Like most things in my home I try to only keep what I use and love. I try to keep things as simple as possible... the same goes for my makeup collection. I usually always have a lot of these products in my makeup bag at all times. I do enjoy trying new products from time to time but these all work perfectly for me and if I don't use them I notice a difference and don't 'feel myself' completely. I love to put my makeup on! Once my makeup is on for the day I feel ready for anything ~ as silly as that sounds! I just feel like I can be more productive and get more done!
I should also mention that I am no longer purchasing some of the more expensive products shown here and only splurging on my absolute favourites. I will be looking for dupes to replace the 'higher end' products once they run out. I will bold the product I will no longer be repurchasing (for now) :)
Face
Laura Mercier Primer: This product is currently in my makeup collection, however, when I run out I do not think I will repurchase ... I did like the results of using this product but for the price it just isn't necessary for me right now.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: I have been using this for years and I only have to buy a bottle once in a while because I don't need to use very much!
Magic Lumi Concealer: This is another great product that I have been using for a while and love. I can easily get it at my local drug store so that is a bonus :)
NARS blush & elf Blush and Bronzer: I love blush ~ if I had to pick only one product blush would be it! I like to have the NARS Orgasm blush in my makeup kit for special occasions because it lasts longer but for day to day my elf duo blush and bronzer works fine!
benefit Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter: This is a newer product to my collection but I do really love it and I am okay spending the money since it seems to be lasting a while from when I first purchased it and it isn't as expensive as some makeup.
Dior Glow Blush: I had a giftcard once and decided to splurge and buy this ... is has lasted a while and while it is a great product it simply isn't a must have for me to spend the money.
Laura Mercier Setting Powder: This is another product I have been using for years and love. It is a product that I don't think I will repurchase again once it runs out because of price. I will be on the hunt for a dupe for sure because I love a good setting powder :)
elf Mist and Set Spray: While blush is my number one favourite makeup essential... setting sprays are up there too. I use to use the Urban Decay Setting Spray but again being a SAHM I find I don't need the expensive products as much and the elf spray works great. I love how the spray comes out in a nice fine mist :)
Eyes
Urban Decay Eyeshawdow Primer: This is obviously a pricier product too but I notice a difference for sure if I don't use it ... so even though I am changing up my makeup collection one expensive product at a time... this one is here to stay ... I sometimes save up enough points to get it free so that is always nice.
Two Faced Natural Eye Shadow Palette: I used to have multiple pallets and shadows not an excessive amount by no means but enough that they were;t used up by their expiration date. I decided to dial it in and choose my favourite look that I felt myself in. That was the Two Faced Natural Eye Shadow Palette while this palette might not be for everyone I feel like I can achieve a subtle eye look that still looks natural and effortless.
Full Lash Bloom: I think I first tried this when it first came out because it was new and the packaging was nice ~ but I do actually really love this mascara ... that being said, a lot of drugstore mascaras are amazing and I will change it up from time to time :) ... also an eye lash curler is a must for me! Mine is pink like in the picture shown, however, I am not sure the brand I bought it a Home Sense ...
Espresso Coloured Eyeliner: I am not picky at all when it comes to eyeliner but I do like to use one my eyes pop more when I have it on. To be honest I buy whatever is on sale.
Tools
ZOEVA Makeup Brush Set: This was a 'splurge' purchase for me a couple years back when I was waning to streamline my belongings to stuff I really loved and used. My makeup brushes were a collection of freebies over the years and random brands I picked up here and there probably on impulse ... so needless to say I wanted to have a makeup brush collection that was all the same... I do have the odd freebie still in my collection but if I notice I am no longer using it I have no problem letting it go! These are great brushes and the set shown is enough for me I do simple day to day makeup and don't need any more brushes than this :)
Eyelash Curler: I am currently using a generic brand eye lash curler ... for now it works fine
Extras
I always use a simple moisturizer to prep my face before makeup. I will alternate brands depending on what is available at the time. I do like to use a simple moisturizer though like The Honest Company face and body lotion or Olay Daily Moisturizer or the Simple brand moisturizer ... all reasonabley priced and easy to get locally.
While this post was about my makeup collection I do believe a good skin care routine will help makeup look even better once applied. I am hoping to do a separate blog post on my skin care routine and my favourite ways to take care of my skin that help it look its best but simply and budget friendly :)
I do keep my skin care pretty simple in terms of the products I use but I love a good spa night once in a while ... some things I always love to do are use my face steamer, exfoliate, use my clarisonic every couple days, weekly face masks when time permits, wash makeup off at night is a must, and alternative between a night moisturizer and night time sleep mask ... and a once in a blue moon I will get a facial ... like once a year ... anyway, I will go into more details about everything I do and what use in my skin care post. Until then ...
xo