The Powder Room Journal
Ingredients explained, routines analysed, and the questions our community are asking
The Powder Room Journal
3 easy beginner-friendly makeup tutorials
Starting your makeup journey can feel like stepping into a new world filled with endless brushes, palettes, and products—where to begin? Whether you’re aiming to master the basics or simply want to enhance your natural beauty without too much fuss, these three easy, beginner-friendly makeup tutorials are designed to help you look beautiful every day. The five-minute face Perfect for those mornings when time is tight, the five-minute face is all about simplicity and speed. Base: Start with a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. These products are great for beginners because they're forgiving and easy to blend. They often come with SPF, so it covers your suncare routine as well. Concealer: Use a lightweight concealer for under-eye circles or blemishes. Tap it in gently with your fingertip for a seamless finish. Blush: Add a touch of cream blush to your cheeks for a natural flush. Cream formulas are easy to work with; just smile and dab the blush on the apples of your cheeks. Mascara: A few coats of mascara can open your eyes. Wiggle the brush at the base of your lashes to add volume. Lips: Finish with a tinted lip balm or gloss for a hint of color and hydration. Natural look for work or school This look builds on the basics, adding subtle enhancements that make your features pop without looking overdone: Base: Apply a light coverage foundation or continue using a BB cream for a natural look. Eyes: Sweep a neutral eyeshadow across your eyelids. Choose a shade slightly darker than your skin tone for more definition and depth. Use a soft brown eyeliner on your upper lash line to elongate your eyes. Eyebrows: Fill in sparse brows with a brow pencil or powder. Use short, light strokes to mimic natural hairs and brush through with a spoolie to soften the look. Cheeks: Powder blush works well for longer-lasting color. Apply lightly to avoid overpowering your natural look. Lips: Opt for a nude or soft pink lipstick that complements your skin tone. A creamy formula can be more forgiving and easier to apply than matte finishes. Evening glam in 10 minutes Ready to dial up the drama for an evening out? This quick glam look focuses on the eyes and lips for maximum impact: Base: Use a medium coverage foundation for a smooth, even canvas. Set lightly with translucent powder. Eyes: Create a smoky eye using a dark eyeshadow palette. Blend a darker shade on the outer corners and a lighter shimmer on the inner corners. Add eyeliner and mascara to define the eyes. Highlight: Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face: cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. Lips: Choose a bold lip color that makes a statement. Red, berry, or deep plum shades are perfect for night-time flair. Makeup should be fun, not frustrating. By following these easy tutorials, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also grow more confident in your makeup routine. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be adding your own twist to these looks.
Why prepping your skin is essential for long-lasting makeup
For those of us aiming for that perfect, photo-ready look from dawn to dusk, understanding the critical step of skin preparation can be a game changer. Here’s why proper skincare is non-negotiable in achieving long-lasting makeup. Creating the perfect base Smooth, hydrated skin is the best foundation for any makeup application. Just as an artist primes a canvas before painting, prepping your skin ensures that your makeup glides on smoothly and stays true to its form. Start with a clean face; use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and excess oils. Next, exfoliating is key—a weekly gentle scrub can remove dead skin cells, preventing makeup from looking patchy and uneven. Hydration is key One of the biggest enemies of lasting makeup is dehydrated skin. Moisturizing is crucial, even for those with oily skin. Choose a moisturizer that complements your skin type to keep it balanced. For an added boost, a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid can lock in moisture, plumping up the skin and smoothing out fine lines, creating a youthful, dewy base for makeup to adhere to. Priming for perfection Primer is not just an extra step; it’s your secret weapon. Applying a primer post-moisturizer gives makeup something to hold onto, increasing its longevity. Whether you’re combating shine, creating a radiant glow, or minimizing pores, there’s a primer for that. Primers can also shield your skin from potential irritants found in various makeup products, acting as a protective barrier. Sun protection and makeup longevity Incorporating a broad-spectrum SPF into your pre-makeup routine does more than protect against harmful UV rays; it prevents sun damage which can degrade the quality of your makeup throughout the day. Many moisturizers and primers now come with added SPF, proving that you can layer protection without compromising on beauty. Finish it off with a spray Finally, setting sprays or powders can be used not just to finish but also to prepare the skin. A light misting of setting spray before applying foundation can increase the longevity of your base. Consider light dusting powders in areas prone to oiliness to control shine and keep your makeup fresh. Remember, skincare and makeup are deeply personal —what works for one may not work for another. Tailoring your skin prep routine according to your skin type, the local climate, and your makeup style is crucial. Prepping your skin might add a few minutes to your beauty routine but consider this time an investment. With your skin correctly prepped, your makeup doesn’t just look better; it feels better, too—confident, radiant, and unmistakably you.
