I have a group of girlfriends that have gotten together once a month for dinner for the last three and a half years. We call ourselves Birthday Club, even though there are only 6 of us so, as our husbands like to point out, the math doesn’t really add up. But we are like the government and don’t allow arbitrary numbers to stand in the way of what we want. Not to mention, it’s not like we’re going out 1.2 trillion times a year because that would be an excessive number.
Anyway, last night was Birthday Club. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that we met at Chuy’s because why, oh why, are we going to a chain Mexican restaurant when we live in the Mexican food capital of the world? Actually, Mexico is probably the Mexican food capital of the world but they have an advantage because if you’re visiting Mexico then technically you’re eating Mexican food even if you’re eating a cheeseburger and fries.
But we went to Chuy’s because it’s a fairly convenient location, they have excellent queso and some jalapeno ranch dip that is totally worth all the 30 Day Shred workouts that it will take to work it off.
We covered our usual array of topics in no particular order: Shopping, marriage, kids, shopping, reality television and life in general. However there was one question that I meant to ask and I completely forgot all about it once I got there and got engrossed in the fact that one of them had just bought the cutest jacket from a boutique located inside a carwash. Needless to say, my car is getting washed later today.
Okay, back to the point. In the last two days I have run out of all my makeup essentials. My tinted moisturizer is almost empty, I used the last of my bronzer getting ready last night, and my eyeliner broke in half and cannot be salvaged. In what is an unprecedented circumstance, my entire makeup bag is in need of an overhaul. Sure I could just go out and buy the same stuff I had before, but what if I’m missing out on something great?
I don’t want to spend my life wrapped in a Neutrogena tinted moisturizer bubble and miss out on a blessing that could cover my uneven complexion and make me appear fresh faced and impossibly dewy. (I really don’t like the word dewy, but I’m keeping it there because I can’t think of a better word right now)
So before I just run off to the drugstore or the department store or Sephora all willy nilly, I’d love to know what makeup products you use and love. Like the ones you truly love. I don’t want to know about the lipstick that you kind of like but could live without or the mascara that’s just okay. I want to know the products you can’t live without. The ones you will buy over and over again because they are worth the money.
I will anxiously await your input, but in the meantime I’m planning on staying home all day and avoiding mirrors because the world isn’t ready to see my winter skin without a little bit of bronzer.
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I love, love, love Arbonne’s Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer. Here’s the description from their website – it explains it better than I can:
Minimize the visual appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores with this velvety, matte makeup primer.
It’s wonderful! It also keeps the shine factor to a minimum. It makes sense too…we prime our walls before we paint…why not prime our face?!?
ORIGINS Nude and Improved Bare-face make-up. It is light, smells nice, and has sunscreen. I also use their All and Nothing Sheer pressed powder. It is for every skin color and nicely evens everything out. My mom loves the lipstick I wear. It is Plum Brandy by Clinique. If I run out, she buys me more because she says it looks so pretty!
Maybelline Stilleto Lash Mascara. . . It’s great!!! I’m also a faithful Gingerbread lipstick wearer (Mary Kay). And, can’t do without my L’oreal foundation.
Arbonne all the way! I love both their liquid and mineral powder foundation. They cover and spackle what they need to
without feeling like I am wearing a mask.
I have always had pretty good skin, but once I switched to their skincare and makeup, I now have great skin.
Rimmel Coffee Bean lipliner. I never re-apply lipstick (well, until the next day).
I started using Benefit Benetint last winter for cheeks and occasionally lips… it’s such a gorgeous stain and smells like roses – love it!
I love BE Bare Minerals blush in “i’m amused rouge” because a little goes a long way and it’s a great medium pink blush on my light olive skin. I currently live in the most humid place on earth (Singapore), so most of my makeup sweats off in 5 minutes, so I love BE Mineral Veil because over here I need to minimize the dewy look.
Lash Blast mascara by Cover Girl is a great mascara…definitely lengthens the lashes! And Mary Kay (various colors) and MAC (“O” or “Coconutty”) lipsticks are my fav.
I love MaryKay’s mineral bronzer and their tinted moisturizer. They are my favorite must haves. Some days I just wear those with a little mascara and call it a day.
Bare Essentuals Bare Minerals IS without a doubt THE best makeup I have every used!
Bobbi Brown Long-Lasting Gel Eyeliner really does what it says it does. It’s the only eyeliner I’ve ever worn that doesn’t end up somewhere other than where I put it. Worth every penny!
Laura Mercier tinted moisterizer (available at Sephora) is the best.
I have used Loreal Voluminous mascara for years and years and I still love it! I’ve tried more expensive brands but have never found its equal.
I also love MAC’s blotting powder and like to use that in place of regular powder.
I have been using the Aveeno brand of tinted moisturizer, and I LOVE it!! It really covers your “imperfections” great but I don’t feel like I have anything on at all. Great product!
I love Benefit Lemon Aid. It is a color correcting eye lid primer. I use it alone or under eyeshadow. According to Sephora it says, “In a snap, eyes look refreshed,frisky, and ready for fun.” That was funny, nothing like some frisky eyes.
I also can’t get away from Loreal Volumnious mascara. I have tried lots of others but I keep coming back to it.
I don’t wear make up so I’m completely useless to you but Pioneer Woman had a list of some cool looking stuff that she liked not too long ago. I think it was in her Home and Garden section.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bare Minerals foundation! It’s like you’re not wearing make-up but you ARE. I am a fan of the blush, the finishing powder, the bronzer, the whole kit and caboodle really. Totally worth the $$$$. If you have time you should go to the Bare Minerals store at La Cantera and let their ladies make you up.
Hmmm, so many choices! I do love Mary Kay for the basics…can’t beat their mineral face powder, bronzer, I also really like their tinted moisturizer. MAC for lipgloss. Stila brown sugar lip pencil……..As for mascara…still haven’t found “the one”
I don’t like heavy foundation so I use and love Stila Illuminating Powder. It has been a staple in my make up bag for years! And I live in TX as well (Houston), so it has been tested in the heat and humidity. It has great coverage but not so much that you feel like you have a foot of makeup on. And it has an SPF in it, although it’s not a whole lot. You can find it a Sephora.
Also, I have tried every mascara under the sun and am a true believer in Avon Supershock. It is the only mascara I have ever used that doesn’t flake. Like never a speck under your eyes at the end of the day. Ever! And it makes your lashes all full and long. Plus it’s a great price!
I love Benefits Cosmetics FYEyes. You use it on your eyelid, underneath eyeshadow and it keeps your eyeshadow from creasing on your lid. Works on the most humid day and keeps everything put! I imagine with the humidity in TX, you’d love this product as much as I do.
Three things I will take to a deserted island: a sack of potatoes, my pillow, and Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara.
Five words:
Aveda Inner Light Dual Foundation
Can’t live without it!!! It’s a powder foundation and it’s wonderful! I have terribly uneven skin tone and when I first started wearing it I got a ton of compliments about how much younger my skin looked (and I’m only 28!)
Also check out Aveda Lip Tint and Aveda Lip Shine. Both are great!
A FABULOUS foundation that I just began using was one that came recommended by Ree is MAC foundation with a very wonderful $32 brush to apply it. Both were worth EVERY penny! Go and have it applied and you’ll be sold! The foundation was actually pretty reasonable. Around the same amount as Clinique foundation…maybe even a bit less.
seriously. Loreal telescopic mascara in the gold tube. Don’t bother with the silver tube. Go with the gold.
I’ve tried just about every mascara available in my lifetime, and this was the very first one that wow-ed me at the first brush stroke. It’s that good. You owe it to yourself to at least try it.
I know some people have issues buying make-up where you can also buy ground beef and a plunger, but it’s seriously the best mascara ever.
I’d be the wrong one to ask since I’m incredibly CHEAP and only spend about 40 bucks a year on Covergirl products. But I will be reading everyone else’s comments for suggestions; especially for the perfect mascara because I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t exist.
MAC eyeliner pencil and lip gloss. . .I am not a big makeup wearer, but these two items have changed my “being forced to grow up and wear makeup” life.
I can’t live without my MaryKay Sweet Raisin lipgloss. Otherwise, I’m cheap and use CoverGirl for just about everything.
I love Clinique double face powder. I just use this instead of foundation and it’s great. It’s not a liquid compact, it’s just a great powder! I’ve used it for at least 15 years.
I, too, love Bare minerals. Although it covers really well and won’t rub off easily, I personally don’t think it covers better than liquid. I use it because, at 39, I felt like I needed to let my skin “breathe.” I love the fact that if I commit the cardinal sin of not washing my face at night, I don’t have that same dirty feeling I have when I use liquid foundation, and my skin definitely does not react the same–no zits. I do TRY to wash my face every night, just for the record, but every once in a while I am lazy.:o)
I also swear by Noxzema for face cleaning and I use an Equate brand (Wal-Mart Store Brand) of day moisturizer with Alpha-Hydroxy in it, and the Equate brand of night moisturizer with Pro Retinol in it.
I’m anxious to see other’s comments about mascara, because my eyelashes are just not all they can be.
I have no advice to offer because I am currently rather displeased with my entire make up bag. Even items I had declared as being “the one” have been letting me down lately. This might be related to the fact that my skin has revolted against me and I’m breaking out like crazy! I realize no make up can really fix that, but I’m hoping to learn about a miracle product in the comments anyway!
I have no recommendations because I’m in the same boat. But I will tell you that the ladies at every makeup counter at La Cantera have NOTHING to do at 10 a.m. in the middle of the week, and they’re all dying to help you out. On a weekend, all they’ll do is half of your face, but Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., they will complete you. Good luck.
Definitely take the trip to the boutique in the carwash! My sis lives in Nashville, and she gets some unbelieveable things at her carwash! I forget the name, but its such a cute store!
I always wondered how people got their foundation to stay all day long – now I know Merle Norman Foundation Primer – it is awesome!! I am not a fan of liquid foundations so Merle Norman’s ultra powder foundation is great.
After literally trying every mascara on the PLANET, I found Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Mascara (it like $6) and it is amazing!
Bare Minerals…foundation and “warmth”. Can’t live without them! Get mine at ULTA.Have been using them for years!
I have to go with a few of the other girls here, and HIGHLY recommend Bare Minerals. I love, love, love it. It’s also fun to shop for, because they have these fun little makeup kits (you get the best value with the kits).
Oh, and I went to Chuy’s when I visited Texas for the first time earlier this year. We were in Austin.
Do you know what Melanie? After you made your list of essential beauty products you inspired me to make one of my own so I’m on the ready for this request…BAM!
Dior Spray foundation…light, flawless coverage and it doesn’t feel like you have anything on!
Bare Minerals Mineral viel…same as above.
Great lash mascara…I’ve bought all the fancy stuff and nothing…NOTHING is as good as the Cover Girl stuff!
Dior lipsticks…they feel like buttah.
Benefit Benetint…I use the lighter pink one…I think it is called posy in the summer but the classic red one year round…your cheeks have a natural flush look to them after you apply it.
