This blog post is about my 10 must-have make-up products that I rotate and switch up for 85% of my daily looks. I am by no means a make-up professional, but I have been experimenting with beauty products since the 6th grade. I think that makes me at best an intermediate make-up and beauty guru. I cringe when I think about my early efforts with smearing on eyeshadow as thick eyeliner and using that wonderful glitter eyeshadow. I’ve learned a lot in the past twenty years of what does and does not work for me in terms of make-up, and have my neutral, daily look down to a science (it takes me 10 minutes at most).
I saw my cousins and aunt in the mornings almost or totally make-up free (and looking gorgeous, I might add!). I felt a little weird that I still was putting make-up on, especially considering our setting, but I felt naked without it! When I woke up both mornings at the beach, I tried to get ready as fast as I could! And you know what?? It didn’t take me all that long, and I didn’t have to really put in that much effort. I didn’t feel like I was holding everybody up just because I wanted to put a little bit of make-up on…which is a good feeling!
1. Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation in Classic Ivory (here)
I discovered this foundation when googling for a new foundation that works well for acne-prone and oily skin. I still get a few breakouts on my chin every now and then, and my face has a few light scars on my cheeks from when I had very bad adult acne (there’s a post about how I conquered my adult acne here). I have to be careful with what I put onto my face, because of being more prone to breakouts. I also like that this foundation smooths out the color of my complexion and takes away any shininess that I might accumulate in my T-zone.
2. NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer in Ivory (here)
I usually put my concealer on after my foundation. I know that some beauty bloggers do the opposite and do concealer first. I like to use concealer sparingly. Therefore, if I notice dark circles, scarring, or zits after I put on my foundation, I’ll use a dab of concealer on those spots and make sure to really blend it. These concealer probably works all day long. I have gone through 2 empties already since discovering it, and I don’t want or need to try any other concealers. It just works fantastically!
3. Almay Shadow Softies Eye Shadow in Hot Fudge (here)
I feel like this may be an unusual use for this eye shadow, but I use it to fill in my eyebrows. I naturally have dark brown, thick eyebrows, but I also have a few patchy spots. I wet an eyebrow brush (here is an example of one) and dip it into the eye shadow. I just trace the line of my eyebrows with it. It’s very subtle, and I bet most of the time no one would even know that I’m wearing it. I do skip this step if I am in a hurry, but find that it finishes off my look if I’m dressing up for the night.
4. Maybelline The City Mini Palette Eyeshadow in Shayla (here)
I love a good eyeshadow palette. For someone who is “intermediate” at best at make-up, palettes really help me to understand how colors will go together to create a glamorous look. The beige color is your base, the lighter gold and purple shadows are for your lid, the darker gold and brick hues are for your crease, and the black is your liner. This palette is great, because the gold tones are a little more of a daytime look for me, while the purple and brick can create a bit more drama for a night out. My eyes are blue-green with a fleck of gold, and all of these shades make my eye color pop.
Starting at the top is your base, the next two shades are the lid (the purple appears more reddish brown), the following two are crease (the brick appears a dark brown), and lastly is the liner color
5. Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner in Black (here)
Okay, so I did a liquid eyeliner review at the beginning of the summer, and this was my winner (to read the review, click here). I like liquid eyeliner pens more than the wand liquid eyeliners, because I find them easier to control. It almost feels like you are using a felt marker, and I can be very precise with it. My entire look leans towards a retro vibe, so I love a good liquid eyeliner to make a cat-eye on my upper lid. I usually don’t line my lower lids, but if I do, I use eyeshadow. Using liquid eyeliner on both top and bottom is a little too harsh for my normal daily look.
6. Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara in Blackest Black (here)
I am going to be honest…I did not know that I had so many favorites that were from Maybelline! And no, this post is NOT sponsored by Maybelline. (*gasp!*) My eyelashes are medium-length and average in terms of fullness. When I put this mascara on, my eyelashes get huge and glamorous. They look almost like false eyelashes.
7. BareMinerals Invisible Glow Powder Highlighter in Fair to Light (here)
When I first tried highlighter, I didn’t think that I would use it so often. It just gives my face a little glow that it didn’t have before! I really like using it every day on my cheeks and brow bones. The clerk who sold it to me was wearing a different highlighter from BareMinerals that made a slightly more dramatic look. I like that this is subtle, and pairs great with my bronzer.
