It’s no secret that I have a not-so-modest collection of makeup that’s enough to last me a lifetime. Yet, some products get more attention than others. I reach for them constantly knowing that I can count on them to get the job done quick and deliver every single time. These Daily Makeup Staples are here to stay.
Shu Uemura Nobara Stick Foundation
Using since October 2009
Believe me, it wasn’t love at first sight. When I first started using this foundation, I found that it didn’t sit well on my skin. Months passed and my skin became less dry and became a perfect match with this foundation not only in terms of texture and finish but also color.
The coverage of this foundation is buildable and can be adjusted for day and night. With the right brush, blending is a breeze, leaving practically no streaks, cake or creases. Sadly, it has been discontinued but I’ve gotten a back-up.
Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush
Using since June 2010
Pair this with the Shu Uemura Nobara Stick Foundation and I get perfect coverage in 10 seconds flat. Why I’ve never gotten around to reviewing this brush is beyond me. It’s super soft and dense with synthetic bristles that don’t irritate my skin like natural bristles do. It also hardly sheds or bleeds. Only problem is that it’s pretty huge, making it too big to work with liquid foundation. Here’s to hoping that someday Ecotools would make a smaller version.
Origins Brighter by Nature Powder
Using since February 2011
You know how when you get sweaty and your powder rolls off you face in beige beads of sweat, leaving unsightly streaks? Well, this powder has thus far been the best at repelling sweat. I use powder mainly to set foundation and I never touch up. Yes, never. I don’t bring my compact out. When I know I’ll be sweating (mainly from brisk-walking to work), without thinking, I’ll reach for this powder.
elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
Using since December 2009
Evidently, it’s not the best eyeshadow primer in the world. Nevertheless, it gets the job done well enough. The primer’s light and very creamy so I can blend it faster compared to most of other eyeshadow primers. My eyeshadow can stay put for a good 8 hours under normal conditions. Plus it’s only USD$3!
RMK Eyelash Curler
Using since October 2008
This is probably my most frequently used product of all time. I may feel the need to try out different foundations, mascaras and even makeup brushes but this is one item that I’m not looking to replace even after 3 years. My first one went missing a month ago and I quickly got another one. It’s not as seasoned but it’s still wonderful.
Shu Uemura Hard 9 Eyebrow Pencil
Using since July 2010
For more than a year I’ve been using this pencil practically every day and have gotten it sharpened about 5 times. It can probably take another 3 more sharpening before I have to get a new one. I place great importance on eyebrows and even at times when I don’t feel like wearing makeup, the least I’d do is fill in my eyebrows. This pencil makes filling-in so much easier and faster. I’m serious when I say, if only one makeup item can ever exist in my world, it would be this pencil.
So tell me, What are your makeup staples?
guest
My staples: chapstick, the occasional Wet & Wild charcoal eyeliner, and some mascara.
daffodil / 1601 posts
I don’t wear a lot of makeup but the things I have that I’ll never look at alternatives, is my mascara and my eyebrow powder. I have red hair so I have fair lashes and eyebrows. I use powders, pencils, and mascaras from Just for Redheads. No more looking like a street walker! Brown is even WAY too dark for me.
Everything else is kind of in the air on what I use. I don’t like shadows or eyeliner much, no matter how much better I’ve gotten at applying them. If I do wear any it’s literally right in the lash line or a flesh toned shadow. I think my face simply can’t handle a lot of makeup without getting a little draggy. So, I mostly wear things like blush, highlighter, mascara, eyebrows. Concealer for my monstrous dark circles. I usually wear tinted moisturizer or a sheer mineral powder. I don’t break out a lot but when I do I just say, “F— it, I’m letting my face air out” and go sans makeup until it heals.
Eyebrows are also my big thing.
magnolia / 1054 posts
I just started using the maybelline FIT. I love it so much!
daisy / 727 posts
I wear L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes for mascara, Maybelline Define-a-Line for eyeliner, and sometimes Clinique foundation. My mascara changes every time I run out though. I have an obsession with mascara and like using different kinds haha. So far my current one has been my favorite though.
guest
- NYX Eyebrow Wax and Powder
- Covergirl Professional Remarkable Waterproof mascara (long name, awesome mascara)
- EOS lip balm (or anything else that works really well… this is just what I’ve had the past few months)
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer with Retinol (it’s pretty awesome that my skin has been getting clearer since I started using this about a month and a half ago)
- Mineral veil finishing powder
Anything else – blush, eyeshadow, liner, gloss – is just optional. Really, the most important thing for me is eyebrows. They really make a huge difference, so I only really care if I have my eyebrows done. I could live without any of the other items if I had to, just not my eyebrow powder.
guest
Sunscreen, lip balm and whatever lipstick is in my bag.