I’m “somewhat” of a product hound so…I’ve done ALOT of “market” research. I used to use In Style’s annual Best Of Beauty Products list as a shopping guide and Sephora is my mother ship.
I love love Bare Minerals. I use the foundation and bronzer. I do not use bare minerals eye makeup or mascara because I love Clinique’s quickliner eyeleiner. It stays on all day. I have had Nars blush in “orgasm”
for a while now and love it as well! Good luck!
I normally buy Clinique make-up but I always stick with my Loreal Voluminous Mascara…..it is the best….even though it isn’t expensive.
I gotta give it up for Bare Minerals make-up too. It’s more spendy than drug store make-up, but it lasts a long time and works so well. I’ve been using it for 5 years and haven’t gone back to anything else. I use the mineral foundation, blush, and mineral veil.
Oh, Melanie,
Do not deprive yourself any longer and get your rear to a Sephora where God is waiting to shower His blessings upon you in the form of Bare Minerals makeup. Is it a bit pricey? Yes. But, is it divinity in the form of a makeup? Absolutely. Their bronzer is out of this world and oh-so-natural looking. Once you go with this makeup, I can assure you that your life will be semi-complete.
Rachel
I LOVE Bare Minerals foundation and blush. It is so light! It easily will last for 6 months(depending on how much you use). I also love their eye primer. I also can’t live without Rimmel Vinyl Gloss (not sure of the color, it just says 8033???)
i just discovered freshminerals (cheaper mineral makeup) and i LOVE their mascara. it literally stays on ALL DAY. REALLY.
elf is fabulous for spicing up the make-up bag without breaking the bank and there are tons of discount coupons at retailmenot.com
I love Stila eyeshadow in Kitten…great eye-opening shade. And Bare Minerals Warmth gets rid of that “death-warmed-over” look I tend to wake up with in the mornings.
You need to call my sis because she has a makeup artist friend who just helped her overhaul her makeup bag.
I absolutely love Arbonne products. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for and it lasts forever.
I went to the makeup counter at Macy’s thinking it was Clinique but it was really Prescriptives, and I love it! I got Sheer coverage foundation which totally covers up more than the “sheer” would suggest. The best part, the make-up lady turned me on to the foundation brush instead of using your fingers. LOVE IT! It really just creates a nicer, smoother finish. It’s not like you’d paint your walls with your fingers, why paint your face with them.
Dermalogica Super Sensitive Faceblock SPF30. No chemicals and ver light going on. In other words, it doesn’t feel like Elmers Glue.
Try a bronzer (or anything) from http://www.everydayminerals.com/index.php
I love everything I’ve tried from there. It’s like bare minerals, but better, cheaper, and based in TX. If that isn’t enough to entice you, they usually have a sample package you can custom order for only the price of shipping.
I have no makeup suggestion, but you got me on the Chuys! We moved from Austin 6 months ago and I loved the jalapeno ranch dip! Living in the Northeast now, good Mexican (chain or not) is hard to come by =)
Blush: Nars “Orgasm”…it’s embarrassing to go into a store and ask for it, plus its on the pricey side, but its amazing. best blush ever.
Eyeliner: “Bourbon” by Urban Decay…its a stick, but its creamy in texture so it goes on easily.
Bronzer: “Pink Leopard” by Too Faced…I am pretty pale, so you should maybe look at another one of their bronzers, but it looks so natural.
Lips: Benefit Benetint…I saw some other people listed it, and it really is great….you can use it on your cheeks too.
Bare Minerals ALL THE WAY!!! On school mornings I just spend 2 minutes on the make-up, bronzer, and mineral veil and I look presentable yet like I haven’t really done any work. Love the stuff!!
Two words . . . ERNO LASZLO . . . it lasts forever and it is so good for your skin . . . I have used their Shake-It Foundation for 10 years . . . it’s skin care and make-up in one.
I find that if you use two different kinds of mascara it works great. I use covergirl define a lash and then use cover girl lash blast on top of that. Really lengthens my lashes since I don’t really have any – it makes them pop!
I have long eyelashes that I need to define, not make all clumpy–with that said I like clinque naturally glossy mascara OR NYC is pretty darn good to for the price(cheapest stuff you can get at target).
Mary Kay makes an eye primer to put on before eyeshadow that helps it stay on and look so much smoother. Love it.
Avon has a waterproof mascara that is fab.
Happy hunting!
The perfect mascara that I would seriously die without is made by KissMe and its called Blinc. (Sephora carries it in MN) It really tubes your lashes and doesn’t come off until you wash your face. The best stuff ever!!
Good luck!
Can I tell you that I was thinking THIS MORNING about how I cannot live without my Clinique superpowder double face makeup. At 30, I am STILL getting blemishes ::grr::, but this stuff does just enough to give coverage without being caky, like a liquid or putty-like concealer would. It also does the trick for mattifying shiny spots throughout the day.
I have also recently found the lipstick of my dreams: Laura Mercier stickgloss. It’s not too glossy (i.e. hair stuck to lips) and not too dry — it’s JUST RIGHT. I have been really enjoying the Courtisane shade, but I think I’m going to purchase a lighter shade for the winter months when my skin is pasty and a medium-shade lip washes me out even more.
I’ve also been rocking the Laura Mercier eye basics — it’s a lid primer that keeps your eye make-up on all day and also keeps it from creasing. I swear.
And for mascara, I’ve really enjoyed the Covergirl Fantastic Lash mascara. It has a great applicator that fans out the lashes just right. It doesn’t clump them together, like most mascaras I’ve tried.
Okay, the #1 piece of advice i can give you is to buy a book by Paula Begoun called “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me”. IT IS GOLD I TELL YOU. Basically she reviews every make up product known to man…. both department store and drug store and tells you which is the most bang for your buck. In some cases, Maybelline is better than Chanel… seriously!
Also, I am a big fan (and so is the author of that book!) of Loreal True Match Foundation. Feels so lightweight and goes on smooth.
I’m also a big fan of LashBlast mascara.
Have fun shopping!!
I LOVE the gel eyeliner from Bobby Brown!
It’s more than I usually pay, and you put it one with a brush, which I was unsure about, but it is so worth it!
With the pencil I used to use, I’d have to wipe under my eyes during the day with a wet paper towel (glamorous!) to remove the eyeliner that would somehow creep down during the day.
This eyeliner has solved that completely. And using a brush to put it on isn’t nearly as tricky as I thought it’d be.
Clinique Double Face Powder!! (the only foundation/powder I’ve used since I was 15) Despite the fact that I’m 35, I’m still a die hard Clinique girl. Love their Coffee Roast Quickliner and Naturally Glossy mascara.
Everything from Bare Essentuals! I’m a total convert!
Bobbi Brown all the way. I have used her products for 10 years now and love everything. The two things I do stray on are cover girl mascara (green top, pink bottom)and Chanel bronzer. Nars has a great bronzer too. Good luck!
I, along with many of your other readers, can not recommend Bare Minerals makeup highly enough! It was the first of all mineral makeups, and I’ve found everything else to be a cheap, knock-off of its wonderfulness. Beware though, it is HIGHLY addictive!!
Their face and eye primers are incredible too!
Oh, and I think I may have found the perfect mascara- the vibrating Maybelline kind. I have skimpy blonde eyelashes, and the first time I used this mascara, I had TWO strangers ask me how I got my eyelashes to be so long and thick.
A dear friend of mine is a make-up artist here in Nashvegas. I do whatever she tells me to do. Her favorites…
Laura Mercier (http://www.lauramercier.com/) for foundation/powder. She makes tinted moisturizers, concealers… whatever your personal preference or coverage needs happen to be.
Shu Uemura (http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/) for all the color stuff like eye shadow and blush. There are a million colors to choose from, and while it’s a little on the pricey side, the make-up is hard and doesn’t crumble or break apart like the more inexpensive brands. The color is also really concentrated so a little goes a long way.
Great Lash Waterproof Mascara – This is the only one my friend will use.
The new Cover Girl mascaras are great and they’re cheap! I love Lash Blast(orange tube) and I really, really love Last Exact (purple tube). I wear Bare Minerals; I especially love the Well Rested undereye concealer. Good luck!
I’m a little of this and a little of that kinda makeup snob!
I love Bare Minerals…..I have the freckly uneven skin tone and this stuff actually covers and looks so natural.
I adore Clinique…..especially in the winter. The foundation is yummy and I CANNOT live without their Continuous Coverage face lotion! I wear it ALWAYS!!
Makeup is so personal, ya know?
Every face is different!
I also really love Rimmel mascara! It is clean and doesn’t make my eyes itch!
-For moisturizer I use Mary Kay hydrating gel (I’m not really a Mary Kay kind of girl, but I love this product and their mascara)
-I also love Diorshow Black Out Mascara
-My ALL TIME favorite eyeliner is L’oreal HIP cream eyeliner #905 black
-My favorite lip product is by MAC, it’s called Tinted Lip Conditioner (spf 15) and I wear it in Petting Pink
-For all face coverage I use Bare Escentuals foundation, but for super duper coverage I use MAC’s Studio Fix…
-For bronzer, I LOVE Bobbi Brown’s.. It lasted over a year!!
I don’t normally wear all of the stuff above at once.. Usually just foundation/powder and blush or bronzer. Chapstick or lip tints.
Marley and I must be sisters separated at birth, because I, too use Nars blush in Orgasm. Flatters any skin tone. Fantastic! A little higher than some others, but it lasts forever. Also a huge fan of Urban Decay eye liners. I have Bourbon, but my faves are Rockstar and Stash. Creamy, blend well…FABU!
Also use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. It’s amazing.
I love bare minerals. The serum from Arbonne was great, but my supplier moved so I can’t get it. :{
Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (Sephora), Smashbox primer, Maybelliene lash discovery mascara, Lancome lipgloss in Heatstroke. My basics every day!
I don’t normally comment on blogs, but I love yours! I had to chime in and add to the list of Bare Mineral lovers. I’ve never spent much on makeup but Bare Minerals is worth paying a little extra. I currently only use the foundation, concealer and mineral veil. Give it a try!
as far as cosmetics I always check here: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
its the skindeep sight and tells you whether your cosmetics are safe or not. Its quite addictive to check out everything in your cabinet.
Well, a girl could spend all day getting handy makeup tips here. I just found the clinique mineral makeup- I used to use Bare Minerals- Clinique is soooooo much better- light, makes you look radiant (dewy), and covers. All without looking like you have makeup on. Awesome stuff.
Another vote for Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer – I use all the products in this kit:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P214230&categoryId=C12210
Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner, Nars Lipgloss and eye shadow, Urban Decay eyeshadow primer, Stila eyeshadow round out my other favorites / must haves.
ALways on the hunt for the perfect mascara though!
Oh, my, goodness. Sephora is my love language. I’m so not kidding. Pregnant with my first beloved child, I’ve announced to everyone that I do not want baby gifts for Christmas and fully intend to ask for makeup money (yep, I said it, I’m going to be a great Mama!). Ok, to the serious business.