8. Mary Kay Bronzing Powder in Dewy/Luminous (here)
I don’t wear bronzing powder every day. However, if I want to highlight my cheekbones, I use it in conjunction with the highlighting powder. I sometimes like to brush a little bit on my eyelids too. This especially looks gorgeous if I am going with a hot pink color on my lips. My Aunt Donna sells this to me, and it is the best! I’ve been using it for years!
9. Covergirl Outlast All-Day Color & Lip Gloss in Rich Caramel (here)
This lip color is just a shade darker than my natural lip color. If you want, you can just wear the lip gloss. I like how it defines my lips subtly. It also looks so great with this season’s pastel blue, yellow, and pink outfits. The color really does last all day. I’m curious to try some other colors and see if I notice any flaking. I don’t notice any with the current color that I use, but it can be a problem with brighter, more vibrant shades.
10. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Seduction (here)
I wear this lipcolor so often, because it makes your lips feel velvety smooth and not slick or sticky. It adds a slight hint of nude-pink color. If I ever am reaching for a chapstick and find this instead, I swipe it on my lips. Forget my make-up bag, this lipcolor is almost always in my purse. I really need to buy more shades, because I honestly love it so much.
My Natural Look for Every Day Wear
I would love to hear from you! What are your go-to make-up products that you use all the time? It seems as though I may need to branch out from Maybelline…who knew?? LOL
These are great choices! I love the Fit Me line.
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I should see what other products they have in this line… I didn’t realize before I wrote this. I think I read about the foundation in Glamour.
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Love how you incorporated our fun family beach vaca into your make up line post! I feel like at the beach the last thing I want to do is put on make up, especially if I’m sun burnt and peeling! My summer go to products are a tinted moisturizer and lash lengthening mascara…I dont like putting on a ton of make up in summer time, but these 2 products make it fast and simple and still help me feel comfortable having a little make up on (I feel insecure going out without it on too) while keeping the application process short a sweet! I’d love to see you create a video, if it’s possible, of you applying your make up!!! I feel like I’ve never really be shown exactly how to do the different shadow shades/colors or the cheek bone area with bronzer and/or blush. I’d love to learn how to do that look and feel more confident in doing it! Just an idea! Enjoyed reading this post! Mwah!😘
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Haha yeah I didn’t feel as weird about not wearing any when my hair was long. I thought about doing a video, but I do not use many of the same tools makeup professionals do. For example, not using a foundation sponge. I use my hands to blend it haha.
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I haven’t tried any of these–but the colors in that eyeshadow palette are gorgeous!
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Thank you! I definitely want to try more of their eye shadow palettes, but these shades are so flattering!
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these look like some good products! i’m mostly a fan of drugstore mascara’s but maybe i should be branching out more xD
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If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Haha! Thanks for commenting!
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I’m like you – I always feel like I need a little something, otherwise I don’t feel “dressed!” You look fabulous! Love the lip color!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad I’m not the only one!
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What a great list of makeup musts! I LOVE finding great drugstore beauty buys!
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Thanks for commenting! Me too. I don’t have the money to spend a fortune on make-up.
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The FIT Me Foundation is easily my favorite drugstore foundation. It’s so good!!
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Thanks for commenting! I’m glad someone else is a big fan too!
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Yesss to the maybelline matte + poreless. By far my favorite foundation.
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👍👍👍😄😄😄
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What I love most about this round-up of products is that they’re almost all drugstore – which means they’re more affordable and easily-accessible! That’s great! Your makeup turned out beautifully. I love experimenting with new products and that eyeshadow palette is especially standing out to me. I’ll have to try it soon!
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Thank you so much! I like how it can create so many looks. Have a great day!
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I love Almay! I’ve been wanting to use NYX but sadly I *always* get breakouts 😦
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Uh oh I hope that’s not what’s behind my chin zits. You may be onto something. 😯 What kind of concealer do you like?
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Curious about what you use for Powder as I am light skinned like you
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I actually don’t really need it with the matte foundation! My skin kind of dried up a lot when I took Accutane, so it never really gets oily. The foundation really stays put all day!
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Great review! I’ll have to try these for sure!
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Thanks!
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I’m a LipSense girl but if I don’t need my color to last all day I use the Revlon one! LOVE them. So creamy!
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Ooh does LipSense stay on really well? I just got the EyeSense eyeliner. I’m terrible about getting my lipstick on my teeth.
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Beautiful look! I love how almost all the products are from the drugstore and affordable! I use a lot of Maybelline products as well and they’re great! P.S. I love your hair too!
