I love make-up, but I do not experiment very often. I like what I like and I rarely change things up. I am still going through my mascara experiment (I received a huge mascara sample kit at Christmas and I am documenting which mascaras work and why. Plus, I have a few more samples and grocery store purchases to review), but so far nothing is beating Benefit They’re Real Mascara. It is odd to keep trying different mascaras and come to realize the one you started with is the best. I do have about eight more mascaras to try from my pack, so there might be a different outcome when my experiment is through.
I only wear make-up about half of the week, especially in the summertime when we stay at home or go to the beach most days. I apply it if I will be out of the house for longer than an hour. I like to give my skin plenty of breaks from products.
I am not an expert on make-up. I am generally in such a hurry to get it on and out the door, I often do not rub my foundation in enough which results in my friends doing it for me when they see me.
This can result in an embarrassing picture like this one.
But I still wanted to share what I am currently using. Because make-up is fun and non-permanent. And you always have the opportunity to fix it or change it up the next day. As a non-perfect human, I like the way make-up makes me feel. And the fact that a mistake with it is easily corrected.
For foundation, I use Clinique’s Perfectly Real Makeup. The color I use is Shade 02. Everyone’s skin color is gloriously different so I would definitely go to a beauty counter and find the shade that works for you. I have seen them give generous samples to take home of the product if you simply ask so you can try it.
It goes on smooth and I like the light coverage it gives. When I take the time to blend it, it is pretty unnoticeable. I also like that it does not have a scent. Some foundations I have tried in the past have been unbearable due to the perfume-like addition.
For powder, I use Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation. The color I use is N10, but as I said with the foundation, your color will most likely be different. It is a great coverage powder and while it removes easily, it does not ever get on my clothes. It also looks even and natural.
My favorite lipsticks and the only ones I use are Clinique’s Chubby Sticks in Richer Raisin and Roundest Raspberry (which looks like it may be discontinued which is a bummer, but I did find one at Nordstrom here).
At night I remove my make-up with Ole Henriksen Cleansing Cloths. I love these wipes. They make my skin feel so good before I go to bed. Sometimes I forget to use them and I will immediately break out. I cannot say enough good things about this product. I used to be cheap and cut a wipe in half but now I use the whole thing. The best price for them seems to be found at Sephora.
The only eyeliner I will use is Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner. I use Matte Brown/Black which is not the color of the picture above. I typically stay away from anything with the word “waterproof” in it, but this is my exception. I do not think this is truly waterproof because it comes off immediately upon using one of my wipes above. It glides on smoothly and with just the right amount of thickness. It is easy to use. I have tried so many eyeliners and this is by far the best one, plus it is a decent price. I first purchased it when I had my make-up done at a make-up counter in Sephora. The make-up artist was actually supposed to be selling only a certain brand but recommended this eyeliner to me even though it was not her product. She also introduced me to those Ole Heriksen Wipes, so I owe her big time.
And the eyeshadow I am currently using was from a free kit of Clinique’s. It is Clinique’s Buttered Toast Duo. I really like it. The brown is definitely not as shimmery as shown. In my close-ups from yesterday’s post, I am wearing it (actually, I am wearing all of the cosmetics listed here). It stays on all day and is easy to apply. I do mix the two colors for my brown on my eyes, because by itself the brown was too harsh for me.
I use Nars Blush in Orgasm. It glides on easily and it is barely noticeable, which is exactly what you want in a blush. Plus, it seems to last forever. I still have my same blush that I purchased two years ago (which means I probably should change it, but I am going to use it up).
In the shower I use Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser to cleanse my face. I still break out even though I am in my late thirties. Washing my face in the shower is a must, although I only do it every three days when I wash my hair (which is probably why I am currently sporting a large pimple between my eyebrows and why I got to see Patrick Rothfuss that way yesterday. Lovely), because I do not want to get my hair wet. Note to self: wash face in shower every time. I also use the moisturizer from that line when I can remember.
I usually wait for some kind of freebie when I buy my make-up. Department stores routinely do a nice promotion for different brands every few months. That is how I received my free eyeshadows. Make-up is expensive so it is nice to be able to pick up extra items with it. And Sephora gives out deluxe samples of things after you earn points which is how I originally tried my Clinique Chubby Stick in Roundest Raspberry and Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara.
It’s the little things: make-up. Even the name itself implies a fairy tale. And this gnome lover sees nothing wrong with that.
What make-up do you like? Do you use any of the ones I have mentioned? Do you sometimes make mistakes in using it? Do you hurry or rush through its application?
*While I love these products, your experience with them may vary. I highly recommend going to a beauty counter and trying them for yourself before purchasing.
This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on a link may result in a small commission for this site.