I have not found the perfect moisturizer. I think that’s a personal choice anyway. But what I do use I mix with philosophy’s the present, their primer. It’s amazing stuff, especially if you are a oil slick like me. Just be sure to wait the recommended 2 to 3 minutes before you put on your makeup (I go pick out my clothes).
I also use Bare Minerals and loove it. In a funny story, my Dad actually ordered it for me 6 years ago off the TV (that shows the level of meltdowns I was having over my skin, I guess). I use the foundation as a concealer (rarely do I go the whole face) and the mineral veil. Super good powder.
I use a lot of CARGO products, they have great blush (I use cable beach) and a really great bronzer. I haven’t tried their bluray line. They also have good eye shadows but I’ve really been loving Lorac’s eye shadows. Amazing colors that stay put all day. In fact, I’ve run out and forgot how other shadows slip around and cake in the crease. And CARGO’s lip gloss is just about the best ever. I use Clinique’s quickliner for eyes in roast coffee. That stays, too. And the classic Great Lash mascara from Covergirl is what I always use, no matter how many teeny samples of other mascara I try. Love the waterproof version, too.
I’ve been using Clinique lipstick when I want to be fancy, but I use philosophy’s kiss me lipgloss faithfully under every lipstick/gloss application and when I feel like it. Can you feel the love? I think this comment is as long as your post…….
Thanks for indulging me!
Bare Essentials/Bare Minerals anything! I refuse to go back to powder and base ever again.
Urban Decay eyeshadow primer. It’s in a genie bottle because it’s magic!
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner. Stays on all day, really!
Kat Von D Tattoo Cover concealer. If it can cover up tattoos, it can cover my under eye circles. Thankfully.
Benefit Eyebrow Duo. Great for filling and controlling the brows.
Christian Dior Blackout Mascara. Best ever. No kidding. Worth the price.
Obviously I have a makeup addiction. I’m from the South, it’s not my fault!
I’m totally Burts Bee’s for moisturizer and Bare Essentials for makeup the best makeup ever they have a shop over at La Cantera and they will do a makeover for you. My sister has rosacea and it covers that and evens out her skin tone. I am also allergic to all other makeup and before I started to use it I couldn’t wear foundation.
Bare Minerals is a definite must. I switched over a few years ago and immediately had people commenting on how great my skin looked. I have since added their eye shadows and love them as well…Well Rested is great for over all cover and under the eyes (making you look-ummm-well rested
I love the shadows with some shimmer in them!
Definicils Mascara in black by Lancome!!! LOVE it!
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit-a little pot with concealer on the top and loose powder on bottom to set and brighten.
Just started using Bare Minerals 2 weeks ago…I like it and think it will give you that “dewy” look
I use dermalogica for my skin care. It is amazing and keeps my skin clear, I have oily skin. I also use a mineral makeup called Jane Iredale Make up. http://www.janeiredale.com
It is just wonderful, truly minerals and feels like you are not even wearing makeup. I use to use a fairly heavy make up from lancome and totally love the Jane Iredale products. Its actually skin care makeup! Has SPF 20 in it and is oil free!
I use the Loreal version of Bare Minerals. Bare Naturale. I love the coverage & staying power of this stuff. Couldn’t walk outside without it!
I love, love, love the following products and use them everyday:
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL. Its not heavy – you can use in the winter or the summer.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation (with SPF 10).
Clinique’s Stay Matte Face Powder (I have normal skin but I used oil-free and stay-matte products because you won’t ever be “shiny” in pictures). You’re skin looks great and glowing/dewy without actually being either of the two.
I use Nars blush in Orgasm, because it really does give you that “glow”.
I use Clinique’s quickliner for eyes (in Dark Chocolate) and Clinique’s lip liner (in plummy).
I alternate between Clinique and MAC eyeshadown. Clinique for day/work/church. MAC for parties/night/weddings,etc.
And I always use Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Black/Brown.
Happy Shopping! I love shopping for make-up!
Well, let’s see. At age 22 I feel like I have been through the gauntlet of foundation related products. I have struggled with acne all of my adult life, which is only 4 years, but feels like an ETERNITY. I am now using Bare Minerals, and love it. It provides even coverage, and a fresh, matte look that I’ve so desperately tried to acheive over the years. I also love gel eyeliner. It stays on all day, and does not smudge. It is my new best friend.
Maybelling Full N Soft Mascara in Very Black
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nars products. Their powders and foundations provide great coverage and are not too heavy. I love Stila eye shadows and Dior mascara. I DO spend a good bit of money on my make up, but it lasts forever and makes me look good.
Urban decay and mac have some great lipsticks and glosses. I get everything at Sephora.
Bare Essentuals Bare Minerals… love it. Never thought the girl who couldn’t slather enough of liquid foundation on her face would ever find satisfaction in a loose powder, but I did.
Clinique Blackberry Bloom Lipgloss. I have been using it for several years and absolutely adore it. My favorite part about clinique lipsticks and glosses is that they don’t have any taste. I hate tasting my lipstick.
When I first saw your blog title I thought it was going to be about Steel Magnolias. Love that quote. But since it’s not.. my favorite make-up product are Bobbi Brown bronzer. Happy shopping!
Steel magnolias was on last night on oxygen or we or one of those channels that make us cry.. love the reference.
I swear by Superfit base by Clinique. It’s base not a tinted moisturizer but it goes on thin and covers nicely. Pretty sure it’s $22. Covergirl Eyeliner that is in the ‘click’ form because if it involves a sharpener, I will break it. Usually runs about $5.
MAC foundation – whichever one suits your needs best.
But based on the comments, I may be swayed towards venturing out to Bare Minerals.
Hello Melanie,
All my life I have struggled with acne and blemish challenges. I have tried everything and anything, until I was introduced to Artistry’s skin care/cosmetics 15 years ago. Since then, these products are all that I put on this only face.
Check out Artistry’s Essentials Makeup Kit. Contains everything for a simply flawless look: light mineral foundation; concealer; colour quad; lip shine; mascara; and two brushes. Also, do try their new Tinted Moisturiser. Contains SPF 15, hydrates skin with lightweight coverage in eight self-adjusting, skin-matching tints.
Maybelline Stilletto Lash Mascara! And…Outlast Lipstick…it’s awesome!
I love makeup and have used everything – my favorite products – Dior mascara and their liner – Dior Foundation – the best and looks flawless – benefit Hoola bronzer and Boiing concealer by benefit.Chanel makes the best feeling lipstick. Arbonne facial mask – cetephil facial cleansers and cetephil moisturizers I also use Mac brushes – they are worth the price – their face powders are great also.
I love Cover Girl LashBlast mascara! I have my normal dark brown waterproof for everyday, but they also make it with different color shimmer (if you’re into that sort of thing). The black emerald is my fav!
Also, you can never go wrong with m.a.c. eyeshadow/liners. I couldn’t live without them.
Mary Kay’s mineral powder foundation. It is the best and only $18. It lasts a long time and you will look great!
This is a fairly recent find, but I love this mascara-
http://www.maybelline.com/Product/Eye/Mascara/lash-stiletto-ultimate-length-mascara.htm
It doesn’t smudge either!
Mercy! There’s a lot of make-up out there!
I always wanted to try Bare Minerals but I am a highly devoted liquid foundation gal. So, while I was at my dermatologist’s office, I was introduced to Jane Iredale Mineral make up. They have the BEST liquid mineral foundation EVER. I am absolutely addicted to it. It isn’t cheap but totally worth it.
Never EVER leave the house without Mary Kay SPF moisturizer for sensitive skin, Benefit BAD GIRL mascara and B&BW Bigelow tinted lip gloss…even when I am feeling my worst, these give me a pick me up!
I have recently fallen in love with CARGO’s One Base foundation + concealer. I just dab a little around my eyes and on my chin. It evens out my skin tone and covers up my under-eye circles, but simultaneously vanishes so that you can’t even tell I’m wearing makeup. Love!
Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals HANDS DOWN!! BUY IT! BUY IT NOW!!! Your skin will love you! I’d go with the starter kit to figure our your exact color. Their kits are the way to go over all. We have both the boutique and Sephora. They carry pretty much the same stuff, but they each carry a few different things.
My fav eye shadow from there is called “Nude Beach”.
Now go get yourself some!!
MAX FACTOR 2000 CALORIE MASCARA & MAX FACTOR 2000 EXTREME LASH PLUMPER…i wouldn’t put another mascara on my wimpy blonde lashes for $1 million. swear by it. would take it with me as my one luxury item if i was a contestant on survivor. i have tubes in my desk at work, at home, in my purse, in my BREAD BOX. i am not joking. buy this.
step one: CURL lashes with metal lash curler that hase been heated by blowdrier for apx. 10 seconds. no more! don’t burn your eyeballs!
step two: apply max factor 2000 calorie mascara to top lashes. several coats. go ahead, it won’t clump.
step three: wait a minute or so before applying lash plumper. give your lashes some dry time. the brush on the lash plumper has plastic bristles and works well at not only plumping, but also separating. apply 2ish coats of the plumper on top and bottom lashes, use to separate.
step four: bat your long, lovely lashes at whomever you choose. you’ll be a showstopper at this point!
http://www.maxfactor.com/makeup.do#MAX_2000Calorie
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (the pink and green one) is the only thing I wear almost every day, I’m so not a makeup person.
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor (the two step one, a hassle, I know, but worth it!) is good stuff. I’m not good at picking out the right color, but it stays on well and I refresh with good old cherry ChapStick. I also love Liquid Lip Smackers Pink Lemonade when I want a little more shine
Everything else is Bare Minerals, I was an instant convert!! I LOVE that my face doesn’t feel oily and it’s easier for me to get the natural look I prefer with it than with liquid foundation and pressed powder.
1. i love stila foundation and powder. they stand up to the houston heat and humidity, and don’t look caked on at all. amazing.
2. as the queen of allergies and crying at sappy tv show moments, i need a waterproof mascrea. i’m pretty sure i’ve tried them all, and i think Chanel makes the best one. Does all the things mascara is supposed to so, without being clumpy or heavy.
I’m going to join in with so many others and say that I LOVE Bare Minerals. I can get it here at Ulta. I also love their “skin revver upper” and concealer. I have had so many compliments on my skin (and not my makeup) since I started wearing it. It covers so much better than anything else I’ve tried without making me look made up.
I just recently switched to the matte version of Bare Minerals and LOVE It! I don’t like dewy at ALL! I also love Lash Blast mascara.
Bare Minerals foundation is the absolute best! I also swear by Estee Lauder eyelash primer and Lancome Definicils mascara. The foundation will last a year, so more than worth the price. I have no other vices, so get the good stuff as far as cosmetics.
Urban Decay’s Eye Primer Potion – keeps your eyeshadow in place all day
Makeup-for-Ever’s waterproof eye liner pencils – go on creamy and once they dry, stay’s put
Both at Sephora – love that store
Another vote for Maybelline Stilletto mascara. The only problem with it is it makes my eyelashes so long they regularly brush against the inside of my glasses. I know! So hard to be beautiful!
