I am doing a different kind of post today and hope you might enjoy it. From time to time I like to do a post on beauty, fashion or decorating, and some of you have told me you think it's fun. If that isn't your cup of tea, I am giving you fair warning to stop reading now!
I have always worn make up, and rarely go out with out it. I'm old, but I still love to "fix myself up" and I am kind of a girly girl that way, and in my life have experimented with lots of products. I have to admit right off that I do tend to buy more high end products. I have occasionally bought drug store brands, but they tend to disappoint in comparison. There are exceptions of course. I just like what seems to work for me.
Before I apply my makeup, I start with a clean, moisturized face. I have been experimenting with make up primers, which are supposed to make your make up go on smoother and last longer. So far, I haven't found one I love, but I am continuing the search. In some other post, maybe I will talk about skin care and my primer search.
WIthout a doubt, the most important step in applying makeup is the foundation base that you use. My all time favorite is one by Chanel called Aqualumiere. It has a thin, almost runny consistency, but covers well and lasts up to 10 hours. I feel like my skin has a nice glow to it when I use this product. I never feel over made up when I wear it, and it doesn't look cakey or settle into lines. It is pricey, at $45. I am on my third bottle in just under three years, so I think it is working for me. It is very easy to apply, doesn't streak, blends well, and makes me look better than I deserve.
A similar product is Estee Lauder's Invisible Fluid Makeup. It also has a thin runny texture, but goes on pretty well, and lasts around 8 to 10 hours. I don't love it as much as the Chanel, but it is a lower cost option at $36.
At some point, we all need to cover up our undereye circles or disguise undereye puffiness. I discovered this Christian Dior product called Skin Flash several years ago, and still really like it. It is light and fluid, not thick and pasty, so when you apply it, it doesn't pull on the delicate undereye tissues. It costs $37, but lasts forever, and really makes my eyes look brighter and more awake.
Next up is blush. Over the years I have collected a lot of high end blushers, but recently discovered a drug store brand I really like (see I am not a total snob). It is by Milani, in the color Dolce Pink. It costs only $7.50 and you can get it everywhere–CVS, Rite Aid etc. It gives a nice delicate flush to the cheeks, just what you want. It is a "baked" formula, and has a bit of shimmer, but no sparkle.
To apply eye makeup smoothly, and to have it last a long time, it really helps to use an eyelid primer. I have tried a lot of them, and still keep going back to this one by Laura Geller called Eye Spackle. It costs around $25, but lasts forever. I would prefer a more liquid formuation, but they seem to dry up so fast. This is kind of creamy, and I can pat it lightly on my eye lids and it does the job.
Eyeshadows. Oh my, have I ever purchased a boat load of those in my life time. I have many favorite brands: Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, but this one is my most recent summer favorite. It is by Bobbi Brown, and is a limited edition, which means you may not be able to find it without a bit of a search. It is called an Eye Shimmer Brick in "Raw Sugar", and cost $48.50. What I like about it, is that you can run your eyeshadow brush across several colors and get a very pretty bronzey brownish shadow that is not too dark and really nice for summer. I have been enjoying playing with this palette.
Next up is eyeliner, which I know scares the dickens out of a lot of people. These chubby little pencils do a nice subtle line that you can smudge and play with a bit before it sets up. And when it sets, it stays put all day long and does not budge. It is by Laura Mercier and is called Eye Caviar Sticks. My favorite color is Cocoa, and it costs $26. Other beautiful colors are Smoke (a dark grey) and Plum.
Last up on the eyes is mascara. I have been blessed with pretty decent eye lashes, and have never really gotten in the habit of curling them, which I know a lot of people do with great success. This mascara really is the Bomb. It is called Bad Gal Lash and is by Benefit. Check out the brush on that thing. You can get it at Sephora and department stores for around $19. This stuff makes your eye lashes look amazing.
If you want to set your makeup, it is recommended that you use a bit of powder as a finishing step. It makes everything last longer. I usually like to match my powder to whatever foundation I use. So if I am wearing a Chanel foundation, I go for a Chanel brand powder. If I am using the Estee Lauder foundation, I use a powder in that brand to match. And always, always go very light with the powder or it will make you look old and tired and cakey.
