Saturday, October 24, 2020

What's in My Makeup Bag, and Questions for YOU!

(Here's my current makeup bag-I can't remember where I got it. I've had it for a couple of years. It is Adrienne Vittadini brand.)

This isn't your typical makeup post, because I'm actually coming at y'all today with some QUESTIONS! Yes, I'm going to share what is in my current "makeup bag", but I'm really looking for some advice and help to "up" my makeup game. 

I have not always loved wearing makeup, although I do now! I was a tomboy growing up, and could've cared less about makeup when I was in my early teens! I remember my mom giving me my first lipgloss when I was thirteen, and my first mascara when I turned sixteen, but it wasn't a big deal to me and I hardly ever used them. I last minute decided I should probably wear a little mascara, right before my senior pictures, if that gives you an idea. So my makeup experience is really only about ten years along, and if you could see my "early days" pictures, then you'd agree with me that those early days shouldn't even count. (yikes!) 

I've grown up a bit since (maybe, ha!) and over the last number of years I have established a makeup routine and grown to love wearing makeup. For a number of years now, I have worn it every single day, with the exception maybe of a sick day here or there. For me personally, makeup makes me feel more put together and I feel like wearing it is a great way to enhance and support my face. 

Here is what is in my makeup bag and what I use everyday! 

BLUSH. I use Covergirl Classic Color Blush in Soft Mink. I don't use much and I probably don't apply it in a professional way. I just like giving a hint of color to my cheeks, especially since my skin undertones are more yellowy than pink. 

EYE SHADOW. I use Covergirl Eye Enhancers EyeShadow in Tapestry Taupe. I use this exclusively; it is the only eyeshadow I own! My application is fast and easy- I apply it all over my eyelids in a thin covering. I love that it is the perfect light tan for my skin and also has a little shimmer to it. It has worked really well for me since I don't really know anything about blending different colors etc, so this has been a simple look that at least works, even if it isn't much. I'd recommend it especially if you are just getting started with makeup, and/or are going for a simple and more natural look that you can't mess up. 

MASCARA. I use L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes, in Blackest Black. I have tried lots of different kinds but have used this exclusively for the past several years and really do love it. It is the perfect mix-I like a dense and dewy texture-and I apply several coats. (I should also mention that before I apply my mascara, I curl my eyelashes first, but I don't like the eyelash curler I have currently, so I'm not going to link it. If you have any recommendations for a good one, please share in the comments!) 

These next two items, eye liner and lipstick, are also in my makeup bag but I don't wear them everyday. It honestly depends on my mood. =) I'd say I probably wear eyeliner half the time? And I wear lipstick mostly if I'm in a fun mood, or going for a more dramatic look. 

EYELINER. I use L'Oreal Paris Infallible SuperSlim Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

LIPSTAIN. I use this Covergirl Lip Stain when I wear lipstick and I LOVE it! My favorites are shade #545 and #626. Shade #545 is what I wore on our wedding day and what I wear most! I prefer these lip stains to actual lipstick because they don't wear off with eating, drinking water, kissing, etc. =) Each color comes with a tube of clear "sealer" that you put on after applying the color. They stay on remarkably long and don't make your lips feel dry and "caked", either. I highly recommend these! 

This may sound like a full makeup bag but in reality (and as you more experienced ladies know) mine is a super basic routine. I've never learned about contouring, shading, or blending. I love the look of foundation but the concept stresses me out because I've had a couple of bad experiences trying it and can't seem to figure out how to make it look natural on myself. I've never worn lip liner and I can't do "cat eye" winged liner lines to save my life! So this girl needs a little help here!

This is my current makeup look. I was trying to find a close up picture of myself and I realized that all of them are selfies with babies these days! That's fine with me-this little guy is my favorite mini accessory anyhow!

What products do YOU recommend? What are your favorites? I'm always up to try something new! Have you watched any helpful youtube tutorials and if so, would you share the links? What is your makeup routine? Does anyone have recommendations for a great liquid foundation that is natural-looking and breathable? I would also love to find a good toner/base and a sealer spray!

