My Current Makeup Must-Haves

“Maybe it’s NOT Maybelline. Maybe you were just born with it” - Mandy Hale

It’s so important to feel confident in your own skin. Makeup shouldn’t be a way to cover up your natural beauty. Instead, let it be a form of self-expression. Don’t cover up. Instead, glow - from the inside out.

For a long time, makeup has been a source of fun & creativity for me. When I pick up new products, I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning. So, not surprising, I'm someone who is always looking for new makeup recommendations. When someone recommends a product, though, I want to know WHY they love it. That’s what this list is. My ride-or-die products followed by why I can’t live without them. And don’t worry, every product is linked in each title :)

1. Peach Perfect Comfort Matte Foundation, Too Faced $36

   • I have yet to find another foundation that even comes close to holding a flame to this. I have naturally dry skin and this foundation never creases, never looks cakey and never separates throughout the day. This product gives the perfect medium coverage and is buildable. I can go on for days about this foundation. Trust me, you need it.

2. Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40, Supergoop! $36

   • This product is essentially 3 products in 1. Obviously, it’s a sunscreen - the most important product!!! But, it is tinted which is great for those days when you don’t want to wear a full face of makeup but want to cover up some pesky spots. And lastly, it also works as a GREAT primer for your makeup. Not to mention, a little goes a loooong way with this product.

3. BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara, Benefit Cosmetics $13-$25

   • If you know me, you know how much I love a good mascara. I’m lucky enough to have naturally long eyelashes so I am very critical when it comes to finding the best mascara out there. Believe me, this is IT. One coat and your lashes will have insane volume AND length - a combo that’s hard to find. It doesn’t flake or smudge and your lashes will still look so perfect at the end of the day that you’ll want to sleep with it on.

4. Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder, Fenty Beauty $18-$32

   • Forget what anyone has told you about Laura Mercier being the best setting powder because this Fenty powder is my holy grail. Not only does it brighten (great for undereyes) but it ensures that your makeup will not budge under any circumstances. Another bonus is that it comes in various shades to match your skin tone if you aren’t a big fan of the white cast from a translucent powder.

5. Microfiber Lavendar Velvet Sponge, Juno & Co. $6

   • Coming from someone who swore by beautyblender sponges, I can confidently say switching to this Juno & Co. sponge was the best move I have ever made. These sponges don’t soak up product, blend perfectly, and are a FRACTION of the price of the superior beautyblender. They also seem to last much longer than the other sponges I've tried. This one is a no-brainer.

6. Brilliant Eye Brightener, Thrive Causemetics $24

   • This tiny little product is an absolute game-changer. It can be used to brighten up your eye area, making you seem more awake and can also be used as an eyeshadow stick and a highlight stick. I have never been a big eyeshadow girl but this product is my daily go-to for playing up my eyes. Thrive recently added more shades which consequently emptied my bank account but I can definitely say these are worth it!!