Some people like to use bronzer, but I never do. I think it makes my face look dirty! Maybe I just don't apply it right, but it is always a fail for me.
Oh my, I nearly forgot lipstick. Whew, there is a lot of territory out there to chart! I like a lipstick color that is like my lips but better. I prefer a very light formula. Some that I like are Bare Lips by Laura Mercier, Nude by Vincent Longo, Natural by Trish McEvoy, and any of the Christian Dior Serum de Rouge Lip Treatment lipsticks in a rosy, natural color.
So, if you are still with me, I hope you enjoyed this post and my mini reviews on what works for me in the world of makeup.
45 responses to “Favorite Beauty Products”
I have gotten out of the habit of using makeup unless it’s a special occasion but I realize that I would look a lot better, more rested, and perhaps a bit younger if I did use it.
Thanks for your suggestions! I’ve made a note to put in my purse, but then I seldom go shopping either so may have to seek an on-line source.
Hugs!
I have gotten out of the habit of using makeup unless it’s a special occasion but I realize that I would look a lot better, more rested, and perhaps a bit younger if I did use it.
Thanks for your suggestions! I’ve made a note to put in my purse, but then I seldom go shopping either so may have to seek an on-line source.
Hugs!
I have gotten out of the habit of using makeup unless it’s a special occasion but I realize that I would look a lot better, more rested, and perhaps a bit younger if I did use it.
Thanks for your suggestions! I’ve made a note to put in my purse, but then I seldom go shopping either so may have to seek an on-line source.
Hugs!
Oh, and what color are your eyes?
🙂
Oh, and what color are your eyes?
🙂
Oh, and what color are your eyes?
🙂
Loved this post. Have you ever tried Laura Mercier Eye Basics? It creates the perfect canvas for eyes by camouflaging eye imperfections and enhancing the durability of eye makeup. (These are their words, not mine ;o) It comes in a wand like lip gloss.
Loved this post. Have you ever tried Laura Mercier Eye Basics? It creates the perfect canvas for eyes by camouflaging eye imperfections and enhancing the durability of eye makeup. (These are their words, not mine ;o) It comes in a wand like lip gloss.
Loved this post. Have you ever tried Laura Mercier Eye Basics? It creates the perfect canvas for eyes by camouflaging eye imperfections and enhancing the durability of eye makeup. (These are their words, not mine ;o) It comes in a wand like lip gloss.
I’m with you Nicole, I love Chanel products. Their pressed powder is just lovely, but my special favourite product is their liquid eyeliner. I wear it almost every day, and my current one has lasted just over a year. Well worth the money IMHO.
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
I’m with you Nicole, I love Chanel products. Their pressed powder is just lovely, but my special favourite product is their liquid eyeliner. I wear it almost every day, and my current one has lasted just over a year. Well worth the money IMHO.
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
I’m with you Nicole, I love Chanel products. Their pressed powder is just lovely, but my special favourite product is their liquid eyeliner. I wear it almost every day, and my current one has lasted just over a year. Well worth the money IMHO.
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
Thanks, Nicole. I definitely enjoyed this post. I love Chanel products, and I especially love their fragrances. Chanel 19 and Coco are two of my favourites.
Thanks, Nicole. I definitely enjoyed this post. I love Chanel products, and I especially love their fragrances. Chanel 19 and Coco are two of my favourites.
Thanks, Nicole. I definitely enjoyed this post. I love Chanel products, and I especially love their fragrances. Chanel 19 and Coco are two of my favourites.
Wish I lived near a big department store. I miss all these lovely products. I use Smashbox hydrating primer. It is soooo smooth. I will try your suggestions. And thanks so much for the tips! Pam
Wish I lived near a big department store. I miss all these lovely products. I use Smashbox hydrating primer. It is soooo smooth. I will try your suggestions. And thanks so much for the tips! Pam
Wish I lived near a big department store. I miss all these lovely products. I use Smashbox hydrating primer. It is soooo smooth. I will try your suggestions. And thanks so much for the tips! Pam
Loved this post, but I’m a girly girl and rarely go out without any makeup on. I’ll need to try out some of your suggestions. I have combo oily skin so still use my Mary Kay, it gives me great coverage that lasts all day without looking like makeup. I like their mascara so too, but will need to try out yours. Thanks for switching up things, maybe a nail post?
