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Beauty & Personal care / Make up
25 JUL 2025 | 04:27:46

Top Makeup Essentials for That Perfect , long lasting base

In a Nutshell

Having spent years experimenting with makeup, I’ve finally cracked the code to achieve that ‘lit-from-within’ glow. This blog is my ultimate breakdown of must-have makeup essentials that elevate my look every time. I’m spilling all the beans on my top go-to products, why I swear by them, and how they work like magic. Let’s dive in!

Top Makeup Essentials for That Perfect , long lasting base
Khushboo S
By Khushboo S
As a beauty and wellness journalist at Hook, I’ve made it my mission to cut through the noise and bring you the truth behind the trends. From investigating skincare claims to road-testing the latest haircare breakthroughs, I try it all, so you don’t have to. My work blends curiosity with credibility - expect honest reviews, evidence-backed insights, and the kind of glow-up guidance that actually delivers. If beauty is your language, consider me your most trusted translator.

I’ve always been obsessed with getting a radiant, flawless base. Over time, I’ve learned that a well-prepared canvas and the right products can make a big difference. Whether it’s a hydrating primer that smooths my skin, a lightweight foundation that evens out my complexion, or a highlighter that catches the light just right, every product plays a role.

I’ve tried and tested numerous products for the base make up on my face- some were great, while others were red flags. But after various trials and errors, I’ve ultimately found the holy grail essentials that never fail to give me a radiant, dewy, and fresh look.

Top 5 Essential Makeup Products

Here’s my must-have list of makeup essentials that keep my skin looking flawless all day!

1. Aflairza Magic Drop Primer for Face (30ml)

Meet the Aflairza Magic Drop Primer. It’s my new BFF that gives me a long-lasting, waterproof, and sweatproof makeup look. This lightweight primer glides on so smoothly and creates a silky-smooth base that improves makeup longevity and keeps it smudge-free and fresh. Whether rocking a matte or dewy look, this primer ensures makeup stays put. It doesn’t fade or crease. The best thing! It's ideal for all skin types, and it can be combined with a foundation for an airbrushed effect or worn alone.

The Good Stuff:

  • The waterproof and sweatproof formula keeps makeup intact.

  • The non-greasy and lightweight formula feels like a second skin.

  • Blurs imperfections and reduces fine lines and pores effortlessly.

  • It can be blended with makeup or used alone.

What you may not like:

  • It can feel slightly tacky if over-applied.

  • Proper blending is required to avoid a patchy look.

  • It may not work well with super-matte foundations.

2. C2P Pro Supraemeshield 12-in-1 Concealer Palette

This concealer palette is a complete game-changer to create a flawless base. This cream-based formula is a multitasking product that acts as a foundation, colour corrector, contour, and concealer all in one sleek palette. From concealing blemishes and dark circles to sculpting cheekbones, this concealer palette does it all with its buildable, blendable coverage. It is perfect for dry skin. It hydrates and gives a smooth, dewy finish that won’t feel cakey.

The Good Stuff:

  • It works as a corrector, contour, foundation, and concealer.

  • Perfect for dry skin, it provides a radiant, smooth finish.

  • Gives customizable coverage, from full glam to light.

  • Keep makeup fresh all day.

  • Seamless application without creasing.

What you may not like:

  • It may feel slightly heavy on oily skin.

  • Requires setting powder to avoid creasing under the eyes.

  • It can take time to blend for a natural look.

  • Some shades may be too dark or light based on skin tone.

3. SUGAR Cosmetics Ace Of Face Matte Foundation Stick

This long-lasting, full-coverage formula is a total lifesaver for busy days when I require a flawless base that won’t budge. Its ultra-blendable and creamy texture glides on easily and covers redness, dark spots, and blemishes like a dream. The best part? It contains a built-in brush, which makes touch-ups on the go seamless. This foundation is high coverage and lightweight. It gives a natural matte finish without feeling cakey. It is apt for all skin types, and it stays put for up to 24 hours without fading or creasing.

The Good Stuff:

  • Remains fresh all day long without touch-ups.

  • Its full-coverage formula conceals uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and acne.

  • The built-in brush is ideal for seamless and quick blending.

  • Crease-resistant and transfer-proof.

  • It can be used for highlighting and contouring.

What you may not like

  • It can feel slightly dry on very dry skin; prep with a good moisturizer.

  • Requires quick blending as it sets fast.

  • The built-in brush is convenient but not the softest.

  • It might require touch-ups in humid weather.

4. e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration!

This hydrating coconut mist from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a mini tropical vacation in a bottle. Loaded with Vitamin E and Coconut, it hydrates, soothes, and refreshes skin in a few spritzes. I used it first thing in the morning, as a makeup spray, or for my mid-day pick-me-up. It always left my skin feeling energized, dewy, and soft. Its lightweight formula never feels sticky. Its tropical scent uplifts my mood. Also, it's free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and vegan. It made my skin healthy and happy.

The Good Stuff:

  • It gives instant hydration. Refreshes and nourishes skin anywhere, anytime.

  • It is rich in vitamin E and coconut, which condition and soothes the skin.

  • Non-sticky and lightweight. It absorbs rapidly for a dewy glow.

  • Multi-purpose use. It acts as a refresher, setting spray, or primer.

  • Have a tropical scent. It smells like a beachy dream!

  • Cruelty-Free and vegan. No nasties, just skin-loving goodness.

What you may not like:

  • The fragrance is wonderful but might feel strong for sensitive noses.

  • Doesn’t give long-lasting hydration for super dry skin.

  • It can make oily skin look a bit too dewy if over-applied.

5. PAC Spotlight Radiance Liquid Highlighter (Gold)

This highlighter delivers a radiant shine with its light-reflecting, ultra-fine pearls. The lightweight formula combines easily and gives a dewy, natural radiance without settling into fine lines. This liquid highlighter layers beautifully over powders, liquids, and creams. It stays put all day and offers a non-greasy, crease-free finish that improves any makeup look. The buildable formula gives easy customization, which makes it an essential product in my collection for my makeup routine.

The Good Stuff:

  • Contains a non-greasy and lightweight texture

  • It’s highly pigmented with light-catching pearls

  • Easily blends and gives a natural glow

  • Buildable from subtle to bold

  • Long-lasting and crease-free

  • Works with all makeup formulations

What you may not like:

  • It can be too intense if over-applied

  • It might not suit extremely oily skin

  • Needs quick blending for the best results

Conclusion

After years of trial and error, I finally have the correct face makeup products that never fail me. From a full-glam look to a natural everyday feel, these products make my skin look smooth and glowing. I really can't live without them, and I know you will be loving them just the same!

FAQs

A.A flawless base commences with a good primer, foundation, concealer, and setting powder. These products helped me even out my skin tone, cover imperfections, and ensure my makeup remained in place throughout the day.
A.It’s best to always begin with a primer. It creates a smooth base. Then, use a long-wear foundation and set makeup with a setting spray or lightweight powder. This routine keeps my makeup fresh for hours, even on busy days.
A.Yes! A hydrating mist sets makeup and refreshes. It also keeps skin hydrated and dewy without making it greasy.
Sonia
Reviewed By Sonia
With a background in style journalism and a passion for storytelling, I dive deep into the worlds of fashion and home decor to uncover what really works and why it matters. At Hook, whether it’s decoding seasonal trends or curating timeless finds, I approach every piece I write with an editorial eye and a practical mindset. I test, style, and scrutinize so you don’t have to, delivering inspiration that’s as functional as it is fabulous. Your aesthetic? Let’s refine it together.
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