a lightweight formula that feels like second skin and doesn’t melt off by noon. Go for one that offers a natural, luminous finish that wears well all day. Think: breathable, transfer-proof and sweat-proof. As your first ever pick, I recommend Maybelline New York's Super Stay Lumi-Matte Liquid Foundation that blends easily without looking patchy. You can work it in with either a foundation brush, a makeup sponge or simply with your fingertips.
Next, a concealer. For your under-eyes and breakouts, look for a creamy, no-crease formula like the Instant Age Rewind Eraser. It has a built-in sponge applicator for easy swiping and it’s packed with goji berry and Haloxyl to provide skin-loving benefits. Bonus: you can also use it to highlight the high points of your face.
Finally, set it all in place with a setting spray. A hydrating option like the PAC Makeup Prime and Setting Spray will smoothen texture, keep shine in check and give you a fresh-face finish. It’s so lightweight, you can spritz it throughout the day without worrying about buildup. No powder needed.
This is where it gets fun. Even if you’re not yet doing a full eye moment, having a couple of eye staples on hand changes everything.
First up: kajal. It’s the easiest way to define your eyes, instantly. Use it to tightline when you’re rushing, wing it out for special occasions and smudge it for a soft, lived-in vibe. Reach for Lakme's 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal that is waterproof, lasts for hours and glides on smoothly. It comes in eight shades. Black is classic, brown is low-key and if you want to play, there are multiple bold colours waiting for you.
Then there’s mascara—arguably the one product you’ll reach for every day. Whether you’re after length, volume, curl or all three, you want a formula that won’t flake or weigh you down. The crowd-favourite Panorama mascara by L'Oreal Paris gets it. One coat gives you a soft flutter, two give you full volume. It’s smudge-proof, waterproof and stays put all day—no touchups required. Just wide-awake lashes that make you look fresh even if you snoozed your alarm (three times).
How you do your lips and cheeks will make or break a look. So go for products that are easy to apply and are fail-safe for a makeup newbie.
First up, pick a shade of lipstick you'll actually love—something you’ll reach for without thinking twice. Nude, red, mauve, berry—there’s no wrong answer here. I recommend the Hya Matte Lip Liquid—it has a range of colours available. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so it doesn’t just sit there—it keeps your lips feeling soft and hydrated all day. The colour payoff is no joke, either. It goes on bold and stays put, no fading, no smudging, no feathering. If you live for a matte finish, this one delivers.
If glossy is more your thing, you’ll want this Kiko Milano pick in natural rose—or whichever else you prefer. It’s high-shine, ultra-cushiony and gives your skin a mirror-like finish without the stickiness. Plus, it hydrates. So your lips not only look good, but also feel good.
A quick swipe of a great blush and suddenly you’ve got the I-slept-for-eight-hours glow. And cream blush is your go-to if you’re new to it. Try Maybelline New York's Sunkisser—it blends smoothly with fingers and gives your cheeks a healthy, buildable flush. Start at the apples and blend up towards your temples. Besides, it works as a highlighter on days you want to go out-out.
The truth is, a great base doesn’t require 10 layers of makeup. Just a foundation, a concealer and a setting spray are enough to get you glowing and out the door.
Start with foundation. You want a lightweight formula that feels like second skin and doesn’t melt off by noon. Go for one that offers a natural, luminous finish that wears well all day. Think: breathable, transfer-proof and sweat-proof. As your first ever pick, I recommend Maybelline New York's Super Stay Lumi-Matte Liquid Foundation that blends easily without looking patchy. You can work it in with either a foundation brush, a makeup sponge or simply with your fingertips.
Next, a concealer. For your under-eyes and breakouts, look for a creamy, no-crease formula like the Instant Age Rewind Eraser. It has a built-in sponge applicator for easy swiping and it’s packed with goji berry and Haloxyl to provide skin-loving benefits. Bonus: you can also use it to highlight the high points of your face.
Finally, set it all in place with a setting spray. A hydrating option like the PAC Makeup Prime and Setting Spray will smoothen texture, keep shine in check and give you a fresh-face finish. It’s so lightweight, you can spritz it throughout the day without worrying about buildup. No powder needed.
This is where it gets fun. Even if you’re not yet doing a full eye moment, having a couple of eye staples on hand changes everything.
First up: kajal. It’s the easiest way to define your eyes, instantly. Use it to tightline when you’re rushing, wing it out for special occasions and smudge it for a soft, lived-in vibe. Reach for Lakme's 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal that is waterproof, lasts for hours and glides on smoothly. It comes in eight shades. Black is classic, brown is low-key and if you want to play, there are multiple bold colours waiting for you.
Then there’s mascara—arguably the one product you’ll reach for every day. Whether you’re after length, volume, curl or all three, you want a formula that won’t flake or weigh you down. The crowd-favourite Panorama mascara by L'Oreal Paris gets it. One coat gives you a soft flutter, two give you full volume. It’s smudge-proof, waterproof and stays put all day—no touchups required. Just wide-awake lashes that make you look fresh even if you snoozed your alarm (three times).
How you do your lips and cheeks will make or break a look. So go for products that are easy to apply and are fail-safe for a makeup newbie.
First up, pick a shade of lipstick you'll actually love—something you’ll reach for without thinking twice. Nude, red, mauve, berry—there’s no wrong answer here. I recommend the Hya Matte Lip Liquid—it has a range of colours available. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so it doesn’t just sit there—it keeps your lips feeling soft and hydrated all day. The colour payoff is no joke, either. It goes on bold and stays put, no fading, no smudging, no feathering. If you live for a matte finish, this one delivers.
If glossy is more your thing, you’ll want this Kiko Milano pick in natural rose—or whichever else you prefer. It’s high-shine, ultra-cushiony and gives your skin a mirror-like finish without the stickiness. Plus, it hydrates. So your lips not only look good, but also feel good.
A quick swipe of a great blush and suddenly you’ve got the I-slept-for-eight-hours glow. And cream blush is your go-to if you’re new to it. Try Maybelline New York's Sunkisser—it blends smoothly with fingers and gives your cheeks a healthy, buildable flush. Start at the apples and blend up towards your temples. Besides, it works as a highlighter on days you want to go out-out.
