Universal favourites

I work in the beauty industry, so friends and family are always asking me for advice on what products they should use. Thing is, just because something works for me, that doesn't mean that everybody else will love it too.

Thankfully, there are some products that absolutely everybody adores. Here are just a few of them.

Hourglass Mineral Primer SPF15 AU$79 is magic in a bottle. It smooths the skin, evens skin tone, tones down redness and creates a beautifully silky, velvet matte base so that foundation just glides on top. It also enhances the longevity of foundation and concealer and provides sun protection. 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation AU$99 is not my holy grail of foundations (although it may have been had I not discovered By Terry Light Expert AU$115); however everybody I have introduced it to tells me that it is everything they are looking for, and more. It has a gorgeous fluid texture, sheer but buildable coverage and gives a lovely soft-focus glow to the skin. 

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna AU$72, on the other hand, is my holy grail of bronzers. It works for everybody except the very pale (try Too Faced Snow Bunny Caribbean Compact $49.95 instead) and those with deep skin tones (Nars Bronzing Powder in Casino AU$72 is an ideal alternative). All you need to know about Laguna is that it never, ever looks stripy or dirty on the skin like so many unflattering bronzers I see adorning girls at my local shopping centre. Its sheer formula and subtle shimmer provide warmth and definition, and mimic a natural tan.

Estee Lauder Tender Blush in Peach Nuance is an incredibly pretty pink/peach colour that is beloved by every single one of its owners (as far as my research suggests). As soft or bright as you like, depending on how heavy or light the application, it is wonderfully versatile and a must-have for anybody who wants a fresh glow emanating from the apples of their cheeks. (P.S. I tried to check the Australian Estee Lauder website for a price, but couldn't find this on there... perhaps it has been discontinued. If anybody knows otherwise, please let me know in the comments!)

Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond AU$88 is a stunning bronze-toned shimmer powder that can be worn on the high planes of the face - where the sun naturally hits - such as the temples, brow bones and the centre of the nose, forehead, chin and cupid's bow. Best for those with olive skin (or a fake tan), it provides a beautiful luminosity unrivaled by any highlighter I have come across.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner AU$42 is my fail-safe recommendation whenever anybody asks me to direct them to the perfect black liquid eyeliner. Its brush is fine, its ink is a delectable pitch black and its applicator is uncharacteristically reliable (for a liquid eyeliner). A definite winner.

YSL Shiny Lip Plumper in Candy or Nude AU$55ea are both perfect for a glossy nude lip. Candy is  a cool, pink-toned nude; whereas Nude is... just nude. For anybody who wants a low-key look, or wears smoky eyes, either (or both) of these are the answer to your prayers. They also help to "plump" the lips, so impart an addictive tingle whenever you reapply.

So what do you think? Have I enticed you with my list of universal favourites? Do you have any questions for me? Ask away!

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