My Makeup Must Haves

I, like many beauty fanatics have a problem with shopping. Especially when it comes to makeup. In an effort to tone down my spending habits, I have compiled a list of products that I feel are necessary essentials and basics. This is a great starting point if you are just getting into makeup or you are completely revamping your collection for whatever reason.

Face

Primer:
Everyone should be using a face primer if they are using any sort of foundation or powder. Not only will it further protect your skin from makeup and environmental impurities, it will help your makeup last longer. Many are also formulated for specific skin concerns, for example oil control, pore minimizing, tone correcting or luminosity.

Tinted Moisturizer/Foundation
I never leave the house without some form of coverage on my face. I don't have perfect skin and I feel more comfortable knowing that my skintone looks even and my face is not exposed to the elements.

Concealer
This is a big staple for me because I have horrible under eye circles. I love Nars Creamy Concealer in Chantilly.

Powder
For those with oily skin or who like to use foundations and concealers, this is a crucial product to have. It will prevent oilyness throughout the day and will set your makeup to make sure that it stays where it is supposed to. I prefer translucent powders but that is a personal preference. I have been using the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Translucent Powder.

Blush
My personal recommendation is that you should have at least one blush and if you like to change your look for the seasons up to 4. Although I have way more than that as I am sure that many of us do. Start out by figuring out what your favorite blush tone is. Do you like peach or coral blushes, rosey or bright pink, or do you prefer plums and reds? Next, decide how often you wear certain colors and pick up to your top four. Anything beyond that, probably isn't necessary even if it is nice to have. I have four must have colors; a natural pink for spring, a peach for summer, a rose/berry which is my favorite year round and a red for the winter. I recently purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette which has just about every color that I need in it. There is a nice, natural pink, a beautiful peach and a gorgeous dusty rose color. For my red blush I prefer MAC's Fever.

Bronzer
Not everyone likes bronzer. I only use it to contour because I personally do not like the tanned look on me. However, I still think it is a good staple if you feel that your face could use some contour. I always look for a bronzer that has a cooler undertone, which can be a challenge as most bronzers are warm or even orangy. Two that I would recommend are NYX Blush in Taupe and Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder.

Eyes

Eye Primer
This is necessary if you wear eyeshadow. It will prevent it from creasing throughout the day. Do not forget it! I love ELF's primer and it is only $1. Better and more affordable than Urban Decay's in my opinion.

Eye Shadow

Skintone Eyeshadow
Look for a matte or satin eyeshadow that is at least the same shade as your skin, if not a little lighter. I use MAC's Blanc Type and apply this as my base color all the way up to the brow. Not only will this even out your eye area but it will provide an extra layer between your other shadows and the oils on your skin. Your eye makeup will be less likely to crease this way.

Neutral/Everyday Eyeshadow Palette
I love having most of the main eyeshadows I like to use in a palette. This is something you could even do at home with a Z Palette. My favorite for everyday is the Urban Decay Naked and the Naked 2 Basics. Your palette does not have to be neutrals, just one that consists of just about every color you wear on a daily basis.


Eyeliner
I wear eyeliner about 90% of the time. If I don't it is usually because I used a powder to add definition to the lash line or I was rushing and only had time for mascara. I am extremely picky with eyeliner and it is one of few the beauty products that I don't particularly like to experiment with, brand wise. I have a select few brands that I like and usually stick to them. My favorite is Rimmel London's Scandal Eyes Eyeliner because it is so soft and creamy.

Mascara
This is more of a must have than eyeliner. If I had to leave the house with one or the other, I would choose mascara hands down. You look more put together with mascara vs just using eyeliner. I have been trying higher end brands but I just don't like them as much as the drugstore ones. I love the Cover Girl Clump Crusher and Maybelline Lash Stiletto.

Lips

Lip Liner

If you don't wear lip liner often but still want to have one for special events, go for a clear liner. This works with literally everything. I also always recommend getting a separate red liner. When wearing bold lip colors with a clear liner, the lipstick may still wear through and instead of seeing more color, you would be seeing bare lips. When I do a red lip, I always apply it in layers, red lip stain, red lip liner, and 2 coats of lipstick, blotted in between each coat. Lip liner does not have to look old ladyish; in fact it can make you look more put together. Lip liner should not, under any circumstances, be darker than the lip color you are wearing. When in doubt, go lighter and fill in the entire lip. My favorite everyday lip liner is Rimmel's Eastend Snob.

