Happy Monday, friends! I hope you’ve all had a fabulous weekend!
Things were a little rough on my end. Mom started feeling under the weather on Saturday night, so I spent the majority of Sunday fussing over her and praying to God that I didn’t (don’t) catch whatever it is that she has. Keep your fingers crossed for me, friends. But that’s enough talk of doom and gloom; it is MIMM after all, and today I wanted to talk about something that I find quite marvelous indeed.
Although I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a very girly girl, I have to admit that I absolutely adore makeup. In fact, beauty products probably rival food in terms of what I end up spending most of my money on, and I get way more excited browsing the aisles of Sephora than I do a grocery store. Just being honest.
I know that a lot of people tend to see makeup as frivolous, or interpret it as a sign of insecurity, but it’s never really been like that for me. While I can’t deny that covering up a big honkin’ zit definitely bumps my confidence level up a few notches, my love for makeup stems from the simple fact that it’s fun. I love trying out new products and playing around with different looks – to me, it’s just another way to be creative. That and when I spend a little bit of extra time on my appearance, it makes me feel like I’m showing others that I believe that I’m worth putting the time and effort into. When I feel crappy about myself on the inside, I don’t care about looking crappy on the outside. But when I feel good? Hell, I want to look good too! But anyways…
Over the years, I’ve kind of developed an embarrassingly large collection of makeup, but most of it remains stashed away outside of the occasions where I decide I want to play around with it. Why? Because as much as I enjoy makeup, I don’t actually wear that much on a day-to-day basis; and the products I do wear tend to be staples for me. I’ve had a few readers ask me about makeup, so today I’m going to show you guys what products are in my makeup bag… and in pretty much the order I apply them in. I don’t go into a lot of detail with any of the individual products, so if you want any reviews or application tips, just let me know!
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Foundation: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream / Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
I use the BB cream on most days because it’s lighter and I don’t really like the feeling of having a lot of gunk on my face. I turn to Chanel for special occasions or nights out when I want a more flawless finish.
Concealers: Maybelline Dream Lumi highlighting concealer (great for under the eyes)
Maybelline SuperStay / Bobbi Brown corrector
Setting Powder: MAC Studio Fix / Revlon Nearly Naked
Blush: Benefit’s Coralista / NARS Orgasm
Highlighting Powder: MAC Soft and Gentle mineralized skinfinish
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay’s NAKED2 palette
Eyeliner: Revlon ColorStay liquid liner / Revlon ColorStay pencil liner
Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Volum’
Lips: Lush Honey Trap balm / Revlon lip butter
. – . – . – .
And that’s that. I know it looks like quite a bit, but it only takes me about 15 or 20 minutes to apply start to finish, and if I’m really pressed for time I’ll just use powder, blush, mascara, and a lip color before running out the door. Speaking of which, it’s time I do just that. Have a great Monday!
Do you share my affinity for makeup? If not, what’s your favorite way to pamper yourself?
Any beauty products you swear by that I need to try?
I used to be much more into makeup, but lately I have found myself being lazy and just going with a light powder, mascara, and rosebuds salve. I do though, like you, find serious worth in a good, non-clumping mascara and think that will always be my makeup staple.
I feel exactly the same about makeup! LOVE this post 😀
I love playing around with makeup, and I wish I could have more money to spend on beauty products–I’m always lusting over the makeup at Sephora! I really need to find a foundation that stays put and doesn’t make my skin break out, so I might give your suggestions a try.
I love Maybelline’s lengthening mascaras, especially Illegal Length, because they actually do make a difference, and I’m really liking this Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip gloss I got for Christmas. It actually moisturizes my constantly-dry lips and adds some shine.
Man, I feel like such a tomboy because of this post. I hardly ever wear make up. Maybe once every couple weeks… which is weird, because I used to never be able to leave my house without any on. Not sure what changed?/ hmmmm….
This post makes me get excited about makeup!! I’m all about Sephora > > > > grocery store, ESPECIALLY because I’m a total perfume freak…I could hang out in there sniffing perfumes for hours (and I have, lol). I too don’t wear much makeup, but I have a few things that work really well for me and actually now that I live in a completely different climate I’m finding that I need to look for completely new products. The BB cream, I’m in LOVE with it so thank you for recommending it to me!! It’s perfect for Colorado winters b/c it moisturizes as well as covers up, and it’s so light that it doesn’t cake and flake in the dry air. I am currently looking for new set powder and concealer, because the skin under my eyes has been getting really dull and red lately (maybe it’s the winter air, I dunno cuz I’m getting more sleep than ever in my life!). I’m also a total sucker for tinted lip balms, my lips get so dry out here so usually straight-up lipstick is just uncomfortable for me. LOVED this look inside your makeup bag, clearly you’re gorgeous so it’s a no-brainer to get product ideas from you 🙂
Awwr well gush. Thanks girlie 🙂 For the dullness under your eyes, I can’t say enough good things about that Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer… it covers and highlights, so it’s perfect. And have you ever tried putting some coconut oil under your eyes? That’s my favorite ‘eye cream’, and I apply some every night before I go to bed. As for the powder, I’m really loving the new Nearly Naked line from Revlon… the powder is really, really fine so it sets your makeup without feeling cakey.
