If I Lost My Entire Makeup Collection

My top favorite makeup product in every category.

I love to sit down every year and share my absolute top pick in every category— I think it’s such a fun practice to see which products stayed the same, and which newer product discoveries have found a home in my routine.

Last week I focused on my skincare collection, and this week we’re talking about my makeup collection. I think makeup is particularly interesting because not only is it a look at which newer products became staples, but it’s also a look at how my personal preferences in makeup have changed year to year.

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A note on acne safe makeup:

When it comes to makeup, I don’t particularly pay attention to whether my products are acne safe or not. I don’t wear makeup everyday, and if I’m wearing it for an event, dinner, etc. I likely only have it on for six hours or so. I do think if you’re wearing products every day, it may be something to look into, especially if you’re still having issues after adjusting your skincare routine. Personally, I’ve had great success with my skin without having to adjust my makeup, but I wanted to point this out.

You can always see all of my favorites in each category here.

Let’s jump into it!

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Primer

Honestly, it’s pretty rare for me to reach for a primer, as my favorite sunscreen is an excellent primer, and I’m known to use it after dark just for this purpose. If I had to pick one, I love the Milk Hydro Grip. It gives that same dewy base I love, but it’s quite grippy and makeup does last incredibly well over it! I usually just buy the mini size since I like I travel to weddings and whatnot with it!

Concealer

I have tried so many concealers (obviously), and there are many great ones that I wear. But if I really have to choose one, the one that I wear to any event or wedding, but is amazing for everyday— nothing beats this one by Givenchy! It’s medium coverage, it has a satin, skin-like finish that doesn’t need to be set with powder, but also looks great when powdered without being cakey. It also is blurring/smoothing, and that is where it really stands out to me. I wear shade C105 regularly, and C180 when I have a self tan.

Skin Tint/Base Product

This may surprise some, but for the last five years I have not stopped using the Chanel Water Fresh Tint. I tried on a bunch of my foundations because I have some weddings coming up, and I just don’t love the way my skin looks in that medium to full coverage. So, I went back to my trusty Chanel tint, using the Givenchy concealer just where I get a little redness, and the combo is *chef’s kiss* and my skin looks and feels like me. I feel like my skin looked incredible! You be the judge (see photo below). I wear shades Light and Light/Medium mixed which is my only qualm with this product. But the results are worth it IMO and they come in mini sizes now!!

Powder

I keep trying new powders, and always go back to the Kosas Cloud Set, although I also reach for the MAKE Diffusion powder quite a bit too! I’m not a huge powder person, as I prefer my base products to self set to an extent. And I think they can look heavy and cakey if you use too much. I like Kosas because no matter how much you apply, it doesn’t look like you’re wearing powder and it’s especially great if your skin leans dry. My only qualm is their formula isn’t great to travel with because it is fragile! So skip the travel sized mini. I wear shade Airy.

Blush:

I don’t know how to choose one blush— this is REALLY hard. I tend to reach for creams over liquids and powders, and I prefer stick products for easier application. I think if I had to pick one, right this moment it would be Rhode’s Sleepy Girl. This is the perfect mauve, which is one of my favorite colors on my skin tone. I feel like this tone is a deeper mauve (swatched below). A little goes a long way, but it blends like a dream. I hear such mixed things about longevity of these blushes, but on me they last a solid 6-8 hours. I really think it depends on the base you use under it, and your climate. It’s the blush I chose to bring with me to NYC, only bringing one other one for night time (which was Victoria Beckham Beauty Playground).

Bronzer:

This is insanely hard, as I tend to prefer something a bit more cool toned in the winter, and something more neutral/cool in the summer. My go-to in the winter has always been the Westman Atelier Contour Stick in Biscuit. It has this reddish tone to it, that makes it very flattering on neutral or cool toned fair skin. For summer, I like something a touch warmer that also had a red tone, and that has been the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer in Deep. The deep shade may seem intimidating but it has, again— a red undertone that looks natural on my skin tone. It does go on very sheer, but it is buildable. They have minis now! You’ll never get through a full size.

Highlight:

Another Chanel favorite I’ve had for years, is the Baume Essential in Sculpting. This is for those who like a really natural and subtle highlight that looks just like healthy skin. I recommend using a brush to tap into skin, or your swirl your finger onto the stick then tap in vs swiping on!

