I post often about the makeup products I like (and the many that I don't like) over on Instagram, but here it is all in one place. Of course, anything mentioned here meets my standards of safety. I hope this is useful!
- Prepping skin: In the morning, I just rinse my face (my deeper cleaning happens at night), spray on this Counter mist, and put on this anti-aging moisturizer from Marie Veronique. I also like to use these eye masks from Three Ships if I feel extra puffy, and I roll this under my eyes, too.
- Primer: My favorite primer is definitely Ogee's, and Ilia's is great too. I know that primer is really a prep step, but I use it more as makeup, because I find that it has a slight blurring effect. I usually stop at just primer and skip foundation.
- Tinted moisturizer with SPF: Counter's is my desert island tinted sunscreen (I'm Shade 3). I only wear this in the summer, though.
- Foundation: I rarely wear real foundation, but I like Ilia's stick version (in Aspen 6N) and also the Ogee one, both applied with a brush (more later on brushes).
- Contouring products: Ogee was the first brand I tried (the Crystal collection) and while I rarely do the whole thing, I like how it looks, and it's actually kind of idiot-proof. This Balmies set is also amazing for a full face kit. Often, I just do a little highlighter on corners of eyes and cheekbones, and I love this one in Frosting or this in Golden Dew.
- Concealer: Guys, I don't like any concealer I've tried. Can you help? I've used every natural one, and I always think I love it in the morning and then by the end of the day it looks awful. That goes for Ilia, Counter, Crunchi, 100% Pure, and many others. What do you love? I'm ready to go to the dark side on this, so feel free to send me your Bad Stuff recommendations, too!
- Blush: Because I'm in my 40s, I stay away from powder blush now. I love this liquid one from Crunchi in Guava (the other two colors are too dark for me). My favorite cream blush is Balmies (I go with Cotton Candy Skies, usually.)
- Mascara: I've been a die-hard fan of Ilia's lengthening formula for a decade. Lately, I've been using Counter a lot, and I maybe even like it more? Although I think it's slightly harder to wash off. Anyway, both of these options are really so great.
- Eyeshadow: I so rarely wear eyeshadow, but I like this palette (in Matte Neutrals) and this easy option (in Aura!), too. Balmies also make great eyeshadow--I like the Clementine shade.
- Eyeliner: I use the darkest shade in the eyeshadow palette linked above (applied with this brush) for eyeliner, because I find pencils too dry, even from brands I otherwise love. Let me know if you have found one that you think is worth trying.
- Brows: I love the Counter Tinted Gel, in Light.
- Lips: I don't do much in the way of lipstick, usually just Love + Sage's tinted balm (Ultra Violet is surprisingly my favorite). Primally Pure also makes a really lovely one, and I also adore the Crunchi Hydrogloss in Transparency. If I do wear actual lipstick, it's always and forever this Counter one in Terra. Also, the same Balmies I use for cream blush are great on lips, as are the Ogee oil crayons.
- Brushes: I like Ogee brushes the best of any I've tried. I also swear by this sponge for blush.
- Makeup removal: When it comes to taking it all off, this cloth is amazing, especially when paired with a remover balm like this one. I also swear by these reusable rounds for both putting on toner and taking off eye makeup (with this, if you like).
Here is a photo of a rare day when I was wearing a full face of makeup.
What other brands or products do you love?
Stay sane,
