Makeup!

Compared to ladies who call themselves "makeup gurus", I have very minimal amount of makeup. I don't like to hoard stuff, so I usually make sure something is used up before I buy anything else. I'm always curious about what other people are using, so I want to share what I use too. Just in case you want to know.

My skin type: Dry combination, not prone to breakout
Complexion: Fair to light
Main concerns: Even out skin tone and covering under-eye dark circles

1. Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in W1-W2
I decided to try this foundation because of the pump dispenser and I'm glad I did. This foundation gives me a luminous finish and does not highlight possible dry patches. It is very watery and offers very light coverage. I apply using the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki brush.

2. Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Fair
This brightens up my eye area without caking or sinking into my fine lines (and those are fine lines, my friend!). I apply using the MAC 190SE foundation brush.

3. Eye primer: Milani Eyeshadow Primer
I previously used E.L.F's $1 primer that worked well, but found that this offered an even greater staying power. The key is to wait at least a minute before applying your shadow or liner. 

4. Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light
I use very little on my T-zone and cheeks, just to prep my face for powder blush. I apply with Real Technique Powder Brush.

5. Bronzer: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny 720
This is used to lightly contour and add colour to my cheeks. Truthfully, I've never used bronzer before this so I have nothing to compare this to. I apply with Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush.

6. Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso
I have other blushes, but this one is currently my favourite. It's very similar to the Nars blush in Orgasm, which I also have, but less pigmented. I apply using the Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour brush.

7. Brows: Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
This is the first time I used a black brow pencil instead of dark brown. I started noticing how obvious my dark brow hair (still noticeable, albeit sparse) was against the brown pencil so I decided to try a black pencil. After trying a couple of different brands, I find that Shiseido's brow pencil is most natural. It's more of a gray than black. Apply with a light hand and build up. You don't want to look like this guy:

8. Eyeliner: Milani Liquid Eye in Brown and Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Charcoal
I tight-line with the Revlon pencil and smudge for a smokey look; then I line my waterline (lower lash line) with the Milani brown pencil. I have really watery eyes and I find the Milani primer and liner combination works well in terms of staying power. I will then use a black liquid liner to go over my top lash line, but I haven't found a favourite yet.

9. Mascara: Covergirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara in Black Waterproof and Maybelline Colossal Volume Express in Black Waterproof
After watching JaaackJack's mascara video, I started using two mascaras too and found that this created a nice effect. I first apply the Maybelline Volume Express and then go over it with the Covergirl NatureLuxe. I always buy waterproof mascaras because of my watery eyes and my lashes stay curled all day.

10. Highlighter: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle
I do find this a little bit too frosty but I apply so little it doesn't really matter. I apply a little along the top of my cheeks with the Real Techniques Setting Brush.

I don't wear makeup when I'm at home so it takes me forever to finish a product ... actually, the truth is, I don't even have time to wash my face in the mornings! Not cool, eh? Oh, well ... no one's perfect. Grrr!