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.

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