Can't wait to hear from you, so comment below, and have a lovely weekend!

-Chels

(Note: all of the items linked in this post are items that I own and love! The Amazon links are affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure here)

31 comments:

  1. Hi Chelsey! I enjoy following your blog and thought I’d share what I use. I agree with you that makeup makes me feel better and more put together, so I pretty much wear it everyday too. I currently use liquid foundation, contour, blush, highlight, eyeshadow, eyeliner(liquid on top and crayon on the bottom), mascara, and lip stick. So the whole look. 😊

    Over the last year, I’ve gotten into using clean makeup because I realized how many dangerous chemicals and ingredients are in makeup products, and if you use them everyday it can be harmful long term. While mineral makeup brands are more expensive, the products last a long time and are worth it for long term health.

    So right now my favorite brand is bareMinerals. I really like their barePro liquid foundation (https://www.bareminerals.com/how-to/clean-beauty-consultation/barepro-performance-wear-liquid-foundation-spf-20/USmasterbareproliquid.html ). They have tons of shades which was nice since I had a hard time finding the perfect shade for my skin tone. This foundation also has SPF 20 which is important to help protect from sun damage.

    Contouring is actually pretty easy and I love the way it adds color and dimension to my face. Foundation evens out skin tone but can also give you a flat look. So contouring helps re-define. It just takes a bit of practice, but can be super easy.

    Hope that helps!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts! I definitely want to work on contouring!
      Thanks also for sharing the link for your fav foundation, and your makeup routine!

      Delete
  2. Hi Chelsy!
    Your blog has been a blessing and a great resource for me as I start planning my own wedding and I'm happy to be able to return the favor and help you!
    The 'Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual' helped me a lot when I was just starting out in makeup! Bobbi Brown is a great resource, she writes about why we accentuate certain features or how to properly hide things we might not want others to notice. Some of her coloring advice may be outdated since the book was written (at least!) 10 years ago - but her technique is incredible. Her website is also a valuable tool.

    I also took a while to find a foundation I really like! I think for beginners it's helpful to go to Sephora - their makeup is pretty pricey but they are VERY generous with samples (with no purchase required) and have an amazing return policy so you can try things out and return them if it doesn't work for you. A little tip for applying foundation - I like to use my (clean) fingers since the warmth helps it blend easily into my skin.
    As far as YouTube I love Lisa Eldridge's channel - she has such an incredible vault of knowledge!! Not just tips & tricks but also the history of makeup if you're into that. Sometimes watching people put on makeup is so helpful by itself.
    A lot of my knowledge has come from looking silly because I tried something new - makeup is an exercise of patience in some ways, especially since the more you practice and explore new things the better you get!
    God bless you and your family, looking forward to seeing more!
    Polly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, I'm so thankful if some of my posts can be a help to you as you plan your wedding! Congratulations, by the way!
      Thanks for sharing your tips-another friend suggested going to Sephora, also, so I am definitely going to keep that in mind!
      And I'm excited to check into the website and youtube links you shared! Thanks so much!

      Delete
  3. I too am not much of a makeup gal but as I age I find I’m wearing it more.
    I LOVE Young Living’s new liquid foundation! I have used many different brands over the past 30+ years & it is by far the easiest to apply, is very lightweight feeling, looks smooth & covers very well!
    My favorite thing about it is that I’m not covering my face in a bunch of toxic chemicals that will affect my health.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing! My sis sells Young Living so I'll have to ask her more about the foundation! Sounds like a great recommendation for it to be the best you've used over 30 years!

      Delete
  4. Chelsy!

    You NEED to check out Maskcara makeup! It’s a simple compact with four creams— contour, highlight (foundation), blush (which doubles as lip!), and illuminator. You’ll look awesome and natural and love how crazy easy it is to use!

    https://www.maskcarabeauty.com/en

    The ingredients are relatively clean (stopped my headaches when I switched!). I also use Clinique Beyond Perfecting Liquid Foundation + Concealer for additional coverage (you know... concerts! 😜). But Maskcara will change your makeup game and is affordable too!