I NEED that eyeshadow pallet! I barely wear makeup but I love slightly shimmery neutral eyeshadow for when I do. My Bobbi Brown one is smashed to pieces so I think I will try that brand next!
I am obsessed with Sonia Kusak radiant tinted sheer moisturizer and benefit hoola bronzer. In have tried many tinted moisturizers as they are perfect for the gym and easy to apply. The Sonia Kusak is better than Laura Mercier I think! Also can not live without Mac studio fix, its such a life saver on days my skin is not up to par. I love makeup and wear it everyday! I am trying to find more natural products although very difficult! Love + Shine Courtstar
I’ve been dabbling in trying to find some more natural products as well but having a hard time finding any that I like as much. Let me know if you come across anything good!
I never really learned how to put on make up, so I never really wear it. Just some mascara and lip chap are all I usually wear.
My favourite beauty product is Neutrogena face moisturizer – it has the perfect light texture and never makes my face feel greasy!
Ahhh I am such a makeup virgin it’s pathetic. I wear a splash of mascara very rarely, and just recently started putting some color on my baby/faint eyebrows. Other than that..I go without. Not because I don’t feel worth it, but I just don’t care for makeup all that much!! I don’t know how to get fancy with all this fun stuff you have, so I just keep it simple!! Fun post, and if I ever need help applying a fun face I know who to call!
Favorite post EVER! I loooove makeup but often get so intimidated by all of the brands and styles. My favorite place to go is Sephora – I could spend hours there and my entire savings as well!! Some of my favorites are Urban Decay eyeshadow – I’m dying to get the new palette. I also love Nars black pencil eyeliner – it actually stays on all day without smudge!! My favorite bronzed is by Clinique and I also use their foundation as well. I tend to have sensitive skin and Clinique is extremely hypo-allergenic.
You should definitely be a makeup artist – I would hire you in an instant. How about a future post on an eyeshadow and eyeliner tutorial??
I’d love to do a makeup tutorial post, but first I have to figure out how to film/photograph it properly
i love maybelline BB cream! I suck at doing makeup I have finally been starting to get the hang of putting fake eyelashes on, slowly but surely. I can get a pedi everyday to pamper myself. Or get my hair done.. actually just washed! I love getting my hair washed by someone else <3
I spend approx. 5 minutes on my make-up. I’ve been wearing the same things for as long as I can remember so I can pretty much put it on with my eyes closed 😉 My hair on the other hand… that’s where I usually spend more time 😉
Like I’ve said before, I fulllllly endorse the mascara.
However, I’ve been meaning to ask FOREVER this just reminded me … do you have a good hand cream that you like? My hands are getting DESTROYED by the 100+ times that I use hand sanitizer during a day … The ones I’ve tried just make them burn more and it would be nice to find a good one …
If you have a Lush near you, then I can’t say enough good things about their Dream Cream. If not, then I really love Aveeno Active Naturals daily moisturizing lotion 🙂
OMG I would love, love to know your go-to makeup routine! Like with picture tutorials and things like that!
I second this! I would love to see some tips on how to apply eye-shadow and eye-liner!
I love seeing what is in everyone’s makeup bag! I don’t wear much makeup. You are making me want to go shopping!
I love these “what’s in my bag” posts!!! Yours was so much fun to read.
I definitely love makeup. My favorite products are the Bare Minerals line of face powders. I swear by those products and haven’t used anything else on my face since I was 16!
I just bought the Honey Trap lipbalm because you recommended it once before on your blog and I love it 🙂 My boyfriend said it tastes like rice crispys hhaha sorry if too much info but I thought it was a cute comment on his part 😛
Love make-up.. too much! I agree that it’s a creative outlet, and to me it’s not at all a display of insecurity, but rather of self confidence, as you are putting the effort into yourself and your image because you value yourself.
I just started using a Vichy BB cream.. it’s pretty amazing, if you like BB creams and you’re willing to shell out a bit more for it, I’d highly suggest it!
