I became a makeup addict about three years ago when I joined the cosmetology industry. As a woman with oily, red skin it was pretty hard to find long-wear/heavy duty/make-my-face-flawless products. About mid-day my face would melt. That's just not a good look for anyone. So I searched far and wide and tested many products on my own face and finally found things I was happy with. I am here for other people with similar skin problems (or just want high-quality makeup) to show you the light with the basic and most loved products currently on the market.
1. Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer
This is a completely weightless mattifying primer. It is also SPF 15. And it is virtually waterproof. Yes, everyone, that's right: Waterproof. I can sweat all day in this and my foundation doesn't move an inch. With my oily skin, it helps a lot because my cheeks and T-Zone would get runny and you'd be able to see my redness underneath. I don't have that issue anymore. You don't need a lot of product to get the full effects, and it definitely helps to apply it by patting it onto the face. It can be expensive ($18-$72 at Sephora), but trust me it is worth every penny.
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
I think it is an understatement to say that I have zero creases in my eyeshadow now. I could wear eye makeup for 12+ hours and it doesn't look any different by the end of the day. Usually I use the little applier wand it comes with to smear it over my eyeshadow, and then pat it down with a makeup brush. I just put my eyeshadow on top of it and, viola, done! It is from $12-$20 at Sephora.
3. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
I'm a black eyeliner kind of gal, always have been always will be. This comes in "Trooper" at deep black and "Mad Max Brown" a beautiful chocolate color. Kat Von D did not disappoint with her liner. It is a liquid pen that dries instantly. Along with the previously mentioned Primer Potion, this long-wear eyeliner becomes even better. Basically, I can sweat, cry, do basically whatever without it moving whatsoever. At Sephora, this is $19.
4. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Once my foundation is on, I go over my entire face with this powder patting with a standard powder brush. My only issue with the product is that it can be kind of whitening. You need to use an absolute bare minimum of product and you really have to distribute evenly for it to be translucent. Otherwise, I really do like this a lot. It helps keep my makeup in place and to mattify my face. This is $23-$38 at Sephora.
5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
Another Kat Von D classic! I own so much Kat Von D at this point she should just hire me (@ me sometime Kat). These last all day, through eating and drinking and everything. The lighter colors are much easier to keep long wearing, while you might have to reapply the darker colors once or twice throughout the day. But the wide range of colors, natural and bold, these lipsticks can be used for any occasion! It comes with a doe foot foam applicator brush. They run for $20 at Sephora.
These are my top five basics. My go-to's for a flawless face without run or crack. I'll definitely post some more makeup articles about other products I use on my face. But these are the bare basics, highest rated, and most common products that are worth the price.
