Whether your makeup routine involves full-face application or just a touch here and a dab there, you've probably found makeup essentials that are just perfect for your skin type, tone and colour. And when you find those perfect beauty products, it’s tempting to stock up with a lifetime supply…you know, just in case.

Four Canadian Living beauty and style editors reveal a couple of makeup essentials they’ve each made long-term commitments to and would hate to see discontinued. Check out the best makeup products that top their lists -- and you may find a new must-have lipstick or blush for yourself!

Essential beauty products for Katherine Flemming, associate Beauty & Fashion editor
1. Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies mascara
I was the biggest drugstore mascara snob for as long as I can remember until I tried Falsies ($8). It coaxes curl, length and just the right amount of volume out of the wimpiest lashes and does an incredible job of defining the outer corners.

I also love the formula -- it’s just wet enough so you have time to re-apply if something doesn’t sit right, but it sets in enough time so you’re not left with smears. Oh, and it defies flakes.

2. Joe Fresh Matte lipstick in fuchsia
This $6 wonder has netted me more compliments than any other makeup I’ve worn in my lifetime, so I’m hip to believing it’s a good fit for my skin tone and hair colour.

Joe Fresh's Matte lipstick is creamy enough so that a light application yields incredible colour without pressing too hard and while it’s matte, it shockingly doesn’t dry out lips (that's unheard of in this product category, I’m telling you).

I am absolutely obsessed with this lipstick and make sure to keep multiples in different places of my house to make sure I’m never too far away.


Page 1 of 3 -- When it comes to buying foundation, do you think our editors save or splurge? Find out on page 2 where there are more favourite beauty products.
Essential beauty products for Karen Kwinter, Style editor at large
1. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless foundation
My fave makeup product is CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless foundation ($18).

It has a creamy, lightweight texture and is so easy to apply. Sometimes I need a quick touch-up in the afternoon but generally the coverage is just right and doesn't look or feel too heavy and cakey.

I love that it's readily available at the drugstore and that the price is reasonable.

2. Allure lip gloss by Beauté Cosmetics Inc.
For about four years now, I have been wearing a lip gloss called Allure by Beauté. It's a hard-to-get niche brand created by Canadian makeup artist Beau Nelson.

Now only available online (Holts once carried it), I wish I could find a replacement but I haven't been able to -- and believe me I have tried!

It combines the perfect soft pink, slightly opaque colour with just the right touch of shimmer. At $26 plus shipping, it's one addiction I am trying to break.

Essential beauty products for Julia McEwen, senior Fashion & Beauty editor
1. M.A.C Powder blush in Dolly Mix
Besides playing around with Wet N Wild and Hard Candy, M.A.C was the first quality cosmetic brand I got into. One of my very first purchases from the beauty giant was their Powder blush ($20). in a horrendously vibrant rusty pink shade that they no longer carry (thank God!)

After trial and error I've finally found my go-to blush shades from M.A.C I play the field between Dolly Mix, which is pure candy pink with a touch of shimmer and Pink O'Peach, a warm, peach sheertone.

Why do I love blush? It instantly perks up my paler-than-thou complexion. If I could only use one beauty product for the rest of my life, it would be blush -- M.A.C Powder blush, to be specific.

2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation
I've been hooked on this oil-free light-coverage foundation since I first stumbled across it while I was rummaging through my mother’s makeup bag several years ago.

I admit, this product has a hefty price tag ($62) but it's worth every penny. If you're going to spend a little extra money on one cosmetic it should be on foundation.

Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundation evens out imperfections without looking noticeable. It leaves behind a flawless complexion that gives skin radiance without that unwanted shine. The texture is very light and silky due in part to the silicone-based fluid.


Page 2 of 3 -- Senior web editor Jennifer Melo shares her favourite mascara and concealer brands on page 3.
Essential beauty products for Jennifer Melo, senior web editor
1. L'Oréal Lash Out mascara
I don't know if it's the brush or the formula but nothing makes my eyelashes look longer than L'Oreal's Lash Out mascara ($9). It doesn't go on too thick so I can choose a more natural look with one coat or I can build its thickness when I want more volume/drama with another coat or two.

The brush is thin enough to get at those little lashes at the inner and outer corners of my eyes without messing up the rest of my eye makeup or smudging onto the skin around my eyes.

I've loved this product for as long as I can remember and after trying several other mascaras, I can say that no other product quite compares. I'll never stray again.

2. Revlon ColorStay Blemish concealer
What can I say? Zits happen. And when they do, I hide their ugly redness with Revlon ColorStay Blemish concealer ($10).

Using its sponge-tip applicator, I dab on the concealer and blend it in with my fingertips. I get great budge-proof coverage as the formula nicely clings to my skin but if I need added staying power, I layer on a thin powder foundation. Before you know it, pimples just about disappear.

Fair warning: The formula dries super fast so you need to immediately blend it into your skin and I don't recommend using it to hide dark circles under your eyes. The formula can be drying and might crease into fine lines.

Which makeup essentials in your cosmetics bag are worthy of a long-term relationship?

Want more insider beauty tips? Follow us on the Fashion and Beauty Blog.

Natalie Bahadur is the senior editor of styleathome.com and a contributor to Canadianliving.com.


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