    Hints: Get good brushes. Use primer before. Finish with setting spray. (Maskcara has one... but I honestly use Covergirl or L’Oreal from Walmart.) And having a consistent face care routine is a must.

    Check out Jocelyn McClellan on Instagram and YouTube. She’s the bomb and will get you color-matched for free here: https://fitmissionmakeup.com/

    I’m not a Maskcara Artist (wow, this comment is sales-y), just a forever user whose makeup game is changed. πŸ˜‚ Fun topic! πŸ€—

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl!! Thankyou! Your makeup is always gorgeous so you'd better believe I am taking NOTES on your ideas and tips! =)
      Especially excited to check out the video link ASAP!

      Delete
  5. Hi Chelsy!
    I have never been very good at all the makeup techniques either, but I do like to wear makeup everyday. My sister is much better at makeup than I am, and she has given me some recommendations I've really ended up liking.
    I start with a primer which I never used to, but I found my foundation goes on a lot better with it. I really like The Ordinary Primer from Sephora (unlike a lot of their products this one is quite cheap--$5 or $6).
    I tried a natural foundation for awhile, and it just didn't look good. SO I now use L'Oreal Paris Infallible Liquid Foundation, and I love it! I also really like their shimmering Blush Please (which I don't wear every day).
    My sister got me out of my very basic routine and started on using bronzer and highlighter. I use Physician Formula's butter bronzer and highlighter. These two work well to add a little subtle color and contour even though I don't know much about contouring!
    For my eyes, I use a Bare Eyes eye shadow palette from Profusion and Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. Before this mascara, I also used Million Lashes from L'Oreal, and I really like both brands. I won't even bother telling you about my eyeliner, because I wouldn't recommend it:)
    I finish with Pacifica Beauty Rose Flower Hydro Mist.
    Your blog is such a blessing!
    Ashli


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great ideas! Thanks for sharing! I'm especially intrigued by the Physician Formula since it sounds like I wouldn't have to be an expert to use it!
      Love your tips!

      Delete
  6. Hi there!

    BB or CC creams are pretty lightweight and most have SPF in the formula. I love the IT Cosmetics CC Cream which has a lot of coverage. L'oreal and Maybelline make ones as well. The downside is that some lines have limited shades.

    I love the Thayers witch hazel toner. Mario Badescu makes a couple of good toners and sprays!

    Milani Make it Last and l'oreal infallible setting spray are my favorites!

    I'm an oily skin gal so I try to use products that have longevity. I also had my baby 8 weeks ago so my time is limited haha

    I wash my face, moisturize and I put on the Tarte BB Treatment. It doubles as a primer! Most days though, I just use the Maybelline instant age rewind to spot treat. I set with Airspun powder. I bronze with my Too Faced Hula bronzer. If I have the time, I either use the KVD Trooper eyeliner or the Milani brown eyeliner. I finish with my Milani matte setting spray.

    Product links:

    Airspun Powder: https://www.amazon.com/Airspun-Translucent-Setting-Foundation-Lightweight/dp/B000BNG4VU

    Thayers Toner: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Formula-12-Facial/dp/B007HD570Q

    Mario Badescu Toners: https://www.mariobadescu.com/category/toners-astringents

    IT Cosmetics CC Cream: https://www.ulta.com/cc-cream-with-spf-50?productId=xlsImpprod5770257

    Maybelline BB Cream: https://www.ulta.com/dream-fresh-bb-cream-8-in-1-skin-perfector?productId=xlsImpprod4480195

    L'oreal BB Cream: https://www.ulta.com/studio-secrets-magic-skin-beautifier-bb-cream?productId=xlsImpprod4480171

    Milani Make It Last Setting Spray: https://www.ulta.com/make-it-last-setting-spray-prime-correct-set?productId=xlsImpprod17081093

    I hope this helps!

    Charisse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou so much for taking the time to share your routine!! So fun to get all these ideas and I'm looking forward to trying some of them!