This is the best concealer out there. I’ve tried them all.
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer
And just discovered Lash Blast Mascara – love it.
I love and am also addicted to Bare Minerals. I think the foundation powder is the perfect amount of coverage, and the price is nice for how long it lasts. They also sell tons of products that I like, but my all time favorite, is the Buxom Lip plumper/gloss selection. My color favorite is “dolly.” Oh I love me some buxom lips.
You could always check out their site, but I’m pretty sure everything you’d want to purchase is already at Sephora. Just “dew” it.
What? You started it… (giggle)
I wear make-up maybe two days a week, right now that’s football Friday & Sunday when I get my largely pregnant booty out of bed in time for church. When I’m at work the west Texas dirt & makeup just don’t do well together, it’s a recipe for a clogged pore disaster actually.
I am a fan of all things Mac, I’ve never found a product of their’s I haven’t loved & their eyeshadows are to die for, gorgeous lasting color. It helps that my brother-in-law worked for Mac for several years so he kept his 3 SILs & his mom stocked with the Mac. There’s one eyeshadow called Orb and another that in the container looks green one way but brown another, that are my eye color staples. Also this irridescent, slightly sparkley, light face powder is gorgeous. Last Christmas my awesome MIL gave me a huge box of Bare Minerals/Mineral ID & their loose powder foundation is WONDERFUL, no MAC because BIL now works for Aveda )=. I still love Maybelline Great lash, but also love the black brown mascara I have from Mac. I CANNOT live without Burt’s Bee’s chapstick. I use it every day & on the days I wear lipstick I put it on as primer.
Bare Essentuals Bare Minerals foundation all the way! I’ve been a faithful user for the last five years and will never use anything else.
Diorshow Blackout mascara changed my life. Seriously. I LOVE that mascara. Will never use anything else. A little pricey, but worth every last penny.
I hearby second (or fiftieth as the case may be) Bare Minerals. I love it. It works so well and is so quick. I tried cheaper copycats, and they don’t even come close. I’m willing to pay more for the real thing!
Almay line smoothing concealer
Bare Minerals foundation
Laura Mercier translucent pressed setting powder (Hopefully Bare Minerals new matte foundation lives up to its claims and I can end my relationship with Laura b/c $30 for a compact of “invisible” powder is just absurd)
Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara–does not smudge EVER yet it rubs off with a spalsh of warm water…Magic!
some stupidly expensive Laura Mercier lip gloss that tastes like cotton candy and doesn’t have a little color sticker on the bottom so I have no idea what color it is! What kind of lame-o dummy sells lip gloss with no color name sticker on the bottom?! (Hmph!)
I love Arbonne products. The problem is they can’t be bought in a store. Their concealer does this magic on your eyes. It gets rid of puffiness and dark circles. It’s like a week’s worth of sleep in a small container. I don’t leave the house without it.
They have mineral foundation that actually covers. I look refreshed every day. Plus it lasts!
L’oreal Volume Shocking 2-step construction mascara is absolutely amazing! I’d been admiring Melissa’s eyelashes on the LPM blog for months before she spilled the beans about this little tube of magic. I shall forever be in her debt.
I use GloMinerals (I hear it’s comparable to Bare Minerals). I had my makeup done for my wedding and the salon (French Door here in College Station!!) use the GloMinerals brand. It’s $42 for a compact of pressed minerals, so I order it on eBay now. Also, it’s cheap, but I’m a forever fan of the original Mabelline Great Lash (the pink tube with the green cap).
First – I am part of a “dinner” club with a groups of girls as well! There are 9 of us and we try the “birthday” thing with our husbands as well and get the same arguments…my typical response is that we skip December and a couple of the summer months when things are crazy…but it’s doesn’t really work. We call ourselves “Bite Club” – where the rules are the same as Fight Club sans the hot boys.
We talk about all of the above but Make-up is usually a topic we cover as well. I’d say that most of our group uses Bare Minerals so we talk about that a LOT! But I’ve been feeling like I need to go back to my old fav for the winter – MAC Studio fix…I miss it and I feel like it had a bit more coverage for my aging skin. But a Bare Minerals kit will give you a bunch of options and will include “warmth” which is like a bronzer without the shimmer.
Happy Shopping!
MERLE NORMAN: Complete Finish make-up, it’s a base but it’s not thick and heavy and it covers everything. I work on camera a lot and it covers everything. I also love merle norman moisturizing and cleaning products.
Hmm – let me tell you I RAN to your site when I read this post on my google reader. I’m constantly in search of new / better makeup stuff. I was an AVID (to the point of the ridiculous) fan of Lancome until I hit the age of about 38 and then the skin started to change and the foundation just didn’t work. So, I’m still searching…..
I do wish everyone would’ve put their age/ skin type…. but then this isn’t my post, now is it? Anyone my NEW FAVORITE thing is Blinc mascara — puts the tubes on your lashes (I know, sounds weird) but it works and doesn’t smudge.
Thanks for the post
Makeup Forever at Sephora rocks- their base options are endless and the Duo foundation covers really well.
BTW, I have been to the car wash/baoutique in San Antonio. Love it!
Love, love LOVE AVEDA!! Their stuff is great! I have a pressed powder that makes your skin look flawless and it lasts a good three months. Not too pricey either. Their eye shadow is also excellent. I like Arbonne’s eye shadow but nothing else from there. And I have heard excellent things about a mascara from Sephora called “Buxom” but who wouldn’t love that? I’m planning on picking up a tube after my Aveda mascara runs out, not too bad but not great either.
I love Clinique’s stuff too. I’ve had a blusher from there for probably four years and it’s a great color “fig”.
Good luck!
Oh I have heard on the radio that you can go get a consultation for free at Clinique. Might be fun and some good blog material! I think you have to purchase something but then you get a goody bag!
http://www.BFTECosmetics.com
Awesome mineral makeup… all of it!!
Mascara – Trish Mcevoy Mascara…there is NOTHING better. (Only expensive makeup item I own..everything else is from Target.) It doesn’t smudge, is a great deep black and to take it off, you wet your lashes with water, wait 20 seconds and then rinse with water. The silicone tubes that formed on your lashes just slide right off. I think this keeps the skin around your eyes looking younger because you don’t have to scrub. It’s magical, everyone I know who has tried it is a convert.
The Supernatural collection by Philosophy, every piece in that collection is Fantastic! You can buy it from Philosophy or at Sephora. The Philosophy website usually has the newest things and Sephora doesn’t, just FYI. I love anything made by philosophy! Their Hope in a jar moisturizer is the best ever. My husband actually sneaks it.
I also love most anything by bare minerals too!
I am on the Bare Minerals bandwagon and I LOVE it. I’m a 58 year old granny and my skin feels so wonderfully smooth and soft. I live in the dry Texas Panhandle and I will never ever be without their Skin Rev-er Upper. The makeup is so easy to put on and covers really great. I second (or third or whatever) the well rested eyes – it is super! I am not a real lipstick person but I do like the Buxom Lip plumper. Go get a makeover and try one of the Bare Minerals kits – they are really a great deal!
Bare Minerals foundation,
Bare Minerals blush,
Bare Minerals eyeshadow, and
Philosophy Purity Made Simple.
I am obsessed, fanatical, and I will not leave the house without using every bit of what I just told you about.
It’s pretty much amazing.
Estee Lauder “Artist’s Lip Pencil”, in 08 Spice.
It kills me to pay like $25 for lip liner [I'm makeup-cheap, just like my mama taught me] but it’s the best liner I’ve found, hands down.
Everyday minerals
Highlighting Duo by Anastasia
Erase Paste by Benefit
MAC eye shadows….hands down the best in my opinion.
WOW! Looks like I’m missing out. I gotta try me some Bare Minerals!
I LOVE Too-Faced Pinpoint mascara. The brush took a little while to get used to but it doesn’t smudge under my eye even when I sleep in it. It comes off with water pretty easily. Get it at Sephora – worth the money. I also just got Smashbox mineral foundation from Sephora and it has hyauralonic (?) acid in it that’s supposed to help with wrinkles – not that you have any but I sure do. Love it.
I really want to try the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner that someone posted about. I hate smudgy eyes. Unless that’s the look you’re going for. I am not. Good luck. Please tell us what you bought.
I love Lancomes new vibrating lash primer. AMAZING! And Benefit lemon aid eye primer. Lash Blast is fab too. Oh, and Rose bud Salve for the face.
Recently I procured samples of makeup forever’s HD foundation and primer and the stuff is magical. Not to mention the primer smells divine. I love rubbing good smelling stuff all over my face, it makes it nice when I randomly catch a wif of my cheek.
The other item I love throughly is Blink Kiss Me mascara. To illustrate how great this mascara is I have to tell a story. I’ll make it short though.
wore that mascara the day I birthed my son. I applied the mascara in the morning and gave birth at 1:04 am then I continued on with my postpartum life. A life that does not include specifically removing one’s mascara. 2 days later I looked in the mirror and found that my mascara was still in smudgeless place.
the truly amazing thing is, with all that staying power, it also washes off really easily when the time comes.
Happy Makeup shopping!
http://www.everydayminerals.com/index.php
Based in Austin and so much better than Bare Minerals. The only real downside is you have to order it but I usally recieve mine within 5 days and I live in Houston. So many colors. LOVE the eye shadows. Really gentle. I love this makeup! Several of my girlfriends have switched andwe all love it for doing something different for each of us. For me I have really sensitive skin and am hard to match because I am so fair. No problem with this makeup. Not to mention the price is great!
Goodluck on the great makeup hunt:)Amy
Ok – I have a preference for Lancôme so most of my must have’s are Lancôme – don’t discredit them for that though – they are all awesome and I have recommended them to many who have thanked me afterwards!
Lancôme Photogenic loose powder – my absolute favorite product of all time. It makes you look flawless and lasts forever.
Lancôme Hypnose mascara – the best mascara hands down – ever. Don’t be fooled by those vibrating mascara wands – they did nothing for me! I wouldn’t recommend getting the water proof unless you want to wear mascara even in your sleep.
Lancôme Tient Idole – this is the best foundation for me but it is not for everyone. I find that this foundation works best for women with oily skin, which I have.
Benift Dr. Feelgood – another blogger I read swears by this stuff and since we already used the same foundation I figured we had similar skin types and gave it a try – LOVE! It makes your skin so smooth and fills in all your wrinkles! I am out as of this morning and am going to the mall to get more today – I can’t be without it!
I sell Mary Kay, so of course I love it and I can’t even begin to tell you all my favorites. But you should try to find a consultant in your area that will give you a free facial, that way you know exactly what you’re getting before you buy it.
But my recommendations would be the Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer (has SPF 15), Microdermabrasion (absolutely changed my skin), and Ultimate Mascara!!
