By looking at me, you’d think that I wear a lot of makeup. I’m not ashamed to step out of the house bare faced, but I just prefer not to. It just makes me feel more put together and awake if I have a full face of makeup on.
However; to accomplish my full face of makeup I only use six core products. Once I find something that I like and that works for me, I stick to it regardless of how much it costs, how much it’s raved about or frowned upon and I think this is a method most women should follow.
NARS Laguna/Orgasm
These are two products that I completely tried based off the hype and for once in my life I’m happy I followed the rest of the crowd. I will literally apply these two powders until the day I die, or they discontinue, whichever comes first. I don’t use foundation but I do like to take a large powder brush (not bronzer brush) to gently dust Laguna, the bronzer, all over my face.
I feel like it evens my skin tone and sets my skin without giving me that disgusting Jersey Shore glow that occurs when one doesn’t know how to properly use bronzer. Orgasm is one of the most beautiful shades of blush I’ve ever seen and I always get compliments on the sparkle. I use a smaller blush brush to apply this to my temples. ($41, Sephora)
L’Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black
Sometime in high school I adopted the cat eye and I don’t think I can ever let go. I apply the ‘flick’ to the end of my eye so quickly that you would think I do it for a living. I’ve tried a ton of different liquid eyeliners and I’ve found that I work best applying eyeliner to myself if I use a line that comes in a pen.
I tried L’Oreal after seeing a YouTube tutorial and I’m so glad I did. I feel like I get great color pay off, the pen is so easy to use and my liner stays on all day. ($7.94, Drugstores)
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Very Black
When I was younger I would spend ridiculous amounts of money at Sephora on various mascaras just because they were ‘designer’ or expensive. I thought that this would mean that these mascaras would work best but I’ve realized that that should never be a reason for you to use a product.
This mascara has never done me wrong and people always compliment my lashes, often asking if I’m wearing falsies. I love this mascara so much that I buy it ten at a time at wholesale retailers to ensure that I never run out. ($7.79, Drugstores)
MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
I’m not kidding when I say that I’ve used this same brand of eyeliner since I was 13 years old. I don’t think I could ever break away from it. Smolder is just a fancy word for the best black eyeliner, period. I use this on my water line everyday and every night when I go to take my makeup off it’s still on. Bravo, MAC. ($15, MAC)
Clinique Concealer
I’ve been cursed with poor genetics in the form of evil under eye circles. I have deep natural bags under my eyes regardless of how much I’ve slept the night before. As a result, I use concealer even when I’m wearing no other makeup. I’ve tried a lot of different brands and I feel like the concealers with a creamier consistency work best for me.
The Clinique Advanced Concealer is my new favorite. It goes on easily and blends well with just the pat of your finger. ($16, Clinique)
So those are my beauty must haves. What are yours?
Ally | Elite.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
