Odd number 12, well I like it so, it helped me (sort of) narrow down this list. I could have added a few more but, I felt like this post has enough information for you to get through a whole kettle of tea...so have that ready! Here we go with my top makeup products...
FACE
Primer: Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer
Ok so, I literally bought this like 3 days ago…3 days ago & I already can't be without? What the what?! Firstly, I’d like to make this known that I never use primers, like ever. When I first started getting into beauty I was all about them, but any that I had tried always felt silicone-ish in texture & even when applied to my skin, gross. I tried so many that after a while, I just stopped using them full stop & would substitute a moisturizer/serum for my makeup base. Before Sephora’s VIB Rouge Event (that started on SUNDAY, by the way…), I had been at my local Sephora just roaming around…for no particular reason (does there need to be an excuse?), & I came across the Sunday Riley section, naturally had to take a peek.
Sunday Riley is not cheap by any means, but their products speak for themselves. I have only tried a few, though I didn’t get the right products for my skin concerns so they went back. Yet, I couldn’t just quit on them (The Artemis Oil is still on my skincare wishlist!). I spotted this tinted primer, which I haven’t come across before of its kind, & decided what the heck, let’s test this stuff. Ladies. Gents. Just by testing it on the back of my hand in-store, my skin was so perfectly soft, like SO PERFECT. I don’t know what voodoo magic is in there that makes it that way but, it’s absolutely amazing. When the start of the event rolled around, I took advantage of the 15% off & picked this badgirl up.
Let’s get into this “tinted” situation for a moment…the color of the primer comes out looking like a foundation (‘tinted’). It saids on the bottle you can wear this alone as well, and you could, if you have normal/perfect skin & want just an itty-bitty amount of coverage…like, literally ITTY BITTY. Or you can wear just cause you want super soft skin like I have been because I am a bit coo-coo. No heaviness or silicone-feel to it, just cherub wings lightly flapping their wings on your face (THANK YOU SUNDAY RILEY ANGELS).
I honestly have never had such strong, positive feelings about a face primer before but it’s happened and I am not ashamed to admit it. Now, if only they can make a tinted moisturizer/bb creme/light foundation with the same like-ness (just with some coverage). I'll be waiting for that Sunday...
Foundation: Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme
I can literally talk about how much I love this BB Creme all the time in every post but…I won’t.
I’ll save you guys from that (for now). I don’t buy into the ‘benefits’ of BB cremes, but since I enjoy the lighter foundation path I decided one day to pick up this Dior one based on reviews, & it’s been a love affair ever since. Thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but lighter than a medium coverage foundation; it’s light & breathable. Even with my slightly-there dark spots, this helps cover them up and helps conceal any redness I may have (though you will need concealer if you have more noticeable imperfections such as blemishes). If you have never tried anything from Dior’s makeup range, I’d recommend this to be your first thing to break you into the brand. A little goes a long way & you’ll thank me for it later.
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
Where have my under-eye bags disappeared to?? Oh, just hiding underneath this amazing concealer. This is such a drugstore gem that I can’t believe I've overlooked it for so long. Other under-eye concealers I've tried in the past have either been too heavy/cakey, not moisturizing enough or did little to conceal those little devils. This one by Maybelline does it all. Easy application that can be patted in with a finger or smoothed out with a brush.
Powder: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, Translucent Crystal
I always prefer translucent powder to the ones that come in different shades because its always a win win & its foolproof. This one by NARS is the best one I have come across & have been using it on/off for about (or a little over) two years now. I have loose powders & matte powders too, but I always go back to this one. It applies smoothly & never looks like you just slapped a bunch of powder on your face.
Setting Spray: MAC Prep + Prime Fix +
Like primers, I rarely have used setting sprays. I had tried one from Urban Decay ages ago, & it never did anything for me; hadn't picked up one again, until I was looking into this one by MAC. My skin has been going through the changes within the last year, hence why I have started to include things that had been lost in my makeup routine for a while. I like to spray this on right after I apply my foundation & than one more time after I set it with powder & this has worked out wonderfully for me. The only con about this is that I wish it was a bit bigger in size because I feel like I am going to go through this quicker than I thought…regardless, this has been the first setting spray that has legitimately WORKED for me & couldn’t be more satisfied with this [long overdue] discovery.
