Let's Talk Makeup Must-Haves!

Yep, let's talk about makeup!  You may or may not know this, but many years ago I worked in skincare at a makeup counter as the counter manager in a retail store.  You may not know I went to school for cosmetology. Even in high school, I was always known for having my makeup done or "perfect".  So, I have some pretty strong opinions on makeup and whether it does or doesn't work! About half of the makeup I wear is store brand and the other half is higher end stuff. Generally, once I find something that works and works well, I stick with it.  I look for products that will last and that have quality characteristics.  For example, every eye shadow is not the same and not every mascara brush is wonderful...it's all about the brush/applicator.

• Recently, I discovered a great product called bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE.  To me, it is not too heavy and not too light.  It provides just the right amount of coverage and trust me, I know my foundations.  It provides light to medium coverage and leaves a dewy glow to your face.  It is awesome!  It retails for right around $28.00, but mine has lasted forever and it's so worth it.  This foundation is described as follows: 

 The best of a BB, CC, and a tinted moisturizer, COMPLEXION RESCUE™ is formulated with  olive-derived squalane, marine botanicals, hydrating humectants trehalose and glycerin,    and coconut-derived ingredients to replenish, hydrate, nourish, and condition. While        unique water-   encapsulations give skin that instant burst of hydration. Additionally, this  product is dermatologist- tested, clinically tested, and hypoallergenic.  I am loving it! 

• I use a foundation brush, I am sure many are great, but I personally use the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Plush Paddle Foundation Brush as pictured above.  I use it to apply the bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE.  It just really smooths everything out and helps me achieve great coverage.  This brush which will last a very, very long time retails at about $48.00.  It's on the more pricey side. However, you can find it typically on eBay or often times there will be a special running at Ulta where you get several brushes for around $30-$40.  I took advantage of that!

• Now, to my FAVORITE!  Rodan + Fields Peptide Powder.  This really can be worn all by itself. It is AMAZING!  Re-read that name...Peptide Powder!  Collagen stimulating peptides are one of the most promising discoveries in the last few years when it comes to your skin.  Do you know what peptides are and what they do?  Peptides are chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins in the skin. When peptides form a long chain of amino acids, they become proteins. When they are in a short chain of amino acids, they are able to penetrate the top layer of our skin and send signals to our cells to let them know how to function. One important protein in our skin is collagen. Collagen gives our skin its thickness and suppleness. When collagen breaks down in the skin (from age and environmental factors like the sun and stress), wrinkles form. Peptides applied topically to the skin can send a signal to collagen to prompt the formation of new collagen.  Makeup that can help you look younger?  Yes, please! This retails at $59.00.  However, this is a skin treatment and makeup all in one.  Not to mention, the brush comes with it!  Oh yeah. You can use this alone if you choose.  It's perfect! It lasts a really long time.

• Next, is bareMinerals Mineral Veil finishing powder.  I have used this for years!  I really just do a light dusting over my foundation and Peptide Powder.  It is translucent, but gives your skin a glow!  It glows!  Nothing can be wrong about that.  This product retails at about $20.00. You use very little so this product does last a long time.  This is more of an accent makeup you could add to your arsenal.

• Aaaahhhh, L'oreal eyeshadow #803.  I am in love!  I have used this for years and years as my eye shadow base color.  It's the first thing I put on my eyes before colored eye shadow, eye liner and mascara!  EVERYDAY!!!!  If I had to pick a  makeup item I have to have, this would be one. The L'oreal Wear Infinite Single Eye Shadow Seashell 803 is very hard to find these days. The one store where I was able to find it right near my home...no longer sells it. This is a problem...a big problem!  For base color eyeshadows, I like it a bit lighter than the skin with a whitish or creamy tone and no SPARKLE!!!  Everything has sparkle now.  I only use sparkle shadows or pearly shadows for my accent eye shadow colors!  I don't know why, but that's just how I like it.  It works for me! I really don't like all of the pearly eye shadows!  This little gem retails at about $5.00 - $8.00. I have found that there are a few places that sell it online.  I will be ordering this online.

• Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner is a miracle liner!  It literally will not come off all day and it won't get on your eyelid either throughout the day.  It's just a store brand, but it sure does the job! This retails at about $5.00 - $6.00.

• Drum roll please...the next awesome product is THE ONLY mascara I will wear - Covergirl Lashblast Mascara in the orange tube!  I am proof that you do not need expensive mascara to get beautiful lashes.  I get asked all of the time if I have fake lashes.  The answer is always no.  I believe that what makes a good mascara is the brush...the applicator.  It has to be the perfect brush and this mascara has it for me.  It comes in regular and waterproof formulas. I wear the regular unless attending a funeral.  This must have retails at about $6.00 - $7.00.

•  Another must have for me is the IT Cosmetics Brow Power Waterproof Perfector 5-  in-  1 Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil.  This find is a bit newer for me and I cannot do  without it.  I use the Universal Taupe color.  This is for anyone Anywho wants brow-  enhancing and conditioning benefits and wants to instantly create the look of  beautiful, resilient brows that won't budge or smudge and that stay until you decide  to take them off.  This product retails at about $24 - $28. I usually buy two at a  time.

•  Finally, I love Revlon Powder Blush!  To me it has great pigment and lasts all day.  Many store brand blushes that I have used do not offer much color that lasts once  applied.  The color is dull and the color doesn't last.  I am a very pale person so I  need a pop of color.  I can use other blushes, but I do prefer this one.  It retails at  about $8.00 - $10.00 depending on where you buy it obviously.  

    So, this is my daily makeup arsenal.  I may leave the house without doing my hair, but my makeup is something I take pride in...always have.  Some days are obviously better than others.  Give these products a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!