It’s the end of the year, and I’ve only shared a couple “makeup of the day” posts with you. What gives?
It’s not because I don’t wear makeup every day.
(I do. Oh I do.)
And it’s not because I dislike “makeup of the day” posts on my skincare-heavy blog.
It’s mostly because getting these posts together takes a lot of time and, not gonna lie, an “I don’t give a *&%$” attitude to shoot outside on my balcony, neighbors a-gawking.
“WHO is that girl with the tripod taking selfies? WHY is her cat so loud?”
Cheers to more MOTD posts in the future and a respectful “I don’t give a *&%$” attitude when it comes to doing what you love no matter who’s watching.
*Indicates PR sample
Kari Gran Mineral Foundation in No. 2
I shared my thoughts about this mineral foundation in this in-depth review, so in short: This is currently my favorite mineral foundation. The glow you get from it is subtle yet striking.
Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless Eye Primer
This is the best natural alternative to Urban Decay’s eye primer. If I skip eye primer, my lids are creased like whoa. This is a holy grail, staple item in my makeup kit.
If you know me well, you know I’m obsessed with my eyebrows and very rarely go into public without having them “on.” (My Asian and mixed-Asian readers, you know the feeling!) I have a very small collection of brow gels and powders, and I only use this one from Cailyn when I’m feeling a bit more confident about the state of my brows. It’s a gel formula with a precise applicator that allows you to pencil in featherlight strokes to gently define your brows. As mine continue to grow out, I’ll likely be using this more instead of my typical powders that I can sometimes get heavy-handed with. Grow, baby brows, grow!
*Jane Iredale Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust
Perfect for the holidays, this little set contains loose gold, silver and bronze shimmers that can be used anywhere you want a little highlight. I mixed a bit of the gold in with my Kari Gran foundation for an extra boost under my eyes, and I also dabbed a bit on my lips and into my brow bone for more light-catching goodness.
*Nvey Eco Eyeshadow in 168 Rose Gold
Rose gold has been having its moment, and I’m loving the look of it across my lids. Nvey Eco’s take on rose gold combines hints of muted pink in a yellow base — perfect for warm- and olive-skinned gals like me. Pressed eyeshadows see way more playing time in my beauty vanity, too, so this is a color I’m reaching for more often when I want a light, natural wash of color.
*Lily Lolo Mineral Eye Shadow in Vanilla Shimmer
Another pretty pinky-beige, Lily Lolo’s loose mineral eyeshadow makes for a beautiful base or highlight. I chose to blend it with my Nvey Eco shadow for some additional depth and a custom color. As I’ve noted before, I’m not the best with loose mineral eyeshadows (which is why I always make sure to have a fan brush nearby to sweep away the excess!), but I’ve been impressed with the color payoff and texture of Lily Lolo’s mineral shadows.
I will never be without this eyelash curler. It is simply the best.
*Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara in “Black”
As mentioned in my “Ultimate Guide to Natural Mascaras,” Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara is a definite repurchase. It holds a curl, lengthens, defines and volumizes. What else do you need?
Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil in “Coffee”
It’s been a hella long time since I’ve used a traditional pencil liner (all liquid pen over here for your cat-eyed lady!), but when I got Alima Pure’s new eye pencil in a monthly subscription box, I had to try it — and loved it! I don’t like drawing out wings with pencils, though, as I’m just too oily and nervous that it will smear, but instead do a tight definition on my top and bottom lash lines to naturally enhance my eyes. When I do a dramatic cat eye with my regular liquid liner pen, I sometimes like to dot this pencil on my lower lash line to really amp up that pretty kitten look. Meow. (Also available at Spirit Beauty Lounge and The Detox Market)
*BareMinerals Ready Blush in The Aphrodisiac
If you’re a fan of NARS “Orgasm” or “Deep Throat” blushes, you might want to look into “The Aphrodisiac” from BareMinerals. It’s the same beautiful coral-peach pigment, but with less shimmer and more color. I absolutely adore corals on my warm/yellow skin tone, and have been reaching for this blush a lot lately. (Also available in this super-cute set with a bunch of other BareMinerals favorites!)
Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in “Toast”
When you graduate from gloss but don’t feel quite ready for big-girl lipstick, lip crayons are your next best bet. This is my first one from Bite Beauty, but it won’t be my last! I love the creamy matte formula, and the gorgeous fiery red-orange color that is “Toast.”
*Mia Mariu Luminous Lip Gloss in “Dulzara”
As much as I love a matte lip, I can’t stay away from a bit of gloss. Mia Mariu Lip Gloss in “Dulzara” adds a touch of sheer coral to my lips to complete the look.
