The mask mandates have expired, and while we may still wear masks from time to time, we are definitely excited to get to wear some makeup again! It is something we know many of us have done sparingly in the last two years. Since makeup does expire, we’ve had to replace some items from our kit, and we decided to share what we took into account when we went shopping for some must-haves.
Makeup is a big part of some of our routines and what makes us feel good. It doesn’t mean we do it every day or do a lot even —it just means that it’s a form of self-care that we enjoy. It’s good to do things that make us feel good, and getting to play with great products and try different looks is part of that. Below are a few items we love due to their quality and ingredients.
Multi-Purpose Cosmetics
Now that you’re looking for new products, our biggest advice is to purchase multi-purpose products. When you’re able to find makeup that provides a couple of benefits, in addition to giving you a flawless look, you reap the benefits of the ingredients and skin protection that they offer.
Primer and BB Cream
If you’re looking for a primer or BB cream, look for products formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Consider a product like bareMinerals Mini Complexion Tinted Moisturizer. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and provides SPF protection. This tinted moisturizer will give you a natural look because it is light coverage while keeping your skin supple. Hyaluronic acid will moisturize your skin, fortify its natural barriers, and help keep it tighter.
Liquid EyeShadow
When you’re shopping for new eyeshadow to bring out your eyes, consider your options when it comes to ingredients. Look for liquid eyeshadows such as Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow. It is a product formulated with Niacinamide, Aloe Lead water, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
This eyeshadow or one similar to it with antioxidants will help soothe and protect the skin of your eyelids. While the Niacinamide will help slow the formation of fine lines and reduce the look of hyperpigmentation.
Lip Balms
Whether our lips are behind a mask or not, it’s good to continue to take care of them; in our opinion, having a good lip balm on you that moisturizes them and gives you a little shine is a must!
A lip balm with wonderful ingredients is Laneige Lip Treatment Balm. If you can find this lip balm or one like it, you’ll reap the benefits of the peptides and coconut oil it contains. With peptides and adenosine, you’ll notice any lip wrinkles from dryness smooth, and your lips will look fuller and firmer. Meanwhile, if it contains coconut oil or something akin to it, you’ll be able to keep your lips moisturized and soft.
Blushes
On those days when you won’t have a mask on, and you want to add a bit of rouge to your cheeks, do so with another multi-beneficial product. One good example of what to look for is Iconic London Sheer Cream Blush. This particular product, and others like it, contains horehound extract, which is used because of its strong antioxidant activity, making it an anti-pollution product. When skincare is marked anti-pollution, it means it will help shield your complexion from harmful dust particles.
Mascaras
You might not think about mascara as being multi-purpose in its benefits; you might just purchase the one you’ve been loyal to for ages because it works for you and gives you the look you like without providing any other benefits. Take some time to look at what other mascaras have to offer. One good example of mascara with ingredients that won’t just elongate your lashes but also reap additional benefits is bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara.
This bareMinerals mascara has red clover peptide complex, which will help strengthen your lashes. It also contains minerals that will condition and nourish your lash cuticles. When your lashes are healthy, there is less fallout other than the regular growth cycle of your lashes.
Eyeliners
Eyeliner is another product you are not likely to give much thought to but definitely should. Some eyeliners can dry your eyelid, and if you have sensitive skin, certain types of eyeliners can cause dryness and flaking as well. Look for an eyeliner that has minerals and vitamins. A good option we have found is tarte Tarteist™ Clay Paint Liner, which contains vitamin E and mineral pigments.
Mineral pigments help keep the skin soft and soothe it, while vitamin E moisturizes the eyelid and acts as an antioxidant.
Makeup is Self-Care
While we here at ScissorsCut believe self-care involves the spirit, diet, exercise, and some me-time at a spa, we also believe wearing makeup is a form of self-care. During the pandemic, many of us stopped doing our makeup altogether, and for some, this was liberating, but for others, it is not.
Sometimes when we stop doing our makeup, we realize that our skin is happier and feels better. But this is not true for everyone —for some people keeping up with their makeup and hair routine actually helps their mental state. During lockdown, and now, a sense of normalcy and structure has been crucial. When your mental health is bettered by routine, it is a form of self-care! To this, we say, have fun with makeup!
The last couple of years has been full of a lot of uncertainty – being able to keep routines that make us feel safe and happy has been a big part of how some of us have kept our mental health during the pandemic. It’s good to have things that make us feel like ourselves when so much of our lives has shifted and become unsure. We continue to navigate the unknown together while doing our best to keep healthy. Whatever you do for self-care, be sure to keep it a habit and take care of your mind and body.