Feb 04
2013

Okay everyone, I have a confession: I’m a drug store beauty addict. Actually, I’m a Target addict; I could stand in Target looking at makeup for hours! My personal beauty philosophy is to splurge only when necessary.

As I’ve said before, the key to good makeup is a good base. I personally splurge regularly on lotion and primer. My skin is very dry, so I lather on Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion at least twice a day. Clinique also has a Dramatically Different Gel, for those of you with oily skin. Remember – just because a product works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you! It’s a long process finding your product matches.

Never underestimate the power of primer! Whether you apply all over, or only on your eyes – primer truly works!! I use Tarte 12 hour brightening primer all over my face, including my neck. However, finding my perfect primer was no easy task! Ask for samples and read reviews. My skin is dull, so the brightening primer gives it a dewy glow all day!

And now for the drug store purchases…. I am recently obsessed with Sonia Kashuk at Target. The Sonia Kashuk blending sponge is the perfect foundation applicator. The pointed end makes it easy to apply foundation into the corners and creases of your eyes and nose. I blot on Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation. It is a heavy foundation – which is just what I need for long workdays!

Before applying a light setting powder – I fill in my eyebrows. This took awhile to get used to, but now I don’t go anywhere without filling in my brows! It makes such a different. I’ve only used Lancome Le Crayon Poudre. I use the taupe shade, and it’s been a process learning how much to apply! While this is definitely a splurge for me ($25), I’ve had this pencil for three years- it’s worth every penny!

For everyday shadow, I prefer a shady gray. Unless I’m going out, black is too harsh. Again, Sonia Kashuk bite the dust is perfect for my complexion. The champaign and dark grey shadows blend well together without being too harsh for my skin tone (I like my makeup to look lived in). I also like Bare Minerals for special occasions – they have every color you could dream of!

I’ve experimented with many eyeliners since the age of 12 (not joking). My favorite liner is Maybelline Define-A-Line in ebony black. I love this crayon liner! It goes on easily without smudging like liquid liners. I apply the liner only on the top of my bottom lashes (right next to eye, on the lash line), and only in the outer corner of my upper lid. I have round eyes, so I try to make them elongated with my shadow and liner (see my New Years Eve Style blog for more how to advice!).

Finally, I apply mascara. If I could only live with one makeup product (excluding lotion of course!) it’d be mascara! I never thought I’d say this, but the best mascara I’ve found is Mary Kay. My cousin sells Mary Kay and I thought there was no way I would actually like it. I’ve never found better mascara! I have long dark lashes (sorry, just being honest!) but I like my mascara to help make them look fuller, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara does just that!

Finally, make sure to take care of your skin! The first thing I do when I get home is wash off my makeup – and I never even think about falling asleep with my makeup on! I like to switch up my face wash every few months. I currently love Neutrogena Naturals fresh cleansing + makeup remover.

Remember – just because a product is my personal favorite doesn’t mean it will be yours! Finding your makeup must haves requires some trial and error. And as always – if dark eye shadow, or filling in your brows doesn’t make you feel beautiful, skip it! Looking your best means feeling your best!