My Beauty Must-Haves!
Can we talk about skincare and make-up today?
l've always had problem skin for as long as I can remember. I even had a love-affair with Proactiv for a while, which lasted about six months and then started to irritate my face.
After trying PH balanced products (like La Roche-Posay's Effaclar) the glycolic acid toners like Murad's Clarifying Toner and spending from $5 on scrubs to $100 on treatments, I discovered Boscia.
It's working, you guys.
So, I put together my beauty must-haves, the things I can't do without, from cleansing, to minimal make-up to a full face for a night on the town.
I LOVE Boscia's clear complexion kit because I have sensitive skin that breaks out easily. The kit has been wonderful; it includes the cleanser that you use to wash your face, followed by the spray tonic, then the treatment and finally the moisturizer. I've found it doesn't irritate my skin and has a mild, clean scent.
So after I used that, I of course, wanted to try everything else Boscia had to offer, and absolutely LOVE the black mask - not only is it so fun to peel off, but it really tightens and tones.
On occasion I like to use the Boscia clarifying detox mask, which is a clay mask that I found really took care of excess oil, which was great for my T-zone.
My favorite primer to use is Laura Mercier's Hydrating primer which is water based, not oil based. The oil-free formula didn't feel as good as this on my face.
After this, I like to use a little bit of concealer under my eyes and problem spots. I have tried a. lot. of. concealers. My go-to now, is Dior's Nude, in Honey. Goes on light but stays put and doesn't feel greasy or cakey.
Next, for full foundation coverage for parties and such, I recently discovered (thanks to my sister) MAC's Matchmaster SPF foundation. It glides on easily, blending easily, stays matte all day. I wear it in 6. The SPF coverage is a bonus.
To apply foundation, I use Cynthia Rowley's Beauty Blender, which I found at Marshalls for $5.99! You can find many variations of it at Target and online, and it looks like this. Makes blending a breeze.
For blush I absolutely love NARS in Torrid. Two of my besties use the same shade and we are all very different in skin tones. It's a pretty shade which I think works for winter and summer.
As an all-over powder, I like MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium. I apply it using a great buffing brush from Eco Tools.
If I do a highlighter for my high cheek bones (or lack thereof) I adore MAC's Gana Frost which was a limited edition when Mickey Contractor (Bollywood's most sought-after makeup artist) did a line with MAC. I also like Benefit's High Beam.
For eye make-up, when I do a cat-eye, I rely on Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner - it's waterproof, and really stays put!).
For a smudgy smokey eye, I love using Urban Decays eye liners. They're all so beautiful.
Dior's SHOW is the.best.mascara. I've ever used. Makes my lashes look really long, and doesn't clump.
If I do eyeshadow, I prime my lids first, with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It's so easy to apply, just a dot on each lid really helps shadows stay put.
And if I'm going for a really dramatic evening look and want to darken my brows, Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil is my go-to for a fuller brow. Love having a brush with it!
Can we talk lipsticks for a second? What are your faves? I've recently fallen for MAC's Party Line, perfect for a Wintery look.
After all the fun and games, if washing my face doesn't do it, and even if it does, I go to Korres. LOOOOOVE KORRES!! These wipes work really well and smell so refreshing. And the Pomegranate Toner really picks up dirt and makeup but feels gentle and doesn't dry my skin.
TELL ME, what are some of your beauty-faves?
4 Comments
Reader Comments (4)
i always love seeing beauty fave posts! i use LM's tinted moisturizer in the summer..the best!
I adore you Smita! These are some great tips!
Have you tried the Clarisonic Cleaning brush as part of your cleansing routine? I have the Aria and I find that it has made my skin much tighter and smoother which helps my skin absorb facial products much better. My pores also seem to appear much smaller. I'm pretty sure they have a brush for sensitive skin, which would be good for you.
http://www.clarisonic.com/
Another product I highly recommend and picked up in the toyko airport for a steal of a deal is Shu Uemura's UV under base mousse. It's a great primer for foundation or to wear on it's own and it applies so smoothly it makes for flawless looking skin.
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/makeup/base/uv-underbase-mousse-spf30.htm
YES JAIME, the tinted LM moisturizer is really great in the summer!
Thanks Mae, I have heard so much about the Clarisonic, but haven't tried it - I was worried that the abrasive action might cause me to break out more - but I wonder...
I will look for the Shu Uemura UV under base mousse...sounds tasty lol!
love this post!!! My must haves are laura mercier tinted moisturizer as foundation, and I love vanity mark brow powder. I also love my deep throat NARS blush!
xoxo