make-up must-haves

If you are at all like me, you tend to look like a lost puppy the minute you step up to the make up counter at Macys. You wander the aisles or display cases having no clue as to why you even decided to take your chances here in the first place. There are so many products, so many colors, so many choices!

Take foundation for instance. One would assume this has to be one of the easiest products to buy, as all you THINK you have to do is match your skin tone. However, there are many more things you need to take into consideration before you drop the big bucks and make a purchase. (Quality make up is NOT cheap these days...) For example: What is your skin type: dry or oily? Do you want liquid foundation or powder? If you want powder, do you want pressed or loose? Do you want an application brush? If so, do you need the liquid application brush or the powder application brush? What brand do you want? The same goes for mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, blush, EX CETERA. It may be one of the most overwhelming shopping experiences a woman will ever go through. So maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but make up products have seriously not done well by me, so I have a right to hold a bit of a grudge.

Nonetheless, I've put together a post that lists my favorite products that I have been lucky enough to discover prior to spending hundreds on random beauty products just to realize I have bought the wrong shade...and I've already opened it so there is no chance of a return.

If there is one thing I've learned about make up, it's that quality matters. If you want make up that lasts an eight hour work day AND that doesn't make you look like you have eight pounds of make up on, then you have to be willing to pay the price. You cannot get by using the cheap purple N.Y.C. eye shadow you bought in the the seventh grade. Don't even try. My two most coveted make up brands are Clinique and Mary Kay. I like to think that each of these brands sits right in the middle of the road in regards to pricing; not as cheap as CoverGirl or Revlon, but also not as spendy as Estee Lauder or Lancome. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of quality products you can purchase from the less expensive brands, I just wouldn't make a habit of it. So, here are my favorites!

Aveeno Tinted Moisturizer 

I love tinted moisturizer in the summer because it is light and airy. You definitely don't feel as if you have a heavy layer of foundation plastered on your face. Another plus is that there aren't many shades to chose from, leading to LESS confusion as to which will look best with your skin tone. This particular moisturizer also has an SPF of 30 to protect your skin from harsh sun rays! 

Clinique Blush - 108 Cupid

I love Clinique blush! This is the same blush my grandma used to have and I loved using it, so I got my own! It stays on all day long without any issues! If you look a little sleepy, a small amount of bright blush will make you look a little more awake!

Clinique Eye Shadow - 101 Buttermilk & 84 Twiglet

Clinique eye shadow is awesome for a number of reasons. First, it is very soft and smooth. Second, it's light weight AND long-wearing. Plus, all of their shadows have been clinically tested for even the most sensitive eyes.

Almay Liquid Eyeliner - Black

I use liquid eyeliner because it's much easier to apply, leaves a cleaner line, and stays put through a long day. It looks like a really tiny bottle because it is, BUT it lasts and lasts. Almay is a pretty nice brand as well! Very user friendly :)

Clinique Lash Power Mascara - Black Onyx

I have never been able to find a mascara that stays on my lashes from morning until night. I don't rub my eyes or cry on a daily basis, so I didn't know why nothing would last. Then I came upon the long-wear formula from my beloved Clinique. It is the only mascara that I have EVER used that literally stays put for an entire day. Plus, it comes with a tiny little brush to get great extension and volume.

Mary Kay Lip Gloss

You just need the tiniest bit of this gloss for your lips! It definitely adds a little pop of bright color for a summer face!

Well, that's all I've got! It's not much but it's definitely a start! Each one of these products is awesome and I highly recommend them for anybody looking to try a little something new! ALSO, the ladies at the Clinique counter are usually incredibly helpful. So, if you go there looking as lost as myself, you'll be most likely be in very good hands. Oh, and if you have any advice you're dying to share about your make up must-haves, post a comment!