Can you tell me your makeup must-haves?

[Anonymous]

Here's my makeup history in a nutshell since college. 1. Pull things off at random from the Neutrogena makeup display at CVS 2. Slap it on in near darkness, with a bad mirror and only minutes until the doorbell rings. 3. Dash out the door; pray I look normal.

For years it seemed to work okay. I credit youth for that. However, I came home from an evening out this weekend and reality set in, I looked frightening. My concealer was caked and flaking. My eyeliner smeared and mascara gloppy. It's clear I need to ditch the current routine and get serious.

So can you let me know what products you love and wear every day?

As for a little info. about me...I'm in my mid-thirties, showing the first signs of again (especially under my eyes), have olive-toned skin that sports some old acne scars that need covering, and overall, a combo skin type that is oily on some days and dry as the Mohave on others.

Ideally, I'd love to wear products that are as natural as possible. I've had my makeup done professionally once at Aveda and it seemed okay, if not very long lasting. For me, less is more as I actually don't look great with an overly "made" face, though envy the women I know who look amazing with a shadowed eye.

Thanks for getting me on track and out of raccoon eyes territory!

[Anonymous]

I'm 36. I combine the concept of skincare and makeup. I use Origins Depuffery under my eyes.

Next time Clinique has a Bonus Time, try their stuff. Also try Bare Eucentals (sp?). It takes a bit of practice to get used to the powder but it's really great once you get the hand of it.

[Anonymous]

NARS blush (I wear orgasm, but I'm fare skinned) & NARS bronzer really help me look more pulled together than when i wear just my basic cover up & powder (both chanel - best coverage ive found i have some redness and uneven skin tone issues) I don't wear a ton of eye makeup because my eyes water but I've had good luck with trish macavoy waterproof mascara.

[Anonymous]

Primer Been using Too Faced Primer but just tried using the Monistat (yes that stuff) Anti-Chafing Lotion. Seems to work about the same for about $30 less.

Setting Makeup Spray - Urban Decay De-Slick - Love it, have very oily skin and really sets make up and makes it last all day.

[Anonymous]

Urban decay eyeshadow primer. You only need a little and your eyeshadow/liner will not smudge. You shoul also get an expensive mascara- go to Sephora and splurge on a $30 mascara. I use Dior and it is amazing! I get the waterproof kind that is in the silver container.

[Anonymous]

Go to an Ulta or dept store for a consultation. Expect some sales tactics and buy only what you like and will use.

[Anonymous]

mascara--didn't wear it for the first 44 years of my life. Now I won't leave the house without it.
Bare minerals

--46 year old

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Primer Been using Too Faced Primer but just tried using the Monistat (yes that stuff) Anti-Chafing Lotion. Seems to work about the same for about $30 less.

Setting Makeup Spray - Urban Decay De-Slick - Love it, have very oily skin and really sets make up and makes it last all day.

And where the heck were you the other day when I asked about products that would keep my oily skin from causing my makeup to smudge?! :p

[Anonymous]

Awesome recs ladies! Heading to Sephora this week armed with all your info. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Primer Been using Too Faced Primer but just tried using the Monistat (yes that stuff) Anti-Chafing Lotion. Seems to work about the same for about $30 less.

Setting Makeup Spray - Urban Decay De-Slick - Love it, have very oily skin and really sets make up and makes it last all day.

And where the heck were you the other day when I asked about products that would keep my oily skin from causing my makeup to smudge?! :p

Your thread is the reason I'm trying the Monistat. Thought I had posted the Urban Decay, if I didn't sorry because it is wonderful! I tried the Bare Minerals setting spray and didn't think anything of it.

[Anonymous]

I use Covergirl tinted lotion, a light neutragena concealer blended in problem spots, Clinique cream blush stick (it's amazing), and when I go out, purple eye liner (I have red hair and blue eyes, so it works- but doesn't look weird) and brown mascara (more natural than black). I have not yet been able to learn how to put on eye shadow without looking like I have two black eyes.

For me the big ones are a good tinted lotion and the cream blush stick that I love.

[Anonymous]

the combination of nars laguna bronzer with nars orgasm blush on top (over foundation of course) is 100% a winner!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Does foundation mean liquid foundation? Or powder? Or that creamy, hard, stuff in a compact? I've only ever used powder and it seems to age me now.

[Anonymous]

Try a Bobbi Brown make-up application session, again expect sales tactics, buy only what you like, but I love their concept of "You, Only Better" - not overdone. I feel and look fabulous after I do this and wear her products.

[Anonymous]

Liquid foundation applied with a brush works wonders. You have to find one that works with your skin type and tone. Tarte makes an all natural one.