      Delete
  7. I love your makeup...you always look stunning :) And I want a glittery makeup bag now ha :) I don't wear foundation either, but on days I want a little bit of coverage I wear Maybelline's BB cream...it's very sheer+natural but helps even out skin tone when needed. And I used to do a full face of contour and a smokey eye every single day (as im sure you remember haha) but I'm much more of a natural look girl these days and I'm loving it! Here's my go to routine/products:
    Skincare (witch hazel toner+vitamin C serum+moisturizer)
    Brows (Elf brow pencil, it's $2 at walmart)
    Concealer (Maybelline instant age rewind, possibly my only holy grail product)
    Blush (my favorites are Milani baked blush in luminoso, this shade would be perfect for you as well!! And Maybelline cheek heat gel cream blush in rose flush (I love liquid and cream blushes for a super natural, glowy look)
    Highlight (I put it on top of my cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid's bow, chin, and sometimes center of forehead) my favorite liquid is the one by Neutrogena and my current favorite powder is wet n wild.
    I set all of the above with a very light dusting of Coty loose powder (the vintage stuff!) And then either do just mascara or a quick swipe of warm brown eyeshadowabove my crease and under my lower lash line. Sometimes I do eyeliner too but not usually because I have two small children who like to crawl all over me while I'm doing makeup. :)
    Anyway that's my super basic/natural look these days! I miss you by the way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your makeup has always been stunning! I do remember your full glam coverage days! I also remember how you were just so put together and perfect and stylish and I knew we would never get along because you were just on a whole 'nother level. And then we ended up besties. =)
      I love both your "looks"! And super fun to get your recommendations for your routine these days. Definitely will have to try out some of those!
      Thanks for taking time to share! Miss you tooooo!!

      Delete
  8. My makeup routine is pretty much like yours 😊 I do love and highly recommend Beautycounter tinted moisturizer. I use it every day. I have dry skin, so I have to have some kind of moisturizer in the morning regardless, and this product has SPF 30 and evens out my complexion a bit. It works great, smells great, and uses only mineral sunscreen, which is a really hard thing to find in beauty products! Even my mom uses this stuff! It’s pricey, but it lasts me 5-6 months. https://www.beautycounter.com/product/dew-skin-tinted-moisturizer/variant-1691

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for sharing the link! Sounds like a great product-I have a couple of friends who use/sell BC products and love them!

