Fact: I own more makeup than any sane person should. Because of the sheer amount of crap I have accumulated, I don't store my makeup collection in my bedroom. The room is far too small to house my cosmetic addiction, so instead, I keep a small makeup bag and a few brushes that I use everyday in my room. The everyday makeup bag is a fairly new concept to me, and I am really enjoying it. It makes it easy when I travel to throw my essentials into a suitcase, and it also forces me to really use the things I own. #win
The Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance is my primer of choice when I use one (which is really not that often). This primer gives my skin a healthy glow, although I can't really tell if there is a difference with the lasting power of my foundation. I like that it doesn't feel like the silicone based primers and that it doesn't cling to the dry patches that I constantly battle on my chin.
The Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer, simply put, is amazeballs. This tinted moisturizer is amazing for those of us with ghostly complexions. I have the lightest shade (alabaster), and for once, it is actually light enough for my paper white face. I also like that there is an SPF in it. This provides just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without it looking like there is actually anything on my face. Score!
The Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener in Porcelain Peach is a product that has only recently made it's way into my everyday makeup stash. In the past I have used the Bobbi Brown creamy concealer to hide the dark circles under my eyes, and have really enjoyed it. However, with spring in the air I wanted something a bit lighter for underneath the old eyeballs and this fits the bill.
The Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer in #1 is a fantastic concealer for problem areas of the face. For the most part, my skin is relatively well behaved, and I don't need such a heavy duty concealer. When I do get those large and in charge spots though, this works wonders. More often, I will reach for the Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick in #1 Warm Ivory. I think this is advertised as a concealer (don't quote me!) but I consider it more of a foundation with heavier coverage. This is great for covering larger areas of slight pigmentation or those areas of the face that tend to get red throughout the day.
Nars Albatross is a highlighter I like to pop onto the tops of my cheek bones for a little definition. I love this highlighter for many reasons. Firstly, I like it because you can also use it to highlight the tear duct area, underneath the brow bone, or the cupids bow. I also love the color of this highlighter. It is a pale yellow gold in color, which I find to be really flattering. This is especially flattering on those of us that tend to have naturally pink cheeks because the yellow undertones help to neutralize that (though I think this highlighter would look good on most skin tones).
Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder in #1 Transparent Light is what I reach for when I want a setting powder. However the name is deceptive because matte it is not. In my experience, mineral makeup is wonderful because it is so skin like and natural looking, which works out well for me because I personally don't really care for matte looking skin.
The Laura Mercier Cheek Color in Rose Petal is a great everyday color. It adds a bit of warmth to the face, but is neutral enough to wear with both cool and warm toned eye shadows or lipsticks. It is one of those blushes you don't really need to think about, just slap it on and it works with everything.
Urban Decay Primer Potion is a cult favorite, and a necessity if I am going to wear color on my lids. My eyelids get really oily and I cannot wear eyeshadow without this bad boy. This is my favorite eyeshadow primer and I will never go without. EVER. It holds my shadow in place for a solid eight hours.
Bobbi Brown Long-wear Cream Shadow in #24 Stone is my go to eyeshadow. I don't wear eyeshadow all the time, but when I do, this is probably my most reached for product. It can be worn sheer so that it looks just like a natural shadow, or built up for a slightly smokier effect. It is really easy to just slap on and go, and is both day and nighttime appropriate.
Nars Larger than Life Eye Liner in Rue Bonaparte is a nude colored liner I like to apply to my waterline. It brightens the whites of my eyes, and stays put all day. Perfecto!
Clinique Lash Building Primer is a product that is relatively new in my everyday makeup routine. I find that it really helps lengthen and thicken the appearance of my lashes once a mascara is applied.
The Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume mascara is one of my all time favorites. It really thickens my lashes, but it also helps to lengthen them. It doesn't flake or transfer underneath my eyes during the day, and it doesn't feel crisp like some mascaras do.
Makeup Forever Eyebrow Pencil in #4 is what I reach for when I fill in my brows. It is a neutral brown color, and the nib is hard enough to create little hair like brush strokes so that it looks natural.
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara is amazing. It works wonders to set unruly brows, and for the price, you can't beat it. It also works nicely to define lashes on days when you aren't wearing much (if any) makeup or to tame the little frizzes that like to pop up around the hairline.
Burt's Bees Peppermint Lip Balm is one of my favorites. It feels nice and cooling, and works well to moisturize dried out puckers.
Nars Lipstick in Heatwave is my all time favorite red lipstick. It is an orangey red that really packs a punch. It is my favorite way to transform a daytime look into a nighttime look, although it is beautiful any time of day. It is a semi matte formula, so it stays put for hours without feeling too drying or flaky.
Well, that about sums it up! I hope you enjoyed a look into my makeup bag and some of my favorite makeup products.
-Petra
