Unseen heroes: The makeup base products you need in your makeup bag

When it comes to makeup, sometimes the superstars in your collection are the items that are the most invisible.

Gone are the days of the basic makeup routine. Everyday my personal routine looks like this: primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder, eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, mascara, sometimes eyeliner, bronzer, blush, highlight, setting spray… And that’s on a quick day.

You may not think you need a primer, setting powder, or setting spray, but having used these products for years and years now, they really are the all-stars in my makeup routine.  These items help smooth out skin, set your cream products, and overall help your makeup last longer.

When it comes to primers, powders, and setting sprays, you definitely don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for a good product, but lately I’ve been digging some of these more higher-end items to help my makeup look just as flawless morning to night.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer

Great makeup starts at the base.

The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer (C$68) is definitely one of the most expensive primers in my collection, but it really helps my skin glow.

This primer, which melts into your skin, helps hydrate and blur the look of imperfections to prep your skin for a flawless application. In case you aren’t familiar with why you need a primer, think of it this way: these primers work the same way as a nail polish base coat or an actual paint primer; they help to smooth out skin for the perfect foundation application.

This particular primer is perfect for the cold-weather months we have coming up since it will keep your skin hydrated all day long thanks to the shea butter, rice bran, and glycerin.

Now I know what you’re thinking, do you really need a $68 primer? An item that you don’t even see on the skin.  The answer is of course no. But, I will say that this primer leaves skin looking and feeling amazing and if you’re looking for a treat, then I would make the investment and pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores powder

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder and Illumination Compact Powder

I’ve been using multiple forms of IT Cosmetics’ Bye Bye line of products for years now but I don’t think I have tried their powders… until now.

The Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish powders come in a variety of formulas, but we are going to start first with the loose version, the Airbrush Powder (C$40). This powder is a loose translucent setting powder that minimizes the look of pores and reduces shine on the skin.  Apply it over your cream foundation and concealer products to smooth the look of your skin and protect against free-radical damage which can cause skin inflammation and aging.  The formula includes silk, collagen (to support skin elasticity for a youthful-looking appearance), and antioxidants.

I have tried this product as both a setting powder and baking and think that it works better for just setting your makeup. When I used it to bake my products I found that it did settle and left a little bit of white behind when I went to brush it off, so I wouldn’t recommend using it in that method. As a setting powder though, I think it does a wonderful job and you cause either use the puff it comes with, your brush, or a beauty sponge to apply it.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pore Illuminating Setting Powder

Now we all know that loose setting powders tend to get everywhere (especially when you travel with them), so if you are more of a compact person, then take a look at the Bye Bye Pores Illumination Powder (C$40).

This pressed powder not only sets your makeup, but it’s infused with their Drop of Light technology to give the look of glowing skin. The formula also contains silk and collagen to smooth out skin and provide a youthful-looking appearance.

Since this powder is also translucent it’s perfect for just about any skin tone. The illumination isn’t too dramatic, just subtle enough to give you that “lit from within” glow.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer and Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

I think Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray was the very first setting spray I ever used.

Now that was way back in probably 2011 or 2012, when setting sprays were just becoming a thing and Urban Decay was one of few brands actually offering them. Since that time, it’s seems like most makeup brands have come out with their own setting sprays and since I get to try so many different products, I haven’t gone back to the original.. until now.

Now available in an extra-large bottle (C$50), this iconic setting spray locks in makeup all night (or day) long. Once you are done your makeup routine, shake the bottle up and then spray it in an X and T motion to set your makeup for up to 16 hours.  The formula is vegan and dispenses the product in an ultra-fine mist, which you wouldn’t think would be a big deal, but having tried so many setting sprays over the year, this is definitely something that makes a difference in how I enjoy the product.

Face full of makeup using Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Setting Powder, and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Of course there are so many primers, powders, and setting sprays out there right now, at all different price points. I think these items do a really great job and if you are looking into treating yourself a little, I would take a look at picking these up. Don’t forget, makeup starts at the base, so it helps a little to have these items be the unseen heroes behind your makeup routine.

What’s your favourite primer, setting powder, and setting spray?

 

Please note, products supplied by PR. All opinions are my own.

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