listen, a year ago, i owned one foundation, blush, eyeliner and bronzer. And I’d put on the same face every time I wanted to do something special. I can’t lie, I prided myself on being an au naturalle babe. But a few things changed my life.
photoshoots.
live performance.
but mostly bad make-up on television.
last summer/fall I did a lot of television. With the exception of a few outstanding make-up artists, I had a lot of foundation what was too light and eye shadows with no pigment applied to my skin which resulted in me looking like casper under the lights of television studios. can you imagine me *point to self* a casper?!? exactly.
then, knowing we’d be doing our own make-up on tour, I dove in to learning how to do it for myself. a painstaking process which has now become an obsession.
I’ve had a few great lessons from two amazing MUAs (and friends) from the UK when I was snowed in, in London last December. Since then, I can’t pass a Sephora or make-up counter without stopping. Hell, I even peruse the make-up aisle in the grocery store for new finds and must-haves. it’s that deep.
and we can’t forget youtube and the brilliance of learning from strangers. there are some really really talented folks out there. not to mention the hilarity of people’s kids making bunny ears in the background as they are recording. but that’s life. you still have to beat that face, even if the kids are running around crazy. thanks for sharing FIERCE moms of america.
nonetheless, I’ve found quite a few products that have become staples in my daily life. Don’t even think about asking me to go without. It ain’t happ’nin! 
sorta shot this photo magazine style – i love those pages that feature of a mish-mash of new skin care products. unfortunately, i took this last night with BeBe (my BB) while I was organizing myself to start packing. Melbourne or bust!
let’s get into it, shall we?!?
1. Make-Up Forever HD Foundation – looks like you’ve been airbrushed in real life and has the smoothest application too
2. Burt’s Bees Lip Balm – Soothing peppermint finish and lasts for hours, keeping my lips hydrated.
3. Malin + Goetz Peppermint Soap – Got turned out to this product after staying in the Standard NYC a few times. I noticed how smooth my skin was after showers, leaving no residue. Love clean soap.
4.Dermalogica Multi-Active toner – First started using a sample given to me in a goodie bag along with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. I used this more because it rehydrates my skin immediately after make-up removal. A really great buy during winter months when there’s no sun – it keeps me glowing.
5. Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer – Warms up to my complexion and doesn’t just sit on top of my skin while brightening under my eyes to make me look more youthful. Application is fun because of the creamy texture and it comes with a loose translucent powder to set it.
6. Nail Lacquer – Rimmel London Black Opal is featured here, but basically, any color to add excitement to life. Changing colors twice a weeks keeps my creativity up. My favorite line of colors is, Essie.
7. Orly Top 2 Bottom – Orly has a great line of nail care products, period. But I can’t carry all of that in my suitcase. Top 2 Bottom is a must-have because it is quick drying, multi-purpose and isn’t messy.
8. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base – I’m convinced Bobbi Brown spends as much time on the texture of their products as their effectivenes because this face base is like laying on a pillow. So rich and creamy and packed with essential vitamins for the skin, I use it as my daily moisturizer and never a face base. Always used with my Dermalogica Toner.
9. Comondynes Make-Up Remove Wipes for Sensitive Skin – Inexpensive and mild make-up removers. I love that they are not overly wet or have a strong smell. Innocuous but effective. I alternate with the ‘Yes to Cucumber’ make-up remover wipes which are great to reduce puffiness too. A snatched face, okay?!?
10. Versace Lights All Over Compact Powder – Perfect reinforcing highlighter after you’ve set your face with powder. It’s brilliance? Creates a nice glow when you perspire.
Other items not shown but I cannot live without:
- Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder – For no coverage days, evens out my complexion and adds a warm glow
- L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara – For a drug store brand it rivals DiorShow Blackout. Best buy ever!
