Makeup Essentials

This differs for everyone. Some people can’t live without foundation, others (like Snooki from the Jersey Shore) cannot live without bronzer…lots of bronzer. This all depends on your skintype, how you want to look and what you feel most comfortable in. However, there are certain cosmetics that every girl always should have.

First and foremost, a brightener will change your life. I used to use concealer under my eyes for years and I never understood why you could still see my circles. I think concealer is great for a breakout here and there (remember, too much caked on draws more attention!) but a brightener or corrector is the way to go. I’ve used the corrector pens by T. LeClerc and Dior which were good but I am currently using the Bobbi Brown Corrector (in Bisque) and it has made a huge difference.

**Note: Keep in mind you should be using an undereye cream  too! You can cover things up all you want but isn’t easier to prevent them? I use NARS Nourishing Eye Cream which is amazing. Depending on what you’re looking for in an eye cream (fix dark circles, reduce puffiness, decrease wrinkles, etc.) you should check out your favorite brands or your local Sephora, Blue Mercury or C.O. Bigelow.

When people ask, “what’s the one product you cannot live without?” my response has been (and will always be) MASCARA.  I think it truly makes all the difference. Curled and thick lashes make your face look more lively and awake which is always a plus. Before applying mascara, always use an eyelash curler. It not only looks better once the mascara is applied but it makes applying the mascara much easier and it looks more smooth. Curling the lashes can only help you. Not hurt you. Trust me. Currently, I use two mascaras. I first apply a coat of CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara for the volume then a coat of NARS Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara for the length. I personally don’t mind taking that extra step and it’s worked better than any single mascara I’ve used in the past (and I’ve used a lot).

**Note: Using mascara can dry or damage your lashes. To prevent this, I use Shu Uemura Lash Repair It strengthens and conditions lashes to prevent future damage. It can also be used as a primer for mascara.

My last essential is blush. This is another item that really brightens your face all around and a little goes a long way. I currently own two different blushes and which one I use depends on my mood or the occasion. I have a matte blush and a shimmery blush. The shimmery blush is  BareMinerals Blush in Vintage Peach. My other blush isn’t completely matte but it’s definitely less shimmery than the BareMinerals one. It’s T. LeClerc Powder Blush in Brun Rosé . I’ve used this one for much longer and it’s my go-to blush for everyday…it’s never done me wrong!

I hope you can see the method to my madness…of makeup essentials. I believe a brightener or corrector, mascara and blush are essential because of what they do. Individually, they can transform your look to make you seem more lively and awake. Altogether, they can do wonders. If you don’t get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, it can negatively affect the way your skin looks. These three simple cosmetics can help you “fake it” and can make you look fabulous everyday.

Keep in mind, a great skincare routine is important in the success of your skin. See some of my favorite skincare picks from my NARS post.

So, what do you think? What are your makeup necessities? Have you tried any of the cosmetics mentioned? If so, do you like them? If not, what do you use? I always love to hear from you!