A guide to makeup looks that enhance your natural beauty
In a world full of dramatic makeup trends, sometimes the most striking statement you can make is to simply enhance your own natural beauty. Whether you’re heading to the office or going out for a night, there are myriad ways to use makeup to subtly boost your features without covering them up. Here’s how to achieve that effortlessly chic look that screams ‘I woke up like this’. Start with skin: Great makeup starts with great skin. A dewy, radiant complexion is key, so focus on skincare first. Use a gentle cleanser, keep hydrated, and apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type. When you're ready to apply makeup, a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream offers light coverage that lets your natural beauty shine through. Add a touch of concealer only where needed to even out tone or hide blemishes. Subtle glow: Highlighters are a natural beauty’s BFF. Choose a liquid or cream highlighter that matches your skin tone—think champagne tones for fair skin, golden hues for medium skin, and rich bronze for darker skin tones. Apply to the high points of your face where light naturally hits: your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. This will give you that enviable ‘glow from within’. Feathered brows: Full, well-groomed brows frame your face and can make you look instantly more polished without looking overdone. Use a brow gel to brush hairs upward for a feathery look, filling in sparse areas with a pencil or powder that matches your natural brow color. Enhanced eyes: When it comes to your eyes, a little can go a long way. A swipe of neutral eyeshadow, a touch of mascara, and perhaps a thin liner is all you need. Choose shades that are close to your natural eye color but slightly deeper to enhance without overpowering. Flushed cheeks: For a healthy, natural flush, cream blushes are perfect. They blend beautifully on the skin for a seamless finish. Opt for colors that mimic your natural flush and apply lightly to the apples of your cheeks. Lip service: Finish the look with a lip color that complements your natural lip color. Tinted lip balms, sheer lipsticks, or a dab of lip gloss can add a bit of polish without looking too ‘done’. The key to mastering natural makeup looks is embracing your features and enhancing them subtly. This approach not only highlights your best attributes but also keeps your routine relatively simple and utterly beautiful. Remember, the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence—makeup is just the cherry on top.
Top tips for removing your makeup gently and effectively
Is there anything more satisfying than nailing the perfect makeup look? As much as we enjoy experimenting with makeup, removing it shouldn't feel like a chore or, worse, a battle that leaves your skin waving the white flag. Properly removing makeup gently is an art form and can be a ritual that respects the skin's delicate balance while ensuring it's thoroughly clean – and we’ve got the ultimate guide here. Micellar water: back to basics Let’s start with the basics: micellar water. This skincare essential contains tiny micelles that attract dirt, oil, and makeup like a magnet, lifting them away without any harsh rubbing required. It's perfect for those nights when you’re too tired for a full routine but need to quickly remove your makeup before a quick wash. Oil cleansing: leave no trace behind Oil cleansers are your secret weapon against stubborn, waterproof makeup and SPF, and are the best way to leave your skin thoroughly cleansed. Gently massage your oil or balm of choice over your face and watch as even the most waterproof makeup starts to dissolve. The power of double cleansing A classic Korean beauty ritual, double cleansing starts with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and finishes with a water-based or foaming cleanser to deep cleanse your pores and remove the oil cleanser residue. It's a game-changer for keeping breakouts and blackheads at bay (and leaves your skin silky-soft and smooth). Reusable pads: eco-friendly and effective Swap out single-use cotton rounds for reusable makeup remover pads. They’re not only better for the environment but are also gentler on your skin. Paired with your favorite cleansing product, they ensure a thorough cleanse without unnecessary waste. Gently wash it Whatever your choice of product, the technique you use to apply it is crucial. When washing your face, use soft, circular motions, and avoid vigorous rubbing, especially around the sensitive eye area. Your skin will thank you with less irritation and redness. Don’t skip the rinse While micellar water and some oil cleansers don’t technically require rinsing, a final splash of water can help remove any residual product, leaving your skin feeling fresh and truly clean. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate... then moisturize After cleansing, it's important to immediately restore hydration. Choose a light, hydrating toner, essence or serum with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or Glycerin to replenish lost moisture. Follow with a good moisturizer to lock that hydration into the skin. Listen carefully Pay attention to how your skin feels after makeup removal. If you notice dryness, discomfort, or irritation, it might be time to switch to a more soothing product. Remember, skincare is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Removing your makeup shouldn’t be an afterthought in your beauty routine. By treating it with the same importance as every other step, you're not just taking off makeup; you’re caring for your skin’s health and future.
