Bare minerals foundation: When I first decided to give this a try I was assured by the eager sales lady that sold it to me that it would provide amazing coverage and clear up my acne prone skin immediately. I've never wanted to use another foundation since and believe me, I've tried them all! Amazing coverage, blends easily, stays on all day, one of the best features about this foundation is that it doesn't get greasy or oily even on hot days. It feels light but provides excellent coverage and really did clear my skin up. And at 20 bucks (the bottle lasts me about 3-4 months) this is truly a steal.
Blush: Nars orgasm: Okay it truly is THE best, like an orgasm for your cheeks! It's a peachy-pink with a golden shimmer. It can be very sheer or applied heavier if you like a real flush on your cheeks. It always looks super natural, like your cheeks were just kissed with a touch of sunlight. The price tag however is a little heafty, runs anywhere from 30-35 dollars (but lasts easily 6 months), so I've been on a quest for a nars replica that will work just as well, I've found Elf studio contouring blush and bronzer set, which can be purchased for under 10 bucks. It's VERY close, but keep in mind you aren't getting as much blush, because it is a combo bronzer so you will have to stock up more often which brings to mind, why not just fork out the extra bucks for something that will last you twice as long like the nars?
MAC eyeliner in smolder: This is the softest, most blend-able black. I've been wearing it for years because it can be smudged to perfection to create the ultimate smokey eye or if you'd like a simple eye it stays in place beautiful for a clean affect. Runs about 15 dollars in department stores. I can find it on ebay for about 10 bucks. Loreal eyeliner in carbon black is very similar but is close to the price of the MAC one, and the MAC is superior.
Lipstick which doubles as a gloss: Clinique lipstick in black honey. I've been wearing it for years. It's an oldie but a goodie! The color lasts for ever, especially over primer. When you open the package and roll up the tube it's an almost jarring deep burgundy color but I assure you it does not go on like that. It goes on like a sheer berry with a hint of bronze, and it's very gloss like... sheer and gorgeous! It can act as a fun, beachy, nude summer color, or be built up for a deeper, more polished look. It's an easy, universal color to pull off. Runs about 15 bucks, last a few months.
Mascara : Loreal voluminous mascara: Tried them all, this is the one I keep coming back to. Mascaras are difficult to rate though, as some people prefer certain things from their mascara. I hate a super wet mascara that smudges everywhere, but I also hate a super dry mascara that dries out in a few weeks. This seems to be the perfect combination. It plumps and lengthens. Apply two coats, curl, curl, curl.... and you're good to go!
Eyeshadows: MAC, MAC, and did I mention MAC?? Nothing else compares.
I've tried so many different brands of eyeshadow I've lost count, and I always return to MAC. There are many reasons for this. QUALITY! They are highly pigmented/very saturated colors, show up true (with a primer) and will last all day long. A beautiful selection of colours, walking up to a MAC counter feels like being in a botanical garden or a dessert bar, I feel overwhelmed with vibrant colours to choose from. They have a great selection of colours to choose from and are always adding limited edition colours to the range so that even those of us who have been collecting for ages don't run out of new ones to try!
They aren't super expensive considering the quality - particularly if you buy the refill pans and purchase the 15-pan palettes. They last forever and are definitely worth the investment (about 15 bucks per shadow). They also don't irritate my sensitive eyes even if I wear them all day long.
And finally, I love that the brand is so established that many blogs and tutorials use the shades - this makes it really easy to re-create celebrity and tutorial looks with the exact same colours.
Overall I highly recommend checking these out if you haven't already, you won't be disappointed!
