beauty week make-up favorites
note: this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
With Beauty Week at Simon Malls in full swing I thought now would be a great time to show you guys my make-up favorites. Almost all are available at Macy’s where they are having 15% off beauty this week and the rest from Sephora — don’t forget the free gift with a $100 purchase from participating retailers!
First, let's be clear, I don't know much about make-up. I’m definitely not a beauty blogger. I did always want to be really good at it though. I saw those girls with the perfect mascara and a flawless face and I was envious.
I learned how to put eye shadow on in the back of high school algebra class. Clearly I should have been paying attention for how to solve for y, but instead I was getting a how-to on blending hoping to next level my skills.
You could say I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to things on my face. On a typical day I don't even wear make-up. I know. That wasn't always the case, trust me. But one day I woke up and said forget it and never looked back. Probably also had to do with the fact that I started working from home. At first no one saw me during the day so it didn't even matter, but then I started running errands bare faced, and even though I was super self-conscious at first, everyone looked at me the same! I was waiting to get looks from people like "you should really not leave the house like that" but it never happened! So from then on I stopped caring. And it's been amazing.
Part of me wishes make-up didn't even exist. I guess you could say we have a love/hate relationship because I love and hate the fact that it covers up all my blemishes. Without getting too deep here, just know that make-up is only supposed to bring out the best in the features you already have. You are gorgeous just the way you are.
So, now that that is out of the way…I do still enjoy getting dolled up every now and again. Make-up has become part of my getting dressed up routine and it makes it so much more enjoyable. There are a few products that I absolutely swear by (like IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara) and other's that I've grown to love because I know I should be wearing it (for example Laura Mercier Foundation Primer). Below is a list of all my current favorites!
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer — I just started using a foundation primer (I know) but this one has been my favorite. It gives a slight glow and starts to even out my skin tone even before foundation.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation — another new product for me and I’m absolutely loving it. I get such great coverage and it doesn’t feel super heavy on my skin.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer — with the dark circles under my eyes this is a must for me. This one gives great coverage and a little goes a looooong way. I’ve had the same tube for 2 years and I’m only half way through it.
Estée Lauder Perfecting Powder — this light weight powder is the perfect finish to face make-up. It sets your make-up in place and provides a polished look. Perfect for touch ups throughout the day too.
Laura Mercier Radiance Powder — I use a darker version of this as a bronzer and it’s amazing. I love it because you don’t get as much of a shimmer as some of the other bronzers out there. I hate shimmer.
Laura Mercier Highlight — now that I just said I hate shimmer…this highlighter is definitely that. A little goes a long way for that reason — I brush some above my cheek bones, down my nose and above my eyebrows.
MAC Paint Pot — I use a neutral color in this as a base for my eye-shadow. It helps prevent creasing and keeps the eye-shadow on for much longer.
Urban Decay NAKED Palette — they come out with a new palette every year and they are all amazing. They contain the perfect neutral colors which is just what I love. You can create so many different combinations and the darker colors make a perfect eyeliner.
MAC Great Brows Kit — another one I’ve used for years. I don’t do much to my eyebrows, but this kit has all the essentials. Color them in and highlight underneath.
Lancôme Super-enhancing Mascara Base — another tried and true. This product is the holy grail for length and curl; it’s a mascara primer so just comb some on before your mascara and prepare to be amazed.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara — like I said, swear by it. I currently have eyelash extensions so I haven’t been using this but as soon as I get them removed I’ll be back.
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray — the final touch. I spray a few mists of this on once I’m done with my make-up to hold everything in place. It also helps to avoid your make-up from settling into those fine lines. Yes please!
What are your make-up must haves?