EYES
Eyeliner: Lord & Berry Kajal Stick [pictured below]
I love kajal/kohl eyeliner, plain & simple. Kajal is always more vibrant & bold in color & applies softer than regular eyeliner. I have been using kajal/kohl eyeliner for years now, starting with the Rimmel ScandalEyes Eyeliner (kohl), than I moved on to the Guerlain’s Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Eyeliner, which I throughly loved yet, since I am not a pro at applying an eyeliner such as that, I use it sparingly. I found this kajal stick by Lord & Berry, which has been my favorite of the 3 (hence why its on the list). From what I have read about the brand’s eye makeup, they create it with sensitive eyes in mind. It glides on beautiful & smooth, with easy blending if need be. I use this specifically in my waterlines & have never got irritations. It also lasts pretty much all day unless you rub your eyes all about; its also easily removable with pretty much any kind of eye makeup remover or water.
Liquid Eyeliner: Lancome Artliner
Another eyeliner makes it to the list, but I use this one specially on my top lid for my cateye. I am one that has struggled with trying to get my winged liner perfect with my shakey, nervous hands. This glides on like a dream despite this. I haven’t found another that compares to this one. It dries in good time, enough to let myself retouch any uneven spots without ruining the look. I wouldn’t recommend this for all day wear, because by days’ end, it starts to fade a bit. It removes quite easily though, which can be a good or bad thing…a bad thing if you have an itch or accidentally rub it because it will come right off, yet that has yet to bother me. If you are someone who always struggles to get that perfect wing or just getting started with the winged-liner look, than this is something you should consider looking into!
Brows: NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara
Another surprise that I literally bought a few days ago is this tinted brow gel by NYX, another drugstore gem (starting to think I should do a drugstore makeup post soon, hmmm…). I had been using the Anastasia brow gel for the past few months & am almost out of it, so a good friend of mine recommend I try this one out instead of repurchasing the prior. Though I love the one by Anastasia, this one is the PERFECT shade for my eyebrows & I never have had to retouch it or take excess off. I love the little brush too, it makes application & those little spotty areas easier to fix without getting the product everywhere.
Eyeshadow: NARS 'And God Created The Woman' Eyeshadow Palette
I have a backup of this eyeshadow palette because thats how much it’s well-loved by me. First of all, the size is so cute & great to throw in the purse or when traveling. The colors are phenomenal, wonderful pigment & great staying power but, what else do you expect from NARS? All across the board, hands down, this has been a favorite eyeshadow palette out of all the ones I own (yes, even tops the Naked palettes). I am a simple girl at heart, & this palette plucks all the right heart strings.
LIPS
Lip Balm: Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm [pictured below]
I have used this pretty much everyday since I bought it, and on the days I don't use it, I feel my lips get dry (withdrawals?) . My lips love this stuff a lot. It comes in this cute little pot & smells divine & gives the lips just a light, rose tint (also has SPF 10!). I apply this either by itself or before/after I apply lipstick. I do notice a slight “plumpness” to my lips; I have naturally full lips, but this still gives it some kind of extra UMPH, which makes all the difference. I never leave home without the stuff
Lipstick: MAC 'Patisserie'
Being on my second tube of this lipstick, it’s safe to say that this is probably my favorite lipstick from MAC and favorite lipstick in general. A beautiful sheer, pinky-nude with a lustre finish, which doesn’t make the lips to shiny looking. I have more lipsticks by MAC, but more than not they usually dry out my lips for some reason, no matter the finish, except this one & another favorite which isn’t on this list (but probably should have a spot), Half N’ Half. It works for any makeup look you're going for, whether decked out or low key.
Did you guys make it to the end?! Yay! Appreciate the dedication of reading this lengthy post, below are all the faves mentioned with prices & linked to where you can find them!
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