I’ve been a small business owner for over 16 years now. However, becoming a freelance makeup artist, as a chosen career, was definitely NOT part of my business plan. I actually had NO business plan because I was studying fashion merchandising at the University of Georgia back in 1996 – I was sure I wanted to be a buyer for a large department store.
But what I didn’t realize along the college way, was that there is a lot of MATH involved with being a buyer, and I’m not so hot at math…
But isn’t that the beautiful thing about life? We can always change our minds and pivot. And I can safely say that my love for all things beauty, makeup, AND fashion, go nicely together!
That brings me to today’s Pretty Powerful post. I’m going to share with you 10 makeup products that I, as a working makeup artist, wear myself. I feel that since I’ve probably tried and worn more makeup products than the average gal, I have a pretty decent benchmark for what’s good and what’s not!
Please enjoy this Instagram reel I did showcasing the products I use on myself when I’m in a hurry (which is 87% of the time). These are the products I know without fail, will perk up my face and look good everytime when there’s no time to experiment.
Then keep reading for links to them below in case you’re interested in trying some out for yourself!
View this post on Instagram
SHOP THE POST :
Products in order :
Moisturizer – Embryolisse Lait Crème, $29. An iconic French moisturizer that works on even sensitive skin and a lot of celeb makeup artists use – can double as a primer as well!
Foundation – Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint, shade 220, $14. Never looks streaky, always looks flawless and light. Sinks in like a dream.
Concealer – Natasha Denona Hy-Glam concealer, shade RN3, $30. My new go-to for mature eyes. Very hydrating, full coverage, never drying.
Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Flawless airbrush setting powder, shade medium, $48. Ultra fine, definitely blurs the skin, just wish it came in a few more shade options!
Mascara – Maybelline the Falsies lash lift, $10. If you like big fat lashes and a bit fat mascara wand, this is the one! I love drugstore mascaras the most.
Foundation/Concealer brush – e.l.f. duo complexion brush, $9. So cheap, but so good and effective with being able to apply these creamy products with!
Blush – Patrick Ta Double Take Creme +Powder blush, shade “She’s a Doll,” $36. I can’t say enough good things about his blushes – I love having options to do either powder, a cream or layering both! These are exquisite formulas created by a powerhouse makeup artist himself and the color range is beautiful.
Eyeshadow – Makeup by Mario “Ethereal Eyes” palette is sadly sold out 🙁 The closet dupe to the quality and shades would be this Natasha Denona “I need a nude” palette, $69. The mirco-fine sparkles and the wearable neutral shades make it a must have to create so many looks with from simple to dramatic!
Lips – NYX Butter Gloss in “Prailine,” $6. I actually took a swipe of the cream pink Patrick Ta blush and dabbed it on first, then added this NYX gloss as a topper. I love the way it turned out! These NYX glosses will forever be a staple in my makeup artistry kit and just in general. Easy to wear and budget friendly.
Of course I have a bunch more that I could add to this list, but these are some recent main players I reach for often! What about you. – any makeup faves you can’t live without?
The rest of my outfit details : Go Get Em Tiger tee, $19 // Amazon large gold teardrop earrings, $12 // Amazon gold braided chain necklace, $14.
