As I consider myself a makeup connoisseur, I want to share some of the best products out there! Your wallet might hate you, but your face will thank you.
1. Urban Decay Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer
A “soft-focus effect” and perfect base to make your foundation last all day. Essentially, if you aspire to look like a flawlessly edited Instagram photo, but in real life- this is for you.
2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer
A moisturizing, uber-lightweight formula that packs a full coverage punch. If you have dry under-eyes, give this a shot. Tip: since this is a very moisturizing formula, make sure to set it with powder or it will crease.
3. The Beauty Blender
Initially I didn’t understand the whole “beauty sponge” craze, in fact I thought it was super overrated (I was using a super inexpensive version). Then I decided to splurge and spend the $20 on the actual Beauty Blender brand sponge- and I have never gone back to a typical foundation brush. This tiny thing packs some serious power. If you don’t want to spend the money on the Beauty Blender, try the Real Techniques complexion sponges. These are the closest comparison I can find and are about half the price!
4. MAC Painterly Paintpot
If you have trouble with your eyeshadow’s staying power, GET THIS. It also has a bit of coverage to give an even base for your eye look. Set it with a shadow that matches your skin tone and then go ahead with your eye look. If you have a more yellow tint to your skin, try the shade “Soft Ochre.”
5. Rimmel Stay Matte Face Powder
For $5, you really can’t beat this. Keeps your makeup in place, and looks amazing on the skin. Essentially, it’s a powder that isn’t super powder-y. (It won’t look cakey). I use the “Transparent” shade, it is the best in my opinion.
6. Makeup Forever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer
Waterproof bronzer. Waterproof. Am I dreaming? Comes in various shades for light to medium skin tones, some matte, some satin finishes. You will definitely need this for summer. I use shade 30M.
7. Benefit Hoola Cream-to-Powder Quickie Contour Stick
The whole “cream contour” trend that has taken over my Instagram feed had me feeling skeptical. I don’t really like the idea of putting super creamy, oily products all over my face, it sounds like a mess. This product, however, is perfection. It goes on very creamy, is easy to blend, then it sets just like a powder. It does not move. Not to mention, the shade is right on. Try setting it with the Makeup Forever bronzer mentioned above- your tan won't be going anywhere.
8. MAC Extended Play Gigablack Mascara
Do you love waterproof mascara but hate scrubbing it off? This is your new best friend. Water resistant and insanely easy to take off- I don’t recommend going swimming with this on, however it is perfect for those hot summer days around the corner.
9. Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter
Holy sh**. This leaves a super dewy, almost wet looking finish to your cheekbones. As of recently I am kind of over the whole “blinding” highlight trend, with super frosty powders. This product is like a putty, so it looks amazing on the skin (it doesn’t draw attention to texture or pores). Try using it with a damp beauty sponge or a dense synthetic brush. The shade “Kitten” is my fav.
10. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
Between Kylie Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, ColourPop, Stila and all of the other liquid lipsticks I have tried- Kat Von D’s formula is by far my favorite. It isn’t super drying on your lips and it has some serious staying power. My favorite shades are “Lolita” and “Bow N Arrow.”
