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My On The Go Makeup Essentials
If you saw my Instagram post from Friday, then you know already how amazed I was at how much makeup I could fit in my Stephanie Johnson small cosmetic case. But instead of wow-ing myself with all the goods I can fit, I thought I’d share with you my on-the-go makeup essentials I never leave home without. (Small disclaimer: it’s a lot of Stila and Benefit.)
Stila Cosmetics Convertible Lip & Cheek Color in Rose. Never mind the fact that I totally swiped as many of these palm-sized dual lip and cheek color compacts at the Trina Turk x Stila Road Trip Dinner in New York. To say I’m obsessed with these is an understatement. You can apply with your fingers or a regular blush brush (it actually deposits color on to your cheeks really well).
Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner. Probably my favorite hydrating lip balm of all time. The rose scent reminds me of something my YiaYia (that means grandmother in Greek) would’ve used.
Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up Concealer. Long days in the office usually warrant dark circles and tired eyes. While I’ve never applied this as my sole concealer, it’s a pretty decent product for touch-ups during the day.
Revlon ColorStay Overtime in Perennial Plum. I discovered this at Walmart and since I’ve been on the hunt for a plum lip, I thought I’d give it a try. I tested it for the first time this weekend and was pretty impressed with its staying power considering I didn’t apply the clear topcoat (and it lasted through lunch at Bobby’s Burger Palace).
Benefit Watt’s Up highlighter. This is by far the best birthday gift I’ve gotten from Sephora to date. I usually apply this on my cheekbones and cupid’s bow for a dewy glow.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never. This is my favorite lip color that I love to wear in the fall and it’s so easy to apply (perhaps its the creamy matte formula).
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. I rarely have the time (or patience) in the morning to line my eyes so I always keep this in my bag at all times (and to refresh my makeup look).
Stila Lip Glaze in Harmony. This is a lip gloss from their summer collection but the shade works for every day wear. I have too many of these lip glosses to count.
What makeup essentials do you never leave home without?
Tools of the Trade: The Best Brow Products
In the second installment of my What About Brows series this post is all about shopping and selecting the best brow products and tools for your busy/expensive or inexpensive/crazy lifestyle. Before we can dive in to topics like, how to shape your brows at home, waxing versus threading, etc. etc., I thought it would be best to break down the best pencils, powders, gels, and tools. I rounded up the best brow products for every personality, every hairy situation, every budget, etc. Just call me the Goldilocks of brow worthy products. ; )
Editor’s Picks: Eyeshadow Palettes
Aside from applying colored liner this season, my eye makeup is pretty minimal—a matte shadow, mascara and liner. If you’re like me and you prefer minimal eye makeup, this edition of Editor’s Picks is dedicated to you! From matte must-haves to metallic finishes, I’ve rounded up six of my favorite eyeshadow palettes.
Stila Cosmetics In The Know Palette ($39)—This is my holy grail of eyeshadow palettes because it combines the best earthy shades and liner for any skin tone. When I first got this palette, I would religiously read the mini booklet of different looks and now I think I’ve memorized… all of them.
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27)—Their Naked and Naked 2 palettes are all-time best sellers but this palette is the perfect combination of both. This palette features six matte shades that won’t leave a chalky finish.
e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palette ($10)—I’m a fan of this easy to blend formula this drugstore pick offers, making it easy to apply with a brush or your fingers.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette ($60)—If you’re looking to splurge on an eye palette, then go with this limited edition silver compact. I love anything Bobbi Brown and this is a good mix of shimmer and metallic hues.
Benefit Cosmetics World Famous Neutrals ($30)—When I’m looking for just a hint of sparkle for my daytime eye look, this is my go-to. I like that it includes four powder shadows and two cream tones. It also includes a fold out tutorial for day and nighttime looks, making the application and reading process so easy.
NYX ‘Love in Paris- Madeleines and Macarons’ Palette ($10)—I’m a fan of this cruelty free and hypoallergenic makeup palette that packs wearable colors for a small price. While I don’t think I’ve used every shade in this palette, I highly recommend this for the beauty girl on a budget.
What’s your favorite eyeshadow palette?
Editor’s Kara’s Picks: Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion, $7.99. This is my go-to when I want my lashes to look long and thick.
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Aqua, $18. What’s life without a tube of aqua mascara?
Flower Zoom-in Ultimate Mascara, $7. I’m obsessed with this 3-in-1 wand that alters its appearance for every need: length, curl and definition.
Laura Mercier Faux Lash, $24. The bigger the wand, the more intense lashes. I love this not only for its extreme volume and length but its long-wear as well.
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Mascara, $23. I’m a huge fan of this no-smudge formula that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts and separates my lashes.