The ultimate guide to mastering eye makeup
Mastering eye makeup is like learning a new language—a language of colors, textures, and techniques that allows you to express your individual style and define your look. But with so many products on the market and a new trend cropping up every other month, we know it can feel intimidating especially as a newbie to eye makeup. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about creating the perfect eye look. It all starts with understanding your eye shape and color so you can choose the right tools and techniques to match your unique eyes. Not sure what your eye shape is? Here is a breakdown on the most common eye shapes. Round eyes are characterized by their circular shape that is similar in width and height, creating an open and awake appearance. Almond eyes, resembling almonds, are pointed at both ends and wider in the center, with a well-defined crease. Monolid eyes lack a visible crease, offering a smooth eyelid from lash line to brow. Hooded eyes feature a prominent brow bone with a skin fold that covers the crease, creating a "hooded" appearance over the eyelid. The next step in your path to levelling up your eye makeup game is choosing the right products. Look out for eye makeup with formulas that are not only vibrant and long-lasting but also consciously made, and packed full of skin-loving ingredients. Step 1: Prime your lids Even the most skillful eye makeup application isn't immune to the challenges of keeping your makeup perfectly in place. The secret weapon? A good primer. Just as a painter primes a canvas, an eyelid primer creates a smooth, even base that not only enhances the pigments of your eyeshadows but also ensures they hold from day into night. Step 2: Create the perfect base and blend When it comes to curating products for your eye makeup, make sure you have a neutral palette that will serve as the base for all your looks. And then you can add bolder colors to your collection based on your taste. For eye shadow application, blending is your best friend! The skill that separates the novice from the expert and the magic that softens harsh lines and creates a seamless transition from one color to the next. With the right blending brush, light pressure, and patience you can achieve a beautiful gradient effect that makes eye makeup look effortless and polished. Step 3: Define those eyes Eyeliners have been a key part of eye makeup in the Middle East for years. They can help add definition and shape to your eyes. If you’re looking to create a smoky look, you can grab a pencil eyeliner and glide over your waterline and above the lashes. If you want to create a sharper look, use a pen to draw wings for that cat eye look. Step 4: Wrap it all up with a mascara The final step (and sometimes the only step!) is mascara. Mascara gives your lashes volume and additional length, making them look denser and darker. Tip: Use brown mascara, if you want to create a more natural look. Remember, your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body so make sure you give them the right amount of love by using a gentle eye makeup remover. Mastering eye makeup is a journey of exploration and expression—a way to highlight your natural beauty while experimenting with the endless possibilities that colors and textures offer. Explore our range of clean eye makeup, so your consciousness can stay clear, while your eyes sparkle.
Hot-Girl Summer 2022 Beauty Trends To Get Ready For!
