Put Your Best Face Forward - Part Deux

WHAT'S IN MY BAG? 

Cosmetic Bag by Tory Burch

Part II of Put Your Best Face Forward features my make-up bag! I'm not a professional makeup artist, so I'm not going to try to sell you on all the reasons you need every color of the rainbow in eyeshadow. These are my beauty basics -- the must-haves for all make-up bags.

1. MAC Cremesheen in Japanese Maple 
The BEST Nude. Perfect for day-to-day or for a great smokey-eye/nude lip evening look. (Mac Stores - $14.50)

2. theBalm® Mary-Lou Manizer 
If you learn ANYTHING makeup related from me, please let it be the wonders a good highlighter can do for your face (...and your legs... and your collarbone...) honestly, this is a make-up must. I like Mary-Lou Manizer's gold tint for the Summer, but now that it's FINALLY starting to feel like winter in Austin, I'll be switching to MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter in Soft Glow, which has pink tones. (Birchbox - $24)

3. ModelCo Fibre Lash Extend
I received this in my Birchbox and fell in love instantly. It's not just the awesome length and volume I get from this incredible formula, but also the attached mirror -- making this product the easiest to use in ALL situations. Remember that little overnight bag we talked about?? Yeah, ModelCo Fibre Lash Extend would be a good addition. (Birchbox - $24)

4. Boscia BB Cream
If you saw my last post, you know my love for Boscia. First off, in addition to being cruelty free, they're also soy free which is great for we soy-allergy sufferers. (Side note: did you know your adult acne could be a soy allergy? Oh yeah...check into it). If you have yet to hear of BB Cream, allow me to revolutionize your makeup world. BB Cream (Beauty Balm) is an all-in-one tinted moisturizer, providing nutrients to minimize pores, even skin tone, treat acne while hiding it and reduce the appearance of sun and age spots. And it's a makeup. That's right, BB Cream gives you a flawless, air-brushed appearance, while also fixing some of your skin care woes. I have tried a few BB Creams, but Boscia remains my favorite for it's weightlessness and it's color-match technology. (Boscia - $38)

5. bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color
I'm a fair-skinned gal and I love me some bronzer. I would also suggest Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder and NARS bronzers. However, bareMinerals is what's in my current bag. I love the all-over glow it gives me, without looking orangey or made-up. It's such a natural, soft bronze, that keeps me looking healthy in the winter. (Sephora - $19) 

6. MAC Plushglass in Ample Pink
This is a must, must, must - a true, everyday gloss. I also wear it over my MAC Japanese Maple lipstick. MAC Plushglass line comes with a little tingle to give the lips a lil lift; we're not talking Lip Venom kind of plump, just a little extra oomph. (Mac Stores - $18.50)

7. Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush
Move outta the way, NARS Orgasm, this old gal's got new tricks. Why spend almost $30 on a blush, when you can get the same color for $10! That's right, Mary Kay's Shy Blush is a great dupe for less, and if you buy it through one of your local MK reps, you're also helping out a friend or family member! Double score! Ps. They also have a GREAT matte pink, too. You really should have both... (Mary Kay -$10)

8. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner  
This eyeliner is by far the fastest and most efficient way to put on liquid eyeliner. It gives the most perfect line every time, and I'm not talking about just your Gma's cat-eyed look; Eyeko's eyeliner can be worn every day, as it dries in a much more subtle way than most liquid eyeliners. Simply a must.
(Sephora - $15)


SEE PART I: SKIN CARE MUST-HAVES HERE

Put Your Best Face Forward

Hi Sisters, 

A couple girls have asked me for my beauty regimen, so here's Part I of a two part breakdown! In this post, I'm focusing on skin care. Here's my platoon -- all present and accounted for: 

1. Sephora Instant Eye Makeup Remover

There's a simple reason this stuff works -- because it needs to. It would be wrong to assume all girls are hitting the mall with a fresh face, so Sephora needs to have a quick and easy remover to create a clean workspace. If you've ever had your make-up touched up at Sephora, you know the wonder of this little miracle worker -- enough said! Use nightly! (Sephora - $8)

2. Kate Sommerville Exfolikate

Created by the owner of the renowned Los Angeles skin care clinic,  this cruelty-free brand is all about one thing -- beautiful, clear skin. Exfolikate not only scuffs away dead cells to leave skin glowing, but the Acne version of the scrub contains Salicylic Acid which also rids the skin of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Don't worry if you're face is like mine and dries up at the thought of Salicylic Acid, this wonder scrub is packed with awesome ingrediants like Green French Clay and Jojoba Beads which will rejuvinate and moisturize your skin. Use 1-2 times per week. (Kate Sommerville - $65)

3. Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

Cruelty-free, sulfate-free and preservative-free, this creamy dream of a product has nothing but yummy nutrients for your face. I promise that Boscia doesn't underwrite this blog, but I may as well be the spokeswoman for the brand! Use morning and night. (Boscia - $26)

4. Boscia Oil-free Daily & Nightly Hydration

I finally found the most weightless moisturizer and it improves skin after the first application!? In addition to it's obvious purpose, this stuff minimizes pores, controls oily skin and the day lotion includes SPF 15. Use day & night. (Boscia - $36 each)

5. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

My love-affair continues... got blackheads? Not anymore. Use once per week. (Boscia - $34)

6. Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pads

"Visibly reduces pimples and redness in 4 hours." No joke. These little miracle pads contain 2% Salicylic Acid and that combined with their exfoliating magic will leave you saying "what zit?" This is the best quick fix when you have a date or special event. Use only when needed, as it can be drying. (CVS - $9)

Stay tuned for Part II, as I open my makeup bag of secrets...