Mascara

Mascara is something that I have leaned away from using in 2023 and well into 2024. My eyes are dry, and sensitive so I really save it for special occasions only. I still love the Merit and Tower 28 mascaras, but Rudi’s collab with Beaubble is the one I travel with and reach for the most. It’s the perfect chocolate brown tubing formula that removes easily with just water. It gives curl, volume and length. Perfection! PS: I get zero dollars for promoting her mascara, it’s just that good and I’m always going to share my favorite product, whether or not I make money from it!

Eyeshadow

Another product category that has really fallen to the wayside. I think for me, it’s saved for special occasions. I loved eye products before I became a mom, and now I’m always in a rush that this was the first step in my routine to go. I love a little bronzer or blush on the lid though! I love doing eyeshadow for weddings or things where I can take my time getting ready, it feels so cathartic! My absolute favorite palette that I travel with for every wedding I attend is this one by Natasha Denona. Perfect neutral palette with a mix of finishes. Her shadows are SO CREAMY, and so easy to blend, an eyeshadow novice could do it. Her metallics and glitters are phenomenal too!

Brow Products

I recently started using my Refy brow pencil again and forgot how much I loved that pencil formula and I’ve been more drawn to a smaller brow, and like the precise tip these days. The Refy shade selection is pretty limited with only three options. However, MAKE just launched their Infinite Brow Nano Pencil, and their formulas are truly identical but has a better shade range. I use shade cool brown. It’s creamy enough to glide on, but stiff enough it makes hair life strokes and doesn’t disappear when I apply the Infinite Hold Sculpting Brow Gel. I’m using the clear version, because I like a less intense brow. It holds all day, no flaking!

[Top to Bottom: Tower 28 Lip Liner in Paint My Number, Naturium Lip Balm in Plum, Ravie Beauty Effortless Lips in Dahlia, Violette_FR Lip Jelly in Aissa, Merit Lip Blush in Du Jour, Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Bonbon Myrtille.]

Lip Liner

I’m really alternating between two shades lately, but if I am going to pick one, it’s going to be the Tower 28 Paint My Number - as a brownie mauve, it works well with berries, pinks, nude lips— really any of the lip colors I’m reaching for! It has a creamy formula that glides on, and can even work as an eyeliner and blush in a pinch. Is it my most long lasting? No. But I love the formula. And I get asked what it is, every time I wear it in my Instagram stories!

Lip Balm

I have an absolutely insane lip balm collection as you know, and I’ve tried all the lip balm formulas. There are truly so many great formulas and shades, but when it comes down to it, I can pick a favorite formula in a favorite shade, and that is the Plum shade by Naturium. It’s the perfect pink-raspberry shade, that has a bit of mauve. It’s just such a good go-to for every day and when I’m not sure what to grab!

Lip Gloss/Balm/Oil

I thought lip liners was hard. I have so many faves in this category that are all slightly different. Balmy/tint, gloss balm, true gloss, etc..

My most worn in this category, however is the Effortless Lips by Ravie Beauty in Dahlia. A pinky mauve that is perfect for everyday and deep enough to brighten my face (are we sensing a theme here?!) I love this formula because it’s a glossy balm, that you can apply without a mirror, but delivers serious pigment. This to me is a perfect MLBB (my lips but better) shade! Super hydrating and comfy too.

Lipstick/Lip Tint/Lip Stain

If I truly have to pick one formula, it’s going to be the Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Bonbon Myrtille which is a cool leaning berry. You can wear this more like a stain, or build it up to look more like a lipstick. PS if you don’t love a matte lip look, their Bisou Jelly formula in Aissa, is a neutral berry which a hydrating but not super glossy formula that I also love.

You probably noticed Merit’s Lip Blush in Du Jour was in the photo, but not in my favorites. I just want to say I love that product, and reach for it a lot. It’s probably like 2nd place for lipstick/tint/stain category. I wanted to swatch it next to my other faves, and I think it’s obvious why I love it so much LOL

Setting Spray

I have two favorites I reach for, but again— if I’m picking one, it’s going to be the Hydro Grip Setting Spray by Milk. Not only does this set makeup so it lasts all night, it is a must when I’m wearing powders to blend them seamlessly together so your makeup looks less makeup-y. I love how it can make my skin go from dull, to glowy (but not greasy or oily) in a few seconds. The travel size goes with me everywhere!

Would love to hear if any of these surprised you, or if we have any of the same favorites.

Did you discover any of these products because of me?

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