Hello my fellow quarantinians!
Let’s distract ourselves from this casual pandemic we’re experiencing by discussing something near and dear to all of our vain little hearts ( lol )… MAKEUP. As I’m spending more time organizing my space ( because what else is there to do? ), I wanted to round up all of the makeup products I consider staples in my makeup cabinet.
I’m very lazy, so I like products that are easy to apply and always look good. Things to note: I prefer a natural, dewy skin finish to a more matte, ultra-glam look. The products in this roundup lend themselves to a less-is-more mantra.
Also, I like products like CC creams, balms, & cream products, because my skin tends to be very dry here in Southern California!
So, let’s get to it.
foundation & CC cream
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
This product has been my ride-or-die since I was about 15 years old. I have it in multiple colors (from shades 30-50) to match my tan, if I have one. A little goes a long way, and I like that the finish makes my skin look dewy & healthy, especially when applied with a beauty blender. Also, it’s buildable!
Tarte Foundcealer
This foundation is a newer find for me, but it’s become an essential over the course of the last 6 months. I reach for this product when I’m going out at night or shooting, as the coverage is easily buildable & hides imperfections easily. Like above, less it more. One pump should be able to cover your entire face!
Chanel CC Cream
WOW, I LOVE this product. It’s somehow more dewy than the Vitalumiere Aqua, yet still offers enough coverage for me to hide pimples & scarring. I wear CC cream on days I want coverage but won’t be doing things like taking photos or getting all done up. With SPF 50 and an ultra-hydrating formula, this product is perfect for summer days in Southern California!
concealer
NARS Creamy Concealer
It’s a cult classic for a reason. This formal is hydrating & works under eyes or over pimples. I wear the shade Creme Brûlée.
L’Oreal Infallible All Day
This concealer reminds me of the NARS creamy concealer, just slightly less hydrating. That being said, it’s much more affordable. I wear the color biscuit!
Tarte Shape Tape
Another CULT classic, and again, it’s for a reason. This concealer is more heavy-duty, so I wear it when I’m going out at night or taking photos. One tip: make sure to really hydrate the under-eye area before using this product, as it can be drying.
blush, bronzer + highlight
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Bet you’ve never heard of this one! ( lol, jk ). I’m not going to offer loads of info on the more well-known products, because I’m SURE we’re all familiar with them. I absolutely love this color, and I always find myself reaching for this product.
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel
In terms of a cream bronzer, this one is my absolute favorite. I don’t generally reach for this if I’m having issues with pimples & dark marks, but it adds a major natural glow to a good skin day. This product over the Chanel CC cream is my DREAM.
Glossier Cloud Paint
The PERFECT cream blush for everyday makeup looks. I love the color beam when I want a brighter look over bronzer, or the color dusk when I want a bronzer/blush hybrid ( this is the most natural-looking one on my skin tone, in my opinion! ). With Cloud Paint, LESS is always MORE.
Urban Decay Trio
I bring this bronzer, blush & highlight trio with me on-to-go or while traveling. Sometimes I use all the color separately, sometimes I trace my brush through all three at once and apply together. It depends on what type of look I’m going for.
Tarte Skin Gloss
This is my FAVORITE liquid highlight EVER. A little goes a long way, and it leaves my skin looking glossy rather than glittery or shimmery ( which is usually what I notice when I use powder highlight ). I apply this to the top of my cheekbones, my brow bone, the inner corner of my eyes, between my lips & nose, and on my nose!
mascara + liner
Benefit They’re Real
If you’re looking for a trusty, over-all great mascara, this one is my top recommendation. It never leaves my lashes feeling clumpy, and it gives me all the added volume I need. I also find that this mascara is buildable, so it’s suitable for both day & night.
CoverGirl Lash Blast
I’ve loved this mascara since I was a teenager. The price point can’t be beat, and it’s TRULY one of the best mascaras I’ve ever used. I usually stock up on this stuff to have on-hand, and I buy it in multiple colors ( brown & black ) and the waterproof option ( I always wear waterproof on my bottom lashes )!
Shiseido ImperialLash
This is by far my favorite mascara for lengthening. If you’re wanting long, clean-looking lashes, this is the mascara I’d recommend!
lips
Buxom Full-On Lip Plumping Gloss
This lipgloss is EPIC. I swear by it. Every time I wear this gloss ( in conjunction with over-lining my lips a little! ), I get asked if I got lip injections. I wear the color Dolly.
MAC Lip Liner
Hands-down, this is my go-to lip liner. I wear the color Soar because it closely matches my natural lip color. MAC’s liner stays put, is easy to apply, and comes in a ridiculous number of colors.
Clarins Natural Lip Perfector
I like this product for everyday use, because it really give a natural, not overly-glossy effect to your lips, while also giving them a little extra color. I have this product in a number of colors that I use regularly. It’s also very hydrating, so it’s perfect with day-to-day wear!
Laneige Lip Gloss Balm
I keep one of these in my purse, one in my car, & one in my bathroom. I’m OBSESSED. This is the most natural-looking lip product in today’s round-up, because it’s more of a balm than it is a gloss. I also have this product in a few different colors. You can wear it alone or over lipstick/lip liner.
etc.
MAC Prep + Prime
This is the best finishing spray I’ve ever tried. I like this mist because it gives me a more dewy finish, rather than making my makeup feel concrete and STUCK. I’m all for an all-day makeup look, but I generally prefer something softer for everyday. This spray makes my makeup look ultra-natural instantly.
Lime Crime Bushy Brow
I don’t usually fill in my brows ( because I’m lazy ), so I like to use tinted brow products like this one. I have this product tin a light brown and in a clear color ( for when I’m not wearing makeup ).
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
This one doesn’t take much explanation, but it is my favorite lash curler to-date!
Happy shopping, beebs!
x