I. Love. Makeup. Love it. It's my favorite thing to buy besides lingerie. I've been wearing makeup since I was twelve- technically, since I was ten, but without mom's knowledge- so I've been wearing it for about...yeah, we'll just say a long time now. I was a counter girl for a few really big companies when I was in college (can you say 'dream job'?!) and did makeup for some photo shoots and fashion shows for a friend of mine. Suffice to say, I am slightly obsessed. What I've always liked the most about it is the creative, artistic aspect of it- to me, it is just like painting, but my face is the canvas and my medium comes in slightly different forms.
Anyway, I've used a lot of products over the years, and have evolved my own personal 'Best Of' list of things that I love and that work well for me personally. I know the list excludes some products and formulations, but if there are things that you know of that you like, please share- I always love to hear about them, and experiment!
Best Lip Gloss
MAC Lipglass
Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish
mark. Glow Baby Glow and Glow Baby Glow Luxe Hook Up Lip Gloss
These glosses are long- wearing, moisturizing, non- sticky, and come in a great array of colors and finishes. The Buxom gloss also has a plumping effect.
Best Powder Eyeshadow
Nars (single and duo)
MAC
Urban Decay
mark.
Smashbox
These shadows are extremely long- wearing and crease- resistant (even without primer,) long- lasting, highly- pigmented; they give great color payoff, and come in such a huge selection of colors and finishes- there is truly something for everyone, every look. Some are a bit pricey, but you definitely get your money's worth.
Best Powder/ Powder Foundation
T. LeClerc Pressed and Loose Powder
Nars Pressed Powder
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
T. LeClerc is bar none the best powder out there. They have corrective shades, foundational shades- and all of them give a smooth application and beautiful finish to the face. Used alone or as a finish to liquid foundation, they add light and flawlessness to the face. Nars Pressed Powder is a very close second- and more readily available, particularly in the States. MAC Studio Fix is the best powder foundation I've ever used. I've used this for 17 years now, and while I've tried other powder foundations, I always come back to this because nothing- but nothing- compares to the quality, color range, wear and finish of this product.
(A note on foundation- I, personally, hate it. Just hate it. But this one I love, because it doesn't feel heavy and cakey like most liquid foundations. I offer this solely as a personal preference.)
Best Powder Blush
Nars Powder Blush
This is the best one I've ever used. Ever. Gorgeous color palette; smooth, even application; long wear. Nothing else comes close.
Best Mascara
Lancome Definicils
MAC Pro Lash
Nars Larger Than Life Mascaras
Three-way tie for best in this category: Definicils is my perennial 'go-to', another product I've been using for 17 years. MAC is a relatively new find for me, but it's excellent. And the Larger Than Life mascaras are a vast improvement on the old Nars formulation. Love all of these because: great formulas coat evenly, don't clump, don't dry out lashes, lengthen, define, and give just enough volume; brushes are extremely well- designed. Keepers, all.
Best Eye/Lip Liner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Liner and Lip Liner
I'm putting the two together because these liners are the best Urban Decay products, in my opinion. The eye liner does indeed glide on- so snoothly, without skipping or tugging- and once it sets, it will not budge, smudge, smear or move. Until you take it off. Same goes for the lip liner- smooth, creamy application, doesn't dry lips out, and lasts for ages. Great color range and payoff with both products. And the lip liner comes in a clear shade called Ozone, which can be used with any color/ type of lip product. Genius.
Best Concealer
MAC Select Moisturecover
Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil
Both give excellent coverage and can do double- duty as shadow primer. Also, both are very long- wearing. The Select Moisturecover has a liquid texture and doe- foot applicator, which I like for application. The 24/7 Pencil is extremely portable. Both blend wonderfully, and work with powder/ powder foundation.
I know I'm probably forgetting some things...
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