For twenty-seven years of my life I bought all of my makeup in the isles of Walmart, CVS, and Target (if I was feeling boujee).
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with buying your makeup there – I mean it’s super convenient if nothing else. But every time I made a purchase I would always get home and put it on to find that it didn’t match my skin tone or wasn’t what I was looking for.
I would pay $10 a month for Birchbox and Ipsy packages but have no idea how to apply any of the products. It was something I was really clueless about. Too afraid to ask any of my friends out of sheer embarrassment really, what kind of girl am I?
At twenty-seven (and three quarters) I decided it was time I learned how to be an adult woman. To apply makeup. To be able to get myself ready for dates, events, or just to feel like a human being during everyday life. Instead of just going into the store and browsing, I made an appointment with one of the makeup artists to consult with her on what I should be buying. When she was done, I bought almost everything she used. Then I learned very quickly what was a realistic expectation for me and what wasn’t.
While I was packing and unpacking for our trip to Virginia last week, I decided that I would snap a photo and share. Here you have my makeup bag and all that it holds. This is what I use. Nothing more. Nothing less. I’m going to fill you in on my basic application and link the products for you to check out for yourself!
Moisturizer
If I am not planning to get out of the house much, I will skip the makeup and just use a moisturizer. The Glamglow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating is my favorite. It adds a touch of highlight to your face allowing you to still look bright and put together without a lot of work. Truthfully I received a sample size at my last trip to Sephora and I just loved it.
I also use the Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream religiously. That you can pick up at your friendly neighborhood Walmart. Hallelujah. I got my first tube in my Grove Co. monthly order, which is also another great place to pick it up for yourself.
Primer
I use this Dr. Brandt Pore No More Pore Refiner from Sephora. It has a matte finish which is especially great for oily skin (like mine) and provides a smooth base to start with.
Foundation
After having a love hate relationship with the foundation recommended to me by the makeup gal at Sephora. So I’ve since switched to Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matt Longwear foundation and have been much happier. This one provides a shine free, smooth application that I’m happy with.
Concealer
If you follow any beauty bloggers/influencers, than you have heard of this next product. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape from Ulta is a phenomenon for real. It’s the best coverage for all the circles and bags you are carrying around, moms – I’m talking to you!
Pallette
This cheek palette was recommended during my consultation with the makeup guru also, it’s a Sephora brand. I cannot locate the exact one but it has a lot of neutral shades that I use on the apples of my cheeks, chin line, and top of my face to give it some shape.
Setting Powder
To keep all of this hard work in place, I use the Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder. The weightless translucent powder sets your makeup and keeps it in place throughout the day.
Balm
The most versatile item that I carry is the Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm – whether you have a cracked cuticle, chapped lips, dry skin, it’s the cure all for it. Keep this by your side and it will help to heal any of your problems. The best part is that it’s available at Target and most other major retailers.
Mascara
I don’t wear eye makeup. No shadow, no liner, nothing. Mostly because that is an advanced level class that I haven’t taken yet. But what I do wear, everyday no matter what my plans are, is mascara. It gives me the oomph I need to feel alive. The hands down best that I have ever used is this one that is sold at both Ulta and Sephora – Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It gives me the fullest, darkest, best looking lashes I could want.
Lips
Aside from the most obvious chapstick, I only wear actual color on my lips for special occasions. I just don’t like having to worry about smudges or reapplying throughout the day. Called me old fashioned. I’m not sure if it was a phase or not, but I’m still a Lipsense girl. Something about the way that this lipstick would go on and stay on has kept me hooked through the fad. Was it a fad? Does anyone else use it? They can be purchased through your local salesgirl, maybe somewhere else but I’m unsure.
Though I’m clearly not a beauty blogger and I won’t be providing any tutorials anytime soon. I thought it would refreshing to know that not everyone makes YouTube videos about makeup. Some of us are just getting by, barely being a girl, and trying to look like we know what we’re doing.
Do you use any of these products too? I’d love to hear what you think!