Lipstick

There are three main categories that I go by when I purchase lip products from a new brand. I always try a nude, a pink/rose and a red. If you are looking to have a minimal but well rounded makeup collection, that is all you need. A nice nude color that does not make you look dead, a 'my lips but better' color (or your favorite kind of pink) and a classic red. Obviously you can tailor and customize this to suit your personal taste and style. Maybe you don't like red but really love the dark vampy plums or you prefer mauve instead of a natural pink. Tailor to fit your needs. My favorite grab and go lip products are Loreal's Sheer Linen, Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey Amour, and Lipstick Queen's Medieval. 

Lip Gloss

The same rule applies to lip gloss. Find a clear or nude color that is flattering, a pink that is similar to your own lip color and a classic red. I love NARS Scandal.

Running Late?

I usually keep a few products in my bag that I can throw on if I really have to run out the door. I always try to get at least my primers, foundation, concealer, and powder on before I leave but sometimes there just isn't time for anything else. These are products that are similar to ones you would use every day but not so much that you would have to go into your bag for them constantly. So what is in my emergency makeup stash?

• Concealer (something easy to apply with fingers)
• Mascara
• Single Eyeshadow, Quad or Small Travel Palette (you can apply this with your fingers, included applicators or if you decide to have a small travel brush on hand)
• Small Blush (you could also use your lipstick or have a travel palette that includes this)
• Lip Liner (this should either go with your natural lip color or the color in your bag)
• Lipstick and Gloss (these are usually my grab and go products mentioned previously)

I keep these either in a section of my bag or in a small makeup bag, that way it is separated from all of the other makeup products I end up carrying around with me in between bag organizations. Let me know if this helped you and I would love to hear what your makeup must haves are! Leave a comment below!

How to Achieve a 'No Makeup' Makeup Look

Practically Perfect in Every Way

This is actually one of the hardest looks to achieve. You want your face look like your bare skin, but better. I am going to share my tips and favorite products to help you achieve this look.

The main goal of this look is for everything to be so seamlessly blended that everything you put on looks like your natural skin or a shadow. You want to look like you just woke up looking perfect!

Primer
In my opinion, you should always use a primer under any other makeup. It helps prevent your makeup from taking international flights to somewhere else on your face. For face primer I use NYX's Shine Killer face primer. It works great for controlling oily skin. My holy grail lid primer is ElF's eyelid primer. It works better than some of the higher end brands and it is only $1.

Foundation
You don't have to use a foundation if you don't want to. A tinted moisturizer or even just a face powder will work perfectly. Use what you feel the most comfortable in.

I use both foundation and tinted moisturizer interchangeably. For foundation I use Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 110 Ivory. This foundation is extremely light on the face and has about a medium coverage. If I want something lighter or faster to apply then I use Bobbi Brown Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Extra Light Tint (summer), or Alabaster Tint (rest of the year). This tinted moisturizer has great coverage with a nice, slightly dewy finish. Unfortunatly I found out that this product is to be discontinued. Stay tuned for a new tinted moisturizer review!

Concealer
Apply any needed concealer after your foundation. That way you know exactly what needs to be covered. Blend well.

Blush/Bronzer/Highlight
Use a subtle highlighter on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and above the lip. Again, nothing very shimmery or obvious. Cream highlighters work great for this look. Cream blushes look very natural as well but not everyone likes them. Use whichever formula you are more comfortable with. You don't want anything strikingly bold or obvious. Go light on the contouring. Make sure everything is blended very well. Remember, it is supposed to look like how you look naturally, but better! I usually use NYX's blush in Taupe as my bronzer and MAC's Blushbaby on my cheeks.

Setting Powder
I always set everything with a translucent powder because I have oily skin. I found that using translucent powder helps blur pores where tinted powders can sometimes make them worse. I also like to use a puff to press the powder into my skin. I sometimes use a brush but when I have red spots or blemishes, the brush can sometimes wipe away the foundation and concealer covering them.

Eyeshadow
Find an eyeshadow that does not have shimmer or glitter; though it does not have to be perfectly matte; and that either matches your skin tone or is just a hair lighter. Mine is MAC's Blanc Type. This will go all over the lid, up to the brow bone, the inner corners of the eyes and underneath the eye.

