I've been wearing makeup since the 7th grade, and although I looked like a pale, lifeless, eyeliner obsessed raccoon, I've gradually gotten better, and can now do a sharp-enough-to-kill cat eye in less than a minute. After trying countless amounts of products, I've gathered a list of makeup products I use daily and recommend to my fellow makeup enthusiasts and those just venturing into the world of cosmetics. (Also, this list changes as new products roll out, so I may revamp this list in the future.)
1. Wet 'n' Wild MegaLiner liquid eyeliner. I've tried higher end brands and other drugstore brands and I always come back to Wet 'n' Wild's eyeliner. It's suuuper pigmented, dries matte, and won't crease onto your upper eyelid. Also, it's affordable and easy to use. Get it here.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. This eyebrow product comes in a range of colors and is applied with an angled brush to ensure sharp lines. A little goes a long way, which means you won't have to go back to purchase another for a few months. Seriously, one jar lasted me about 6 months and I do my brows almost everyday! Get it here.
3. Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in "Gilded Honey." My makeup looks aren't complete without a highlighter, and I've only been using highlighters for about a year and a half. I recently purchased "Gilded Honey" which definitely became my absolute favorite. It isn't as gold as it looks on the skin, making it perfect for all skin tones. It's also super pigmented and can be used on the lids as well as a subtle gold shadow. Get it here.
4. Make Up Forever Ultra HD Stick Foundation. I was skeptical about stick foundations because of the coverage and consistency, but after receiving this for free thanks to Influenster's MUF campaign, it has definitely become one of my favorites. I have oily skin and this foundation stays on with minimal shine hours after setting it and going out. However, it retails for about $43 so it is pricey, and I try not to use it everyday, but I will definitely repurchase it once I run out. Get it here.
5. Revlon ColorStay Makeup. This foundation is amazing and such a good price. It's way better than most of the higher end foundations I've used. The coverage is just the right amount, and buildable if you need a little more in certain areas. There are also formulas for all skin types and a variety of shades. Get it here.
6. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I just got into the baking game over the summer, which kept my makeup in place during hot as fuck Fresno days and warm nights. This powder is the holy grail of setting powders and does not leave any white residue or backflash. However, it is a splurge at $38, but I've had mine since July and I don't seem to be running out any time soon, so you get a lot of product in return. Get it here.
7. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. I just started using UD's products a few months ago, and while shopping for a mascara at the Macy's beauty department, one of the UD girls recommended this mascara to me and said "it's better than sex." Okay, she was definitely throwing shade at Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara, and if it's better than "Better Than Sex," I couldn't pass it up. This mascara makes my lashes look incredibly long, dark, and voluminous after one application. Also, it has an equally raunchy name like its competitor, so it's a winner there as well. Get it here.
8. Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in "Bronzed". I'm a powder contour girl and this bronzer helps me get the cheekbones I've always longed for. It's matte, blendable, and buildable without looking muddy. I swipe this in a 3 motion on the side of my face, hitting the temples, cheeks, and jaw with a bronzing brush, which leaves the center of my face highlighted. Get it here.
9. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray. Okay, this may be gross, but I'll admit to sleeping in my makeup after a long day, and even though I instantly regret it in the morning, my face still looks in place thanks to this spray. Get it here.
10. Mac Prep + Prime Fix+ Spray. I also use sprays while applying liquid, cream, and powder products because it sets the product in the skin without making it look cakey. Fix+ also smells amazing and feels great on the skin alone if you're in a no makeup mood that day. Sometimes I even carry it with me just to refresh my face throughout the day. It's also great to spray on brushes if you want to get the most pigment out of your shadows or highlighters. Get it here.
11. MAC lipsticks. I've been on the liquid lipstick craze for so long, I forgot how good a classic bullet lipstick is. My favorite shade at the moment is "Taupe." It is the perfect nude for my skin color; not too light or dark, but in general, Mac's lipsticks are smooth, pigmented, classic, and definitely worth the $17. Also, 100% of the proceeds from any Viva Glam lipstick (pictured) goes towards to MAC AIDS fund. Get it here.
12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick. Since I mentioned liquid lipsticks, I thought I should include my favorite shade and brand. "Ashton"(pictured) is a warm, nude color, and has a hint of terra-cotta in it. The formula feels smooth and not drying, which is the case with other liquid lipsticks. Get it here.
13. Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Plumping Gloss. The name is a mouthful, and fittingly so. This plumping gloss is tingly and makes your lips feel like their buzzing, which is how you know it's working. I noticed a difference in the size of my lips after using this, but they weren't ridiculously huge. I do enjoy the feeling this gloss gives off, and the shine is amazing too. Get it here.
14. NYX Honey Dew Me Up Skin Serum and Primer. I apply this after my moisturizer and it gives my skin a radiant glow that even shines through my foundation without looking oily. I also dab it on my skin where I want to apply my highlight to intensify it. Get it here.
