Are these my favorite products? Some, but not all. Regardless though, here are the beauty products that I'm using now.
Cleanser
Up and Up Invigorating Face Wash
Is it great? No. Does it work? Yes. And it smeels kinda like oranges...and it's cheap (currently helpful and why I bought it). I really want to try the Glowrx Cleanser though! I love their moisturizer (below).
Moisturizer
Glowrx Gel Cream Moisturizer
Current favorite moisturizer (and it's a Black created and owned company!). I felt like my skin needed more hydration, but I also need a moisturizer that works well under makeup. I saw this on Target While Black's Instagram and needed to try it. I love how it makes my skin feel and the natural glow that it gives is stunning. This is a brand that I can't wait to try more from.
Primer
e.l.f Power Grip Primer
I didn't used to wear primer, but enter COVID and masks and now I'm all about the best gripping primers. I've been using and loving the Millk Hydro Grip Primer, but when this cheaper dupe gripping primer came out I had to try it. It is VERY close to Milk's (just a little more tacky) and really helps my makeup stay on, even with mask wear!
Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spary is a cult favorite for a reason (in my opinion). I spray before and after my makeup routine and never have to worry about touching up throughout the day. This + the gripping primer = the best longwear makeup combo.
Foundation
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer and Fenty Blurring Skin Tint
Being in my 40s, my skin is changing. While I still love a full coverage matte look, I've started to really enjoy moisturizing foundations that have a more sheer coverage. By the time I layer on all of my products, the sheer products become medium coverage anyway. I'm currently LOVING the Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer with the glow and longwear that it gives me. The Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint has a bit more coverage (just barely), and the blurring effect is lovely.
Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape
After saying that I love moisturizing, light coverage concealers, I take that back when it comes to concealer. Full coverage is still where I'm at and Tarte Shape Tape is the only thing that does it for me right now.
Powder
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Pressed Powder
I currently prefer a tinted powder, and I just generally am enjoying the entire Pretty Fresh line. Light coverage, natural finish, and blurs my pores nicely too!
Blush
Juvia's Place Saharan Blush Vol. 2
So affordable at $18 (and they have frequent sales!), a nice combination of colors that are insanely pigmented...I definitely use this every single day. I like to mix the matte shades in the palette, and don't use the shimmers too often just because I prefer matte blushes. The shimmery blushes make cute eyeshadows though!
Bronzer
NYX Matte Bronzer
I tend to stick with affordable bronzers. The cheaper, the better, but the quality still has to be there. I used this NYX bronzer for years and recently went back to it. I love it just as much as before!
Eyebrow Pencil
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
I've been using the e.l.f. Brow Definer pencil basically forever. I can't even remember when I started using it, but I've yet to find something that beats both the quality and price of this pencil. $3!
Eyeshadow Primer/Base
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer
My tried and true for YEARS was the Milani Eye Primer, but a few years ago my eyes became more sensitive and certain primers (Milani included) were causing the skin on my lids to become flakey. It was then then I switched to the Urban Decay Anti-Aging primer and it's been great. Still keeps my eyeshadow crease-free and long-lasting, but keeps my sensitive skin flake-free.
Eyeshadows
All of them. K bye. Okay but really, I have a special love for Juvia's Place, Ace Beaute, Natasha Denona, Glamlite, and Colourpop (even when they're kinda boring).
Eyeliner
Colourpop Creme Gel Liner
Affordable (especially when you can buy it in a set), super long-wearing but still creamy and blendable (before it sets), and the formula doesnt mess up my sensitive eyes. Sometimes I can even wear it on my waterline, but still usually not. That's more of a me issue, and not an issue with the eyeliner though.
Mascara
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara
I know waterproof mascaras are a favorite, but they are for me because the regular formulas make my lashes fall flat. Lash Princess adds length and volume to my lashes, while holding a curl, and at kess than $5 a tube it's hard to beat.
Lipliner
Colourpop Lippie Pencils
Yes, another thing from Colourpop, but they really do have some good stuff at good prices. Their lipliners are smooth and creamy to apply and wear really well.
Lipstick
Maybelline SuperStay 24 Liquid Lipstick
The pandemic really has ruined regular lipstick for me. I still wear it from time to time, but for the most part I now require a lipstick that's completely smudgeproof AND mask-proof. I've really been enjoying these Maybelline lipsticks. They're comfortable and everything I look for these days.
April 5, 2022
