The Five Makeup Products I Can't Live Without
1. Mascara
I am lucky enough (not) to have eyelashes with blonde tips. So, when I have no makeup on, I look like I have no eyelashes. Not only that, but I also have hooded eye lids, which scream for mascara. I'm still looking for my holy grail mascara, but some that I like well enough are: Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara, Benefit They're Real Mascara, and Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara. I still have yet to find a drug store mascara that I even remotely like.
2. BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer
I've been using the Garnier BB Cream for a while now, and absolutely love it. I have heard complaints from other people about it being a bit greasy, but I have very combination skin, so it's not a problem for me. It's been a miracle for me in the summer, when I don't want to cake on heavy foundation along with powder. I make sure to set it with powder, the Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder is my favorite, and I'm good to go!
3. Eyebrow Powder
The eyebrow powder I have used all my life is the Cliniqe Brow Shaper. I couldn't live without it. It lasts an INSANE amount of time, and stays in place. It helps shape my sparse eyebrows. I recently went lighter after learning that you should go a shade or two LIGHTER with your eyebrow powder, and I think it makes a big difference.
4. Gel Eyeliner
Gel eyeliner is a hybrid between the smoothest eye pencil you've ever used and a liquid eyeliner. It's more forgiving than liquid, allowing more time to smudge and correct mistakes. However, it stays longer than pencil eyeliner. It also usually washes off very easily. The two that are my absolute favorites are my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner and the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. Both have very similar application, drying time, etc. However, I've noticed the Maybelline dries out a bit faster than the Bobbi Brown and that it is slightly less pigmented.
5. Blotting Papers
Since the South Texas heat and humidity tends to be brutal on my already slightly oily skin, blotting papers are a must to carry in my makeup bag. Boscia Blotting Linens in the Green Tea version are my absolute favorite.
