Favorites: 2012

From my makeuped & pinkached heart to yours, my favorite products of 2012

foundation:
MAC Studio Sculpt (NW20)

Everything I thought about foundation changed when the MAC artist first painted this on my face. It was easy to apply, left my face looking & feeling flawless, and stayed put for 8 hours. It's a buildable gel-based foundation that leaves your skin with a dewy complexion. If you prefer matte skin like I do, just apply your favorite powder on top.  I've repurchased 5/6 times. The gel-based formula is best for normal to dry skin, & may be too much for oily skin types.

Foundation is one of those products every girl should should invest in. Buying higher end ensures you can sample before purchasing, match your skin tone, and say goodbye to the days of pacing Walmart cosmetic isles, guessing which foundation shade is best.  

powder foundation:
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish (Very Light)

Affectionately called MAC MSF in the beauty community, this powder creates a beautiful canvas. Use this over foundation, BB cream, moisturizer, primer, and even apply to a bare face with a damp brush and this will make my face look polished, matte, and flawless.

This is my favorite method (forward to 2:52) to apply MSF, and it gives full coverage when applied this way- my favorite!

eyeshadow palette:
Urban Decay's Naked, Naked 2, and Naked Basics.

There's a reason you can't stop hearing about these palettes. The shadows are long lasting and make blending a piece of cake. The formulation is admired by professionals and teaches newcomers the eyeshadow standard. Each Naked palette has it's own claim to fame, and I don't know if I could choose a favorite. I recommend going to your nearest Sephora or Ulta to check each one out and see what colors you'd like to start with. A makeup-acher must have.

the rest of my 2012 holy grails after the jump

EYES

pencil eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 pencil eyeliner

liquid eyeliner: ELF liquid eyeliner in black

eye primer: Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion in Original 

eyeshadow pigment: Urban Decay - Sin

eyeshadow palette: Urban Decay Naked palettes. I recommend all 3!

falsies: Ardell 105's & Demi Whispies. Can't use without DUO lash glue.  

mascara: Maybelline Falsies, Maybelline Plush, Benefit BAD GAL, MAC ZoomFast, Tarte Lights! Camera! Lashes!

LIPS

lipstick: MAC Viva Glam GAGA II (limited edition)

lipgloss: MAC Viva Glad GAGA II (limited ed.) & Smackers gloss in strawberry parfait.

lip liner: still searching.

FACE

bb cream: Dr. Jart Gold Label Premium (ah-maze-ing)

blush: ELF Studio blushes 

highlighter: Benefit High Beam & NYX jumbo stick in Milk

concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage. I use SC-3. love. 

bronzer: Two Faced chocolate soleil bronzer (actually smells like cocoa if you're into that)

moisturizer: Aveeno Active Naturals Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

self tanner: St. Tropez foam bronzer
primer: Benefit PORE-fessional


kisses+hugs 
xoxo