I know I mainly do fashion entries, but I actually really love cosmetics too. So I thought, why not share with you my my essential picks for what every girl should have in their makeup case. However, I also got the help of my good friend
Kana from Osaka, Japan to contribute to this entry. Many people know and love American and French cosmetic brands like M.A.C. or Chanel, but what about brands from other countries? Have you ever wondered if cosmetic brands from other countries were just as good, if not better, then what you get in your own country? Are the brands we have as universal as we think? I've thought of that! So I wanted to share.
Enjoy!
Natalie C
My Picks
(
From bottom left, going clockwise)
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - There are lip balms, and then there's this. This lip balm lasts for hours and it leaves my lips super soft, never shiny or glossy, making it perfect just before putting on lip stick or gloss.
Fresh Satin Luster Face Palette - If you’re feeling extremely lazy but you need something quick to look amazing, all you need is a good highlighter in the inner corners of the eyes, eyelids, and cheekbones and your done! This one is also great for on the go since it isn't loose powder and has a big mirror.
Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette - I love smokey eyes, but one wrong eyeshadow can make you step into trampy, not classy. That's why I love this palette, because the colors are simple and build-able for more intensity.
Tokidoki Eyeshadow Brush Set, M.A.C. 208, Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush- Aren't the Tokidoki brushes adorable?! lol. They also serve more of a purpose than just looking cute. They're super soft antibacterial synthetic bristles, and after more than a year, I still haven't experienced a single fall out. The M.A.C. is a natural bristle eyeliner brush which retains pigment very well. Smudge brushes are one of those brushes I suggest not to invest in, that's why I like the Sonia Kashuk line from Target.
Urban Decay NAKED Palette - Look at it and it's array of colors! How can you go wrong with this palette?! It has something for everyone, for every occasion possible.
Smashbox O Gloss - I have fair skin, with pinkish/reddish undertones. With this gloss, I never have to worry because the color adjusts itself to make it the PERFECT shade of pink for my skin tone.
Rosebud Salve - I bring this along with me wherever I go, for my lips, cuts, cuticles, dry skin, etc. It's one of those "heal all, on-the-go" kind of product.
Nars Orgasm Blush - This stuff works on every skin tone to make dull skin look so alive and feminine. It's probably one of the only blushes I'll ever use. DO BELIEVE THE HYPE ON THIS ONE!
Laura Mercier Undercover Pot - Not sure if you're noticing a trend here, but I like good quality sets and palettes, and this one is no different. It has 2 great concealers for undereyes and blemishes, and sets it all with a fine loose powder.
Rescue Beauty Lounge and Chanel Nail Polishes - Each brand has unique colors, from sheer colors to hallographic colors that I don't think you can ever find in the popular brands like O.P.I. or Essie.
Chanel Inimitable Mascara - I have small, straight lashes, but with this stuff, it makes my eyes look feathery and long. I didn't understand at first what the Bloomingdales beauty rep meant by that, but when I put it on, I knew exactly what she was talking about! Now, I can't leave home without it.
Kana's Picks
(From top left to right)
Shiseido Integrate Eyebrow Powder - These eyebrow shadows stay on all day long and smudge well, leaving your brows with a natural finish.
Makeup Forever Foundation - This foundation goes on light, but covers flawlessly.
M.A.C. Summer Limited Edition Blush - This blush has a coral tint which I love, giving my cheeks a natural, summery look.
M.A.C. Prip+Prime - This primer keeps your face moisturized and smooth, ready for foundation after. It also keeps my foundation from budging all day long.
M.A.C. Gel Liner - I am just completely in love with this gel liner and I can't live without it. Definitely my go-to liner.
NARS Eyeshadow - These eyeshadows are very pigmented and they smudge and blend well.
M.A.C. Blush in Coppertone - This is a matte blush that gives a warm bronze color to cheeks. Great for an everyday natural look.
M.A.C. Mineral Powder - You can use this as loose powder to finish and set your makeup or you can also use it as a powder foundation. The Applicator it comes with is very convenient for applying it on-the-go as well.
Visee Eyeshadow Quads from Kose (Japanese Brand) - One is a cream shadow and the rest are pressed powder shadows. These shadows are super pigmented and have heaps of shimmer. The sandy color in the palette is my favorite, and I use these shades for a daytime look.
Maybelline Volume Mascara - This mascara is perfect for making thick lashes.
Covergirl Mascara - This mascara separates lashes and makes them look extra long.
Sigma Brush - This brush works almost as well as a M.A.C. brush but just at a cheaper price tag.
M.A.C. Smudge Brush No.19 - Great brush for smudging all kinds of eyeliners on upper and lower eyes.
Urban Decay Primer Portion - This primer keeps your eyeshadow from smudging and creasing all day long.
Thank you Kana for contributing! <3