I have used that Benefit blush/powder before too, I love the Dandelion shade.. and I use Revlon lip butter in Berry Smoothie. I have a neutrals palette from Benefit, but I’m dying to try the Urban Decay, I’ve heard only raves about it. Oh and I use the Nars Multiple in Orgasm, its like a very subtle shimmer stick on my cheeks.. just a little more glow than the powder. Also I have some fun coloured Exaggerate eye liners from Rimmel, they are such a low price for really great colours and lasting power! I love Emerald Shimmer. Ok, I’ll stop now 😉
“to me it’s not at all a display of insecurity, but rather of self confidence, as you are putting the effort into yourself and your image because you value yourself.” <-- That's exactly how I see it too 🙂
I usually like to get mani/pedi’s or a massage to pamper myself…a good massage is truly needed every once in a while! I dont wear a whole lot of makeup though.
ok now i really want to play with make up with you…or really let you give me a makeover haha,…i’m so inexperienced with makeup…never really wore much (outside of skating competitions) until college and even now I just wear tinted moisturizer on a daily basis with some mascara and eye liner for special occasions. My favorite way to pamper myself is with a massage or pedicure…heaven 🙂
I definitely wouldn’t mind giving you a makeover 😀 Learning how to apply makeup can be kind of intimidating at first, but it’s tonnes of fun once you get the hang of it 🙂 Then again, there’s nothing wrong with going without either…
Sending get wells to your mom <3 sorry to hear she is sick too, I know you told me that in a comment <3
Thx for the congrats too girl! <3
Those eye shadow shades are gorgeous!! I rarely wear eye shadow, except for on special occasions, but I am loving the colors. I like how they have some shimmer to them, but aren’t overly flashy or gawdy. Very pretty :).
I just spent 75$ at the MAC counter. Totally worth it. I figure, I use it daily- and see nothing wrong with it, and it’s my hard earned money- so why not! I recently upgraded to Sephora and MAC products after years of drugstore finds (and I do still use certain things), but I feel I spoiled myself. Oh, well! My bf teases me about wearing makeup to the gym, but I just wear it everywhere- and it takes me an average of 5 minutes daily to do it. Luckily I have decent skin, but if it makes you feel better about yourself, and you aren’t hurting anyone, I support it.
I justify my MAC purchases with the fact that they last FOREVER. I have shadows and powders that I bought years ago, and even things that I use on a daily basis tend to last me a pretty decent amount of time.
i too looove make up 🙂 My favorite products are probably bobbi brown’s eyeliner cream, urban decays naked palette, diors addict lip glow. Actually now that I think about it, my absolute favorite is diors lip glow. Because even on a day when things are kinda dreary and I may have gone makeup-less, I still love to pull out the dior addict lip glow because it gives my lips that extra…glow? Its doubles as a lip balm and lip color, but the coolest thing about it is the color is not the same for everyone. It’s supposed to bring out your natural lip color so its the lip color that always looks good. Subtle but with a shine.
OOooo! I’ve actually never heard of that Dior lip glow, but the way you describe it has me really wanting to try it out! On the days where I’m in a super rush, putting on a coat of mascara and something on my lips is pretty much a must, so I’m always on the lookout for good lip products 🙂
I hope your mom is 100% better and that you don’t get sick at all. Hang in there!
I swear by Chanel and MAC makeup products.
Umm…can you come to Ontario and do my makeup? :-p
I like it, but I feel like my actual knowledge and willingness to play around with it is pretty limited. I do use the Revlon colourstay eyeliners, those are fabulous.
I’ve been wanting to try a BB cream, I’ll have to look into that! And that Urban Decay eyeshadow, it looks so pretty. 😀
I think I need to make a trip to Sephora, I haven’t been in a long time…because my credit card never manages to stay in my wallet.
I can definitely come to Ontario under the guise of doing your makeup 😉 Mostly I would just use it as an excuse to come visit your fabulous self! BB creams are pretty wonderful, especially in the summer because they have that built in SPF, so you don’t have to worry. I’d give the one from Maybelline a shot, and if you want something a -tad- heavier, you can try the new one from Revlon. Both are kinda super 😀
I just got the Naked palate for my Sister for her birthday! She loves it 😀 I don’t wear a lot of make up actually…usually it’s just eye liner and mascara, but I do LOVE Nars Laguna bronzer on those days I don’t want to look super super pale 😉
That’s my favorite bronzer 🙂 I’ve kind of packed it away in favor of blush, but my Casper-like complexion could probably use a little bit of Laguna lovin’…
I love makeup! It makes me feel more “put together” and I absolutely agree- it can make me feel better when I’m not feeling so good. I actually wanted to be a make-up artist when I was younger and would always do my friends make-up in middle/high school. I actually did my sister’s make-up for her wedding day! Needless to say, I have a lot of make up and have lot’s of fun playing around with it. I’m a fan 🙂
Thanks for sharing these! I am always looking for good lip products, particularly during the winter months! I will have to check these out. I wear makeup during the weeks, but when I am at home or running errands, I usually don’t put any on, or I do something minimal, mascara and lip balm 🙂
The Lush lip balm is fantastic for preventing dry lips in the winter! And the lip butters are great because they’re super moisturizing while giving a pretty decent amount of color payoff. Can’t say enough good things about both!
