A peek inside my makeup drawer
Since we're getting reacquainted, get to know the latest additions to my cosmetic collection.
Although I love makeup, I don’t really wear all that much of it—or wear it all that often. Honestly, I go makeup-free almost every day unless I have a Zoom meeting or dinner plans (and even then I’m pretty light-handed). But I repeat, I love makeup, and always manage to find something intriguing to buy.
I already told you about the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick in my first post after my "break"—which is incredible when I want more of a polished look than my beloved Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 tinted moisturizer provides. Here, the other relative newbies I’m currently reaching for first.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
After repeat-purchasing Saie’s Hydrabeam concealer, I found myself in the mood for a change. It had been quite a while since I’d bought anything from Charlotte Tilbury, probably because her signature “look” couldn’t be any farther from mine. Truthfully, this concealer sat in my drawer until I used the very last drop of Saie, but now there’s no going back. The creamy illuminating formula is just-right for under my eyes and around my nose, and the best part is it doesn’t not settle into those pesky fine lines or require re-blending after a few hours of wear. P.S. I’ve discovered the key to a flawless finish is blending with a fluffy brush or a damp BeautyBlender.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in “Poppet”
This is my second Westman Atelier blush stick, and I still love my original subdued “Petal” shade. I had been eyeing the hot-pink “Poppet” for quite a while, but never deemed it worthy of an impulse buy—until I was in NYC and buying the foundation stick. Just the smallest dab makes my face look alive, and it’s absolutely perfect for summer.
Tower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
I’ll admit the FOMO got me here, and it turned out to be a great addition to my mascara wardrobe. (For the record, I won’t leave the house without mascara even if I’m just running around town in tinted sunscreen.) The curved brush has short, stiff bristles that get every lash, and it delivers a natural yet defined result. I suppose an extra coat would dial up the drama, but that’s not really my thing—and I’m really happy with just one swipe.
Beauty Pie Wrap Star Mascara
I love a tube mascara, and it’s basically a necessity once the South Florida summer heat and humidity kick in. I was so excited when I did my monthly Beauty Pie check-in and saw this new offering (along with its member price of $13). The fluffy, wavy brush is unlike any other I’ve seen and the lash-lengthening and separating it delivers officially made this mascara my favorite.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in “Golden Amber”
Any makeup that doesn’t require an application tool (other than my fingers) automatically wins points in my book, which is why I’ve come to love eyeshadow sticks. My go-to for every day is a shimmery champagne shade, and I came across this one on a field trip to Ulta when I was checking on a client’s merchandising (and staff knowledge). The color is perfect (for me) and the formula is sheer yet buildable, easy to blend and long-lasting. And, of course, idiot-proof application-wise. Note: I have to disagree with the Bobbi Brown website’s “true copper” description. It’s nowhere close to your once-favorite Crayola crayon.
Although the aforementioned glimmering Bobbi Brown is well within the makeup comfort zone I’ve established over the past few decades, I’ve recently found myself drawn to a matte, neutral eye. Sure, this is yet another throwback to the 90s, but after 30-ish years it feels fresh and modern once again. Of course, achieving this look required new products!
Beauty Pie Wondercolour Longwear Cream Shadow in “En Taupe”
Buying any makeup online without trying it first can be hit or miss, and this gamble so paid off—but at $12, it was hardly a risky investment. This kicks up my “no-makeup makeup” look up a notch by evening out my eyelids’ skin tone while leaving a natural-looking wash of color behind. The stick glides on, blends easily without tugging and stays put. I couldn’t live without it. P.S. The photo makes it look darker than it really is.
A matte bronzing powder
If the Beauty Pie stick is “level one” for a matte, neutral eye, “level two” would be an actual bronzer. There’s no reason you can’t use a powder bronzer as an eyeshadow, and it delivers a bit more color payoff—but I advise choosing a shade that you would use on your face. Unfortunately the Beauty Pie bronzer I use is no longer available, but you can find great alternatives here, here and here.
Victoria Beckham “Signature” Smoky Eye Brick
Naturally, I needed a “level three” option that allows me to take this matte, neutral eye out on the town (and this palette provides a bevy of options so you can tailor your look for any occasion). When I’m in the mood to go all in (and willing to bust out a few brushes), I start with the peachy shade (second from left) as a base before adding the far-right shade to my eyelid and crease. I find the far-left shade to be great for blending up to my brow bone, and I use the dark brown as a liner. (If you happen to head over to the VB site, do yourself a favor and add the “Bronze” Satin Kajal Liner to your cart. It’s the absolute easiest way to create a gorgeous, non-Goth smoky eye.)
So tell me… What are your newest favorites???
