I have super sensitive skin and have always struggled with acne. I was never good at makeup and when I hit my 30s I actually started to learn how to thanks to tiktok 😅💁🏼♀️
I have tried basically everything thanks to makeup subscriptions and being lucky enough to get PR packages and free products so this is my curated list of favorites that I use consistently and can confidently recommend!
Foundation– I have a couple options that I switch between based on how my skin is feeling and the amount of coverage or sun protection I need for the day. These are the three that I absolutely love.
Tarte Face Tape– The BEST full coverage foundation. Covers any redness or acne flawlessly and leaves a natural matte finish.
Haus Labs Triclone Skintech Foundation with Fermented Arnica- This is a skincare based serum foundation that I prefer when my skin is feeling sensitive or in need of extra moisture and love. Incredible for sensitive skin. Labeled as Medium coverage but is buildable and covers beautifully. Full coverage in my book and leaves my skin feeling better than before. Pricy but worth it!
it Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+- Perfect for a day in the sun, or any day really. It is a full coverage foundation, anti-aging serum, and broad spectrum sunscreen all in one. I love that it blends with other makeup well and doesn’t leave a sunscreen white cast.
Concealer- As I age, I realize the necessity of a good concealer. I was a Tarte Shape Tape Stan for years and when I tell you I found one better, I mean it. Sounds crazy but the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating and De-puffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica is the real deal. Visibly blurs and brightens, conceals with buildable coverage, infused with skincare ingredients so it actually is good for your skin. I love that it instantly de-puffs and hydrates as well as brightening. Perfect for sensitive or mature skin with no worries of creasing in the wrinkles.
Contour- OK. I know. I said I didn’t know how to do makeup. So several years ago one of my friends told me that bronzer is not the same as contour. I was more confused than ever so I went to the store and asked them what I should use for contour. I have been using the same contour stick ever since. Like literally it has lasted years, don’t judge me. The point is they were correct, and this is the only contour stick you will ever need. Fenty Match six Matte Contour Skinstick
Blush- There have been SO many new blushes over the last several years, liquid, powder, cream….what is the best?! Here are the ones I gravitate towards when grabbing out of my makeup bag.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush- This is one of those that you will buy once and it will last you your whole life. SO pigmented that I don’t put straight on the skin. I prefer to put it on my hand or a pallet and use a blush brush to gradually build the color on my cheeks. The color options are beautiful and it leaves a matte finish that lasts all day. My favorite color option is ____ and my daughter loves the shade Happy.
NYX Fat Cheeks Dewy Liquid Blush- This formula is buildable, hydrating, and it smells fricken delicious. The Blueberry Burst is my go to shade, it smells like blueberries and blends out so easily leaving a glowy plump look. I love the affordability and this color is unique and so beautiful!
Setting Powder- A good setting powder gets harder to find as I age. One that sets, brightens and blurs without overdrying is key and the Morphe Bake and Set Setting Powder in Bright Pink is my favorite.
Highlight- The GLOW. I love a good highlight. I use it every day in the inner corner of my eyes, end of my nose, and the cupids bow of my lip. For cheeks, I typically use a blush highlight for a light glow.
Benefit Cookie Highlighter– For a blinding highlight that lasts, this is my all time favorite OG.
Haus Labs Bioradiant Gel-Powder Highlighter– I absolutely love the versatility of this product. It is a beautiful blush highlight that I frequently use as eyeshadow and a lip color topper as well. The Fire Opal shade went viral for a reason, and the Chocolate Opal is my go to shade for a warm brown glow.
Eyeshadow- The above two products are often found in my eyeshadow routine, but if you are looking for a good eyeshadow pallet, there are way too many options out there. Blendability is the most important factor that I look for, and obviously pigment pay off. Here are my favorites from a variety of price points.
Elf Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette– Great for a beginner, affordable and overall a good option. Decent blend and pigment, especially if paired with the elf Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer.
Morphe ChromaPlus 12 Pan Eyeshadow Palette- The pigment pay off in the Morphe palettes are top tier. This is my go to brand for the fun, vibrant colors because of its affordability and wide range of colors.
MAC Connect In Colour Eyeshadow Palette- The OG. An old favorite for a reason.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette- The soft blendability of these are my number one favorite. Each shade is fully pigmented and it melts into the skin beautifully.
Eyeliner- I am picky on my eyeliner so when I found the one I liked, I stuck with it. The NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is THAT GIRL. My main stay for life, and the new Metallic Glitz line is super fun too.
Mascara- Sensitive eye girlie here. I have decent lashes and prefer a full, long lash look. The Haus Labs B Structural Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara checks all the boxes and has been the one I prefer. Another favorite at a slightly lower price point is the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara. For drugsore brands, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara will get the job done.
Brows- I feel like brow trends are constantly changing and I am consistently behind the trend. I have decent brows so when I remember to do them I typically use the NYX Micro Brow Pencil Eyeshadow Pencil to fill in as needed.
Lips- Constantly changes but these are the ones you will always find in my makeup bag.
Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-n Bundle
Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner
Sephora Cream Lip Stain 10HR Lipstick
Elf Glow Revival Melting Lip Balm
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Essence Beauty 8HR Matte Comfort Lipliner
Setting Spray- My favorite part of my makeup routine, for whatever reason. I love facial mists and setting sprays; so refreshing and a lock on my makeup that makes my hard work last all day and night. These top my list…
One/Size On Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray- This is the one. You can survive a rainstorm with makeup in tact. Dry matte finish, perfect for normal or oily skin.
One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray– Melts powder products into skin for a flawless finish. Leaves beautiful glow, perfect for dry and normal skin.
NYX Marshmellow Matte Setting Spray- The dependable, affordable OG NYX setting spray with a delicious vanilla scent.
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