Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My Favorite Makeup Products

I'm not that great at makeup. I could never give you a tutorial on how to have the perfect smokey eyes, but I do LOVE makeup. I feel like I've finally really narrowed in on the "dream team" of products. So, I thought I'd share. Do forgive the long post, but I figured you guys would want to know why I love this stuff so much. Being that I always love a product recommendation, would you share your current favorites in the comments? You're the best.


1. Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6): This stuff is A MUST. This gives your lips the perfect hint of coral color and keeps them super duper moisturized. It's the perfect all purpose gloss. I can't imagine using anything else. 

2. Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Foundation($50): I had to face the fact a long time ago that I am a full coverage foundation kind of gal. I don't have the kind of skin where you can get away with a tinted moisturizer or a little bit of powder. I've tried about every foundation under the sun, and this one wins, hands down. It provides coverage without being heavy and leaves my skin looking smooth and luminous. It's pricey, but worth it. A little goes a long way.

3. Benefit's POREPfessional Primer ($29): This primer leaves your skin feeling amazingly smooth and minimizes the appearance of pores. You can even dab a little on later in the day to touch up your makeup. I've tried many a primer, and this is, by far, my favorite.

4. Benefit's Bronzing & Highlighting Duo ($28): This is a blush, bronzer and highlighter all in one. It provides the perfect amount of shimmer without looking like you never gave up on body glitter. I love it. 

5. Urban Decay's Naked Pallet ($48): If you've seen this in person, you don't need any convincing. This is the PERFECT eyeshadow pallet. It gives you options from simple matte daytime eyes, to the smokiest eyes EVER. This pallet is the only eye shadow I use anymore. There is really no need for having a makeup bag full of tons of random shadows when you have this. It's perfect. Can't wait to get my hands on the second edition. 

6. Lorac's Take a Brow ($22): Even on the days I barely get all pretty, I fill in my brows. I think it makes me look less dead and dreary. I love this product because it gives you two shades for fine tuning your filling and a way to keep those pesky suckers in place. I've tried pencils and other powders. They hardly compare.

7. Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24.50): After sampling this in the store I knew I had to have it. It lengthens and volumizes your lashes without them being all gunky and gross. Your eyes still look human and feminine, not like clumpy spiders. As a bonus, it smells really nice.  

That's it. Do you love any of these products like I do? Have you tried something recently that just makes you feel all glam and pretty? Do share!

4 comments:

Erin Moore said...

I was just thinking I wanted to do this kind of post, only listing all the generic products I've learned to love while on our Dave Ramsey budget. Thankf or sharing!

evie said...

Thanks for all the recommendations Kara. I love knowing what my friends use. And I also wish I had your graphic design skills. SO JEALOUS!

Annie said...

I loved this post! I'm a sucker for lists like these, so I bookmarked it for future reference for when my own stuff starts to run out. I use the rosebud salve already, and the primer I'm sticking at the top of my "must" list. :) Thanks, Kara!

JW | PEONY said...

I love that benefit duo! It works wonders!


Peony