And seriously I’ve never seen this many comments! That tells you the way women feel about their makeup is pretty amazing!
i LOVE the tinted moisturizer by laura mercier. after i bought it i saw it in a magazine ranked as the #1 tinted moisturizer on the market. you can buy it at sephora. i’ve always used loreal voluminous mascara from a drugstore. i’ve never found a more expensive mascara that i liked better. if you really wanna go crazy you could also get christian dior skinflash foundation. it is an aerosol and it is basically airbrushed foundation. you really do spray your face for about 1-2 seconds and your foundation is done. it’s also at sephora.
Now you listen here – no one should EVER be ashamed of Chuy’s. It is superior Mexican food, I don’t care where you live. Since the birth of my 2nd child 2.5 years ago, my body revolts against Mexican food and nearly sends me to the ER if I try to eat it. I drive past my Chuys in South Austin and my mouth WATERS at the thought of their hot, salty chips and salsa, and some excellent fajitas. Might even be worth a trip to the ER.
Nars Bronzer from Sephora! Best. Bronzer. Ever. And I love their lipgloss too! Good luck!
I love bare minerals…it has truly transformed my skin. The primer is amazing.
I got so wrapped up in defending Chuy’s that I forgot to talk make-up. I love Clinique’s Chili lip liner, Tenderheart lipstick and Dark Chocolate eyeliner. I like True foundation/powder combo. Provides enough coverage without the heaviness of foundation. Those are my favs.
I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and a half or so, but have never commented. But, I just wrote a post about skin care, and on there I have my list of must haves.
http://sethandjessicalewis.blogspot.com/2009/11/skin-care.html
Love your posts, by the way!
I was going to say how much I love Lancome Dual Pressed Powder, but now I’m thinking about driving to Ulta and getting some Bare Minerals!
I’m a little obsessed with bobbi brown. i try cheaper stuff, but always go back b/c it just doesn’t compare. i just hate that not too many places carry it. i LOVE their creamy concealer, tinted moisturizer, pale pink blush & rasberry shimmer lipstick. Lots of others, but those are my favs!
Well shoot. I need to get some Bare Minerals.
The Mary Kay mineral makeup is wonderful. The powder foundation is so easy to apply and leaves your face a wonderful even color. (does that make sense?)
If you are looking for something cheap, go to eyeslipsface.com. You will think its some sort of gimmeck but its not! Most of the stuff is $1 and some of it is $3. They have mineral makeup and studio makeup as well as their regular stuff. I was skeptical at first but they have daily deals and the products really are good. I absolutely love it and it beats even going to Walgreens to get a $7 mascara! That’s 7 products you can get!
Don’t laugh, but I love e.l.f. It’s ridiculously inexpensive (most items are $1), and everything I’ve tried from them has been wonderful. Their glosses ($1) are great. Their spice liner ($1) is great. I used MAC for years and honestly don’t see that much of a difference (well, MAC goes on thicker and costs 15 times as much). Their duel mascara is great ($1).
I order online, but a handful of items are in Target for the holidays. http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ If you become a fan on Facebook they’ll toss out some coupon codes once in awhile.
Leah, we posted at the same time. haha
Bare Minerals for sure! I love it all! I have used and loved Maybelline’s Stiletto mascara but after a recent sample of Bare Mineral’s mascara I will be switching over. The cheapest makeup love of mine is Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner-it’s more like a crayon than a pencil and it goes on super easy! Finally I HAVE to suggest Chanel lipstick in Crazed-I was never a lipstick fan until I had to wear this color for a wedding I was in, the bride promised it would look good on everyone and sure enough it did! Needless to say I went out and bought it immediately! Happy makeup shopping!
MAC has amazing foundation and bronzer. And it’s made without the chemical that makes foundation reflective and thus your face all white in pictures.
And let me just say that Chuy’s jalapeno ranch rocks my world…one of my friends and I go at least twice a month. They even make it to-go in gallon size containers. God bless Texas.
A few have said this, but Bare Minerals is something I absolutely love. The Starter kit is perfect, it has your concealer, powder foundation, bronzer, mineral veil (to keep me from being shiny) and all the brushes you need. I go back and forth on eyeshadows, mascara, and lipstick/gloss, but Bare Minerals starter kit is a non changing thing for me. And I only have to purchase the kit once, and then just get the things you run out of separately (or you could be lazy like me and get the kit every year anyway!) Good luck! You should definitely post your new finds and let us know if you find any new make up you love!
I am 43 & have been a make-up and skin care ho since the young age of 17! What I have come to learn is what good is the most expensive make-up known to womankind if you don’t start off with a great skin care regimen? I have tried all manner of potions and lotions and without a doubt I have found the MOISTURIZER FROM HEAVEN!!! Here are a few of my faves:
*Philosophy Skincare. Sephora has a few kits that are well worth the money without having to purchase items separately. One kit that has all my faves is “Hope For The Best”. Another great kit is “Makeup Optional Skin”. Hope in a jar is the best moisturizer ever and Purity facial cleanser literally melts away makeup without leaving your skin feeling stripped.
*Mineral foundation – in my experience, you must use a great facial primer to get optimum results and coverage. Be sure you choose a primer with silicone – this will allow for the smoothest coverage.
*Urban Decay is a fun, funky line, but NOT so funky that it is out of reach for those in their 30′s or 40′s. The names for their eyeshadows are such fun – one is called “Sin” – such a beautiful color in person. I have actually had it in my basket for purchase (several times) and put it back on the shelf – for some stupid reason, the Southern Baptist in me stops the transaction
. The color I wear is “Baked”. It really complements us brown-eyed girls. Urban Decay also makes fantabulous eye liners – I use “Bourbon”.
*My favorite lip glosses are from Victoria Secret. I have 3 or 4 of these in my purse at any given time. I love “Lotta Colada”. (For a girl who has a hard time buying an eyeshadow named Sin, it seems as if I have no problem using products named after “spirits”. Darn it, next time I am in Sephora, I’ll be pruchasing that sinful eyeshadow)!
BTW . . . I guess you already know Sephora will give you samples of products without having to commit to a $65 facial cream or foundation. They also have a very generous return policy if you take the product home & don’t like it. The returned products go in a “gratis bin” and their employees sometimes get to choose from among these products. I have saved alot of money on products I thought I would love, but wound up hating.
It has been much fun reading through everyone’s favorites. You are gonna have a great time replenishing your stash!
Laura Mercier has awesome makeup. The secret camoflogue (sp?) is the best out there. I do love her tinted moisturizer as well. Everything she makes is beautiful.
I get flushed/red cheeks and other red areas and so I have a green correction stick that makes it go away, be sure to put powder or foundation on after or you will have light green spots.
I am a teacher and I read your blog on my lunch break. (I need a life, I know.) Anyhoo, when I read it, you already had 150 comments. Could you give us the short version of the results? (PS: The Chuy’s here in Austin has velvet Elvis’ and serves queso out of the trunk of an old car in the bar area. Keeping Austin Weird, I guess…)
Well I was totally in love with all things Mary Kay until I became a mom of 3 and could not longer afford it! I’ve loved all the comments and must admit I’ve never heard of Bare Minerals (I guess they don’t advertise on Noggin) but I’ll have to look into that! I love the 2 min make-up routine mentioned above! I need one of those!
Okay, DEFINITELY NARS foundation…..it’s super light, not cakey at all! Also, Smashbox PhotoFinish. It’s basically like airbrushing your face before you put on your makeup. Totally, totally works!
I use everything Mary Kay but mascara. Their mineral makeup is great. For mascara I use Cover Girl.
Mary Kay breaks me out. If you have sensitive skin at all use Bare Essentials. It is the best make up ever. I love it. The Bisque covers up the blemishes and then the foundation and mineral veil makes you skin look flawless. I also love Arbonne skin care but that is another story.
Bare Escentials is also called Bare Minerals.
I recently did an overhaul on my entire makeup bag. From cleanser, to foundation, to mascara, all of it, I will only use Bare Escentuals. I LOVE it!!! It gives you a fresh look all day, and your face will never get greasy and gross. I also do not get any blemishes with this makeup. Love it!!
Sephora is in a tight race with Target to see who gets more of my hard earned paycheck each month! I love my Nars blush, Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Clinique mascara and MAC eyeshadows. The two products I could never give are the Too Faced shadow primer and my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliners! Greatest products ever.
I am probably in the minority here, but any kind of mineral makeup gives me acne that is deep, ugly, and painful, especially Bare Essentials/Bare Minerals, and then I have to yell at the sales people at ULTA who won’t let me return a product that has basically caused me to have skin 1000 times worse that I ever had in high school.
That said, here are the things I LOVE:
- Clinique’s 3-Step skin care system
- Clinique’s 7-Day Scrub (used before the 3-Step system)
- Clinique’s High Impact Mascara (I have it in both Black and Black/Brown
- This blush (big surprise, also from Clinique!)
- Maybelline Full ‘N’ Soft Waterproof Mascara (I like Black and Brownish Black)
- Mary Kay Satin Lips (it’s kind of expensive at $18, but you don’t use it every day so it ends up lasting several months, which kinds of makes the price all right)
Ok I read your blog regularly but I never post comments…Heck I never post comments anywhere unless PW is having a giveaway. But I am a make-up expert!! So I have to share my favorites. You must must must go to Sephora and purchase LORAC Tantalizer Baked Bronzer…you won’t be sorry. I was a die-hard Philoshpy bronzer fan but I can’t find it anymore so I’m thinking it’s been discontinued. But this Lorac bronzer is also totally awesome it’s not too orange and a little goes a long way. Also for lip gloss you can’t beat Dior Addict Ultra Lip-gloss. It’s not sticky and stays on for a long time. I like reflect 157 but all of the colors are great! Plus it just so happens to be conveniently located at Sephora as well. Other products I feel are just as great from the drugstore. My concealer is Cover Girl ultimate finish liquid powder and eye shadows/eye-liners/mascara are just as great from the drugstore as well. I like to play around with eye makeup brands its really fun, but if you are looking for some good eye shadow from Sephora the Make Up For Ever Professional Paris line is perfect. Keep us updated on what you get! Jaime
Hi! I’m new to your site…found you via Pioneer Woman…and so far really enjoying. =)
My absolute can’t-live-without-it makeup? There is nothing like MAX FACTOR 2000 CALORIE mascara (regular, not waterproof). I’ve used it for over a dozen years. Every once in a while, I’ll try something else (because something this cheap can’t possibly be the best out there…but it is), but I always come back long before I’m finished the other “new” product. Love the stuff! Goes on easy, makes lashes incredibly long and full, does Not smudge, lasts all day, and then washes off easily with soap and water.
I also LOVE Coty face powder to control shine. Don’t have a fav blush or eyeliner, but continue the endless search for something that looks beautiful, but doesn’t bother sensitive eyes/skin. And I recently found Peacekeepers lipstick…it’s natural: doesn’t have lead in it…and so far, I still love it after quite a few months.
We all want to hear what wonderful things you find. =) Do share…
D =)
Lotus Moon fair trade shea butter.
Thayers rose petal, alcohol free toner.
Various Burts Bees cleaners and moisterizers.
