I have been a make-up artist and esthetician for four years now, but my love and knowledge of make-up extends far beyond that. Here are five cosmetics that I just love! I may have to come out with another list again soon, though, because I am a product junkie and choosing just five is pretty difficult. However, here are the ones I do use almost everyday:
1.) Lorac “Hot Flash” blush/bronzer duo
I purchased this product at Sephora over a year ago, and it’s still kickin’! To warn you, it is going to look a bit scary at first. The bronzer is VERY bronze and the blush looks HOT pink. However, please look past that because this product, when used correctly, imparts the most beautiful glow on your face. This is how I use it:
With a big powder/bronzer brush, I actually tap it once so both colors get on the brush. I then turn the brush so that the pink is on my cheekbone and bronzer is on the bottom. Then I just lightly brush back and forth a couple times, blending into my temple and down my jaw in a circular motion. Repeat the same technique on the other side. When it is summertime, I will take a small blush brush, tap it in the blush and put a little extra on my cheekbone and under my eyes. It really brightens up my face! It is very pigmented and lasts all day…For reference, I have light/medium skin with olive undertones.
2.) Trish McEvoy Curling Mascara in Black
Let me tell you, I very, very rarely buy a mascara twice. There are just so many out there! And, I have gone back and forth to department store and CVS type mascaras. Some people will tell you that it doesn’t matter where you get it from, and it truly doesn’t. Pharmacy type mascaras are great, don’t get me wrong, but nothing compares (dept. store or pharmacy) to this mascara! It’s the only one that I have bought multiple times in a row. For one thing, I don’t need my eyelash curler when I use this, FOR REAL! Secondly, it coats each and every lash so that the definition is unbelievable. I have had friends ask me if I had on fake eyelashes. Thirdly, and probably most important for most people, it DOES NOT SMUDGE at all! Even when you wash it off (all you need is water), it comes off in lil’ tubes and doesn’t leave your under eye area smudged with residual mascaras at all! Fourthly, it leaves my eyelashes more supple and conditioned. It is a little pricey for a mascara, about 25 bucks, but so worth it! It will really last you a full 3 months that doesn’t normally happen with drugstore brands. This is the best mascara to use for you and your bridal party to wear for your wedding day too!
3.) Revlon Colorstay Foundation for combination skin
Now, I know what some of you are saying: “Finding a pharmacy store foundation is just too hard!” Well, it can be, but CVS has a great return policy, and if you truly know what your skin tone is, then it isn’t so hard. Try to avoid anything that has overly pink undertones. Most people have pink in there skin and you don’t want your face to look like a Red Hot. You can always add color to your face with blush or bronzer. Also, go a shade lighter than what you think you would need as these kinds of foundations may have a tendency to oxidize on your skin, thus turning a bit darker after applied. The reason I love this foundation is actually because of the color. I was using MAC Studio Fix Fluid, but it just felt like a mask. This one actually melts into your skin and looks really natural. It also stays on for a long period of time and consistently looks fresh. Just make sure to apply it in very thin layers starting at the center of your face and blending it outwards. I would also recommend doing a double cleanse at night to make sure you get it all off. Cleanse once to remove the make up, then again to cleanse your skin.
4.) MAC foundation brush
Well, this is what I put my foundation on with! It is a great investment. You can have all the most wonderful cosmetics sitting on your vanity, but without the right tools, it just won’t come out right. This brush applies my foundation evenly with an airbrushed finish. I have just recently started using a foundation brush, and am definitely impressed. Make sure to try to wash it out after each use. I have even seen an improvement in my breakouts due to not using my figures or a sponge which can spread bacteria.
5.) MAC Blot powder
Now, I will tell you that I haven’t really tried many pressed powders, so I can’t compare this to a lot of the ones out there, but what I do know is I don’t care because I love this so much! I put it on over my done face with a big powder brush and it just makes my face airbrushed and fresh looking. It also feels really silky and great! I don’t need to use it much throughout the day, but when I do, it doesn’t add any color or extra “weight.” It just does what it says, BLOTS! Try to either keep the puff washed regularly or buy extra ones as to not spread germs to your face.
