There are two factors that influence my beauty purchases; my love for a natural 'done' look and my combination skin. My features {hazel eyes, fair coloring} are easily overshadowed with heavy make up so I like to stick soft, natural palates. My combination skin makes it difficult to find foundations and powders, even eye shadows, that will stay on my skin all day. The wrong formulas slide off by lunch time. Needless to say, it's not a pretty picture. Unfortunately, finding the right formulas has been an expensive search... But I think I have found quality products that stay on my face all day and last a long time before needing to repurchase.
1. Hourglass Mineral Veil - This magic primer has been a favorite discovery. In fact, everything I have tried from this brand has been fabulous. However they are fairly pricey, so for now, all I have is this primer. It goes on smoothly and holds onto my make up well. It has only failed me in extreme weather conditions. My only qualm is that I have owned my first bottle for about a month and it is a little over halfway empty. I am used to my products lasting longer. Usually, I can justify the cost because of how long it stays on my shelf between purchases.
2. NARS Luster - NARS is a fan favorite known for their complexion friendly colors and naughty names. Luster is a blush color, however I use it as a bronzer. Most bronzers overpower my pale skin so this apricot shade is the perfect stand in.
3. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rose - I adore this amazing lip balm. When they first came out with this shade, I bought it as a gift to myself and have been in love ever since. It is pricey for a lip balm, but holy smokes does it feel amazing and leaves a lovely hint of rosy red. It is my perfect color. Now, it is a regular on my birthday and Christmas wish lists.
4. Urban Decay's Naked Basics - Eye shadow has always been difficult for me to buy because I don't like too much shimmer {except for special occasions} and my undertones need a balance between yellow and pink shading. Shades with too much pink bring out the red in my eyes and too yellow looks wrong. And too much 'wild' color overcomes my hazel eyes. This palate has just the right balance for me. It is lovely.
5. Smith's Rosebud Salve - This salve is an inexpensive, multipurpose staple on my counter. When the weather has been particularly harsh, this soothes the driest lip and the most chapped of cheeks. I even use it on my hands when my skin is sensitive. It has a hint of rose scent and the price can't be beat.
6. Cover Girl Lashblash Volume - How many mascaras have we all gone through to find something that defines and gives a pop of wow? I don't know about you, but most leave me.. Wanting much more. More length and more volume specifically. This one does the trick for me and my lashes. And it doesn't break the bank.
7. Stile Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - It reminds me of a felt tip pen. It can draw a thin line, or give you the flexibility for a more dramatic look. After seeing this post by Garance Dore, I realized that my routine natural make up look could benefit from an eye liner that could do more; both a day and a night look. I've gotten a lot better at straight lines since this purchase as well.
8. NARS Orgasim - By now the majority of cosmetic fanatics have tried this hue. And it is worth the hype. It makes me look healthy, awake, and pretty. When Sarah came to visit me over a year ago {September 2011}, she had it in her cosmetic case. I tried it on and was sold. Moments later it was ordered off of Sephora's website. I have been using the SAME one that came in the mail ever since. I'm serious! $28 is a lot to spend on blush, but I haven't had to repurchase and I use it near daily. Now, it is nearing the end of its days, but I'd say that it has lasted a good run. Since September 2011.
9. Almay Intense I-Color in Brown Topaz - This liquid eye liner has been my go to for a few years now. It is cheap and is the perfect shade for my eye color. It has a felt tip applicator that goes on in a thin line. This is the eye liner I grab on the days I wear glasses. Which is most days. It allows my eyes to have definition without looking too 'made up'.
10. Bobbi Brown BB Cream - BB creams have taken the cosmetic industry by storm. For my combination skin, I was looking for something between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. My oily T-zone and dry cheeks have made it really difficult to find the right formula. For a while, I was even using a mattifying foundation on my T-zone and a moisturizing one on my cheeks. I was skeptical about BB creams because I need something that address many skin concerns. This seems to do the trick {though, at times, it is still a tad drying for my cheeks}.
Whew! That's a lot. Fortunately, most of these products last me close to forever {okay, not FOREVER}. Now your turn! Spill your favorite products!
xx
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