12 Makeup Products That Need to Be in Your Bag!

I wouldn’t dare try to do a skincare piece right now because mine is a MESS and I’m the last person you should be taking advice from (have any tips for me?)! Between the winter weather, super dry apartment and pregnancy, mine has never been worse. Add to that pure laziness (I never go to sleep with makeup on but often am too tired to do a deep clean or moisturize and have made and cancelled two facial appointments thus far.) and I’m a lost cause.

BUT, I did treat myself to some new makeup because it was time and I’ve noticed a big difference in my appearance when it’s on. So have others. I’ve received numerous comments about how I’m glowing and, trust me, it’s not pregnancy (yet, fingers crossed). After years of using the same old products, I met with a professional artist and switched up my basics.

SKIN:

This foundation is a game-changer. It’s actually tinted moisturizer (in fair) but I’ve been using it as foundation. (I’d actually purchased some heavier foundation for use for photoshoots and TV appearances but then started using it everyday because I felt like it covered more but I think it was making me look too cakey and it fell into lines making me look older and dryer.)  I’d never heard of this line, Lune + Aster, before but now I’m hooked. This is medium coverage but still breathable and it, supposedly, repairs and hydrates the skin. Plus, it has SPF. And, it’s free from all radicals making it perfect for pregnancy and every day. I touch up my blemishes and scars with MAC Studio Finish Concealer. I’ve always used MAC bronzer, especially in the winter, it makes you look a little more alive.

CHEEKS:

 NARS blush in Orgasm (looks good on everyone!) but another blush I love is Laura Mercier cream color in Oleander. I use it in both winter and summer to give my skin more of a dewy look.

EYES:

Another new product I fell for hard is Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift (I found it $10 cheaper for you!). It makes this tired mom look refreshed and brighter, which I desperately need! For shadow, I used to always use Stila Kitten but it’s a bit too shimmery for every day. Now I use it just on my brown bone and the corner of my eye. Through the artist, I discovered Bobbie Brown shadow in Bone for all over the lid (it equalizes the skin tone and provides a nice base) and Stone for the crease or NARS All About Eve duo. I also like MAC in Folie for the crease. I’ve always used MAC eyeliner in Teddy as an everyday liner but if I want to go dramatic at night, I use Smolder. For mascara, I’m not loyal. I’m constantly trying new ones. I’m currently using Marc Jacobs since it was in a gift bag for an event I went to but, honestly, I often just use drug store versions like Maybeline.

BROWS: 

I never used to wear eyebrow pencil. Now, I can’t go without it. It makes such a difference. And seriously helps if you haven’t had your brows done in awhile. I use Anastasia Perfect Brown Pencil (taupe/ash blonde) and her brow gel as well but any will work.

LIPS: 

I’m pretty equal opportunity when it comes to lips too. Half the time, I just use chapstick. The other, I’ll put on a sheer gloss like MAC C-Thru, or Chanel Brilliance. For a neutral lipstick, I like Brave and for a lip pencil, Spice, both by MAC. If I want to go bold for a night out, I like Julie Hewett Femme Noir for a red lip and Amore by Stila for a vampy one.

As far as prepping the skin, I use Pixie Beauty‘s Makeup Fixing Spray. I used to use it just to set my final look but my friend, beauty blogger turned mogul, Dawn McCoy, who knows far more about makeup than I do, gave me the tip to use it before and after. So now I spray it on a fresh face. Life-changing!

And that’s it. It seems like a lot when I write it all down. But, truly, most days, it’s moisturizer (not tinted), chapstick and a little concealer. When I feel like putting on a face-full of makeup, it’s good to have go-to’s and options and I love finding a new magic product like the foundation and Instant Eye Lift or a fab new trick like using the spray for double duty! What makeup tips, tricks and products do you adore? I’d love to hear below!

To learn more makeup tips and tricks, check out Nat’s salon visits here and here. 

Gallery of most of the items here:

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