Urban Decay- Primer Potion
Before I knew what an eyelid primer was, I would use stick eyeliner to create a base for my shadows. I had always tried to formulate really colorful shadows with water (Later I found out what mixing medium was.) The more of a base you create for the shadow the longer it lasts. Using primer potion has been a miracle, especially if you have oily eyelids! The biggest complaint I ever heard about the potion was the packaging, there was a lot of wasted product. Urban Decay took the negative rants to heart and re-packaged their magical primer into a squeeze tube. This comes in a few neutral shades now, but I like just the basic. Application is simple, just swipe across the lid, give it a minute to dry and then top with your favorite shadows. You can basically sleep in your shadow and still look the same the next day. (Though I would not recommend it.) Crease free is the way to be! (Typically cost $19 and last at least 6 months!)
Palladio- Pencil Liner
I had tried 20 different pencil liners before I came across one I truly fell in love with. I first saw the Palladio brand at Sally Beauty Supply and decided to give it a shot. The pencil comes already sharpened, and for the first 3-4 uses you will notice nothing spectacular. After it wears a little on the tip, this pencil liner starts to glide on like a liquid. I apply on my water line (which is something some people frown upon) , and the finished look it gives is like having a liquid liner on bottom. When working for Lancome I would get compliments all the time on how it never smudged or budged. I have tried rather expensive liners, waterproof liners, and automatic liners, but none compare to the Palladio. It comes in some really great shades, though I truly love my black. Say goodbye to the days of heating your stick liners with a hair dryer! (Typically cost $3-$6, lasts about 6 months!)
MAC/Estee Lauder - Shade Sticks/Shadow Sticks
Wouldn't it be easy if shadow went on just like a crayon? These products are fun and easy to use. If you didn't already know MAC and Estee Lauder are owned by the same company and actually you can find a lot of crossover products with different names. (Doublewear Shadow pots are a lot like MAC paint pots, etc) My every day look is some sort of deep brown smoky eye (black and silver if I am going out). Years ago I used just a liner to deepen my brown shadows and make them stick, then I came across MAC shade sticks, my staple color being Sharkskin which is really hard to find any more. Don't get me wrong, I love the paints, and the paint pots, but the application of those is a little more tedious. The ease of the stick really just glides right on, and if you use it with your primer potion, there is nothing that is going to budge that! I have a million of these in different colors, there is always something new at the counter. You usually follow them up with some shadow application, but some more natural looks don't require any further shadow placement. Give them a try! (Typically $17.50 and wears for about 6 months give or take your usage!)
Lancome- Teint Idole Ultra
You have probably already read my rants on foundation and how hard it is to find the perfect one. This Lancome foundation has been my holy grail. It is a matte foundation, long wearing, and great full coverage. SPF of 15, ideal for normal-oily skin types. As a whole Lancome has a great selection of foundation, and colors to match up with. Now that I have found this formula I am not going anywhere, it is the one over priced item I truly must have at all times. It leaves me feeling even, and confident. (Typically $42-try and buy when you get a gift! This foundation lasts me almost a whole year, and I use every day!)
MAC- Dazzleglass
Because my lips are pretty plump, I like more shine than color on them. Shine without sticky was an impossible find for quite a while. I had a couple products I liked, but I didn't love them. They were mostly drug store brands, but you found yourself applying way too often. Meet MAC Dazzleglass, which has been out a few years now. I got overwhelmed trying to "collect them all", but each one is truly unique. You can wear these alone for a hint of color, and ton of sparkle, but when paired with a perfect shade of lipstick under neath, you create a seal that lasts for a better part of your day, and your lips look amazing! This is another product I always got compliments on. The one thing I notice to be careful of is not using the application brush that comes with it when you are wearing lipstick. It is better to use your own lip brush so that you aren't always adding color to the gloss. Save your empties, if you don't already know, MAC has a recycle program and when you gather enough empties you get a free lipstick (or sometimes shadow). Definitely worth it! (Typically $18.50 and lasts about 4 months..)