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 in this post meets my standards in terms of safety as well as perfomance. 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 primers are the ones from Counter and Ogee, 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 for the most part. I love this liquid one from Crunchi in Guava (the other two colors are too dark for me), and also this cream one from Counter (in Havana). I also like using Balmies for blush (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,
1 comment
Jhanak Bansal
This was such an interesting and honest list of makeup products! I really liked how you focused on products you actually use daily instead of just recommending everything. The idea of keeping makeup minimal with essentials like tinted moisturizer, cream blush, and mascara makes the routine feel much more practical and wearable.
I also appreciate how you prioritize safe and skin-friendly ingredients, which is something more people should pay attention to while choosing makeup. I’ve been exploring similar beginner-friendly options recently and even came across some curated makeup offers and Maybelline New York Coupon code where discounts can go up to 40–60% with extra savings at checkout—making it easier to try good products without overspending.