Why do you wear so much make-up? Part 2

As promised, here’s part two of my favorite products that I use in my daily make-up routine!

EYES

Smashbox Photo Finish 24-Hour Shadow Primer

I get pretty bad creases in my eye shadow when I don’t use primer, so having an eye shadow primer that keeps my lids looking fresh and smudge-free is a key part of my daily routine. This Smashbox eye primer has lovely shimmery undertones and goes on really light, so it doesn’t make my lids feel heavy or cakey when I add on eye shadow.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow

Go buy this before the world catches on and Maybelline (rightfully) raises the prices. I use Barely Branded, a lovely shimmery gold color, over my primer with a under a darker shade of pressed powder eyeshadow blended out to the corners of my eyes. It catches light so well that it instantly makes your lid look ombréd from any angle, which is why I sometimes use it all by itself. It’s also a gorgeous base color for almost any accent shade you feel like putting on top of it. Overall, one of my favorite make-up finds of all time.

Morphe 25B Bronzed Mocha Eyeshadow Palette

I’ve never been a huge believer in paying a ton of money for eyeshadow. While I totally understand the obsession with Urban Decay’s Naked palettes, I’ve never found the need to spend so much money on eye shadow when there are plenty of other palettes out there that are just as pigmented and with gorgeous shades! For someone with hazel eyes, the lovely brown and maroon/purple-y shades in this palette really make my eyes stand out. Plus, it’s just $18! With 25 different shadows, this is an absolute steal.

It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil

I have to say, before I got this eyebrow pencil, I thought it was a total scam. It Cosmetics markets this eyebrow pencil as working well with any eyebrow, no matter what color the hair is. I use it all the time (and I have very dark brown eyebrows) and I’ve used it on friends with blonde eyebrows and it has miraculously fit every eyebrow I’ve tried it on. The key is in how much pressure you use when applying the pencil. Full disclosure – I’ve only tried it on fair to medium skin tones, although I would like to see if it works well on darker skin.

NYX Gel Eyeliner

I don’t have a steady hand, so I really struggle with eye liner, which is probably why I only wear it on special occasions. When the occasions does warrant it, however, I really like using NYX’s Gel Eyeliner (in black, of course) with an angled liner brush. At only about $9, you won’t find a better bang for your buck. Once it dries, it’s pretty smudge-proof, especially if you use eyeshadow primer! Once you go gel eyeliner, you’ll never go back.

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

I’ve only worn false eye lashes twice in my life and I don’t think I would ever be able to incorporate them into my daily make-up routine, although I know plenty of people who do and love them! This mascara is my favorite alternative, both elongating and adding considerable volume to my lashes. At $25, it is on the pricier side, but if you take how much you use mascara and how long one tube lasts into consideration, it’s worth shelling out the cash.

LIPS

Anyone that knows me knows that lipstick is one of my favorite things in the world. A great pair of lipstick can tie together an entire outfit or add the perfect pop of color to your ensemble.

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lipsticks

As much as I hate to admit it, I have a soft spot for this brand because it introduced me to the world of matte lipsticks (which changed my make-up routine forever). Maliboo (hate the name, love the shade) and Mary Jo K are some of my favorite shades to wear, and I frequently incorporate them into my daily routine. I will say, however, that her lip kits are ridiculously expensive. Honestly, the liner really isn’t worth the extra 10-ish bucks you’d have to spend on a kit – just stick to buying singles, although those rack up a hefty bill at $17 a pop.

NYX Matte Lip Creams

These Matte Liquid Lipsticks, available at any major beauty retailer like Ulta or Sephora, are another great find from the past year. These lip creams are super pigmented, don’t bleed (even when used without lip liner) and are actually quite smudge resistant. Even better, you can buy them for less than $5 each! Although they come in small tubes, a little bit goes a long way so they tend to last a while.

Those are just some of my favorite products that I incorporate into my make-up routine on a regular basis. However, I am always on the hunt for hidden gems of the cosmetics world, so feel free to comment below any of your favorite products that I should try!