I absolutely love make up as well. I have seen quite a few posts about people saying they don’t need makeup but I absolutely just love makeup in general. Like I said a few posts ago, I’m a bit of MAC lover myself. We all have splurges right?
I’m actually one of those crazy people that doesn’t wear makeup. At all. I’ll wear it maybe a couple of times a year for big outings but that’s the extent of my makeup wearing. I don’t own it- I borrow my friends’ things if I need to put it on. I think it’s because my mom doesn’t own a single makeup product either so I wasn’t taught to wear it beginning from a young age. Maybe if I get some big fancy job one day I’ll wear it. Kidding, that would take effort haha
you would be ashamed of me. I don’t even own a makeup bag because I don’t use makeup, I just have never bit the bullet and tried makeup on myself. Maybe one day I will become a real girl… haha
We have LOTS of the same makeup!!
I’m a make-up lover. I’ve actually considered going to makeup school since I’ve always been the one to do my friends/families make-up and it’s something I love.
I swear each time I go to the mall, I swear I won’t go into Mac or Sephora but I can never help myself and always leave with a new eyeshadow or lipstick, I can’t get enough of it.
That highlighting powder is THE best! I love how it is so versatile and makes a great natural eyeshadow as well! And the naked palette, oh man, I’d be lost without that thing!
Hehe! I’ve considered becoming a makeup artist as well. I used to do some craaaaaazy looks (especially with my eyes) when I was younger, but it doesn’t seem so fitting anymore now that I’m older and working. I do miss it, though. And yes… MAC and Sephora do NOT do my walley any favors.
Ohh I love this post- am always open to expanding my makeup collection and I especially like the look of the Revlon liquid liner! Although I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis, I do love getting ready and putting some on! Looking good makes me feel GOOD about myself and I don’t care if that makes me sound shallow. More than make-up, though, I have a thing for hair. Although paying for regular blow-dries may not be the most economical pampering, it’s absolutely worth it for me. It’s funny how much of an impact a good (or bad) hair day can have on my mood ha!
Oh girl, I’m definitely with you on the hair! No matter how good I’m feeling about myself, a bad hair day can totally wreck my mood. And there’s nothing quite like going into the salon and walking out with those voluminous silky locks!
I LOVE make-up, although I would consider myself FAR from an expert! I love playing around with different colors & there’s something special about having a fun make-up collection! I’m a huge fan of anything NARS. I have a bada$$ Sephora brand eyeliner I love also. Thanks for giving us a peak into your make-up toolbox. Happy Monday!
I am such a make up girl! I love it! You really can never have enough. That maybelline mascara is all I use! It’s the best I’ve found even compared to all the high end brands! Nothing beats it.
Thanks for sharing your favorite products. Loved reading it! One product I’ve been loving lately is the Revlon 16 hour eye shadow quad in decadent. The colors are very light to create an everyday smokey eye and they don’t smudge/ wear off.
I don’t wear makeup…hardly even for special occasions. I’ll usually get a pedicure or a manicure to pamper myself. I use cocoa butter lotion to keep my skin soft, especially during the summer. I LOVE the smell of it and I love how smooth it keeps my legs/feet/arms/body.
I looove Make Up!! I do give my skin a break from it at least one day per week, but am definitely obsessed. I am very much convinced by eyeshadows from Mac and of course the Toche Eclat from YSL. But anyway – if I step into a beauty product store I am trapped. And my money gone 🙂 except bath foams ( I am not a fan of hot bath at all) I want to buy everything 🙂
I love MAC eyeshadows as well, and I’m the same way with hot baths… I tried to get myself to like them because they’re supposed to be relaxing and what not, but I find it hard to sit still and relax – it’s like I’m just waiting to get out!
I have been searching for some good eyeshadow… where do you get yours? Do you like it? My favorite way to pamper myself is to get a massage or take a nice bath and light scented candles! Have a great Monday, Amanda!
I buy mine in Sephora, and I love it! It’s a great palette because it has all of the neutral colors that you need on a daily basis, and the consistency of the shadow is really good. Another brand that I really love is MAC, and if you’re looking for something you can find in the drugstore, NYX makes some really lovely shadows as well.
Thank you so much 🙂