Although I have a pretty large makeup collection, I have a tendency like anyone else to reach for certain things more than others. Some things just click. They work well, they are easy and fast to use, and put me together in minimal time. I have very little time in my schedule to do more involved looks as I used to when I was younger and I’m fine with it. These days I like a naturally enhanced look. Healthy looking skin, bright eyes, and with a little color pop to the cheeks and or lips.
I have a lot of “favorites” or “best of” but I thought for this post it would be more practical to show you the things that I reach daily or almost daily.
Complexion
I was in love with Kosas Tinted Face Oil last summer and couldn’t put it down! I really prefer when my complexion product has an SPF in it — this does not, but still exceeds my expectations. Who would have thought that a facial oil would be a number #1 product for me during hot Arizona summers?! I probably use about 9 drops of this stuff for my entire face and blend to my neck as best as I can. I would say this is light to medium coverage depending on how much you use and layer on. I usually blot with a blender over my entire face with a particular focus around my under eyes so there is no creasing which can happen if you go overboard with the product. The color and finish is PERFECTION in my eyes and it delights my soul to know that there are skin-nourishing ingredients in it to keep my skin happy. I can best describe the feel as velvety smooth. It feels like nothing on your skin which also helps in high heat. The finish is slightly dewy-satin. It doesn’t look wet but will have a sheen when it catches the light. If you want to try this and haven’t yet, you will think you need more product than you really do. Go light! Or you will see this in every crack and wrinkle and think it’s terrible. Go light. Learn how much you need after a few uses and you will be very happy if this finish and coverage sound like what you are looking for! (P.S The Kosas site has sample sizes of every makeup product they make. This is a great way to assess before spending a lot!)
Cheek Color
Inner Beauty Cosmetics was a new brand to me last Summer and I still find myself reaching for their gloss, mascara, and most of all, their Coco Balm Creme Blush! I’ve always used pressed powder blushes because they were the easiest to work with but I’ve since discovered how easy cream blush is, and how well it can work seamlessly over my more dewy complexion products! This moisturizing blush can be applied with fingertips or a brush (I always choose a brush), and I like that it’s still in pan form instead of liquid because one, it’s easier to store and two, its simply less messy. There are only three shades of coco balm and I think it would be awesome if they increased the range, but feel lucky enough that all three shades could work for me. I have a 20% off code for this beautiful, clean brand if you’re interested in checking them out! Just use (TALK20) when you checkout on their site!
All Around Palette
Confession, I have a ridiculous amount of makeup palettes and yet I cannot get myself to get rid of them. Or use them. LOL. But I do have one from Pixi that I adore and use all the time, and that would be their Summer Glow Palette. It’s got twelve mineral-based summery sunkissed shades to use for cheeks and eyes in both matte and shimmery finishes. I’m able to add some blush and bronzer/contour and can use one of the shimmery highlighters as eye color. I like that there are a few “bronze” shades to choose from so I have something that works in the Winter and Summer. Some of Pixi’s products are higher priced than I would expect but this one comes in at $20 which I think is very fair for the number of shades and versatility this palette offers.
Mascara
My lashes are totally non-existent without mascara so mascara is a must for me. I like an affordable lengthening formula that has a nice clean wand when it leaves the tube. I’ve put quite a few mascaras to the test in the last year or so and discovered that Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara is the one for me. My lashes look clean and separated and never flake. It’s available basically everywhere I shop in-store and doesn’t make me wince at the price. This mascara does not plump or thicken lashes to my eye, but they do a wonderful job defining them!
Lip Gloss
I’m a lip gloss girl hands down and I fell in love with Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 30 at first swipe. For one, this gives my lips SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage, something we tend to forget to protect, and two, the shades are just so beautiful. It’s got a great cushiony feel to it and has peptides, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to keep lips looking plump and healthy. There are five standard shades (one being clear) and they occasionally have a new limited edition shade when they put out gift sets. I haven’t come across a comparable lip gloss yet so this one gets used up pretty quickly!
What do you already reach for when it comes to makeup? I’d love to hear about your faves!
Watch the video to see me do my five minute routine! (Video is 1 min.)
