I’m definitely not a makeup guru, but I do enjoy applying makeup most days. I’ve experimented with a variety of products, and I’ve come to really love the products below. I’m really picky with the quality as I want the products to look really natural. I spend less than ten minutes applying the items below, and while the list can look a little lengthy, the process goes fast.
Here are the items I like to use, in the order I use them:
Concealer – For a long while I used Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer, and I liked it, but then I ran out of it and started the hunt for a new one. I was recently watching someone’s YouTube channel, and she said don’t get the regular Shape Tape Concealer but instead get the Shape Tape Radiant Concealer as the regular Shape Tape is very thick. She was right, and I couldn’t agree more! The formula for the radiant concealer is so much better and blends better for a more flawless look.
Tinted Moisturizer – I have moved away from most traditional foundations as I don’t love the thick coverage–nor do I feel I need it. Instead I have gravitated towards a tinted moisturizer. The two I love right now are the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Glow Tint and the Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen. Both are great and give more of a glowy finish to my makeup versus a matte finish, which is what I prefer.
Powder – My go-to for a setting powder is Tarte’s Creaseless Setting & Brightening Powder. It seemed strange to buy a pink-tinted powder, but it works so well to blur your skin’s imperfections and even your skin tone. I only use a little around my eye to set my concealer, but it works like a charm.
Eyebrow Pencil – I like to fill in my brows with the NYX Fill & Fluff Eyebrow Pencil. I like that the product dispenses easily on my eyebrows where other pencils feel very dry to me.
Eyebrow Gel – It took me a while to find an eyebrow gel I liked after Beautycounter went bankrupt and wasn’t around for a while. I finally came across Milk Makeup KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel, and I love it. It applies easily with the small spoolie, and it has a natural finish to it. Beautycounter did come back as Counter, and they did bring their Brilliant Brow Gel if anyone else was a long-time user.
Mascara – If there is one makeup item that doesn’t seem worthwhile to buy a store like Sephora or Ulta, it’s mascara. While I have tried quite a few mascaras from Sephora/Ulta, and I have liked them, I’ve found some gems at Walmart and Target too. I first apply a couple coats of Maybelline Volum’ Express Mascara in the waterproof version. I’ve found that if I don’t use a waterproof version, my eyelashes become uncurled. My eyelashes are naturally straight, so I curl them with this Shiseido Eyelash Curler, and if I don’t use a waterproof mascara, they automatically go back to being straight. I’m not sure why this happens. Somehow–years ago, I got in the habit of using two mascaras, and I swear it helps make my lashes even fuller and longer. The second mascara I’ve been using is the Maybelline Firework Mascara. I was shocked how well it worked to add volume and length to my lashes. I have also used Tower28 Beauty Mascara, Two Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (which I like, but it transfers easily), and Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara, which is another great option if you like tubing mascara.
Bronzer – I love the dimension a bronzer gives. I’ve tried a few bronzer’s but the Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer is the perfect shade of bronzy-brown for my skin, and I love the subtle sheen it gives my face.
Blush – I discovered this Tarte Blush Tape Liquid Blush a couple years ago, and I’m obsessed. It is the perfect color for my skin and has a very subtle glow to it. It is easy to apply and blends so well. I’ve purchased it multiple times. I also tried the viral Dibs Shimmering Duo that I also really like. It’s a great two-in-one option, combining a blush and bronzer in one stick.
Highlighter – I have an old palette from Tarte that I use the highlighter from. It’s great and does the trick to add some contouring to my face. I’m always surprised at how much of a difference using a blush + bronzer + highlighter make it adding dimension to your face. This Tarte Amazonian Clay Shimmering Light is the same color that I have, just in a different package.
Eyeliner – I will use either this Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner on the underside of my top lashes on my water line or this Revlon Liquid Eyeliner on the top of my top lashes. Each create a little bit of a different look with the liquid eyeliner being a more bold look.
Lips – I don’t wear a lot of lipstick but instead usually just use a lip gloss–either Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm or Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly, which are both great. I did have the Tarte Juicy Lip Plump for a while, which was great.
So there you have it, a (fairly) minimal face of makeup and nothing too complicated.
