As much as I enjoy trying out new makeup products, there’s a… well, a bit more than just a “handful” of products that I always re-purchase and reach for when I want to use something I know will work. A foolproof bunch, if you will.
The thing about trying out and testing new products is that they don’t always work as good as you hoped, or it takes a while to figure out how to make them work for you. The beauty bits featured in this post are probably the only products I actually need, but… I mean, where’s the fun in that?
Foundation department is where I love to experience and explore, but having picky skin means that I also always re-stock on a few that I know will work with my skin when it’s dry, red, or when it’s on the oily side and starts breaking out.
When my skin is on the dry side Armani’s Luminous Silk, Dior’s Airflash and L’Oreal’s True Match are my top choices. All three give a very natural finish, feel very lightweight and blend nicely regardless of which tool I use. Sometimes I also actually like mixing any two of those as well. Just for reference, I’m #3 (4.5 when using a self-tanner) in Luminous Silk, #200 in Airflash and Classic Ivory (N2) in True Match.
I would say that Luminous Silk works best with dry skin though. There are days when it doesn’t matter how well I care for my skin- it just turns into a dry mess. The Luminous Silk is pretty much the only foundation that will actually stay on my skin on those days, and won’t cling to dry patches or transfer when I touch my face, wear glasses, etc. I wish it was a bit more long-lasting, but you can’t always have it all, can you?
For light coverage and whenever I’m in a hurry, I love Guerlain’s Baby Glow Foundation. I can just use my fingers to quickly apply it and it’ll always look good.
If I deal with a lot of redness and my skin feels well-balanced I always reach for IT Cosmetics Correcting Cream. The coverage it gives is very impressive, especially since all I usually need is a very small amount of product. It does tend to be a bit drying, which means that it might not be an ideal product for all skin types.
For a matte finish, it doesn’t get better than Estée Lauder’s Double Wear. When I was dealing with extremely oily skin, this was the only foundation that didn’t melt off my face after an hour. I talked about it in this (very, very old and probably cringe-worthy) blog post, where I also included a before and after photo. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r and Maybelline’s Super Stay foundations are also my trusty full coverage and oily skin-friendly picks.
Being a mascara junkie, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Over the years though, there’s one mascara that never fails me, even when my lashes were recovering from extensions: Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara. My “forever” favorite- don’t think I’ll ever find another one I love as much. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational mascara is probably a second favorite that gives a similar full, curled look. Glossier’s Lash Slick is a perfect “everyday” mascara that gives a nice, defined and natural “your lashes but better” look.
Natasha Denona’s Camel Eyeshadow Palette– small, but mighty. It’s probably one of my favorite nude palettes, simply because unlike a lot of other palettes from the same color family, it’s not overwhelming or intimidating, with only five shadows that work very well together. The shadows are creamy, long-lasting and can be used to create anything from a simple, “barely-there” eye look, to an intense smokey eye. It really compliments my fair complexion as well.
I’ve always loved Hourglass powders and their palettes, but the Unlocked Palette is hands-down my favorite. I really wish I picked up two of these because I’ve been using it almost daily since I got it- I’m actually surprised that I haven’t hit the pan on any of the shades yet (this one is sold out- shocker- but you can still get your hands on the Vol. 4 palette right here). Their Diffused Light powder never leaves my bag and it’s one of my favorite foolproof beauty products- it’s like a skin filter in a compact (although probably not best for mattifying).
Essie Tuck It In My Tux
Since last Spring I’ve been doing at-home gel manis, and I’m finally now giving my nails a little break and going back to regular polishes. Gel manicures are great and last forever (through cooking, cleaning, dog-washing, typing, you name it) but they do take a toll on the nails, and it shows everytime you remove the gel polish. Essie polishes in Muchi-Muchi, Urban Jungle, and Tuck It In My Tux are my favorite colors that work for any occasion/setting/situation. I own quite a few high-end polishes as well, but to be quite honest, if I could pick only one brand to buy from, it’d be Dior. I feel like their polishes are the only ones worth the splurge; they have a great formula that lasts a long time, the polish doesn’t chip easily and the curved brush/applicator allows for a very precise application.
There are countless highlighters that I love rotating between. Two of the most beautiful ones that give a delicate (but buildable), beautiful yet not-over-the-top glow are Natasha Denona’s All Over Glow Face & Body Shimmer Powder in Light and RMS Champagne Rose Luminizer.
I actually didn’t realize how big my “foolproof beauty” army has gotten over the years, and I could probably mention a few more products here, but this bunch is definitely what I reach for more often than others. I mean… okay, let me just also say that Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Liquid Liner Pen can make you feel like you’re suddenly a pro at doing a winged liner. The price ($58) might make your eyes water, but at least your eyeliner will look great while you wipe those tears away. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