Quarantine has been long, and I have found out that I will be going back to work tomorrow. A few days ago, I got back into the habit of doing my makeup. It might be silly, but quarantine has me feeling like a blob sometimes. Doing my makeup has made me feel more productive and it’s added something to my day. So for day 12 of my blogging challenge, I thought I would share what’s in my make-up bag.
The Bag
My bag is one that I got as a gift for making a purchase from Clinique. It came from when they had a collaboration with Lulu DK, and I got it for buying acne treatment. It’s been a few years, but the bag is cute and spacious enough to hold all of my necessities.
Moisturizing SPF
Before doing my makeup, I moisturize with this Aveeno SPF that I mentioned in my Self-Care Sunday: Skincare blog post. It does it’s job, and doesn’t make my face feel too greasy before applying makeup.
Brushes
Everyone wants nice brushes, but I don’t have a boatload of money to spend on the extravagant brushes that some people use. My favorite brushes that are definitely a steal at what they are sold for come from Real Techniques. I also know that everyone swears by a beauty blender, but I just use a make-up sponge. While it seems like a waste, all I can think of is all the germs that hide in the crevices of a sponge. Some application is also done with my finger tips, which you don’t need to spend much money on.
BB Cream
I don’t love a foundation, especially for everyday wear. It just feels so heavy, and your skin needs to breathe. I find that a good BB Cream or CC Cream does enough, and I save foundation for special events. I currently have the Dream Fresh BB Cream by Maybelline, and it’s actually one of my go-tos. I remember using it since I started high school, and I haven’t had any complaints. I actually receive a lot of compliments.
Primer
I don’t use a face primer, but I do need one for my eyes. I apply it with my fingers. Usually, I use the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion, but I wanted to try something new. Currently, I have the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. While it’s doing it’s job, I prefer the potion. It’s thicker, and somehow holds my shadow better than the shadow insurance, which doesn’t seem to be there.
Brows
This might be a crime, but I don’t go out of my way to get special things for my brows. Like, I tell myself I’m going to invest in some fancy brow stuff by Anastasia Beverly Hills. But then I never do, because a lot of times, I can use a powder and I’m fine with how it looks. Like, on-the-go, I’ll just use a shade of matte brown shadow to fill in my brows with an angled brush and be fine. When I’m home though, I use this ULTA Brow Powder Duo, which is dying out on me. I probably won’t invest in a new one.
Eye Shadow
I switch palettes through the season, and I am currently using the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette. The colors compliment my skin well, and are fun enough for the spring/summer transition.
Bronzer
Someone should contact their PR team about having me as a brand ambassador, because I am apparently obsessed. I have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, and I can’t tell if I love the product or the packaging more.
Blush
I like a light natural blush, otherwise I feel like a clown. My blush comes from EM Cosmetics, and I think it’s been discontinued. My cousin bought me one of their sets, and this blush is in it. It’s a pale pink with some illumination, which just goes on the apple of my cheeks.
Eye Liner
I swear by Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, which I also have been using for years. Something made me feel like I should switch it up, so I currently have Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liner. It looks great, but I don’t think it holds up as well as the tattoo liner does.
Setting Powder
The setting powder is what helps my makeup stay on my face after application. Right now I’m using this Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher, and I find a powder foundation of some kind if I want more coverage.
Mascara
Let me let you in on a secret… I hate mascara. It’s my least favorite thing, and I hardly use it. I hardly have lashes, and I don’t want to put my eyelashes to a curler unless it is a special occassion. I think I am experiencing second hand trauma from hearing Michelle Phan talk about how she accidentally chopped off her eyelashes after trying to curl them once. So I use whatever mascara I have on hand. A lot of times it’s Clinique from me getting a free gift, but this time it’s Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara.
Lips
In a recent development, I have developed a strong love for lipstick. I’m probably behind the trend. My favorite thing right now is this Lip Contour Set in Trophy Wife and Muse by Huda Kattan, whose blog I mention in my 8 Favorite Bloggers post recently. I can see why her brand has become a beauty phenomenon, because I’m obsessed. I also love this Power Matte Lip Pigment by NARS in the color American Woman.
What are some of your favorite makeup products? Is there some semblance of normal in your life right now that you really appreciate? How are you adding some zest to your quarantine life? Tell me in the comments below!
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Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 