i have so many products i love that i didn’t even know how to start with this post. as in, too many products for one post so i’ll just start with these that i consistently use and love because they’re reliable and are always there for me in my time of makeup need.
let’s start with mascara. i have sad af lashes. (like so sad that i started using this serum that i’ll be talking about in an upcoming post) so i’ve tried more mascaras than i’d like to admit in my search for the perfect one that gives me both length and volume. i’ve kinda got this mascara thing down to a science because my lashes are that complicated. i’ve found that this maybelline mascara is hands down the best one i’ve tried. whether i’m doing minimal makeup for work or piling on 23948 layers of mascara for a night out, i always start with this baby. and if you’re a benefit mascara fan, i’d say it’s a dupe but better for the benefit roller lash mascara. and who wouldn’t want to spend $9 vs. $25?! this loreal mascara recently made its way back into my life after i decided to give it a second chance. yes, i just made mascara sound like a boyfriend. i made the mistake of thinking i could use this one on its own but it gave me too much volume without length for my midget lashes. but using the loreal after the maybelline one has done theeeee trick.
now on to primer and foundation. i have DRY AF skin y’all. my skin (and hair) are like the sahara f-ing desert. i need moisture all day errday. i use this smashbox primerizer + moisturizer under foundation and my skin lives for it. some people use the smashbox on its own as moisturizer, obvi as the product name suggests, but my skin needs the extra TLC of my daily moisturizer. it’s a liquid-y, water-y formula that feels like a serum. it’s lightweight but hydrating at the same time. on the topic of dry skin, i prefer medium-ish coverage glowy/dewy foundations. i could not LIVE without this loreal foundation guys. i apply it with a brush and i feel like i instantly have my shit together. it brings my brown skin to life. i either wear it on its own or mix it with other foundations that are a bit thicker e.g. this wonderful too faced foundation. if i’m using a high-end product, it better be worth all my monies. i don’t think i’ve loved how my makeup looks as much as i do wearing the these two together. they’re a match made in foundation heaven.
if you’re still reading this post, you’re the real MVP and i love you. didn’t i warn y’all about my frantic rants? back to the point. this tarte concealer is hands down one of the best concealers there is. there’s no debating. one of the best high-end splurges. no ragrets. if you know, you know. if you don’t, try it and let the product speak for itself. there are a lot of popular setting powders on the market. most of them are a lil bougie e.g. laura mercier, cover fx. but i swear by this maybelline loose powder whether i’m wearing the tarte shape tape or something with lighter coverage like the maybelline fit me. it smoothes out the skin without being cake-y or drying because DID I MENTION I HAVE DRY SKIN.
bronzer and highlight are a must. i don’t truly feel like my look is complete without them. going along with my glowy preference, i prefer baked/shimmery (shimmer, not glitter, there’s a difference) finish to my bronzer. i decided to try this becca one and holy f am i glad i love it because i never thought i’d be the type of person who spends almost $40 on bronzer but it’s worth it my friends. and for the final touch to this post. my favorite highlight that i think everyone should have. this colourpop super shock highlight never not makes its way onto my face when i’m wearing makeup. the texture is indescribable in the best way possible. it’s creamy but not? idk it’s perfect on its own and i always wear it layered under my actual power highlights.
ok i think i’m done ranting for today. these products are holy grails. i try to keep my collection a good balance of affordable and bougie and here are all the products for a full face of just that. and if you read this and have favs that you think i might like that aren’t mentioned here, let a sista know!