Loved this post, but I’m a girly girl and rarely go out without any makeup on. I’ll need to try out some of your suggestions. I have combo oily skin so still use my Mary Kay, it gives me great coverage that lasts all day without looking like makeup. I like their mascara so too, but will need to try out yours. Thanks for switching up things, maybe a nail post?
Loved this post, but I’m a girly girl and rarely go out without any makeup on. I’ll need to try out some of your suggestions. I have combo oily skin so still use my Mary Kay, it gives me great coverage that lasts all day without looking like makeup. I like their mascara so too, but will need to try out yours. Thanks for switching up things, maybe a nail post?
In my family, it’s almost sacrilege to leave the house without makeup. I used to use MAC cream foundation for a long time but have moved away from it because it leaves such a cakey feel.
My niece is a beautician and she introduced me to Sephora brushes. I now use a brush to put on my concealer (dab dab dab, swirl swirl swirl) under the eyes and on eyelids. I have never had a better distribution of the concealer. They also have some great foundation brushes that I use with my liquid foundation. It’s not your usual flat foundation brush. It is fantastic to spread nice and thin. I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer and it’s nice and smooth making it feel like there is nothing extra to weigh you down. My finishing powder is HD Microfinish Powder by Makeup For Ever. It’s very thin white powder that just fills in and sets everything. Because it’s so fine the color is irrelevant. Love it!
In my family, it’s almost sacrilege to leave the house without makeup. I used to use MAC cream foundation for a long time but have moved away from it because it leaves such a cakey feel.
My niece is a beautician and she introduced me to Sephora brushes. I now use a brush to put on my concealer (dab dab dab, swirl swirl swirl) under the eyes and on eyelids. I have never had a better distribution of the concealer. They also have some great foundation brushes that I use with my liquid foundation. It’s not your usual flat foundation brush. It is fantastic to spread nice and thin. I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer and it’s nice and smooth making it feel like there is nothing extra to weigh you down. My finishing powder is HD Microfinish Powder by Makeup For Ever. It’s very thin white powder that just fills in and sets everything. Because it’s so fine the color is irrelevant. Love it!
In my family, it’s almost sacrilege to leave the house without makeup. I used to use MAC cream foundation for a long time but have moved away from it because it leaves such a cakey feel.
My niece is a beautician and she introduced me to Sephora brushes. I now use a brush to put on my concealer (dab dab dab, swirl swirl swirl) under the eyes and on eyelids. I have never had a better distribution of the concealer. They also have some great foundation brushes that I use with my liquid foundation. It’s not your usual flat foundation brush. It is fantastic to spread nice and thin. I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer and it’s nice and smooth making it feel like there is nothing extra to weigh you down. My finishing powder is HD Microfinish Powder by Makeup For Ever. It’s very thin white powder that just fills in and sets everything. Because it’s so fine the color is irrelevant. Love it!
I totally agree with you about the Chanel Vitalumiere; it is well worth the price. One new thing I have tried is an eyeliner called Tightline by IT Cosmetics; it looks like a mascara wand, but you push it very tight to your lashline and voila: a perfect eyeliner in one easy step. Interesting post; thanks.
I totally agree with you about the Chanel Vitalumiere; it is well worth the price. One new thing I have tried is an eyeliner called Tightline by IT Cosmetics; it looks like a mascara wand, but you push it very tight to your lashline and voila: a perfect eyeliner in one easy step. Interesting post; thanks.
I totally agree with you about the Chanel Vitalumiere; it is well worth the price. One new thing I have tried is an eyeliner called Tightline by IT Cosmetics; it looks like a mascara wand, but you push it very tight to your lashline and voila: a perfect eyeliner in one easy step. Interesting post; thanks.
I really liked your post. Very informative. Now I want to know, will you come and do a makeup lesson! Thanks for all the tips.
I really liked your post. Very informative. Now I want to know, will you come and do a makeup lesson! Thanks for all the tips.
I really liked your post. Very informative. Now I want to know, will you come and do a makeup lesson! Thanks for all the tips.
