WHAT’S IN THE MAKEUP BAG OF ‘OH LA LA!’ BEAUTY EDITOR

I love reading articles online or in a magazine that talks about makeup and beauty products. I’m pretty nosy about what other people use, especially from beauty editors. Beauty editors to me are like doctors, they always get asked to diagnose skin concerns and for their product recommendations. I’m one of those people. In my defense, there’s no better person to ask these things since the biggest part of their job is to try and test out new beauty products.

This is what happens whenever Sofia and I meet up. She is the beauty editor of ‘Oh La La’ magazine and a self-confessed beauty and makeup junkie. The first time we got talking about makeup was when we were in Paris shopping in Printemps. I said I needed a highlighter and straight away took me to the MAC counter. The next time we met, we spent a good amount of time talking about lipsticks.

I worked up the courage to ask her to tell me her favorite makeup products, well, because I have to know more! We met up for coffee and she took me through the content of her massive Victoria Secret makeup bag, and it’s good! Here’s what she has to say: 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo, QR208, Available in Sephora: I’m not a blusher type of person, but if I have to look a bit more alive, I do use a blush. I’m into more coral tones because it suits my skin tone. This has a matte finish. I tend to stay away from shimmery blush as it accentuates my acne and hyperpigmentation. This product is easy to blend and it lasts all day.

Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base, QR182, Available in Sephora, Pari Gallery, and major department stores:  I’m very faithful to bronzers but I don’t contour. I like to do a natural sun kissed look. This has a mousy texture with a velvety finish. I use a foundation brush and apply it on top of my cheeks, bridge of my nose, a little bit on my forehead.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, QR109, Available in Sephora online store: I set my entire face with this powder especially on areas where I’ve concealed. I don’t like the feeling of having a lot of makeup on and this one is very lightweight.

MAC Brow Set in Show Off, QR 66, Available in all major malls in Doha: Eyebrows frames your face and it can transform your entire look. At the moment, I’m into that brushed up eyebrows and I use two coats of this to set it and it last the entire day. There’s no need to fill your eyebrows in with a pencil as this is tinted.

Tom Ford Lip Color in Casablanca, QR 193, Available in Salam Department store and Pari Gallery: I have an obsession with lipstick! I have 50 of them and counting. This is my favorite nude color. I like a natural stained look when I apply lipstick. What I normally do is dab a little bit with my fingers, remove the excess with tissue and dab again to gradually build color, and it lasts longer.

Rouge Coco Stylo Lipshine in Recit, QR 135, Available in Sephora, Pari Gallery, and major department stores: This is my signature dark color but I use it to create a berry stained lips. I use the same dabbing technique. It’s super hydrating and moisturizing.

Chanel Le Vernis in Sunrise Trip, QR 102, Available in Sephora, Pari Gallery, and major department stores:- Chanel nail polishes are really good and they last. I’ve had this color on my nails for two weeks now without chipping. I’ve always been into dark shades, and this electric blue color is a nice change to my usual blacks and plums.

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Crème, Available in Grand Hyatt and Lagoona Mall kiosk: I don’t use foundation all over my face but I use concealer to cover only where needed. This one has great coverage; it’s used to conceal tattoos, any severe hyperpigmentation problem and even scars. It’s a bit pricey but it will last you years because you really only need a dab to fully conceal.

Nymph Aura Volumer, QR 35 I bought this from Japan. Highlighting is super big right now and what I like about this product is it makes your face look dewy and healthy. It automatically gives you an incredible cheekbone but it still looks natural because it doesn’t have shimmer.

Bioderma Photoderm Max Fluide SPF, QR 124, Available in Boots and major pharmacies in Doha: The number one beauty tip every beauty editor and guru tells you is to not leave the house without SPF. It has helped me out with my acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation as it just puts everything under control.

Weleda Skin Food Ultrarich Cream, QR 70: This is my go to moisturizer for day and night but I only use a little bit because it’s a bit oily. I suffer from dehydration around my eyes and I use this moisturizer as my eye cream and it automatically makes me look like I’ve had a good night sleep.

You can catch more of Sofia’s beauty recommendations and articles every month on Oh La La magazine in Qatar.