Wow! So many comments! I love mineral foundation and use Mary Kay, but I’ve used others that are OK as well. And I’m a huge fan of Lash Architect mascara, by Mabelline (I think)>
OK, so disclaimer…I sell Mary Kay…but ONLY to a few people b/c I want the 50% discount that I get for MY makeup!!! (I have never had a “party” or go all MaryKay on you!).
So, I LOVE their mineral foundation. It gives me great coverage…and I need it! I also love the mineral highlighing powders. The shimer one works GREAT under the eyebrows and in the corner of your eye to give a great highlight. The matte one, I use under my eyes to hide the dark circles.
They also have mineral bronzer that I like.
As for other products, I LOVE their mascara (CANT LIVE W/OUT IT!), eye firming cream (LOVE!), microdermabrasion set, satin hands, & satin lips.
*sigh* I love it all!! THAT’s why I sell it, I need the discount, baby!!!
I use Mary Kay’s TimeWise face wash, moisturizer, and day/night solution and love it.
I’m not the hugest bare minerals fan–I do like their eyeshadows/liner. I couldn’t get enough coverage out of the foundation for my splotchy pale skin without making my face tons darker than my neck. I will stick with Clinique!
I have tried everything from MAC to Maybelline in the way of lip gloss because I cannot stand to have a dry pout plus I always need a bit of color. Without a doubt, the BEST lipgloss ever – think hydrating (at least it feels like it), glossy but not overly so, with just the right amount of color and, most of all, NOT sticky – is Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss. Glossy Rose is my favorite. I’ve been buying it for years and will mourn the loss of it if they ever quit making it. The fact that it’s inexpensive with chic packaging for dept. store lip gloss is a bonus.
Oh dear. I wanted to read what everyone had to say but got bleary-eyed. I need a wrap-up. A consensus. A vote. (Yes, I know election day has passed.) Or maybe I’ll read this in parts…
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow. The. Best. Eyeshadow or eyeliner. EVER!!! I’ll never go back to regular powder eyeshadow again. You must try it!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P181807&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333
Mary Kay Eye Primer- a foundation for your eyelids if you will. Worth it’s weight in gold for making my eye makeup last all day and look like $$ when it’s really drug store cheap stuff.
Laura Mercier tinted moisture. Life changing!
Bare Essentuals Bare Minerals is definitely something I would HATE to live without. It is without-a-doubt the bestest makeup I have ever used. I stays on all day, you can buy various face & eye primers that even help it be more waterproof, and it blends beautifully and doesn’t make you look “painted”. It has cleared up my skin, makes it feel natural, but after wearing it for over a year, I still get compliments on how awesome my make looks.
I’m a Cover Girl Lash Exact mascara snob though…but only beacuse I have to wear waterproof or else I get those lovely racoon eyes.
Anyway, Bare Minerals is definitely my vote!
Make sure to share what you decide on!!
EYE BRIGHT!!! “Instant Rest” is how one of the make-up makeover shows referred to it. ULTA or SEPHORA will have it. (You put the pink pencil under your eyes for covering up dark circles…not that you have dark circles, but I do.)
And Bare Mineral foundation/blush/lipgloss.
lancome dual finish foundation. It’s a powder that can be used wet or dry depending on how sheer you would like it to be. I have used it for 12 years. I have tried to break away from it a number of times, but I always return. Spf, versatility, gift with purchase…it has it all.
Prescriptives has a lash primer that I cannot function without–it makes your eyelashes great. I also use more than mascara by estee lauder. I can’t wait to read the comments and get some good info.
I tried Bare Minerals (because it is a good uv blocker) but found it made my dry skin look crinklier. In the summer and on the days when I am not going to the gym first thing (and therefore will already have makeup on when I go): revlon color stay active…it’s sweatproof and has spf 25. I’ve tried all kinds of mascara and the smudge proof and waterproof ones still smudge on me. What works is kiss me mascara (by blinc) which “tubes” your lashes and STAYS PUT until you wash it off.
Everything Mineral Fusion
I am almost a total Mary Kay girl. I changed foundation a couple years ago when they re-formulated foundations. I feel I need more coverage that the mineral powder and everything else just didn’t feel right. I still use everything Mary Kay except foundation. My new fav of foundation is L’OREAL True Match.
As for masscara (read some of the other comments) Ultimate masscara by Mary Kay is great.
Please Please Please post your results for the “can’t life without” beauty stuff! I need to know too!
I guess I have no help to offer. I wear no makeup. Ever. Like none. Nothing. *sigh*
The new Maybeline XXX mascara or something like that – it’s two brushes in one. YOu put a layer of this white pre-mascara on and then put the real mascara on over that layer. It takes a little bit more time, but the product actually works in giving you longer lashes with more curl – I LOVE this mascara. It’s $6 at HEB, but I often find $1 off coupons in the paper for any brand of Maybeline mascara. (o:
Happy make-up hunting!
I started using Bare Minerals a year ago, and LOVE it. I never thought a mineral foundation could have any coverage (I like medium) but it does. You can also go with a light or heavy coverage if you so choose. No matter how light or heavy you go, it stays put all day and feels like you’re not wearing a bit of make-up. I even sleep in the stuff!
well, i’m a little disappointed because you have totally converted me to the neutrogena tinted moisturizer/foundation stuff and that is the one item i can’t live without.
i am, however, getting to depend heavily on my e.l.f. lip gloss. it is the kind that clicks into the brush. i got a free sample and i am loving it.
also, the e.l.f. blush, on second thought, is totally wonderful. it comes with bronzer that it too dark for me but might work better for you ladies in the south.
i hope you do a post to summarize what people say because this is WAAAY too many comments for me to scroll through…
I have to comment on “night of the living scardy cats” because I am one. It’s the Music — If you mute it these movies are really pretty stupid. Honest – It’s The Music. Try it. I’m still a scardy cat….ummm.
I love Maybelline mascara. Also, I’ve recently tried ELF makeup. They’ve just started getting carried by Target. They are very reasonably priced.
I love the Cover Girl Tru Blends foundation for an inexpensive foundation. I’ve used their powder too.
I rarely wear makeup any more. However, I have a tip. Buy Pond’s cold cream, and when you need to get the makeup off, put a thin layer of cream all over and tissue it off. Ponds is so mild you can rub it on the eyes and then tissue it off. I am trying to teach my beautiful 18 year old daughter to do this, not just wash her face with soap and water. But at the moment, I am an Idiot. If I tell her something it is meaningless. If Seventeen magazine says it, it is holy writ. Not that I am bitter…
So, I know you said not to do things you just kinda like, but you should seriously check out eyeslipsface.com because all of their makeup is ONE DOLLAR. So far, I’ve really just tried the liquid eyeliner pen, which I really like and the nail polish. The eyeliner pen is great because tend to be a little unsteady with a brush and the polish has great, trendy colors, but I would advise a clear base coat because it kind of stains your nails. But what can you expect for ONE DOLLAR? (Also might be a good place for makeup for Caroline b/c it’s sooo cheap if she ever feels the need to match her eye shadow to her gun or something like that.)
Ditto eyeslipsface.com and add the following site: http://meowcosmetics.com/
You can get SAMPLES. Samples, for heaven’s sake. That’s what sold me.
Ditto eyeslipsface.com and add the following site: http://meowcosmetics.com/
You can get SAMPLES. Samples, for heaven’s sake. That’s what sold me.
BTW I love your blog!
Recently converted to Bare Minerals/Bare Essencuals (however you spell that) and LURVE it!! So light – some of these other foundations show the lines MORE! Now why would we do that?! Also, discovered a mascara that is REVOLUTIONARY! Strong statement, yes, but it is awesome. It’s BLINC. Straight up. You will never be the same. It’s ridiculously expensive but it is amazing. I really like Sephora – they don’t work on commission and seem to be dedicated to product knowledge. I am going to comb your comments for a good concealer. This is FUN!
I’m just going to tell you my top two tinted moisturizers. Clarins Hydra Care tinted moist. and Lancome Aquafusion Teinte. I’ve never tried Laura Mercier.
If you want to do a little research before shopping I highly recommend the make up alley website. You can read reviews on any product imaginable! I curse the day I discovered this;)
http://www.makeupalley.com
Kiel’s tinted moist. gets top reviews here.
Love your blog!
My must-haves:
Covergirl Fantastic Lash Mascara in Black. It actually makes my lashes look like the picture. I have not met it’s equal.
Not to sound like a broken record, but Bare Minerals Warmth. I have sensitive skin, and their foundation was good, but made my skin itch a little. If you’re a bronzer kind of girl and haven’t tried BM Warmth, prepare to meet your new best friend. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually used warmth all over my face, neck, chest and arms when I was a bridesmaid in a wedding once and didn’t have time to tan. Everyone thought I’d been at the tanning salon, including my husband. It’s that natural looking.
Avon lipstick in Twig. Best neutral, natural color ever.
That is all.
Bare Escentuals Foundation IS the best. They have just introduced a MATTE foundation as well. AH-mazing.
I LOVE Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Another GREAT item!
Also, Benefit 10 Bronzer, and THROB blush.
MUSTS
I’m just commenting to say…
WOW!!
Look at all these ladies who are ready to help a sister out!:)
You mean to tell me you have to keep buying mascara? I thought everyone pumped and scrapped until the brush bent almost in two! I never realized you HAD to buy more.
No Wonder! Hmmm…
Mary Kay make-up all the way. My name is Mary Kay…however not this one, unfortunatly, but all my make up has my name on it. That’s how I was attracted, but now I am hooked.
I was a Bare Minerals addict for a long while. THEN I tried Pur Minerals. Makes the Bare products look like they forgot to show up to the game! TRY THEM! Sold at Ulta and Dillards. F.a.b.u.l.o.u.s.
Well, I know that so many love bare minerals and apparently have not had problems but it caused both me and my daughter to have little teeny bumps all over our faces that showed up especially in sunlight. We’ve always had good complexions so this startled us a bit. My daughter kept using it but I stopped and I think it actually made my wrinkles more visible, too. Maybe others might want to try it a few times before investing just in case.
Why am I not surprised that this topic has already elicited 201 comments! HEee! It’s because of you that I am now addicted to Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara. So while that’s not a suggestion so much as a shout out to you for the head’s up last summer.
My go-to, always replaced item is Clinique Touch Base as an eyeshadow base. It’s $13 a pop and will last me about 2 months of nearly every day use. I’ve never found a better eyeshadow base and I’ve tried plenty! My faves are Canvas and Nude Rose.
All other cosmetic purchases are open season for experimenting. But not my TouchBase or my mascara.!
I see a lot of people are Bare Mineral fans. I, myself, am too. In fact I just bought me a new one yesterday. So, definitely go with the Bare Minerals foundation. It rocks.
Holy cow…203 comments!! I don’t even know if you’ll read this, but my favorite facial sunscreen is Clinique’s Super City Oil Free. It has a slight tint to it, and it is NOT oily like most sunscreens. I also use this Arbonne lip balm on my lips every night. It’s supposed to be for cold sores, but I like to use it for every day b/c my lips won’t get dry at night and Chap stick leaves this goopy stuff when you wake up.
