So by now you’ve learned that I like to keep things simple. I don’t like recipes that require more than 5 ingredients, outfits that have too many pieces, or using more than 6 beauty products at a time. Since I often spend too long in my closet in the morning trying to decide what to wear, the more streamlined my makeup routine, the better. I’m really not big on collecting beauty products. I have my core items that I’ll repurchase every time I’m running low, which keeps any kind of decision-making to a minimum. Occasionally, when I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll try something new and add it into the rotation. However, I have sensitive/combination skin, so if works well, you better believe I’ll be sticking with it.
If I do decide to try something out, I always appreciate a good testimonial for beauty products. It makes it more likely that I’ll go out and buy it and maybe even end up really liking it. In case you’re in the market for a product that is tried and true, here is a list of my make up staples:
>>Nars Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($43) – This is what I’m currently using for summer, and I’ve really been loving it. I had initially tried it a couple years ago, but eventually replaced it with a different foundation with more coverage. Now that my skin has calmed down a bit, I’m back to using a tinted moisturizer, and this one really gets the job done. It’s light and non-greasy, which my combination skin really appreciates.
>>Benefit Watts Up Highlighter ($30) – In the last year or so, I made highlighting a permanent part of my make up routine. It’s easy to apply and it really makes a difference in combatting tired, dull eyes and gives a little oomph to the cheek bones. This little stick is fool-proof. Swipe it on, give a little blend, and you’re good to go.
>>Make Up Forever Pro Finish ($36) – I’ve been using MUFE products for many years now. I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve used. This Pro Finish powder is awesome, because it can be used as either a foundation or a setting powder. I mostly just use it as a setting powder over my tinted moisturizer, just to give it a bit more lasting power and coverage.
>>Stila All-Day Felt Eye Pencil ($22) – This is my holy grail eyeliner, and I will be using this until Stila decides to stop making it (oh dear god, I hope they don’t.) It is seriously the easiest thing to apply, and makes a perfect line almost every time. I’ve used so many different kinds of eyeliner, and this is by far the best one I’ve ever used. If you’re in the market for a new eyeliner, give this one a go.
>>Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara ($19) – I’ve tried even more mascaras than I have eyeliners (that means WAY too many), and this one has come out on top every time. It doesn’t clump, it has a big and fluffy brush, and it doesn’t stick to my lashes like glue when I’m trying to take it off. These are all qualities of a winning mascara, so I won’t be replacing this anytime soon.
>>Milani Baked Powder Blush ($8) – This product became a part of my core beauty products after watching someone’s YouTube channel. They had compared this product to another, more expensive baked blush and it was almost an exact dupe. So I gave it a shot, and for $8, I’m really happy with it. It’s got a bit of shine in there, which gives the color some dimension.
