today i realized something pretty obvious: while i tend to buy new beauty products at the drugstore/sephora every two weeks or so, there are only a few special items that i have had to replace. it takes a lot for me to make a second purchase -- if i run out of something, i'm usually compelled to try something new rather than re-buy something i already used up. but when it's really, really good, it gets a permanent place in my trusty makeup organizer.
a few of these tried-and-true beauty items:
from top left:
the origins ginzing brightening mascara has an all natural, paraben-free formula but gives you gigantic lashes. worth the price, and it's easy on your eyes.
tarte lipsurgence skintuitive lip tint is a barley-there balm that reacts with your pH to give you the perfect pink, which is usually just-bright-enough but also natural-looking. perfect for a "no makeup" day (which typically includes mascara and bb cream for me).
ysl volupte sheer candy glossy balm in #09 cool guava is slightly more intense than the tarte pencil, but still feels light as air. it's a cool shade of baby pink, sheer enough for the early morning commute but statement-making enough for a night on the town.
another part of my minimal, everyday makeup routine: maybelline's dream fresh bb cream (medium). we all scratched our heads when bb creams hit the american market, and some of them are way too thick and chalky to make their way onto my counter. but maybelline's is perfection: slightly creamier than a tinted moisturizer, it provides the perfect amount of coverage, blurring imperfections and easily gliding over skin to create a flawless, ultra-glowy complexion. i don't go a day without it.
for layering underneath the bb cream, i typically turn to josie maran argan oil. the idea of slathering oil on your face doesn't sound like it would be good for your skin, but it helps it find the perfect moisture balance. and it just feels great. i hate when i put on moisturizer and it doesn't feel like it sinks in completely, but with oils you get instantly refreshed, hydrated skin, and makeup goes on super smooth.
sometimes an oil isn't enough for me, though -- i get drier skin in the winter, which is why i order embryolisse lait-crème concentrè. i've read about this lightweight lotion on countless blogs, and apparently makeup artists frequently keep it in their kits. it functions as both a weightless moisturizer and a primer, and i noticed a striking difference in the tone, texture and moisture balance in my skin after using it.
i'll be posting some haircare essentials in the next few days as well!
II emily
