Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast (like myself) or you rarely wear makeup, these are four items that are essential to completing any makeup collection.
4. Natural Lip Gloss: Dig around your purse long enough and you’re sure to pull out a lip gloss, but it’s important that you don’t pull out just any gloss. You need a classic, natural lip gloss. Whether you’re rocking a bare face or you want to complete a smokey eye, a natural lip gloss is perfect for any situation. I’ve found lots of glosses to be, well, too glossy. After I put some lip glosses on my lips, they feel slimy and sticky, and that’s not the look I’m going for. Luckily, I was introduced to Cremesheen Glass by MAC. No, that wasn’t a typo, this is a glass - not a gloss. The Cremesheen Glass goes on so smoothly and feels like a lipstick, but it still gives you the shine that a gloss would. Play it up by wearing it over lipstick, or wear it by itself for a natural look! My go-to color is Boy Bait, but depending on your skin tone, another shade might appear more natural on you. MAC makes Cremeseheen Glass in 20 different colors, and can be found at any MAC counter or on MAC's website (PSA-free shipping on all orders) for $20.
3. Eye Primer: Whether you plan on wearing eyeshadow or not, primer is a must. I have tried other brands, but I find Urban Decay has the best primer around. Their Primer Potion will keep your eyeshadow looking flawless all day long. The purpose of a primer is to create a crease-free application while enhancing your eyeshadow for a more vibrant color. You simply put a little primer on your finger, wipe it on your eyelid, and apply your shadow. Why would I need a primer if I’m not wearing eyeshadow, you might ask. Urban Decay has created Primer Potions with a shimmer shade. The Primer Potion also fills imperfections in the skin’s surface which you would want to cover, shadow or not! Gently squeeze the tube, apply over your whole eyelid, and you’ve just created a simple, discrete look! The best part is one tube lasts me about six months! Pick up a tube for $20 at Ulta or Sephora, in store or online, for $20.
2. Concealer: Personally, I have the worst bags under my eyes. I could get five hours of sleep or 12 hours, it really doesn’t matter; I still wake up with huge purple semi-circles decorating my face. And, of course, I unfortunately get the occasional blemish. Luckily, I have found Godsend-Benefit’s Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Full Coverage Concealer. Just swirl your finger in the concealer, dab it on your skin, and have amazing coverage. This can be found in Ulta or Sephora, in store or online, for $20.
1. Mascara: If I could only own one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be mascara. I’m almost always wearing it. Coats and coats of it too - the bigger the better, right? Mascara makes your lashes look longer, thicker, darker, and more voluminous. However, at the rate I go through mascara, I find it pointless to spend $23 on one tube. Personally, I just go for Cover Girl’s LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara Waterproof. After trying mascaras from various manufacturers in an array of price ranges, I just keep coming back to this one. I think it makes my lashes look full and definitely delivers on the waterproof promise. You can purchase this mascara at any drug store or at Wal-Mart for $6.94. Just remember: never pump your brush in the tube to get more mascara! You’ll actually just dry it up quicker.
"Honey, I am going to the grave with my eyelashes and makeup on." - Tammy Faye Bakker