Makeup

Ok, so being a girl, makeup is an essential part of my morning routine. I wear it to varying degrees each day depending on my plans, but for the most part I never leave the house without my foundation, powder and mascara. Forgetting to put on my mascara is grounds for throwing off my whole day (sad I know) same as forgetting my phone at home, I need my mascara to function!

For the longest time I have been an avid MAC makeup user. Despite their prices I was happy with their brand in general and it was simple to only stop at one makeup counter and buy everything that I needed. I used their liquid foundation, blush, mascara, eye liner and eye shadow. They also have amazing makeup brushes. Once I had my second my baby, I began to notice changes in my skin that I was not happy with, and my makeup began to look less then flawless, which really upset me. I was having difficultly finding a foundation shade to match my skin tone, and the brand began to look flaky on my face. So I decided I needed to start all new (Seriously dumped all my MAC makeup with the exception of my face powder, eye shadow and eye liner) and I headed off to ULTA to get a makeover.

I wish I knew the name of the girl that helped me while I was at ULTA because she listened to everything that I had to say and we tried tons of product until I found what felt good and looked good on my skin. (I hate when makeup feels heavy) So makeup girl at the Lake Grove ULTA, thank you!!! I love putting my makeup on every day!!!



Here is what I got and why I like it!
 
-Hope in a Jar by Philosophy $39.00 (moisturizer for all skin types) It goes on so nice and smooth and does not feel heavy or oily on the skin!

-CK One 3 in 1 face makeup with SPF 8 $30.00 (300 Sand) Flawless coverage that matches my skin tone great. I don't even feel like there is makeup coating my face!

-The Real Deal Concealer by Laura Geller  $22.00 (Medium) Perfect spot coverage. It covers and evens out my bad skin in ways I did not think possible!

-Laura Geller Baked Blush (Malibu) $23.50 Don't let the brightness fool you. This color can be blended in for a more subtle look or worn bright!

-Laura Geller Balance -n- Brighten Foundation Tan $33.00 Gives me that extra pop of color without looking fake, just a nice healthy glow.

-Too Faced Softly Illuminating Translucent Powder (Candlelight) $30.00 I love how adding this contours my face and gives it depth.



The following are what I already had but also use in my daily routine (with the exception of eye shadow and eye liner which I don't wear daily)

-MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark $30.00 I use this to set my foundation and concealer and it works great. One of the MAC products I kept.
 
-Naked 2 Pallet by Urban Decay $50.00

-Love Lash Mascara by Mary Kay (Black) $15.00 Applies easily and evenly without clumps and makes my lashes look long and full. Worth the wait for having to order it.
---> While I am waiting for my order if I need mascara I found that Lash Perfection by Covergirl (Black) is very similar and around $6.00-$7 .00

-MAC Powerpoint eye pencil (Engraved) $16.00 Stays on all day without running or smudging. Can't ask for a better eye liner.

-Shinny Kiss Flavored Lipgloss (Strawberry Fizz) from Victoria Secret. Clear gloss with a tint of pink. I don't like too much color on my lips. This is thick but not annoyingly so.
--> I usually buy 2 for $15.00

-I also use a variety of MAC eye shadows that run about $15.00 each
 

My day to day makeup minus the Naked 2 Pallet & eye liner

MAC eye shadows in various colors

I am also a big fan of Target's up&up brand makeup remover wipes. They get the job done and it is not hard work to get the makeup off. I am still looking for a really good face wash that does not dry my skin out or cause me to break out.




Onto brushes. These make such a big difference in how your makeup goes on. I just invested in 2 really good brushes when I bought my makeup at ULTA and it makes putting my makeup on quicker and more flawless. Worth every penny in my opinion!

-Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring brush $25.00 (And is amazing for applying foundation)
--> My most favorite brush ever!!!

-Urban Decay Good Karma Blending Brush $26.00 (For applying concealer)

To set my makeup I also use Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray $29.00 which is amazing and keeps my makeup on all day!!! 



So thats my makeup. Not necessary the most cost effective, but at the end of the day I'll take what works, and right now this is it. I can't justify going to a store and buying stuff that looks good in commercials or on display without being able to try it on to see how it looks or feels before buying it. I'd rather spend the money on makeup I know that I like :)

Kisses xox
Lauren