Then find an eyeshadow, again without glitter or too much shimmer, that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. I have been using Frisk from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette. Use this color only where you want subtle definition. Usually in your crease and along your top and bottom lash line. Use lightly and blend well. There should be no defined lines, just a seamless shadow.

I love using the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush for blending. It is so soft and fluffy and oversized and it works amazingly! The only problem is that it is only sold in the 'Your Eyes Enhanced' Starter Set. It is not available individually.

Eyeliner
Black eyeliner looks more harsh on some people than others. If this is the case for you, try a brown, black brown or grey eyeliner. If you have an extremely light complexion with light hair you could even try a taupe eyeliner. The idea is that you want to define your lash line but don't want to look like you have liner on. I like to just dot along the lash line and smudge it out. I also sometimes apply it under the eyeshadows to make it less harsh. My favorite black liner is Rimmel London's Special Eyes in Black Magic. If I want brown then I use NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil in Dark Brown.

Mascara
There are several options for mascara as well. This isn't the time for the big runway false lashes look, you just want your natural lashes to be more defined. Stick with either a brown, black brown, or black mascara; which ever is closer to your natural lash color and overall coloring. Find a mascara that gives a little bit of volume and length without making it obvious that you are wearing mascara. Curl the lashes before applying mascara to avoid pulling out lashes. Curling the lashes will instantly give you a more awake appearance. I love Covergirl's Clump Crusher mascara in Very Black.

Lips
You can use a lipstick, gloss, pencil or whatever you are comfortable with. I like to use a tinted lip balm or a gloss for the most natural look. Look for that, my lips but better shade. A nude lip or a slightly darker lip also works well as long as it is not too far from your natural color. Nothing too shimmery or sparkly. Dab the color with your fingers for a more blended and sheer look. I have been using Loreal's Color Caress Lipstick in Sheer Linen or Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.

And there you have it. These are my tips and tricks for a flawless no makeup, makeup look. Let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, I would love to know if you tried any of these tips and how they worked for you!

Fall Makeup Haul and Favorites

Fall Faves!!

"It's the most wonderful time and it's Fall!" 

If you love fall like I do and you are a beauty geek, you will probably be starting to bring out your favorite fall products or trying to find new ones. I am doing a bit of both. I recently went shopping and picked up a few things to add to my fall makeup collection. I have also included some old favorites that I just cannot go without mentioning.

1) MAC Blush in Fever

Now, I have pale skin and a lot of people might look at this blush and run away. But I promise you, even those with paler skin can wear darker blushes. All it takes is a few dabs into the product and a very light hand. Fever is an extremely dark but beautiful reddish-burgundy color. The quality is great! Creamy and blend-able with good pigmentation.

MAC Fever Blush

MAC Fever Blush Swatch

2) MAC lipstick in Plum Dandy

When I was in middle school, I dressed up as Sarah Sanderson from the movie Hocus Pocus for Halloween. My mother used a lipstick that was a unique and beautiful frosty plum color. That lipstick is long gone and neither of us can remember what brand it was from. I have tried for years to find a lipstick that is similar to that color. The biggest problem I had was that everything was either too dark, too light, too warm, too cool, too opaque, or too pink/brown. 

Finally though, I think I found it. MAC's Plum Dandy lipstick is the perfect frosty plum bronze color. It is wearable and looks amazing for fall!

I also compared it to Loreal's Lipstick in Mica. It is very similar but Mica is just a bit warmer. I would consider it a decent dupe.

MAC Plum Dandy Lipstick

Top: MAC Plum Dandy
Bottom: Loreal Mica

3) MAC eyeshadow in Blanc Type

It happens all the time. Your favorite limited edition palate has started to hit pan in several of your favorite colors. For me it was a beautiful creamy off-white from NYX's Dark Shadows Crimson Amulet Collection. So I had to find a replacement. I love MAC eyeshadows, so after debating in between Gesso (a bright white matte) and Blanc Type (a creamy beige), I finally settled on Blanc Type. It is a tad darker and more matte than the color I am replacing; which is almost in between the two with a pinch of shimmer; but it works great for an all over lid and subtle highlight color. This is my perfect skin tone color.