I love makeup. I’m a MAC devotee; I try other brands but I always go back to MAC. I use their foundation (Face & Body) and concealer, a limited-edition chubby eyeshadow pencil (that’s one thing I hate, their limited-edition items that I buy 4 of when I love them), and various lip products. I also really like their recyling program, where you can take back 6 empties and you get a free lipstick or lipglass. Outside of MAC, I do like Stila Smudge Stick eyeliners, Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector (because I have no eyebrows and have to draw mine on), and L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara.
I used to go for the gift with purchase, and it is a good way to try products, but I found I was getting things that I just didn’t want and I’d end up throwing them out anyway, so it was a waste.
Makeup is just fun, and it’s no big deal because it just washes off. I knew a girl who refused to wear makeup, she said it was a “social construct” and girls look better without it, but clearly she’s never seen me first thing in the morning before I’ve put my face on. (Also, she was really annoying.)
I like MAC, too. I really like their eyeshadow a lot, but it runs out so fast. I only buy gift with purchase with things I really need. Thankfully my daughter uses Clinique, too, so I always have some kind of product running out around here. And with Sephora’s points I can buy anything (except for MAC) and try different things. I would never guess about your eyebrows. They look completely natural. You always look great! : )
I am one of those girls who loves make up to go out. I never feel comfortable without. But at home, anything goes. : )
Have a marvelous Monday!
Jenni
I love my Chubby Stick! And I got it because you did a post about them. I have the brown one for my eyes and I love the fact that I don’t get all that fall out from the powder. I don’t think I will ever use powder eye shadow again.
I love my cover girl tinted moisturizer and use it every day. When I need more coverage I use MAC mineralized foundation. I am pretty set as far as the basics go. Maybelline mascara and eyebrow pencil, nuetrogena eyeliner, covergirl blush, and clinique black honey almost lipstick. If I experiment it is with lipsticks.
Makeup is so fun to talk about. Great post!
I am so glad you like your chubby stick eyeshadows! I left the lid off one of mine and so it dried out (I am the worst) so I went for my free products.
Maybelline Mascara is great. I wear it sometimes, too. And you cannot beat the price! I love Black Honey lipstick! It gives such a pretty stain.
Makeup is fun! It was especially cool to see what can be done with it like I saw today with the costumes people put together for Comic Con.
Have a lovely week!
Jenni
Oh, I want to try all your favorites, especially the face wipes. I bought an Ole Henriksen travel face wash once and I loved the smell of it. I rarely go to sephora or Ulta and get very overwhelmed. I stick with mostly drugstore brands, since I can pick them up with the kids. BUT I have been wanting to try Nars blush forever. I am curious as to your favorite mascara. I still can not get one that I really like. I had a few maybellines ones that worked great the first couple tubes and than I didn’t like them again. Fun post.
Thank you Alicia! Those face wipes are so good. They are nice and cool right now which feels so good after being in the sticky heat all day. I really like the NARS blush, too. That color works for so many skin tones. The makeup artist said she recommends it to everyone. I think mine might last another two years!
Have a terrific Monday!
Jenni
I had the orgasm blush but it was too glimmery on me or something – looks great on my daughter though.
Here’s what I buy over and over:
Benefit Dallas blush/bronzer – believable glow.
Benefit some kind of gorgeous – concealer
Lancome hypnose star mascara – got this as a big sample and love it.
Almay gloss/liquid lipstick, in apricot – such a pretty color on.
Maybelline rocket volume mascara – great drugstore mascara.
Cera ve pm moisturizer – drugstore & as good as my $$$kinerase.
Kiehl’s avocado eye treatment – love the stuff.
Thank you for the suggestions Jo! I am intrigued by both mascaras. I had heard of Lancome’s Hypnose Star Mascara but have not tried it. Now I want to see if I can get a sample of it. And I had never heard of the Maybelline Rocket Volume Mascara. I will definitely pick some up to try. What does the avocado eye treatment do? How is it used? I am very curious about it.
Have a great week!
Jenni
The avocado eye is a really good moisturizer. It’s heavier, so I use it every night, but even in summer – to super hydrate my under eye area. Inuse it in the daytime, in winter, when my skin is really dry, and just don’t use as much as I do at night. It’s different in that it’s slippery if you rub fast, but sinks/melts in, when you pat it on. I’ve not felt a texture like it before. It lasts a long time, despite it being on the small size. Kiehl’s will give you a sample, in Nordstrom or a stand alone Kiehl’s store.
I think the v shaped sort of brush wand on the lancome mascara, is partly why it’s so great.
Thank you so much for getting back to me and explaining. When I go out tomorrow I am going to try to find this. It sounds amazing. I get very dry skin around my eyes. This sounds perfect. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I will let you know after I have tried it! : )
Have a super Sunday!
Jenni