Summer 2022 is round the corner and we’ve collated the hottest beauty trends to get you in the loop! Luscious Lips Soft, smooth and juicy... The ultimate accessory this summer is the perfect glossy pout and it requires a little more care than a standard lip gloss. Sun exposure, travel, dehydration and some cosmetic ingredients can often dry out your lips. By introducing a lip exfoliator 2-3 times a week to remove uneven texture and following up with a lip mask can keep lips smooth and hydrated. If your daytime lipsticks/gloss don’t already contain SPF, it’s a good idea to keep an SPF balm on hand to apply first and reapply as necessary throughout the day. Natural Dewy Skin The secret is to start from the base and build upwards for the ultimate long-lasting dewy look all day. Beginning with a balancing cleanser topped up with some Vitamin C powder for a gentle buffer and glow. Following with a hydrating antioxidant serum to penetrate the deep layers before applying a non-greasy brightening moisturiser. For additional antioxidant boost add a nutrient-dense face oil, making sure to top off with a broad spectrum SPF for the day time. Glazed Donut Makeup Think Hailey Bieber and all things sweetly glazed... Glowing, plump with a sheen natural finish, it’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup look. The key to the glaze is to layer your no-makeup makeup in the right order. After fully prepping with skincare, we recommend starting with a silicone-free radiance priming serum followed by a natural-look skin tint for light coverage. For glazed cheek-bones look no further than a functional liquid highlighter and a soft-touch highlighting powder for a t-zone finish. Pink, Pink, Pink! We’re talking Pink lips and cheeks but not just any pink! Think glossy strawberry hues and varied shades of rose. Pink is THE summer season colour! When going for a glossy sheen lip look with buildable colour go for a liquid lip balm or for a more natural gloss try out a tinted lip oil. For that semi-matt finish you want to make sure you have some hydration in there so opting for a tinted hydrating balm that has buildable colour is a great option. For the ultimate pink cheek you can go full matt with a pigmented cream-based colour or keep it glossy and sheen with a nourishing stick blush. The Ultimate Eyeliner We are talking all things winged and black. From experimental asymmetric shapes to the classic cat eye, black liner is back. While the smokey eye will always be hailed as an all-time favourite, Summer 2022 bringing back the flick. First step is the ultimate base, an eye primer to keep oils at bay followed by a nude eyeshadow to set the lid. When creating these beautiful summer eyeliner shapes sticking with a liquid eye liner is a must. Follow through with black as night mascara, keeping the eyelashes simple so the eyeliner can be the main attraction. Body boosters Summer bodies on the go! Whether it’s in the privacy of your own back garden or lounging on the beaches of Greece, smooth healthy skin is on the horizon. The perfect pairing of Jasmine scented body polish to exfoliate and anti-inflammatory hydrating antioxidant body wash to keep your skin well-fed. Topping it off up with the delectable scent of sandalwood body glow oil for glossy sealed in moisture to give you the ultimate glowing summer skin.
