What are the non-negotiables in your vanity that you cannot live without? These will be products you use until the very last drop and instantly refill or re-purchase them devoutly. These aren’t like the perfumes you love to collect or the 30-something lipsticks you rarely use (shoutout to fellow lipstick hoarders, here). They’re products that you actually use till they finish and have become a part of your everyday life.
In my closet, certain products haven’t changed since I was in college–I only replenish them. For instance, I don’t step out of my house without a generous swipe of kajal. I haven’t even changed my deodorant, in fact, I now have an unofficial subscription (with the local general store) for the iconic Nike deodorant that I religiously use. I also always have a bottle of Bio Oil in my shower cabinet. But my mom’s set of essentials is quite different. First, she has been loyal to certain luxury brands for years that she keeps going back to. Second, and more importantly, she has a unique (and additional) work-edition set of non-negotiables that she uses only before or during her work hours. Yes, my mom is fancy, but also pretty smart.
Unlike the usual set of skincare and makeup necessities, this set of ‘work essentials’ includes skincare basics like a quick cleansing formula and portable moisturisers that fit in her bag, a tint she uses for her lips and if needed (she has flawless, glowing skin anyway) on her cheeks, a face mist to cool her skin through the day, a kajal and a compact powder–basically the perfect combination of cosmetics that you may need during the day. I’ve taken inspiration from her kit and created my very own work bag essentials, especially now that I have to commute to work every day again. Ahead, I’ve listed out her top luxury holy grails that have turned into beauty rudiments that I can’t survive my weekdays without!
A Quick, Citrusy, Cleansing Refresh
This set of three travel-sized tubes by one of my favourite (clean, cruelty-free and vegan) brands Nudestix is all I need for an at-work refresh. By the time I reach my workplace every morning, my skin is already greasy, sticky and dirty because of the commute. Hence, this three-step ritual helps me cleanse, detox and moisturise within 15 minutes before I begin my day. The Nudestix 3-Step Citrus Skin Renewal Set gives me the perfect base for a swift makeup touch-up too. P.S. The citrus scent of these products is a ‘lemon’ on the top (get it?).
One Tint That Does It All
I love tints that can multitask as lip colours, blushes and eyeshadows. It basically chimes down to carrying one product in my bag instead of three. The Benefit Cosmetics Benetint has become a cult classic that promises a dash of colour and instant dimension to your look. The chic yet bold rose tint fits all skin tones and blends well to enhance my complexion. Pro Tip: I dab this sheer tint before I add my BB cream or a light foundation for a natural flush.
Good Lashes, Good Mood
The secret to a quick glamorous pick-me-up is good mascara, don’t you think? My most trusted hack to open up my eyes and achieve an ultra-fresh face is to add a nudish pink tint to my cheeks and lips, and add some drama with mascara. I have short lashes, so a volumising and lengthening mascara, that’s also water-proof, works best for me. The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is handy, compact and offers a jet black finish. The reason why I love this product is that its hourglass-shaped wand (inspired by Marilyn Monroe's iconic curves) ensures that my lashes are evenly coated and lifted for a long-lasting ‘doe-eyed’ look.
The Holy Grail Of Indian Makeup
I started using kajal right after school (didn’t we all), and never stopped. It’s bold, it makes my deep brown eyes pop, and it distracts attention from my dark circles. But the most important feature of a good kajal is that it should stay put. It shouldn’t run under water, it shouldn’t disappear in a few hours and it certainly shouldn’t smudge. The MAC In Extreme Dimension 24Hr Kajal Liner is a one-stroke dramatic black kohl that actually stays put through the day. It also includes sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil which happens to be a part of my grandmother’s organic homemade kajal formula also (hence, grandma-approved)!
Wake Up And Smell The Roses
Rose water. What can’t it do? It smells so refreshing, it can turn a boring meeting into a more bearable one. It cools and soothes your skin and protects it from irritants like pollution, dirt or even a blasting air conditioner. It hydrates your skin over time to reveal a healthy, natural glow. The Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater is a handy travel-sized bottle that fits right in your purse and can spray every few hours while you work. The bottle is packed with only rosewater and absolutely no other ingredients.
