Beauty Favorites

I know this was posted in January, but I'm linking it to Kelly's Korner for her Show Us Your Life Friday - Beauty Secrets on February 11. Enjoy!!

In an effort to cover areas of my life that don't necessarily include my ever adorable son, I'm writing today about 5 of my favorite beauty related items. I've loved makeup for years, probably since I before I was allowed to wear it. After college is when I really began taking note of what I wore and how it looked/lasted/etc. I like to think I've become a bit of a connoisseur. Its nice to have the info when people need it, and I've been able to recommend products over that years that people have ended up loving. So here are some of the top things I love and have recommended over the years. Enjoy!

1. Tools

The most important item in any makeup bag are the tools you use to apply said makeup. Throughout college I was fine using my fingers (which are still good for some things) or those annoying little foam applicators that come in drugstore eyeshadows (which are truly good for nothing). I got my first brush set the Christmas after college and ever since I've been a true brush believer. Its easy to find inexpensive brushes that work well (Sonia Kashuk at Target are fabulous). Its also easy to get addicted to collecting various brushes for various purposes. My basic suggestions for beginners would be: blush, eye shadow shader, eye shadow blending, and foundation (if you use liquid). Then you can go from there!

2. Urban Decay Primer Potion/Naked Palette

This one is a twofer. I love Urban Decay for many reasons, but these two items are the main ones. I remember the first day I used Primer Potion. It was a hot Florida day and I was going to my friend's college graduation. I was so used to eye shadow creasing and fading, I figured it was par for the course. But that marvelous day my eye shadow didn't crease, didn't fade, looked absolutely fabulous all day. And I haven't looked back since. Seriously though, Primer Potion is the best eye shadow base. I will say, I haven't tried others due to Primer Potion being the absolute best. Go out and get it now. If you don't already have a tube, then why don't you make your first the mini tube in the Naked Palette. This palette is so versatile I can't quite think of anyone it would look bad on. Its not your typical boring neutrals, but its also not chock full of glitter and shimmer. I adore the consistency of Urban Decay's eye shadows, and these don't disappoint. There was an issue with distribution for a while, but from what I understand it is back in stock, although not with the eye liner shown, but with a full size eye shadow brush. Take care of my #1 and #2 in one step!

3. Makeup Tutorials

The internet is full of a lot of things, makeup tutorials being one of them. And there are a lot of bad ones out there, trust me, I've seen them

But there are a lot of good ones too. Tiffany and Marlena are two of the best ones out there. Their instructions are easy, they have fun with makeup, and their creativity level is awesome. Check them out.

4. MAC Viva Glam V

This is possibly the best lipgloss out there, colorwise. It is a fantastic neutral, that looks great dressed up or down, however you wear it. Plus the proceeds benefit MAC's AIDS fund. Its good and it helps others, can't get much better than that.

5. MAC Fix+

This is one of those products I had heard about forever, but until I used it, I couldn't have imagined needing/wanting it. But oh how I need/want it. It is a makeup setting spray, which works particularly well when you use mineral foundation, which I currently do. But it is so much more. Its refreshing, its give you a glow, and it really helps in the application of gel eye liner. Dip your brush in Fix+, dip it in the liner, apply, and there you have it. Gorgeousness, if I do say so myself.

So there are my current beauty loves. Go out and explore the world of beauty, and remember, have fun. That's the best advice I can ever give.