Bare minerals changed my life:) I have used everythig from Lancome to Covergirl and nothing has been as good to me as Bare Minerals Matte foundation!
Bare Mineral’s Mineral Powder is the best thing since sliced bread!! I love it, It makes my face not so oily in the hot summer weather. I LOVE it!
I love the Philosophy products that I buy from Sephora. I like the makeup optional kit. Bobbi Brown has THE best foundation (Skin) and concealers. Really, I have never found a Bobbi Brown product I didn’t like! TRY IT!
Can’t wait to read through all the comments… I hope you give us the consensus and you should have Melissa guess post about what her makeup artist friend recommended about a makeup bag overhaul!!!
I have no makeup suggestions because I am in the same boat.
However, we also have a fabulous store in our carwash! It has every gifty item you could dream of along with a few clothing items!
I don’t have any suggestions, but if you get some good ones, could you do a post about them? I need help too! I have MAJOR skin issues (one 2 antibiotics, 2 prescription creams, and have had a year’s worth of monthly laser treatments–I know it SOUNDS like I am a teenager, but this actually started after 30–nice, huh?) so I have to be VERY careful what I put on my face…I’m completely paranoid about ingredients now!
Favs are MAx Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Mascara and Clinique Butter Shine lipstick in Chocolate Ice and Delovely. So Creamy and the perfect blend between lipstick and gloss.
Physician’s Formula concealer – straight from the Walmart hood. It’s a double tube with a yellow corrector on one end and natural color on the other. Excellent stuff if you have a raccoon in your family line as I obviously do.
I will never buy other eyeshadows, MAC is simply the best. Have someone help you with the colors and make sure to get the painterly paintpot (and eyeshadow base) to help the colors stay on all day and not crease. Their fluidline eyeliner stays put too. On me most eyeliners get greasy and disappear, but this one stays on all day.
I love LOREAL true match foundation too!
I love, love, love, Arbonne’s Exfoliating Masque with Thermal Fusion. It sloughs away deaed skin and makes your face all warm and tingly. I can feel it unclogging my pores.
Not exactly make-up… But it’s AMAZING!
Eyeliner – I’ve worn Loreal all my life. Liquid smears less obviously, but I have the other kind too in blue (look-out!)
Base and concealer – Raw Minerals for the past year. I’ve liked not feeling greasy.
If you find a good mascara, PLEASE let me know. I cannot get one that I like
I LOVE Bare Essentials! I have been using for 3 years and will never use anything else. I do the mail and have joined the club so I get free items. I have tried and use lots of their products-moisurizers, primers, eye shadow, lipgloss, blemish therapy, rare minerals…and LOVE it all. I have tried everything over the years (Clinique, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder, Neutregena, Aveda, and the list goes on. I would recommend these products to anyone. Just make sure you watch the application DVD. BTW these products last FOREVER.
Clinique Almost Makeup. It completes me.
I am no help whatsoever. I buy whatever I can get fairly cheaply at Wal-mart. But I need to read your answers because no doubt it’s time for me to do a little more than I’ve ever done before.
Mineral powder foundation by Physician’s Formula is great – good coverage but not heavy at all and gives that dewy look.
Clinique lipstick in Tenderheart (very neutral brownish color which goes with everything). I’ve used this for years!
Origins lipgloss in Bonfire (also a brownish neutral color with slight chocolate mint flavor, very moisturizing).
And I can’t do without Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads!
I absolutely cannot live without my Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Mosturizer. I am sadly a 21, almost 22 year old that still has occasional acne. I apply it once and a day and it has done wonders for my skin! Never a break out to be seen! It is $16 a tube but well worth it!
I love Bare Minerals, and you can buy a starter kit that lasts forever and comes with great brushes. The best Mascara ever is Mary Kay’s waterproof very black eye mascara!
Concealer – Origins “Quick, Hide”
Base – Origins “Nude and Improved”
Mascara – Lancome Defincils
All of these are the best I have ever used for their category!
I don’t think anyone has mentioned these but I also did not have the time to scroll through all the comments but let’s just say me and makeup have a long history and lots of experimentation and here is what I can not currently live without.
1. LashBlast Cover Girl Mascara- Orange tube I have all kinds of mascara but always go back to this one.
2. Aveeno Moisturizer I use the one that evens complexions. I live in NM really dry and this works great.
3. Mary Kay Concealer Gray Tube Signature one only one that works it is heavy.
4. Smashbox Primer- Amazing!
5. Estee Lauder Eye Cream- I have no idea what it is called but pink tub, gold top so good I literally forgot it on a trip once and was like what is wrong with my eyes- got home and realized what it was.
6. I have brown eyes and whenever I wear these combos of eyeshadow people are like what ya got going on looks good. A plum and hay color with shimmer. Champagne Purple and another darker plum. And then greens always make the brown pop pop pop. Also I have a champagne colored liner that is amazing in the corners for that pick me up. All Clinique all stay all day, easy to apply and never give me any problem.
7. And like everyone else I use a mineral foundation from Mary Kay the powder one.
OK I think that is it, I live in NM and we have a Clinique Gift at Macy’s maybe you do to? I belive in the gift, if not at least get points as a Sephora Beauty Insider for your purchases.
DIORSHOW BLACKOUT MASCARA @ Sephora
Hands down, it is the best mascara that I’ve ever used (and I have tried MANY). I will never buy another mascara other than this. I was not blessed with beautifully long lashes, but this makes up the difference and I have received tons of compliments on it!
Can’t live without…
Max Factor 2000 calorie mascara and Maybelline 100% oil free eye makeup remover. The eye makeup remover is just as good as the dept. store brands and it’s cheaper (and easy to find!).
Thanks for the shout-out on the jacket. You can’t buy these items at the car wash but here are some things that I can’t live without:Laura Mercier ‘Secret Camouflage’ is a under eye con. that works wonders. Bobbi Brown-foundation stick and liquid eye liner. B/f kids and a budget I used to be addicted to thier seasonal eye creams in a pack. Let’s put this on our agenda for next month. I need a eye moisturizer and don’t think that the $5 I splurged at HEB is cutting it.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bare Escentuals makeup. I use the concealer, foundation, blush and mineral veil powder. Recently I tried L’Oreal mascara – the one that Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick wrote about over at LPM – and I really like it. Would love to find an under eye cream that really works for those fine lines!
CLINIQUE, CLINIQUE, CLINIQUE – yes I am yelling that at you.
Superbalanced Foundation. A nice even moderate coverage, match that with a good concealer and you have the BEST skin. I get compliments all the time about how good my make-up looks because it’s not cakey but it covers evenly.
you should have known better than to ask for input. you can’t possibly read all of these.
You MUST try Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and Loreal Voluminous mascara. They are awesome and I will never use any other tinted moisturizer or mascara as long as I live!!!!!! (okay, maybe that was an overstatement but that’s how much I love those two makeup products)
I definitely have to agree about Bare Minerals! I ran out and went back to using Neutrogena Healthy Blends powder and I now have FOUR gigantic pimples!
And I love Ulta brand eyeshadows-they’re cheap, there’s tons of colors, & they still look great at 5pm and even later!
I’m a tried and true believer in Bare Escentuals! I wear the SPF 15 foundation (medium-not that you really need to know that) and love it! I also like the mineral view and all of the various eye shadows. Also, I adore my Laura Geller Sparkling Sand lip gloss. It is the best color and feels so good when I first put it on, but then I forget it’s there.
MAC eyeshadows rock! They stay on like a tick on a dog!! Lancome’s vibrating mascara is a must as well, as it separates and defines each lash
BTW, love, love, love your sense of humor! I’ve been fighting with depression for a while, but your blog never ceases to put a smile on my face, or emit a snort/chuckle out of my lips…Thank you!!
I came back tonight just to see what the other girls were suggesting. =)I love all the tips!
I saw how many mentioned adult problem skin…I soooo sympathize! I had gorgeous skin all through highschool, but I’ve struggled ever since until recently. (Mine was especially terrible/painful during my first pregnancy.} ANYWAY, in case it might help even one other person: I’ve found that fragrance free goat’s milk (right now I’m using Canus brand) is just the ticket. It gently, but really, cleans, and doesn’t strip my skin so I don’t need moisturizer (every moisturizer I’ve ever tried broke me out…and most makeups, too, including all the mineral ones…yes, I wanted to like them and tried them, but they didn’t help). Between the goat’s milk soap and a light dusting of coty’s face powder to keep oil at bay during the day, my complexion is much clearer than it’s been in a looooong-dog time. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!
BareEssentials/BareMinerals! Love it. Go to a Bare Essentials salon if you have one! Or Sephora.
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara!!!!
I totally love ALL of the ARBONNE products. They do what they say and LAST a loooong time. So worth it. Also they are all botanically based, as their slogan says “Safe, Pure, and Beneficial”. Never tested on animals etc.
(I will not use another brand!)
I love them cause they make me feel great inside and out!
May I just say that if you decide to get Bare Minerals foundation (and it is wonderful) please buy it from QVC. It is so much cheaper there because the makeup comes with the brush you use to apply it with (a totally necessary item) unlike at Sephora or Ulta. You may want to go into one of those stores to find out which color of the foundation you will need but it truly is so much cheaper to buy your first order from QVC. After you have the brush you can buy the foundation anywhere because it’s priced the same. I used Bare Minerals (or Bare Escentuals) for years but have now switched to Smashbox’s powder foundation. I would say it is very close to Bare Minerals except for the way it is packaged. With Bare Minerals you have a container of loose powder. With Smashbox the foundation is packaged in such a way that you just “shave” off as much as you need each time. You may want to do a little comparison on your own. I think you would be happy with either choice. Hope you have fun shopping for all your new cosmetics!
My “love it and can’t do without it” make up product is called “Bad Girl” mascara by Benefit. You can get it at Sephora, and it is JUST PERFECT. (And that’s saying something, because as a general rule, I don’t really like a lot of make-up, and don’t wear a lot… but I LOVE this mascara!!!!)
I don’t have a comment on makeup,but on the mexican food. we will be in San Antonia in a couple of weeks and you did a post on your favorite mexican restaurants,would you please run it again?thanks so much.By the way we are friends with boomama.Love your blog and think caroline is adorable!!
I have been reading this, hoping for inspiration, and am discouraged as I’ve never heard of hardly any of these products, and can’t imagine them being available in the two stores available to me: Dollar General and the Wal Marts. I live in a SMAAALLLLLL town in northwest Alabama. I’m gonna keep reading.
Hi, Don’t forget that the largest organ in the body is your skin. For a lovelier complexion it starts from within. Drink enough water for cleansing your insides and then eat beneficial bacteria (yogurt with acidolphilus) for your immune system. One vitamin A tablet and one vitamin c tablet a day helps to fight infections in the body (pimples, acne). Vitamin c is great for building collagen in the skin, too which keeps you younger looking. I turned 50 this year and people always tell me that they thought I was 30 and then I tell them my daughter is 28 and I didn’t have her when I was 2!
