Makeup Essentials I Can't Live Without

How are my fellow divas this evening? I hope excellent! So I have covered clothing in all of my blogs thus far but we cannot forget one of the most important components of looking great… your makeup! I feel like an outfit is not perfect until the face is put together. I literally pulled out ALL of my makeup so I could share with you all the items I use daily. I hope it is informative and enjoyable.

FACE

Out of all of my makeup, my M.A.C. Studio Tech Pressed Powder in N9 ($27.50) has to be my favorite item. I have tried other powders from Mary Kay, Clarins and Clinique but I feel M.A.C. makes the best makeup for women of color. The product never goes on chalky or cakey; it always leaves a smooth finish. I have combination skin so the matte finish is great as well. 

What can I say, I am a M.A.C. addict! I use their blush in Ambering Rose ($19.50), GORGEOUS color. The product gives my skin a healthy glow without being overwhelming; great for everyday use.

I use concealer primarily for perfecting my eyebrows but this product is great for covering blemishes as well. I purchased my Milani Concealer in Deep Tan ($5), it has a nice creamy consistency and does not appear greasy. 

EYES

Ever since Jasmine put me on to filling in your eyebrows I have been addicted ever since! Your makeup just looks so much better with a defined brow. The eyebrow pencil I use is by NYX in Black/Brown ($7). The color blends perfectly with my eyebrows, and the retractable pencil is way more convenient than a pencil that needs to be sharpened.  

Liquid eyeliner is a staple in my life, you will RARELY see me without my signature cat-eye (unless it's finals week then I get a reprieve!) . Tokidoki Liquid Eyeliner ($17 each) is the BEST liquid eyeliner EVER. I have tried them all, from Revlon to Benefit and none of them go on as smooth and defined as this brand. The felt tip applicator feels like you're holding a pen which makes applying easier. I have them in Black, Turquoise and Navy. You can find them at any Sephora.  

I like to use a variety of eyeliners and I like to have a pencil on deck for rimming my waterline. This pencil does so much more than that. Loreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner ($9) does not have the consistency of a liquid liner but it has the LOOK of one. An added bonus is the smudger on the other end of the applicator. Hello smokey eye!

I call my Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($6) "old faithful" because no matter how many department store brands I try this one is the best. Tried and true, it makes my lashes bold and lush. Perfecto.

Are you drooling over this pallete!? I was as soon as I saw it and knew I had to own it. This is the Urban Decay Anniversary Pallete ($45) and I am telling you it was a worthwhile investment. I don't wear eyeshadow daily, but on days when I feel like experimenting or a special occasion, this pallete comes in handy. The pigments are so rich and this pallete provides you with all the colors you need to feel glam.

LIPS

As you can see I am a huge fan of NYX products as well. I love their Megashine Lipgloss ($5), I own them in just about every color, the color is rich and the product is affordable.

As I stated before I do enjoy variety and Revlon's Colorburst Gloss ($9) is soooo LUXE! My favorite is Fire (a rich red), perfect for a date night or night on the town with the girls!

I don't wear lipstick daily but when I do I reach for my Covergirl Queen Collection Lipstick in Powderpuff Pink ($7) which is basically a rich fuchsia. The color looks great with my skin without being too stark. This color is big this season, go for it!

 NYX Lipliner ($4) is a necessity. So many girls like to wear colored glosses or lipsticks and do  not line their lips. This a crucial step, not only does it define the lip and prevents bleeding it helps your color last longer. I have these pencils in all of the neutral shades and pink and red as well.

TOOLS

So many people underestimate the importance of makeup brushes. They make a difference! Don't believe me? Try a smokey eye with the applicators that come with your makeup, then do it again with an eyeshadow brush. My set is by Sonia Kashuk ($30) and so far I love it. I have also used a kit by EcoTools which is also very nice. If you are really into makeup, invest in a set of brushes because it really does make a difference. 

Well that’s all folks! I hope you all enjoyed my beauty post, I did. Have fun creating new looks. Remember make fashion simple, and then add a touch of glam.