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Aw thank you so much! Which Maybelline product would you say is your favorite?
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I loved reading about your go-to makeup routine!! I have 3 kiddos and this seems like a super quick look (time in the a.m. is always a consideration for me!) and gorgeous!! Thanks so much for sharing!! 🙂
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Aw thank you! I hope it gives you a quick look.
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Loving that eyeshadow palette! The colors are so pretty
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Thank you!
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Love this! Have you tried NYX matte lipstick? It’s AMAZING!
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Ooh no I haven’t! Will definitely check it out!
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I’m always on the lookout for a new mascara. THE perfect mascara…
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Me too!
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Big thumbs up for the Revlon matte liquid lipstick! It’s the best matte lipstick I’ve used so far.
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Ooh good to know!
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I’ve actually been looking for a new mascara so I might have to give this a try!
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Awesome! Let me know how you like it!
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I actually haven’t tried a lot of these yet! Writing some of them down so I can stock up after my current stuff runs out.
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Awesome! Hope you like them too!
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I love the Maybelline Fit line, and I’ve been eyeballing that eye shadow palette! Great reviews!
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Thank you!
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These are some goodies! I’m loving the Maybeline Palette.. Its one of my favorites!
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Love your look! I was actually looking to update all my make-up so this was so helpful! Want that matte lipstick!
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Thank you so much! Glad this was helpful!
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I will have to try these out sometime. I love make up!
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I gotta try these. What a great post. Enjoyed reading it. Thanks!
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Aw thanks so much for reading!
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I love the Maybelline Matte and Poreless! It’s such a great drugstore foundation!
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I also feel naked without a little bit of makeup! If it makes us feel better, why not?
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Maybelline is my favorite brand. And that Fit me foundation is also my must-have product. Thanks for the review 🙂
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You look fantastic!! I really do want to try and experiment with makeup more, as I don’t even wear it everyday. I’m curious about that foundation though as I do break out on my face quite a bit if I’m wearing makeup, etc.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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Thank you so much! You should try it. Look for non-comedogenic on the label. I used to use CoverGirl Clean Oil-Control Makeup and it worked well as well!
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They all are such good products and I use some of them too, also the best thing about them is that they’re of very good quality under a very low price. 👍🏼👍🏼
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Liking the colors in the eyeshadow palette. I am always on the search for mascara that will really make my lashes look full and long. Great review!
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Thank you!
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You do a beautiful job with your makeup! I love your “everyday” look!
And I have heard good things about NYX products but have never tried any. I probably should. lol
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Thank you so much! They are pretty good! My local mall has a store dedicated to just NYX products!
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i haven’t tried any of these but they all sound like good suggestions
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Colossal Big Shot is such an amazing mascara. It makes my lashes so voluminous and glam!
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Yes. It’s so great! Thanks for reading! 😁
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I’m going to try that foundation!!!! I’ve been looking for a new one 🙂
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Awesome! Let me know how you like it, okay? 😁
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I absolutely love the Maybelline FIT me. It works so well.
xx Tatyanna
http://www.apopoflife.com
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I love your natural look for everyday wear! I love makeup and am looking for a few new items for my collection. I will have to check out further a few of these options. Thanks.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. Let me know how you like them!
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These are all looks an awesome products and I always love the Maybelline fit me poreless it works on my skin
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This is all new to me…can’t wait to try them.
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I am a chapstick and bun kind of girl. But, every so often I like to get dolled up, and when I do I go for my elf brushes, tattoo lip stain and glitter, and some eyeliner!
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Nice, thanks for the recommendations!
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Need to try!! Thanks for this!
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Thanks for your comment!
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I’ve been wanting to try the Bare Minerals Hilighter! Great to see others who love it!
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It was a great buy and is lasting forever!!
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I loved reading about your go to make up routine since i have my baby boy;Little time for make up😅 Gotta try that foundation!
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Yes, if you try anything, you’ve gotta try the foundation!
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Need to check out Fit me and nyx concealer. Thanks for sharing.
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I love the Maybelline Fit Me foundation
I always have it in my arsenal!!
Nice post girl !
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Thank you😁
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perfect timing; I need a new eye shadow palate, so i’ll have to check this one out!
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Let me know how you like it!😋
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Aww it’s always great to hangout with family and catch up. Love the favorites. Going to have to try the Maybelline eyeliner cause I’m always on the hunt for one that has lasting power.
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Awesome, hope you like it!
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