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Was anyone else into high-shimmer eyeshadow (Cover Girl’s Shimmering Sands, to be exact) and Vanilla Swirl Lip Smacker gloss in middle school? I’m glad my middle school years are in the past, but when those 90s vibes went out of style, it took me awhile to find my next set of favorite makeup products.
Oh, and my non-tween skin required a little bit more makeup as the years went on. Now, in my mid-30s, I’ve finally found a makeup regime that’s not too time intensive or expensive, and that I can tweak for everyday wear and special occasions.
HUGE shoutout to my friend Jen from Classy Cozmetics for taking me shopping and teaching me about her favorite makeup go-tos! I learned about most of these from her.
Here are my favorite (unsponsored) makeup products:
Base:
Pore Refiner by Emma: I put this on after a clean, moisturized face and let it dry for a couple minutes. It smooths the skin and tightens pores. The perfect primer for makeup! Use my code WORDY for 20% off.
Nars Matte Complete Concealer in Creme Brulee: A makeup tech helped me find this at Ulta and I love it. It lasts forever too.
Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller: I’ve been using this for YEARS and I love it. It perks up and conceals dark circles.
BB Skin Perfector Tint Cream by Shine Cosmetics: The Fearless color is perfect for me. This is lightweight and gives just enough coverage and UV protection. Use TalkWordytoMe10 for 10% off!
Infallible Pro-Glow 24-Hour Foundation by Loreal: I’m so impressed by how well this grocery store brand works. I use it when I need a little extra coverage.
Contour, Highlight and Blush:
Hoola Bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics: I love that it’s not too shimmery and is easy to use and blend for contouring.
Blush by Shine Cosmetics in Nurture: The perfect pink for cheeks.
Shimmering Skin Protector in Champagne Pop by Becca: This stuff makes me feel like a goddess. It adds the perfect amount of glow and shimmer to my face. I dust in on my cheeks, bridge of my nose, and brow bone.
Eyes and Brows:
Tartlette in Bloom eyeshadow pallet by Tarte: This is my favorite eyeshadow I have ever owned. I also use the darker colors as eyeliner.
Bag Gal Bang mascara by Benefit Cosmetics: I have used a lot of mascaras, and this is my favorite. It adds a surprising amount of length and volume.
Brow duo by E.l.f. Cosmetics: I’ve used this stuff for years. I get the medium tone and pay three whole dollars for it.
Brow gel by E.l.f. Cosmetics: I put this on after brow gel and powder and it keeps my brows in place.
Finishing Touches:
Bare Minerals Illuminating Mineral Veil: I add this on after all of my makeup and it smooths everything out and gives it a subtle glow.
Urban Decay all-nighter setting spray: You may have heard of this because everyone has been raving about it, and now I know why. It really does keep your makeup in place and shine-free all day long.
Ardell Demi Wispie false lashes and Duo glue: I love the look of false lashes for special occasions, and that I can just take them off before bed.
I’ll do a video soon to show how I apply all of this makeup and which brushes I use! Any other questions or requests? Do I need to know about any other make-up must-haves?
You also might like my post on Skin Savers for Adult Acne.
