My favorites: All things makeup!

Sephora is like my second 'home away from home' (with Target, being my main 'home away from home') and I've always been an advocate for never leaving the house without some bit of makeup on. I've worn makeup daily since I was in 5th grade, and it just feels like I'm going out of the house naked if I don't have at least foundation, a bit of mascara, and some gloss on. More often than not, I need "the works" to feel fully ready though.

It took years of trial and error, but I finally settled into a makeup routine with these favorite brands, that I found work best for me.

Favorite Foundation: My daily foundation is Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Matte Foundation with a bit of Mineral Veil to finish it off. (I am currently on the hunt for a good liquid foundation though.) It's easy to apply, blends well, and doesn't look like you're wearing a ton of makeup. Win, win, win.

 

(I'm currently stalking the HD Foundation by Make Up Forever, to use on days when I would prefer a more done up, liquid foundation look. I will report back with a review once I've tried it.)

Favorite Blushes: I have a number of blushes that I like, some lighter colors when I'm feeling a bit brighter and some darker colors for shading or if I'm just not up for a rosy look that day. My two cheek products that always work great no matter my disposition are Nars Sin and Benefit Sugarbomb. 

Nars Sin (to left)  is one of those colors that you look at in the pan and just think right away that it's going to be too dark on pale skin. However when you put it on lightly, it gives a natural blush look with just a hint of shimmer that isn't overwhelming. 

Benefit's Sugarbomb (to right) looks schizophrenic in the pan and makes you wonder "how in the world are all of these colors going to come together and possibly look right?" - but once you blend your brush in the pan and put it on... It magically gives you a soft pinky blush look that is perfect for daytime.

Favorite Eyeshadow: Hands down is the Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette right now. It's got all of the neutral colors you need for daytime looks and some darker shadows for lining or evening looks. I like that is so portable, on my upcoming Florida trip I'm planning on this being the only eyeshadow I bring with me! My most used colors are Sin, Toasted, and Hustle.

Favorite Mascara: This is a tough one. I have a number of mascaras and I still haven't found my "end all, be all - will never use anything but this" mascara. I gravitate towards mascaras from Benefit (Bad Gal Lash),  Clinque (High Impact), and Too Faced (Lash Injection). I'm currently wearing Too Faced Lash Injection which other than my qualms with occasionally clumping, is a pretty solid choice. All of the mascaras I've mentioned don't have any problems with extreme flaking, because as a contact lens wearer - I just can't handle mascaras that flake.

Favorite Lips: As I already posted about in my 8 Most Worn Things blog, these lip products from Too Faced are not only my most worn, but my favorite lip products as well. I have a set for my cosmetics drawers at home and a set to keep in my cosmetic bag that stays in my purse. The metallic light pink packaging with rhinestone top details is uber adorable and when you combine these two it makes a nice shimmery pink mauve color. Too Faced Lip of Luxury lipstick in Free Love & Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Peek-a-boo.

All products featured at available at Sephora.