Katy Archer, Beauty Writer
Imagine you’ve just washed up on your very own desert island. You’re alone; you’re scared; and worst of all, all your make up has been washed away by the sea. It’s not fun being stuck on a desert island, but it’s even worse if you have to look like a unattractive beast in the process. But wait! Suddenly, 5 boxes come floating along. It’s Castaway for the ladies; you might not get your very own Wilson, but you’ll be the most beautiful cave dweller there ever was.
Here are the 5 essentials for your make up bag. If you had to choose 5 products to use for the rest of your life (or until someone rescued you, obviously), look no further than these beauties.
1.Nivea Blemish Balm Cream
If you haven’t seen an advert for this on the TV or on a massive poster at a tube station all over the capital you must be blind. Apparently formulated in the 1950s, and praised by Asian beauties (why it’s taken so long to materialise here I have no idea), this is an all in one foundation, SPF 15 tinted moisturizer and it evens outs your skin tone. I was a massive sceptic of this product at first, but after trying it, I don’t think I’d ever go back to regular foundation. Having sensitive skin, it doesn’t irritate or clog up my pores, and it stays put all day. Seriously. Give it a go.
2.Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers
To be used with mascara, which I’ll get to next. When I got my first pair at the age of about 12, I used to put my mascara on and then curl the lashes. A little bit backwards, but I was on the edge of womanhood and I thought I knew what I was doing. Thankfully, nowadays I know how to use a pair. For me, there is just no point in buying mascara unless you own a pair of curlers. If you buy some that are a little more expensive than own brand, they usually last years. Keep them clean, obviously, or you’ll get nasty eye infections, which would be very counter productive.
3.Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
I know it’s not waterproof (though you can buy it as such if you’re choosy.) I know it’s not expensive. I know it’s not the ‘best’ brand out there. But for price, durability, brush and look, this is the one to go for. Boasting itself ‘America’s Favourite Mascara,’ it’s hard not to agree. All these newer, fancier mascaras I tend to try on a whim always end up going dusty in the bottom of my make up bag. They may promise ‘LASHES SO BIG AND FULL YOU WON’T EVEN BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR EYES,’ but this one will always be my favourite.
4. Benefit Dandelion Powder
I’ve chosen Benefit’s ‘Dandelion’ blusher as an example that suits my skin tone, but there are lots more of these wonderful little boxes to match any cheek. Totally gorgeous packaging (which I am a sucker for), coupled with to die for cheek shades, Benefit are definitely a company you can trust not to sell you products that don’t do what they say on the box. And it comes with a brush, so that won’t take up the last number on my list.
5.Rose & Co Lipbalm
At first, I was going to pick lipstick. Older. More sophisticated. Then I changed my mind, and thought that lip gloss, lipsticks younger sister, would be better. Then I ran through my own daily routine and realised that I apply lip balm probably 10 times a day. This one has a hint of pink to give you some colour, and after only 1 day of use, your lips will be smooth and kissable. Perfect for when you’re rescued from your island, no?