Calling all lipstick lovers!! We’re sharing our makeup today–tips, techniques and favorite products. We all have our go-to products that we just can’t live without. From holy grail foundations to swoon-worthy eyeshadow palettes, there’s nothing quite like finding products that make you feel like a million bucks. But even the most seasoned makeup enthusiasts could use a tip on a new (to you) product or technique.
Grab your brushes and get ready to dive into a world of beauty bliss as we explore some of our favorite makeup must-haves, share some tips, and swap secrets for achieving a flawless finish.
All About Megan’s Makeup
Face
- Westman Atelier Complexion Drops, super hydrating skin tint that feels like a serum or treatment on your skin. Leaves a glow-y finish. If I do nothing else I put this clean product on my face.
- Ilia Blurring Skin Foundation Stick for days that I want fuller coverage but not a heavy “made up” look I use this stick. It really melts into your face like a second skin.
- Armani Concealer there is a reason why this was an Allure Beauty Award winner. It’s the best. Set it with the Laura Mercier translusent powder.
- She’s not cheap but the Guerlain Terracotta Light Bronzer gives the best warmth and definition to the face. I just got the WA Face Trace Cream Contour stick (in the mini size to try it out) and am so far loving it.
- I alternate between a cream and powder blush depending on the how hydrated my skin in. Like them both equally.
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Lips
- Let’s be totally honest, I have way too many lipsticks to pick a favorite. This is a TINY selection of my current favorites.
- The NARS American Woman Liquid Lip has been the longest and most consistently used in the past few years. Some famous make up artist crowned it the most universally flattering lipstick in her kit.
- The Rose lip butter was a gift from my son, it’s perfect for chapped lips or before bed. I gave up on lipliner after the disaster of brown over lined lips in the 1990s, but this little gel (no sharpen!) neutral liner from Sephora has quickly snuck into my routine. It’s only $7.
- Lately you will find me alternating between these cool toned, neutral pinks. Basically the same color from every different manufacturer. You too?
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Eyes
- I love a palette, it reminds me of the big Estee Lauder Holiday kits I used to get as a kid for Christmas.
- This Make Up by Mario cool-toned neutral eye palette has everything I’ll ever need.
- But just in case I picked up these NudeStix at the Sephora sale, to try the creamy pencil in a shimmer.
- As I age my skin is dryer making eye liner “drag” against my skin. The BEST I’VE FOUND is the Make Up Forever Aqua Resist Gel liner. NO PULLING. And it twists so no stabbing yourself in the eye with the sharp wooden bits.
- I’ve also been using the new(ish) Merit cream to powder eye shadows as a liner/shadow.
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All About Christa’s Makeup
Face
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is my tried-and-true favorite I’ve used for years; provides a smooth layer for applying makeup and minimizes pores; helps your makeup last longer.
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – I prefer a tinted moisturizer with SPF (instead of a foundation) for lighter coverage that doesn’t settle in fine lines and wrinkles.
- LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbleized Blush AND Gucci Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer add warmth to your skin and give it a fresh glow.
- After trying many concealers, the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Undereye Concealer is my favorite; doesn’t settle into fine lines.
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Lips
- Megan’s love of lipsticks is rubbing off on me, and I found so many in my drawer that I use and love.
- BeautyCounter Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick is my newest lipstick addition; I love the “petal” color for a natural look and “lily” for a little more color. Pro tip: The colors of these are very light/subtle.
- I also love the IT Cosmetics lipstick–it has beautiful color and lasts all day!
- And I love the Tarte Maracuja lip products to keep in my purse and travel bags.
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Eyes
- I love these Two Faced colors for a natural look. I like the matte shades as a base and then add a touch of the shimmer shades for highlights.
- The IT Cosmetics 4-in-1 Eye Makeup Brush is an all-over, crease, smudge and liner brush in one tool. Perfect for your travel bag, too!
- ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara is my favorite lengthening mascara. Plus the clean formula is easy to remove.
- Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel creates a natural looking eyebrow with more volume.
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Shop More of Christa’s Recommendations
Pro tip: Many of these products come in travel sizes. And to make packing easy, keep a makeup bag packed and ready to go!
Shop Christa’s Travel Makeup
Tips for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
While we’re talking about beauty, when was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? A quick Google search tells us we don’t do it nearly as often as we should – experts say every 1-2 weeks! (Don’t feel bad, ours are LONG overdue!)
- Start with a bar of Purpose soap in an inexpensive plastic travel soap holder. Add a little water to the soap and a little water on the brush (be careful to only wet the bristles).
- Swirl the brush around on the soap to remove any makeup, until you get a lather that is makeup free – this may require that you rinse the brush and soap several times.
- Use a washcloth to blot the excess water from your makeup brush. Use a makeup brush drying rack (linked below) to dry the brushes overnight.
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Beautiful makeup begins with a good skincare routine! Don’t forget to check out our other recent post, All About Skincare. And stay tuned next month for a peek at our favorite haircare and hair tools.
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Thank you for supporting our work. xo, Megan & Christa
