beauty

'I'm a professional makeup artist. These 7 items are all I need for quick, polished look.'

This article was originally published on Adore Beauty.

I know I'm not the only one who can find the makeup and skincare world all a little overwhelming (and I've been working in this industry for over 20 years!).

It can be a minefield out there knowing what goes where and when to apply it!

It can take up so much time just trying to get it right daily.

Doing what I do, I get to test and play with a lot of makeup (and skincare) products.

Watch: Mia Freedman shares her 5-minute makeup routine. Post continues after video.


Video via Mamamia.

Recently, I've honed in my daily makeup artist routine and fine-tuned my favourite products to create a fresh makeup look.

Now, most of you may know I do love multi-use products, so don't be surprised when you see some in the below list.

The best products to use for a quick makeup look.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Muicn Power Essence 100ml, $38.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Muicn Power Essence 100ml.

Fast Facts:

  • A daily hydrating essence.
  • It helps to repair and protect the skin barrier.
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

This is the newest member of my daily skincare routine, and I wish I started using it earlier!

I'm sure most skincare enthusiasts need no introduction to this popular K-Beauty snail mucin essence, but I'll give you all the quick rundown, anyway.

The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is formulated with snail secretion filtrate.

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It helps to moisturise the skin and it can help improve elasticity and assist in the reduction of fine lines.

My skin feels plump and hydrated once I apply this essence, I use it as part of my AM and PM routine.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturiser 75ml, $47.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser. Image: Adore Beauty.

What: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser 75ml.

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Fast Facts:

  • A multipurpose product, can be used as a moisturiser, primer or hydrating mask.
  • It hydrates the skin and restores elasticity.
  • Can be used as a cleanser and also removes mascara.

This is really the OG when we talk about a multi-tasking cream moisturiser/primer.

This French company is known for their luxurious formulas and has mastered the perfect hybrid of a hydrating moisturiser and primer.

Containing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera, they also have a range for more sensitive skin types too.

This cream is perfect for my skin prep as it leaves my skin feeling smooth, plump and hydrated, ready for any make-up application, or to be worn on its own.

I currently use this AM and PM.

Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint 18ml, $41.

Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint 18ml.

Fast Facts:

  • It’s a multi-use gel-based bronzing tint.
  • A hybrid of skincare and makeup.
  • Use on its own or mixed with foundation.

I came across this product a few years ago and I still use it daily.

This versatile bronzing tint instantly adds a healthy sun-kissed glow to your skin.

It can be worn alone or mixed into your moisturiser, SPF or foundation.

Sometimes I use it just to contour and apply it with a synthetic blush brush.

I apply this after moisturiser and SPF on non-makeup days or use it as bronzer after my foundation.

Huda Beauty GloWish Bright Light Sheer Concealer 10.5ml, $42.

Huda Beauty GloWish Bright Light Sheer Concealer. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Huda Beauty GloWish Bright Light Sheer Concealer.

Fast Facts:

  • A lightweight and illuminating concealer.
  • Ideal for under the eyes to boost radiance and conceal.
  • Transfer-proof.

When we hear the word concealer, we usually think heavy and cakey.

The Glowish Bright Light Sheer concealer from Huda Beauty is the exact opposite.

This one is designed to give a natural, radiant finish while still providing good coverage to any skin imperfection or darkness under the eyes.

Some days this can be the only coverage I add to my skin, a few dots blended under my eyes and I'm out the door!

M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation 30ml, $76.

M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation

Fast Facts:

  • This is a skincare-infused foundation.
  • Medium, buildable coverage with a radiant finish.
  • Contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

This is the newest addition to my daily routine.

As it is a lightweight, luminous and buildable coverage foundation, a little can go a long way.

I like to apply this with a makeup sponge and I find it works really well with the Huda Beauty GloWish Concealer to create a radiant finish.

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This is the perfect way to add a glow from within to your complexion.

Maybelline New York Falsies Surreal Meta Black Mascara - Washable 10ml, $27.99.

Maybelline New York Falsies Surreal Meta Black Mascara - Washable. Image: Adore Beauty.

What: Maybelline New York Falsies Surreal Meta Black Mascara - Washable

Fast Facts:

  • This formula is clump, flake and smear-resistant.
  • Ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
  • The microfibre brush coats each lash from root to tip.

Mascara would honestly be my one desert island item!

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If there is one product I'll always wear, it is mascara.

This one from Maybelline is currently on high rotation. It creates a voluminous and dramatic lash look in just a few coats.

Each of my lashes is separated and the buildable formula creates extension-like length and volume.

This gives a false lash look without the hassle of actually applying false lashes.

I'm using the 'Meta Black' iteration which is infused with dimensional pearls for a deeper, bolder look.

Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm 15g, $27.

Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm

Fast Facts:

This is the perfect combination of a sheer lip balm and an SPF50.

It keeps my lips hydrated with a tint of colour all while protecting them from getting burnt.

It contains lip-loving ingredients like cacao seed and shea butter.

It can be worn on its own for a natural look, or over the top of bolder lipsticks to add shine and protection.

So there you have it, my current fave products from skincare to makeup!

Remember, find what works best for you and your skin concerns.

Multi-use products are always a great idea and most of the time; less is more.

A polished make-up look doesn't have to be twenty products, try not to overthink it!

For more from beauty writer Dalal Mansour, click here.

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Feature image: Adore Beauty.

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