      Delete
  9. Part 1
    Hi from Australia! I've been reading your blog for a few years now and this is the first time commenting! I really love doing my makeup too. I don't do it all the time but when I do, I really love it. I noticed you use all drugstore items which is what I started out only using so I'm going to list the items I used from the drugstore before changing to Sephora items (I'll list these too in case you want to give it a go). But what I've learnt from YouTube over the years is really a skincare routine helps with the make up. I don't have any YouTube videos sorry because I learn a little something from every video but not all at once!
    So I would just say for skincare that you just have a cleanser and a moisturizer. Sephora people are always helpful in suggesting products. And if you get testers, it helps you try a product without buying. And then wait for sales to come to purchase it :)
    I'm an oily/combo gal, so not sure if these will all work for you! And I'd use links but not sure they'd be useful in America!
    I always cleanse my face first to start with a clean face because that's essential. Then I use a primer next. Primer is essential because it makes your foundation go on smoothly and look great. I love the CoverFX mattifying primer but have really started to prefer the new Urban Decay Matte Primer (but it's quite expensive though a little goes a long way).
    Next I apply concealer and foundation. You can if you don't have dark under eyes just use your foundation as a concealer. That's what I used to do for a long time and you would never know. But otherwise I really like the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. It blends really nicely!
    When starting out I wanted something light because I wasn't used to seeing myself with makeup so I started with Maybelline Dream Satin BB Cream but now really LOVE and prefer IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (a very highly rated product). A little bit gives you light coverage and you can build on it more for a more 'glam' look. I would recommend applying that for the best look, try a BeautyBlender. But not the actual brand because they are expensive but Real Techniques Miracle Sponge. But any one I would think would work. Use the pointy end for concealer and the other end for foundation. And always clean them after every use :) BTW the perfect way to find out if a foundation matches you is to apply a little bit to the neck. If that looks the same or close enough, then that is your match! And I recommend dragging your foundation down into your neck and blending it just to your chest. Because if you stop at your face, you get this weird look that I see so many people have which is not natural looking :)
    Next I apply Blush and then Contour and then Highlighter.
    I've not really found a great one of any of those. But with contour people put it all over the place. I find that doesn't look natural for me because I'm so pale. So I would suggest you just start on the cheeks and then as you get more confident you can try putting it on other places if you want. But be ready to look a little weird as you try to perfect it (I put too much on for a while and you can't blend that out that much :)) And I would place the highlighter on your cheek bones only. But you may be better than me!!
    I usually set my face after that with powder. If you don't have an oily face, I wouldn't bother in my opinion. But certainly do if you want!
    Cont....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Part 2
    I don't use eyeshadow at all. I barely have any eyelid showing, so I don't bother. But like you I would only put on one colour because I have no idea what to do with it. But there are plenty of YouTube videos out there if you wanted to try new looks. I think Kayley Melissa has really nice natural looking ones if you wanted to start somewhere for eyeshadow. BTW apparently it's better to apply eyeshadow at the very beginning right after primer because some of it can fall on your face and mess with the rest of your makeup which you can't wipe off now and it looks funny if you keep it there especially if it's a glitter eyeshadow!
    I then spray on a setting spray before mascara or eyeliner. Just because it keeps my mascara wet for longer than usual. I don't know if you have this brand in the USA but NYX Professional Make Up Setting Spray is a great drug store one but I really prefer the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. It is very highly rated too.
    Then Mascara (I hope I'm not blabbing on too much. As you can tell, I'm not a expert but I love trying new things with makeup and love talking about makeup and hair!). I really love the Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash. This is very highly rated too. I don't need a curler with this one. I find if you hold the wand part to your eyelashes and hold them up for a few seconds before running it through your lashes, it gives your lashes a lift all on it's own. And if some gets on your eyelid it's so easy to wipe off with your finger unlike plenty others! And I really only need one or two layers depending on the look I'm going for which is a time saver!
    And I'll only put eyeliner on if it's a special occasion or I feel like it. But this goes on before I do the mascara :) And I've only just in the last time or two tried doing a wing. Start small and work your way up if you like it. Personally I feel like it makes me look too much with one but maybe I'm just not used to it yet! There are tools out there where it's a wing stamp. So you don't have to be good at it because you just stamp one on. No recommendation for this either sorry.

    I hope this wasn't too much sharing from me! I just feel like I would have loved to have known all this when I started out too. And I'm not a full glam girl like some (wings, colourful eyeshadow, heavy makeup), which I think is you too. So I hope you find this all helpful. But Sephora people can help you match foundations and concealer colours. And the more you put it all on, the more used to it you will be. That’s maybe why you don't like the look of foundation on yourself :) That or maybe a primer and the right foundation, might help!
    Happy learning!! And God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love all the thoughts! Thanks for taking the time to chime in!

      Delete
  11. So I am a lot like what you were when it comes to make up. My sister and mom wear a lot of all-natural make--Honey Bee Gardens (though they don't recommend the mascara or eye pencil). My sister has their mineral eye shadow and it works really good for her!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I do a five minute face when I have to go to work. On weekends I don't typically wear makeup. CC cream, a little blush, mascara, eye shadow if I'm feeling like it and a lip gloss. I use Arbonne products. My skin is super sensitive and I react terribly to anything but them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’ve heard great reviews about Arbonne! Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  13. Sweet Chelsy...you are so pretty as is. I am probably your mama's age, and I can tell you that in your season of life, keep it basic. Maybe a bit of fun glam for a date night out or a special something-something for an occasion, but for every day, keep it basic. That said, I do not have a slimmed down skincare routine because I believe in good (not necessarily expensive) skin care. Sunscreen is a must, and I like Mychelle sunscreen that I can mix with my Burt's Bees Moisturizer and a drop of Young Living Frankincense essential oil during the day. I put this combination on top of Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair (it is never too early to start this). At night, I use an exfoliator when the mood strikes, and I am using Neogen Bio Peel Gauze pads right now again, when the mood strikes. I switch up exfoliators, so I am not married to any of them. I use a primer and tinted moisturizer most of the time instead of foundation, but concealer is a huge thing for me because I have naturally dark circles under my eyes. The best I have found after 30+ years of wearing make up is IT Bye-Bye Under Eye Concealing Pot applied with a brush. I am a huge fan of MAC red lipstick (as long as you go light on the eye makeup), but for everyday, I use a raspberry pink.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fun to hear from someone who has quite a few more years of experience and thoughts! Thanks!

