5 Makeup Must Haves
My love for makeup started from a very early age (thanks, mom, for letting me play with your collection), and has never left me. Finally, when I was in middle school, my mom decided I was old enough to wear makeup to school as long as she approved. In order to learn the correct way to apply my makeup, she took me to the Clinique counter (where all the southern mamas got their beauty products) to have a make-up lesson at the mall. We decided it was appropriate to wear powder, mascara and lip gloss and, on special occasions, I could add a little eye liner and eye shadow. I look back at that memory fondly and cannot wait to do something similar with my daughter when she is old enough.
Since then, I would like to think my makeup game has gotten way stronger. I have, of course, jumped on the bandwagon of questionable trends (hint: crazy heavy eyeliner and WAY over bronzing), but I love what makeup does for me. It instantly makes me feel more awake and more beautiful. It brings confidence and always fits!!! Your mascara will go on the same no matter how many cookies you eat, ha!
These days, instead of just enhancing my natural youthful beauty like I did in middle school, I am working hard to fight wrinkles and combat the dark circles that haven’t left me since Emmitt was born almost SIX years ago. I am not an expert by any means, but I do love makeup and trying new products all the time. I wanted to share my top 5 must haves that I use EVERYDAY in my “getting ready” routine to help give new ideas to all of those lovely ladies out there fighting the same beauty battle as me!
I use more than these five products, but wanted to start with a simple list of things that I have stuck with for a long time and have proven their worth in my makeup bag.
Intellishade Matte by Revisions Skincare. I was introduced to this AMAZING product by my dermatologist and I wear it as my face makeup everyday. It comes in matte, original and TruPhysical. I prefer the matte. I feel it gives me a dewy natural finish without looking oily or overdone. It has anti-aging ingredients, SPF 45 and literally melts into your skin matching any skin tone so there is no guessing what color you may need. It has a lightweight finish which is perfect for an everyday look. I don’t wear a full face of makeup everyday and like a more natural look, but If I’m trying to amp up my glam for a night out, I usually add a little traditional foundation to my t-zone area for a little extra coverage and blend it all together.
Cle De Peau Concealor. This is, hands down, my favorite makeup item that I own. It is on the pricey side but oh so worth it! My bestie, Caroline, suggested it to me a few years ago and I have been hooked ever since. This concealer goes on smoothly, doesn’t crease and lightens and brightens better than any other product I have tried. Also, it goes a long way! I get almost a year of everyday use out of one tube so that kind of makes up for the higher price tag.
My favorite brow pencil is Laura Mercier Brow Pencil. I use soft brunette. The color is just dark enough and it goes on smoothly, enhancing my natural brows and fills them in perfectly. It comes with a sharpener and brow brush to help shape and tame as an added bonus.
Lancome Cils Booster XL. This eyelash primer by Lancome is a game changer for your lashes. I jump around to different mascaras but always use this primer. It goes on white and adds volume and length, and then you add mascara on top as a second layer. I see a huge difference when I use it verses only applying mascara by itself. Also, I feel it has a pretty long shelf life and doesn’t dry out near as fast as my mascara.
.Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips This LIP BALM (I don’t use it on my nipples, but no judgement) is THE BEST! My sister, Aby, bought this for me a few years ago and now I can’t live without it. It is made of 100% lanolin and works better than any other lip balm I have ever used. I put it on every night before bed and still have some on in the morning. It is very thick, but goes on smooth and doesn’t have any taste or smell.
This is just the beginning of a look into my beauty routine and products that I stand behind. If you have a product you think I would love, please share in the comments.