I wear makeup everyday except on a weekend day that I know I am not leaving the house. I’ve used Merle Norman since high school…such a creature of habit and just stay with what I know. Although, when it comes to mascara, I usually use whatever I pick up from the grocery store or pharmacy that doesn’t interfere with my contacts.
This is an interesting post and may just inspire to step out of the box and try something new.
I wear makeup everyday except on a weekend day that I know I am not leaving the house. I’ve used Merle Norman since high school…such a creature of habit and just stay with what I know. Although, when it comes to mascara, I usually use whatever I pick up from the grocery store or pharmacy that doesn’t interfere with my contacts.
This is an interesting post and may just inspire to step out of the box and try something new.
I wear makeup everyday except on a weekend day that I know I am not leaving the house. I’ve used Merle Norman since high school…such a creature of habit and just stay with what I know. Although, when it comes to mascara, I usually use whatever I pick up from the grocery store or pharmacy that doesn’t interfere with my contacts.
This is an interesting post and may just inspire to step out of the box and try something new.
I love L’occitane…they NOW have make up. I use their divine collection……LOVE it! I know it is expensive but ya know, it lasts about 8 months to a year…I can’t wear anything on my eyes, too many allergies……so I spurge on my old face!
I love L’occitane…they NOW have make up. I use their divine collection……LOVE it! I know it is expensive but ya know, it lasts about 8 months to a year…I can’t wear anything on my eyes, too many allergies……so I spurge on my old face!
I love L’occitane…they NOW have make up. I use their divine collection……LOVE it! I know it is expensive but ya know, it lasts about 8 months to a year…I can’t wear anything on my eyes, too many allergies……so I spurge on my old face!
So fun. Thanks for sharing. I’ve recently switched to Bare Minerals and really like it.
So fun. Thanks for sharing. I’ve recently switched to Bare Minerals and really like it.
So fun. Thanks for sharing. I’ve recently switched to Bare Minerals and really like it.
Yes, what a fun post! I, too, never go out without makeup, so I get you! I’ve found more than one product that I love from posts like these. As far as primer’s go, have you ever tried DHC’s Velvet Skin Coat? I love it. I also love Merle Norman’s Ultra Powder Foundation. Can be used wet or dry. That was a find from an “internet friend”. It is a little hard to find as they only sell in their own stores and not on-line (which I don’t get). I also love The Body Shop’s Lip Liner Fixer. Really keeps the lipstick from “spreading” into those teeny little crevices around the lips!
Yes, what a fun post! I, too, never go out without makeup, so I get you! I’ve found more than one product that I love from posts like these. As far as primer’s go, have you ever tried DHC’s Velvet Skin Coat? I love it. I also love Merle Norman’s Ultra Powder Foundation. Can be used wet or dry. That was a find from an “internet friend”. It is a little hard to find as they only sell in their own stores and not on-line (which I don’t get). I also love The Body Shop’s Lip Liner Fixer. Really keeps the lipstick from “spreading” into those teeny little crevices around the lips!
Yes, what a fun post! I, too, never go out without makeup, so I get you! I’ve found more than one product that I love from posts like these. As far as primer’s go, have you ever tried DHC’s Velvet Skin Coat? I love it. I also love Merle Norman’s Ultra Powder Foundation. Can be used wet or dry. That was a find from an “internet friend”. It is a little hard to find as they only sell in their own stores and not on-line (which I don’t get). I also love The Body Shop’s Lip Liner Fixer. Really keeps the lipstick from “spreading” into those teeny little crevices around the lips!
For most of my post-college life, I usually only wear eyeliner and mascara, with a little bit of bronzer on my cheeks. The last time I purged my makeup bag and bought new stuff was for my wedding – 12 years ago! Probably about time now. I’ll be looking into your suggestions! Thanks!
For most of my post-college life, I usually only wear eyeliner and mascara, with a little bit of bronzer on my cheeks. The last time I purged my makeup bag and bought new stuff was for my wedding – 12 years ago! Probably about time now. I’ll be looking into your suggestions! Thanks!
For most of my post-college life, I usually only wear eyeliner and mascara, with a little bit of bronzer on my cheeks. The last time I purged my makeup bag and bought new stuff was for my wedding – 12 years ago! Probably about time now. I’ll be looking into your suggestions! Thanks!