      Delete
  14. Hi! I'm 8 years older than you, and my makeup journey looks a lot like yours. I actually started wearing makeup on the daily basis just two years ago :)). My advice would be not about the precise brands but about the hacks and form factors, as I live in not just another country but on the different continent and prefer some local brands. As a busy mother you may like BIG eyeliners or eyeshadows in the form of the pencils. They are easy to apply and usually have some beneficial components like good oils or vitamins in them. And they don't dry your skin out, even most of the waterproof versions! Lipstick&lip gloss "pencils" are often nice, too.
    I also like tinted lip balms. For my eyelashes and eyebrows I use the permanent dye, it's really the timesaver!It's similar to the hair dye, I apply it on my brows myself and go to the salon for eyelashes. So I don't use mascara very often.
    Another good hint that I like is to apply the lipstick on my cheeks instead of the blush.And I use the transparent powder instead of the foundation, it gives me wonderful look without accentuating my wrinkles or troubles with tone matching.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I find that investing in high quality makeup is worth the investment, especially as you get older. Sephora and Ulta can have great deals. I also find that while higher quality products are more expensive, they last longer and are better for your skin. MAC primer is a great quality product and Bobbi Brown finishing powders lasts way longer than the cheaper products you might find else where. When I was younger I didn't fully appreciate that the investment in my makeup, and especially a solid make up brush cleaner, was well worth it in the long run. I switched to high quality products when I was 28 and 11 years later I can tell you that my skin is glad I made the investment! Think of your makeup bag like your wardrobe...those few staple pieces that you invest in are well worth the cost for the quality.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great advice! I have definitely seen a theme here in the comments to consider this an investment! Good thoughts!

      Delete
  16. I start my plucking any stray eyebrow hairs with a simple pair of tweezers. Then, I apply Alima Pure powder foundation with a Real Techniques face brush. I’ve used both Juice Beauty liquid foundation and Clinique liquid foundation in the past, but I like the powder much better. Much easier to apply!

    I use Alima Pure powder concealer with a little Sonia Kashuk brush. Following that, I actually apply arrowroot powder as a loose translucent powder with an Eco Tools powder brush! As you’ll see, nearly all of my makeup is all-natural and clean! Then I use a dark Burt’s Bees blush as a bronzer with another Real Techniques brush, and a light pink shade as my actual blush with an Eco Tools blush brush. Then I just apply a simple Burt’s Bees lip balm.

    Then I use a Burt’s Bees eyebrow pencil to fill in my brows, an NYX clear eyebrow gel, and I layer two different mascaras, but it sounds like you like your brand and mine are just L’OrΓ©al and Maybelliene anyway. Nothing fancy! Lastly, I use Maybelline’s line stiletto liquid eyeliner.

    Erin Bates Paine has a really great makeup tutorial on YouTube and I love the way she does her eyeshadow. I only really apply that on special occasions, but I do follow her tutorial for it.

    Hope this helps!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing! I also watched her foundation and eyeshadow tutorials and they were super helpful!

      Delete

Comments containing profanity and/or hateful language will not be published. I will not be posting comments with questions regarding either John's or my extended family. If you have questions about them, please go ask them on their blogs. =)
Also, anyone with a question related to a post must provide their full name. Feel free to email me with questions on topics not pertinent to the post. Thanks y'all!