MAC Blanc Type

MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow Swatch

4) Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9 Copper Pink

This was actually a part of my Sephora birthday gift. I just loved it so much that I had to include it. It is an amazing formula that is creamy and feels very moisturizing and comfortable on the lips. The color is a beautiful natural pink with a bit of copper tone. It has a sheer, gloss-like finish that is very wearable and a perfect everyday lipstick. This line has a large range of colors to choose from. This is not the full size, just the mini from the August 2014 Sephora Birthday Gift Box.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Mini Lipstick in N9 Copper Pink

N9 Copper Pink Swatch

5) Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last Liquid Liner Pencils in Jade Jewel and Purple Fix.

These are amazing! They apply smoothly like liquid liner and just as pigmented. Once they have a moment to set, these will not budge at all. I swatched them on my hand and they were there all day; no fading, no flaking, no smudging. These would not come off until I scrubbed them with a makeup removing towelette at the end of the day.

Jade Jewel is a dark shimmering green that is perfect for fall. This one is particularly pigmented and very vibrant.

Purple Fix is a beautiful, sparkly dark plum purple. This is also very pigmented but I noticed that it is not as pigmented as Jade Jewel.

L-R: 04 Purple Fix, 06 Jade Jewel

6) Lipstick Queen Medieval Lip Treatment

I love sheer red lips. It is my one of my favorite everyday lip colors and this lipstick is perfect! It is a red that suits all skin tones and colors and is very wearable and build-able. It starts out fairly sheer and can be build up to a nice wearable red. Glossy, natural finish with no shimmer. 

Lipstick Queen Medieval

The swatch on the left is Medieval built up.
On the right is Medieval applied lightly.

7) Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette

I am a big fan of the Naked Palettes and was so excited when this came out. It has become my go-to eyeshadow palette. I posted a separate review comparing the original Naked Basics and Naked 2 Basics. Click HERE to read.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette

L to R: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, Undone

And now for some old fall favorites!
Please excuse the messiness of the products. They have been well loved!

NARS Lipgloss in Scandal

This is my all time favorite lip gloss, both in formula and color. It gives color without being thick or opaque. I love the color! It is described as being a 'sheer crushed cherry' by NARS. It is very sheer but still has a beautiful red color. I love wearing it alone or pared with NARS Fire Down Below lipstick, which is actually why I bought it in the first place. This swatch is from the old formula, before they redid the packaging. I am not sure if there is a difference in the color or not. Nice creamy finish without shimmer or glitter.

NARS Scandal Lipgloss

Left: NARS Scandal
Right: NARS Scandal over Fire Down Below Lipstick

NARS Lipstick in Fire Down Below 

When I first read the description of this color, I just had to try it! Described as a 'Pure Blood Red', this was right up my ally. There are no blue or orange undertones which makes this color suitable for a variety of skin tones. It is a semi-matte formula and can be a bit drying so use a lip balm! Looks great paired with NARS Scandal Lipgloss.

NARS Fire Down Below Lipstick

NARS Fire Down Below Lipstick Swatch

MAC Lipstick in Spice it Up!

I love this lipstick so much! It is a beautiful brownish berry color. Perfect for fall! I would consider the Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle to be a good dupe. Spice it Up is a bit redder and more opaque while Pink Truffle is more sheer, however they are extremely similar.

MAC Spice it Up!

MAC Spice it Up! Swatch
  

Left: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle;
Right: MAC Spice it Up!

              

NYX Blush in Red

I have heard that this is a close dupe for MAC's Frankly Scarlet blush. It is a beautiful blue toned red color for fall and winter. I think if you would prefer to not spend the money on higher end products you could get an almost exact look with NYX's blush at 1/3 the price. The one thing I really don't like is that the packaging is flimsy. I have several NYX products with cracked packaging. This blush is very pigmented and you only need a little bit. Especially if you have pale skin. Proceed with caution!

NYX Red Blush

NYX Red Blush

NYX Red Blush Swatch

MAC Blush in Blushbaby

This is a very light pinky beige blush. I have pale skin and it is perfect for when I want a more neutral color. I love using this for fall and it works for so many different looks. Quality and pigmentation are just as good as ever! Creamy and easily blend-able.

MAC Blushbaby

MAC Blushbaby Swatch

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