Inside My Makeup Bag: Sapna Rao
Skin Prep
Glow Mist, £20 | Pixi
“With my combination skin, hormonal bouts of spots and lingering acne scarring, it’s important that, before I apply anything, I prep my skin to ensure a smooth canvas. I start with my favourite hydrating spritz then pop it into my pouch so I can refresh my glow throughout the day. Using this Glow Mist keeps my skin properly hydrated and makes sure make-up doesn't cling to any dry areas.”
Available at LookFantastic.com
Foundation
Hydrating Foundation, £25.50 | Fenty Beauty
“Then I like to apply a small amount of my all-time favourite foundation. I’ve been buying it on repeat for almost four years now because it’s balanced, gives buildable coverage, has a hydrating formulation and – most important of all – it’s the perfect colour match.”
Available at HarveyNichols.com
CONCEALER
FOREVER SKIN CORRECT, £27 | DIOR
“This has recently become a staple in my everyday routine for its high coverage yet second skin-like finish. Some days, I will dot this around my face and it suffices on its own as a base. Other days, it's great to offer a little extra coverage on top of foundation. I use two colours, one for areas with scarring, uneven skin tone and for general spot concealing. The other slightly lighter, pinky-toned shade I use under the eyes – it’s great to combat dark circles.”
Available at Boots.com
FACE BRUSH
ANGLED FOUNDATION BRUSH, £10 | REAL TECHNIQUES
“This is a cult favourite that doesn't need much of an introduction. The angled version is a variation on Real Techniques brushes for years. It’s great for buffing any base products and helps create a flawless canvas to work off.”
Available at Boots.com
STORAGE
Floral Stripes Makeup Bag, £30 | Sézane
“During lockdown I did a big make-up purge to get rid of all those five-year-old empties that never quite seem to make it in the bin. But I still have an affinity for collecting make-up, so at home I opt for a larger make-up bag. It’s perfect for the extras with nowhere to go, as well as a place to house spare brushes, lippies and liners – and anything else I don’t need from day to day. For the makeup I do wear almost every day, I use this pretty on-the-go pouch from Sézane that I throw in my handbag – cute, and roomy enough to hold the essentials."
Available at Sezane.com
SETTING POWDER
NO COLOUR POWDER, £11 | RCMA
“I apply this loose, translucent powder with a fluffy brush or beauty sponge under my eyes and to set make-up over especially smudge-prone areas such as my t-zone or any spots. This ensures no extra or cakey coverage is added, while keeping my base intact. I also love how it brightens up my under eyes –it’s ideal for those who want to bake.”
Available at BeautyBay.com
BRONZER & CONTOUR
GEL CONTOUR, £24 | KAT VON D
“I swap between powder, liquid and cream bronzing products, depending on the look I want, my skin and the time of year. Most often, I start with the Kat Von D Gel Contour to subtly chisel – its incredibly blendable formula makes contouring easy. I follow up with my favourite baked powder bronzer from Milani. The ‘baked’ aspect gives it a mineral, radiant finish, rather than making skin look muddy or flat. It also has a very subtle luminescence I love.
Available at Boots.com
BLUSH
CREAM BLUSH, MALAYA, £14 | REFY
“I like to go into the product directly with a short stippling brush to warm it up a bit before blending onto my cheeks. I love a cream blush – especially after setting the base with powder, it brings back a bit of radiance without the need for highlights or shimmers. I think the flushed, sun-kissed look is so fresh and creates a lovely, healthy glow that looks and feels natural.”
Available Selfridges.com
EYEBROWS
BROW POWER, £21.50 | IT COSMETICS
“I love anything that makes the make-up process quicker in the mornings. This two-in-one pencil and brush spooly tip does exactly that. I brush my brows through to get them neat and into position, then lightly draw in flicks wherever there are sparse gaps. The best brow advice I’ve been given is that brows are sisters and not twins, so I’m never too precious about making them look identical.”
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
MASCARA
LASH SENSATIONAL, £9.99 | MAYBELLINE
“I came across this recently while researching viral Tik Tok beauty products. I thought it might be a fad at first, but I’ve been surprised and impressed. For under £10, this gets the job done better than some of the more expensive mascaras I've used. It separates lashes with ease, giving just the right lift and volume, plus a blacker-than-black tint that really fans out lashes and wakes up sleepy eyes.”
Available at Boots.com
LIPS
LIP OIL, £22 | TOO FACED
“I’m not big on lipstick, but when I do want a little something, I reach for NYX’s Soft Matte cream. It goes on like butter and is incredibly comfortable to wear. The rest of the time, I mostly use my trusty Eight Hour Cream. With a luscious, balmy texture, it drenches lips in moisture and gives a subtle tint without the fuss of a sticky lip gloss. If I’m not wearing this, I’m reaching for my Too Faced lip oil. The name sounds scary, but trust me the texture is everything – smooth and nourishing and with no colour, this gives lips a subtle plumping. And it tastes amazing too.”
Available at Boots.com
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