My top 5 makeup must haves

So one thing you should know about me is that I am a beauty product junkie.

I live for new lotions and potions that promise dewy skin and creams and serums that promise to erase wrinkles and under eye circles.  And as much as I slather myself daily with my collection of the latest and greatest at the end of the day I feel like it’s really my make up that is the true magical unicorn in providing a youthful look. And really guys, I mean I’m in my 40’s so c’mon…only so much you can do without lasering your face off, right? (Is lasering a word?)

So my magical bag of makeup is filled to the hilt with every concealer and mascara you can imagine but the tried and true that have been with me for years, that I won’t ever give up and pray they will never discontinue are these top 5:

1. Bare Minerals All Over Face Color in Warmth $22

I’ve used this for years and years. It’s an old reliable staple that I cant seem to break up with. It’s such a great bronzer / blush. It’s really a great multitasking powder for me. I use it on my eyes too.  Budget friendly dupe: Soap In Glory’s Wonderbronze Shimmer Brick $13. This has more sparkle in it than Bare Minerals and to be honest I usually mix this in with it to give a little glow.

2. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer $27

This is my holy grail of concealers. It covers everything! It works as a contouring concealer as well as under eye. I look downright tribal when I put this stuff on but man once it’s rubbed in…done for the day. No really, it stays on all dang day long. Budget friendly dupe: Revlon PhotoReady Concealer $6. I don’t use my Tarte daily because it can feel a little heavy so on my “light” makeup days I use my Revlon Concealer. It’s really great at covering while still giving you a “natural” look.

3. Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Waterproof Mascara $29

Although the word natural is in this I’d have to say it’s more like ultimate in how it makes your lashes look. It give you not only length but great volume. It doesn’t feel weighty and for those of us with straight lash Asian eyes this brand was made for us. It is waterproof and smudge proof. Budget friendly dupe: Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume $7. I mean you guys I have 3 kids. I’m always on a tight budget so 75% of the year this is my mascara of choice. Everyone knows about this mascara. It’s kind of legendary because it’s so dang cheap and works sooooo good!

4. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Opal $41

Ok pals, this highlighter gives just the perfect amount of glow. Whenever I wear it people comment on how glowy and dewy I look. I use it on the tops of my cheekbones after blush. I also run it down my nose like you would contour concealer. I love this stuff. And here’s a pro tip. If you go to Sephora they have a mini version you can try that also comes with the pressed version of this (which I also LOVE) It’s called the Becca Opal Glow on the Go Kit $20. They usually have it with all those travel size products that lure you to buy while you’re standing in line. It’s a great little try out if you don’t want to go for the full size. Budget friendly dupe: Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder. I love this brand actually. Like the Wet and Wild of the 2000’s. This is similar to Becca’s pressed highlighter but I will say that I prefer a liquid glow to pressed. But still a great option!

5. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Gel $10

Ok ladies, let’s get real here. Anyone I know over 35 is struggling with eyebrow loss. Whether you were a college age over plucker or you are just hitting that middle age hair thinning phase it seems we are in a race to figure out how to get our lush, thick Brooke Shields eyebrows back. Now I’m not big on the new sculpted drawn in look that seems to be all the rage. I just want them to look like they did when I was 16. I wish I could say I’ve tried more eyebrow gels but this is one of my firsts and I’m standing by it. It takes a little time to learn how to not over do it but once you get the hang of it I think they give you an almost Lily Collins look. Ok maybe not that thick but pretty darn close. The best thing is that it doesn’t smudge off. It stays put until you wash it off with cleanser and water. I don’t have a bargain friendly dupe for ya because at $10 bucks this is as affordable as you’re going to get with eyebrow gel.

Ok, and I know I said five must haves but I always have to mention this because it really and truly is what I would bring if I was stranded on a desert island and could bring only one makeup tool…drumroll please…

Honorable Mention: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler $23

This is the holy grail of eyelash curlers. Hollywood makeup artists swear by this and yours truly with my long but straight Asian eyelashes have used this for a million years and will never part with it. I generally don’t leave the house without a little makeup on. At least concealer but if I’m truly running out the door make up free I always…and I mean ALWAYS curl my eyelashes.

So what is that one makeup tool or product that you just can’t live without? Shoot me a comment. I love suggestions for new beauty finds!

XOXO Sj