Pure-Fect Make-Up Brushes for a Clear Conscience
Let’s face it, makeup brushes are far more effective than fingers. Further, we have come a long way since those days we used makeup brushes that came with the makeup. While there might still be some serial offenders, the majority of folk roaming the streets with streaky looking makeup are a thing of the past. The right brush can disperse product more evenly and smoothly across the skin. So having the right brush matters. And we are not talking about one brush for all and not just any kind of brush. We know, it’s a bit of a drag to spend money on makeup tools instead of actual makeup (we feel your pain) but it’s worth it. And trust us, your skin will thank you. With so many types of brushes, how do you find the best brush for your needs?First step: Determine what makeup you intend to use it. If you are into powder or creamy eyeshadows, then eyeshadow makeup brushes are just what you need. If you would like your foundation to be buttery-smooth, then a suitable foundation brush is the product of choice for that seamless, polished coverage. Secondly, think about the purpose. Do you want to use a makeup brush for blending? If so, you should pick a fluffier type of brush as it will diffuse whatever pigment powder you are using and automatically makes you look like you know what you are doing. On the other hand, if you are looking to add more coverage with streak-free precision, then a flat type of brush surface is best. Faux bristles or Natural, how do you choose?Synthetic all the way! Why wouldn’t one go for a truly cruelty-free alternative given there are so many unbelievably soft ones out there? Not only is synthetic more affordable, it is also better for your skin. The fibers are easier to clean and sanitize than animal hair makeup brushes which are likely to collect bacteria. With huge advancements in technology, faux bristles will not only stand the test of time but are antimicrobial. Also, it’s 2022 and just as we have banished fur and non-cruelty-free beauty and skincare products, the same must be done when it comes to investing in quality tools. For the animal lovers, it is also extremely difficult to know if natural makeup brushes are made in a cruelty-free way. Due to a lack of regulation or animal welfare laws in countries where many of these products are manufactured, only a small number of brands can trace the origins of the materials back to a source. So, think about the goats, boars, and squirrels! Think of their sad faces.Also, from a purely practical point of view, if you have sensitivity or allergies to some animals or animal hair this type of makeup brush is a no-no. Did we mention that these types of brushes also shed over time, from application and cleaning? Not pleasant... Makeup brush hackWhen applying foundation, start by putting a bit of the product on the back of your hand and then dip the brush to get the most of your precious products. This will give you control to use as little or as much of the product as you like. Makeup brushes have a way of eating up your product so this will help you to avoid wastage. A win-win solution for all. Shop our premier pro vegan brushes by RÓEN Beauty here exclusive to Powder Beauty!
Achieving a flawless make-up look with skincare
Can’t stop watching those Instagram make-up tutorials (mesmerising aren’t they)? You might have noticed that most Instagram makeup tutorials start with the artist massaging their favourite cream, serum or oil onto their face. This is no coincidence and is non-negotiable - moisturizing your face is a universal beauty essential. There are a number of other key skincare steps you can take, however, to achieve that flawless finish and we are not talking just talking about primers. You might have heard that 'not to prime is a crime'. However, the skincare that precedes primer application is just as, if not more, important. The reality is that no matter how great your makeup skills and quality of products are, if you skimp on your skincare routine before applying, you could end up with uneven, patchy coverage that wears quickly and doesn’t make you look or feel your best. Thankfully, prepping your skin for make-up application is pretty easy - just follow our simple step-by-step guide below: Cleanse Seems pretty basic, right? You need to cleanse to not only remove makeup but even if you have been lounging au natural all day. Remember to rinse with lukewarm water. If you are a makeup junkie, we highly recommend you double-cleanse when you want to remove your make-up. Simply put, this is cleansing twice; first with an oil-based cleanser or balm, followed by a water-based traditional cleanser, such as a cleansing gel or foam. This is because makeup, sunscreen and pore-clogging sebum are most effectively broken down and dissolved by oils, rather than detergents, as ‘like’ mixes with ‘like’. The foam or gel cleanser works to further rid your pores of any residual bacteria, dead skin cells and remaining surface impurities. Remember that a clean canvas is a smooth canvas. Exfoliate Applying makeup over skin that is not exfoliated (hello dead skin cells) is like painting over chipping paint – an unpleasant visual and simply not a good idea. We recommend exfoliating regularly with products including Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to gently remove dead skin cells and encourage turnover so your skin is ready for hydration. Hydrate Dry skin will crease. We love a good sheet mask especially before special occasions when we want our makeup to look on-point, so prior to using a hydrating cream, we recommend you use a nourishing sheetmask for a little extra glow. They are usually packed with goodness but one that includes hyaluronic acid to plump the skin would be our choice for makeup preparation. Give us any opportunity to force-feed our skin beneficial ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, and we will take it! Massage Regular facial massages are a must for glowing skin, but especially for bigger occasions before which you can boost circulation by giving yourself a mini-facial with your favourite oil or serum. With oils, you need to be careful with the type and quantity so that they do not clog your pores. Primer As a final step following moisturizer and SPF, primer will help makeup glide on your skin a lot smoother to reduce the appearance of imperfections. Make sure to go for a mattifying primer if you have oily skin.