I’ve noticed that among beauty enthusiasts, there seems to be two major camps: those who love nothing more than to try out new products and switch up their makeup look based on their mood, and those who seek out their favorite products in each category and become die-hard loyalists, sticking to their tried-and-true beauty routines day in and day out. I’m definitely in the latter. For me personally, makeup is less about expressing creativity and more about enhancing natural beauty — emphasizing favorite features and finding a look that makes me feel my very best. I get a lot of questions from you guys about what my favorite beauty products are, so I thought it would be fun to share the ones that I use on a daily basis…the ones that I sometimes feel I can’t live without! And before anyone accuses me of being makeup-obsessed, I’d also like to mention that my morning makeup routine takes exactly 5 minutes (I’ve timed it), and this list is packed full of multitaskers and sneaky little time-savers. Click through to read about them all, and I’d love to hear about all your beauty must-haves in the comments!
Stila One Step Correct
This product does triple-duty (color corrects, primes and moisturizes) — and I’m a huge fan of anything that streamlines my time spent getting ready in the morning.
Le Teint Touche Éclat Illuminating Foundation by Yves Saint Laurent
I’m always on the hunt for a foundation that gives natural, glow-y coverage…this one does all that, and lasts through an entire day with no touch-ups needed.
Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
I used to go through tubes of Cle de Peau Beauté concealer pretty quickly, and the $70 price tag was always a tough pill to swallow. This one performs identically for half the cost.
Laura Mercier Eye Basics
I love the look of a “naked” eye, but I don’t love the way that it encourages eyeliner and mascara to leave unsightly traces in the crease. This primer creates a smooth, matte canvas that lasts all day and prevents other eye makeup from budging.
HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder by Smashbox
I feel a little like I’m cheating when I use this product. It leaves an airbrushed appearance that makes skin look perfect, even if I’m dusting on a touchup at the end of a long workday before going out in the evening. Let’s just keep it our little secret, k?
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer
Even this self-proclaimed sun worshipper has finally accepted that sunscreen (on my face at least) is a necessity all year around. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to appear like I just got back from a day at the beach, and this bronzer helps me fake it (without leaving that orange-y tint that so many bronzers leave behind.)
It may make me blush (literally) when I say the name, but there’s no denying that this universally flattering and light-reflecting shade is the best way to give your face that post-, er, exercise glow.
NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner
Goes on smooth as a liquid with the staying power of a pencil. I keep mine super sharp and trace as close to the lash line as possible to give natural definition.
L’Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
It seems like a new mascara hits the market every week that promises the longest, thickest lashes that have ever been possible. This one definitely adds volume without clumping, but I think the real secret to mascara is to use 2 or 3 coats and buy a new tube often. I stick with drugstore brands, so I don’t feel guilty for replacing mine every month.
Gimme Brow in Light/Medium by Benefit Cosmetics
If I could only apply one article of makeup in the morning, it would probably be something to add color and definition to my brows — a polished brow frames out and polishes up the entire face! This brush-on gel adheres to the skin and hair and builds up wimpy brows (like mine) to make them look naturally lush.
NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm
See slide #7. Again, the undeniably gorgeous results make up for the slightly embarrassing name.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
After I take off my makeup at the end of the night (always), I slather this advanced night repair serum all over my face and let it do the work while I sleep. It uses the latest anti-aging technology to repair damage, and since I started using it a few months ago, I’ve noticed that my skin feels smoother and has a healthier appearance. Lest we forget, I turn 30 this month. Now’s the time, darlings.
Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner
I’m always on the hunt for that magic hair product that adds fullness and body to my fine strands, and this duo does it with a fresh lovely scent and without damaging sulfates.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish
While it may be true that Texas girls like their hairspray, I’ve never been a fan of hair that looks too “done.” This finishing spray keeps my waves from falling flat, and when my ‘do needs a little lift, I flip my hair upside-down and give it a few sprays. It may not quite count as “big hair,” but it definitely pumps it up.
