I wanted to share my “go-to” makeup items; those items that I carry around with me everywhere I go, even if it’s just for a few errands. These are also items that I repurchase when empty, which for me, says quite a lot since I’m always eager to try new products! Haha
Papier Poudre Powdered Paper. I am obsessed with this product and have been using it since I was in college. I cannot go anywhere without this little booklet of powdered paper tucked in my purse. One booklet contains 65 sheets and lasts me roughly one month. It’s the perfect little product to pick up excess oil and just freshen up your face during the day. I use it on my face as well as on my scalp for days when I don’t wash my hair. This is one of my all-time favorite products. https://www.amazon.com/Papier-Poudre-Oil-Blotting-Papers/dp/B000AV1E8G
Carmex. Again, I’ve carried a tube since college days. Basic and essential for healthy lips. https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/20784483011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Carmex&ref_=bl_dp_s_web_20784483011
Clinique Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Oil Free Powder. A workhorse of a compact. It does exactly what the name says. If I’m not using a powdered paper, I’m using this powder. Just a basic really good pressed powder. My shade is “Stay Neutral”. https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clinique-stay-matte-sheer-pressed-powder/2809006/full?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=stay%20neutral
NYX Lip Liner in Nude Beige. I love everything about this pencil. I actually have 4 of these liners in my makeup bag right now in varying degrees of sizes. This way if I lost one or one wasn’t sharpened, I always have a backup. No joke that’s how much I love this pencil. This is THE perfect shade of nude beige to go with any pink, nude or rose colored lipstick. It doesn’t have any orange or yellow. It’s just a great base color. It doesn’t smear, has great coverage and is so reasonable! It’s easy to sharpen as well. I found that some higher end pencils are impossible to sharpen. Or if they self-sharpen, they break off or you never know when you will run out. NYX has the best variety of shades at a no-nonsense price. https://www.ulta.com/slim-lip-pencil?productId=xlsImpprod2150078
MAC Satin Lipstick in Viva Glam II. Ever since I asked someone what shade lipstick she was wearing (over 3 years ago!) this has been my ultimate favorite color, regardless of the season or occasion. The perfect pinky-nude shade that just goes with everything. I love the satin texture; it has staying power without drying your lips. You can play up the pink by using a pink shaded lip liner (like Whirl by MAC) or go more neutral with the NYX Nude Beiger Liner. Just a perfect shade. Praying that MAC doesn’t ever discontinue it! https://www.macys.com/shop/product/mac-viva-glam-lipstick?ID=153766
BareMinerals Gen Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette. Just an all-around great palette. They are true “nude neutrals” and will work for any skin tone. This palette has a nice mixture of matte, satin and metallic colors. Again, a great basic palette to do quick touchups. https://www.sephora.com/product/gen-nude-eyeshadow-palette-P431110?skuId=2076321
MAC Prep + Prime Lip. To round out my “must haves” for lips is this amazing product. Ladies, you absolutely have to “prep and prime” your lips before putting lipstick on. This is the key to keeping your lipstick staying on your lip line and not over it. This primer goes on smooth, is not greasy and has a perfect consistency that allows for easy application of your liner and lipstick. I’ve tried other products, but always go back to this one. https://www.macys.com/shop/product/mac-prep-prime-lip-primer?ID=152960
In a future post, I’ll take about more favorites from skincare to haircare. Ladies, just make sure whatever you are using, you replace on a regular basis. Most makeup needs to be replaced every 6 months. Makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria so make sure you are replacing regularly and throwing out what you don’t use. Remember, life isn’t perfect, but your makeup can be! XO, Char