We probably shouldn’t put anything on our skin that we wouldn’t eat because we absorb through our skin everything we put on it. I do however use all different brands of make-up (aren’t we vain?) and am constantly trying different ones. I just let my face rest without make-up at least once a week.
I have inherited thin skin under my eyes which is always blue even if I get lotsa rest. I found Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-In-Place concealer works great and you only use a little bit. This stuff is magic! After reading many of these posts I think I’ll try L’Oreals Volumnious Mascara. Thanks for your input everyone!
BARE MINERALS!!!! I am a FIRM believer in everything from the foundation powder to the bronzer to the mineral veil. Covers all of my not so pretty redness in my cheeks, and the uneven skin tone that I detest! You can order it online (there is even a Bare Minerals Club that gets you discounts)or at Sephora. I WILL NOT wear any other make up now….it all feels so heavy and mask-like compared to my “dewy” Bare Minerals look
good luck!
I read your blod everyday, but I don’t think I have ever commented. However, this topic has pulled me out of stalker mode, because I LOVE makeup. I don’t like to wear tons at once, because I think makeup should look natural. I have spent a significant amount of time researching products, and have tested several as well.
Here are my favorites:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer: Put this stuff on before your eyeshadow, and it will last all day.
Diorshow Blackout Mascara/Benefit BadGal Lash Mascara: These are both fabulous! I swap between them for some vareity. Totally worth the money!
NARS blush in orgasm: Totally embarrassing name, but it is so great. Also, you can get the blush in cream or powder form, and it also comes in a compact with their bronzer, which is quite handy.
Smashbox Primer Potion: This stuff makes your foundation stay on longer, and evens the skin tone.
Makeup Forever HD Foundation: This is my newest favorite foundation. I have dry, dry skin, and this foundation makes it so that you can’t tell.
Sephora brand Airbrush: This brush is a necessity for applying foundation.
And my all time favorite product:
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow: My favorite color is “birthday suit.” I wear this color almost everyday and get tons of compliments. It looks great, doesn’t crease, and lasts forever.
Obviously, I have spent WAY too much money at Sephora.
OK, I must share my gems too
I love Sephora, they are my candy store!!
Best mascara ever – hands down – is Christian Dior, DiorShow. I promise you, your eyelashes will appear as though they are fake. And, what girl doesn’t want that when running to the market? It does dry out faster than others, but it’s worth it.
I have very sensitive skin and I am now using Tarte Foundation. They have a mineral foundation too, which isn’t the loose minerals it’s a pressed mineral. Anyhoo, I love the foundation. I used minerals for years and wanted to switch it up
I just started using a Sephora blush, in a pink hue. I love it. I used to use Clinique’s blush. Again with my sensitive skin, both of those give me the color I want without causing me to break out.
And, I think Kristen (above) could be like my twin since we has said many of the things I have tried. Although, the Makeup Forever line caused me to break out, I suppose it was from all the HD action it had to do on my face
I was very sad about that too.
If you want to help with the dry skin, try Philosophy’s moisturizer (and all of their face cleansing stuff). It is the best, it’s like giving your face a drink of water but it’s not greasy or make you all shiny.
If you can splurge, try the microdelivery peel pads. They give you a pregnancy glow but without being pregnant and all the wonderful benefits of weight gain and greasy face (I should speak for my own greasy face on that one).
I love love love Arbonne Bronzer! cannot live without it and it lasts forever!!
Bare Essentials hands down, I’ll never go back to another brand. Have you tried some of the Philosophy line? The have a poreless flawless tinted moisturizer you may like. I have super oily skin so I only use it occasionally but does feel nice on the skin. I had a Prescriptives mascara that I wanted to marry it was divine, now sadly I can’t remember the name to repurchase it. Lovely silver case, thick brush and NO CLUMPY mess. Please share what you discover, what a interesting topic.
I love Bobbi Brown! That is all I use and her stuff lasts all day! She has a liquid foundation, and then there’s also a tinted moisturizer foundation. The gel eye liner is hand downs my favorite. It lasts all day. She has great cream eye shadows too! The defining mascara makes your lashes look longer and there is no clumping. The under eye concealers are the best! BB is a little more but definitely worth it. I love her moisturizers too!
Ok, my husband works for Mary Kay Corporate and I get a great deal on makeup. However, I had no preference before he worked there, but now, I really do love the makeup and try it all really cheap. There is a new vitamin c serum which I love- goes on like silk. The full coverage foundation has great texture and stays on a good long time. The lip color is the only color I ever wear. The mascara is a dream. I bought some other kind in a rush a while back and realized how good I have it! The colors are true and I have never regretted a color selection and I don’t have a MK lady!
OK, I am a bit bleary-eyed from reading ALL the comments, but I have made a list and might try some new things. My makeup basically consists of what I happen to see on clearance at Target…
Bare Minerals is the BEST BEST BEST make-up I have ever used. Best. Seriously.
I use their mineral veil, bisque, eyeshadow, eyeshadow primer (LOVE), etc, etc, etc. But really the four listed are the absolute must haves. So far I have not tried their foundation because the bisque/mineral veil combo has shockingly been enough for me.
VAPOUR Organic Makeup is new and is great. It’d be perfect for dry skin. I have t-zone oily skin and still love it. It has amazing ingredients which revitalize your skin and bring health to it. I am impressed.
these comments just keep going and going and going and going!
I am 32 years old with “normal-ish” skin.
I LOVE Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer
bonnie bell lip smackers lip gloss
benefit lip gloss
diorshow mascara
the big sephora make-up set that comes out at christmas every year- perfect for eyeshadow!
anastasia brow stuff (i used to go to her to have my brows done- now i just do it at home!)
funfinns.blogspot.com
my HOLY GRAIL list:
sorry for yelling in the all-caps, but this stuff blows my mind.
1. definitely bare escentuals foundation. (works great with mineral veil, or blot powder from mac)
2. maybelline mineral power concealer. covers SO well, lovely creamy texture. won’t use anything else.
3. bare escentuals faux tan bronzer…AMAZING. i’ve had mine for OVER TWO YEARS, i use it every SINGLE day, and there’s more than half of a container left.
4. nars orgasm blush. has lasted me since early 2006, and there’s tons left. not seeing the bottom of the container yet!
5. revlon colorstay eyeliner…it’s water and smudge-proof, and sometimes you can find it at *gasp* walmart in a pack of two for the price of one!
6. bare escentuals eye primer. the best stuff ever.
7. mac eye paint…i used this as a base before i started using the eye primer…it’s great to layer powder shadows over. the color i like the best is stillife.
8. mac eye shadow in twinks. looks amazing paired with woodwinked shadow from mac.
9. lancome definicils mascara. you can find it on ebay brand new for half the price @ sephora.
10. chanel glossimer lip gloss in shell. looks great layered with a light pink lipstick. (i’d tell you mine, but it’s a discontinued tube that you can’t find anymore, so why bother?)
my backup cheap mascara would be either lash blast from covergirl, or maybelline stiletto lash. both are impressive for a drugstore mascara!
if you ever want to read reviews of makeup or pretty much any skin care product out there, check out makeupalley.com. there’s a wealth of information there.
my HOLY GRAIL list:
sorry for yelling in the all-caps, but this stuff blows my mind.
1. definitely bare escentuals foundation. (works great with mineral veil, or blot powder from mac)
2. maybelline mineral power concealer. covers SO well, lovely creamy texture. won’t use anything else.
3. bare escentuals faux tan bronzer…AMAZING. i’ve had mine for OVER TWO YEARS, i use it every SINGLE day, and there’s more than half of a container left.
4. nars orgasm blush. has lasted me since early 2006, and there’s tons left. not seeing the bottom of the container yet!
5. revlon colorstay eyeliner…it’s water and smudge-proof, and sometimes you can find it at *gasp* walmart in a pack of two for the price of one!
6. bare escentuals eye primer. the best stuff ever.
7. mac eye paint…i used this as a base before i started using the eye primer…it’s great to layer powder shadows over. the color i like the best is stillife.
8. mac eye shadow in twinks. looks amazing paired with woodwinked shadow from mac.
9. lancome definicils mascara. you can find it on ebay brand new for half the price @ sephora.
10. chanel glossimer lip gloss in shell. looks great layered with a light pink lipstick. (i’d tell you mine, but it’s a discontinued tube that you can’t find anymore, so why bother?)
my backup cheap mascara would be either lash blast from covergirl, or maybelline stiletto lash. both are impressive for a drugstore mascara!
if you ever want to read reviews of makeup or pretty much any skin care product out there, check out makeupalley.com. there’s a wealth of information there.
whoooops. accidentally hit the button twice.
Benefit has a lipstick that is a lip pencil and lipstick in one called Lip plumping color crayon. My favorite shade is “Hey sailor!” I buy two whenever I buy it, and can’t live without it. I wear it every day. Usually it is all I have time to throw on my face.
gosh lipgloss in nude(must have)
lancome foundation/powder
quo eyeliner in black
quo bronzer
quo liquid eyeliner in plum for punch of colour.
I used Clinique skin care and makeup for years and also a bit of Revlon, Lancome, Erno Lazlo…my drawer looked like a makeup counter explosion. My dentist told me she used Mary Kay when I mentioned how great her skin and makeup always looked. I went online and found the Mary Kay website, and there was a locator feature that I used to find a representative near me. I love their skin care and their mineral powder foundation. I have also switched from Lancome mascara to Mary Kay’s Ultimate mascara. It doesn’t clump and looks awesome! Their lipsticks and glosses are a good consistency – not so creamy that they wear off too fast and not too dry either.
Eye Shadows — love MAC, Prescriptives and Mary Kay
Liners — Clinique and Mary Kay – both stay on all day
I’ve started using a lot of Mary Kay, actually. I used to think it was just for older women, buy wow – they really have their act together with trendy options as well as the basics. My 20 year old daughter uses it, too, as well as MAC shadows and a few other brands here and there.
A lot of people have commented about this product already, but Kiss Me Lash mascara has absolutely changed my life. CHANGED. MY. LIFE. It is worth every single penny of the $24 you will spend. I bought mine probably at the beginning of this year, and its still going strong (although thats probably unhealthy…) BUY IT!
Am I the only person who HATES Bare Minerals?
Giorgio Armani foundation
MAC blush
Chanel lipstick
L”Oreal mascara
Chanel eyeshadows
L’Oreal HIP eyeliner
Laura Mercier lip pencil
Almay concealer-the kind in the tube with the sponge applicator
Chantecaille would be a tie for concealer-two totally different price points
Arbonne is the best skin care other than LaMer or goat’s milk soap, tea tree oil and witch hazel
I am a make-up snob. I have tried the whole line of nearly every brand, department and drug store. It is all about your skin, skill at applying, and budget. The costlier products generally use more pigment(Chanel, MAC, L’Oreal HIP) that is why they stay on longer, are easier to work with, usually take less and just look better in general.
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