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I love makeup (who doesn't?!) and I whole-heartedly believe in the power of it. Makeup is such a fun way to enhance natural beauty, not to mention a fun way to mix up your everyday looks. Granted, you guys, I'm not like a glamour queen and I admittedly do not wear makeup to work, lounging around the house or grocery shopping. However, I always wear makeup out at night, to dinner, out with friends, and when I want to look extra put together. I always do the same steps, and typically just vary the amount depending on occasion.
Without further ado, here is what I'm currently using! And every single product is amazing in its own way. I've been using some of these for years.
Prep + Prime
I always wash, moisturize (Wait 5 minutes) then prime. I mix these products up frequently depending on what I have in my bathroom. I LOVE Veil Mineral Primer, but it's sort of expensive and I haven't felt like refilling mine in recent months. However, that primer is totally awesome and will make your skin look FLAWLESS. Currently, I'm using 6 dollar Nivea Men's Aftershave as primer, and it works fine. Some beauty bloggers swear by it...In my opinion, it is a suitable substitute but nothing amazing.
Concealer
I have permanent dark circles under my eyes so I love concealer. I've tried TONS and my current love is Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, mainly because it's cheap and it works. There are obviously higher end concealers that are really nice but I just can't justify buying expensive concealer. The drugstore ones work fine. I also love Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer but I recently set out to find a less expensive alternative because it's like 13 bucks at CVS and I don't always feel like spending that (I'm so cheap you guys!! I hate spending money on expensive makeup but sometimes I still do.)
Foundation
Here is where I'm willing to splurge. I'm currently using Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation stick and I could not be more obsessed. It's so fun to apply and makes my skin look totally airbrushed. There have been periods in my life where I've custom mixed two shades to create my perfect foundation, but these days I'm all about a quick and pretty makeup routine and MUFE color selections are perfect for me.
Powder
I set my foundation/concealer with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. This product is beyond amazing and I'm not giving it up anytime soon. Running out of a product usually means beginning to search for a cheaper alternative, but not with this. I use it as a pressed powder and it keeps my skin matte.
Blush
Blush is probably my second favorite beauty product behind lipstick. Blush can single-handedly change your entire look and brighten your face up immediately. My blush choices are always Nars. I can't help it!! They are so perfect and gorgeous. I've wasted so much money buying cheaper blushes and I always end up hating them. I can't find a way around it, Nars makes the most gorgeous, universally flattering blushes and I need them. I have owned Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Seduction and Lovejoy. Currently I use Lovejoy on the apples of my cheeks and Seduction to contour.
highlighter
I use Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm daily and for extra glow I use the most gorgeous product ever created by MAC. It's called Pro Studio Finish Powder in Gold. You guys, I was so desperate for this product I begged my sister who was living in LA at the time to drive to the MAC Pro store and buy it for me and send it (it was only available at MAC Pro stores and they only exist in NYC and LA--at least they used to). She complied and I've been obsessed for years. I don't know if it's still available, however, MAC makes other great highlighters and The Balm highlighter that I mentioned is a reasonable substitute. I don't typically contour but I do highlight daily. Who doesn't want to look like they're glowing? When I first received my MAC powder, I slathered it on my face. I was told by my sister that I "looked like an Oscar." I actually think she was offering a compliment, but, since then, I do use a much lighter hand with it and it always looks so, so pretty.