I am a huge makeup lover! As a young girl, I owned a Craftsman tool box that was chock full of my makeup, skincare and hair-care. Over time, my makeup collection evolved from Lip Smackers as a young girl, to brands like ColourPop in my teens, and ILIA or Hourglass in my adulthood. In high-school and college, I could be found sporting a bold winged eyeliner look and a vibrant lipstick. I have changed my style a good bit from then into a more toned-down, every day look, focusing on clean ingredients as often as possible. It is still safe to say, after over a decade of being in the makeup world, I know a thing or two about a good staple in the routine.
The essentials can be broken down into three categories; eyes, lips, and complexion. There are tons of products that can fall into these categories and in between, but today, we’re just talking about the everyday staples that I cannot go without and I think you will fall in love with, too!
Mascara
I wear mascara nearly every day. There is something about throwing on a coat of nice, inky black mascara that makes me feel so put together, even if I’m in my usual leggings and a sweatshirt. I am very particular about my mascaras – I want something that gives length and separation without smudging onto my oily eyelids throughout the day. That is why I am giving them their own category separate from my eye products. For me, there are two mascaras that stand out and deliver!
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
This is my number one go-to mascara. My mother-in-law introduced this to me a few years ago and I have never looked back. Tubing mascara will give you length, definition and there is absolutely no smudging. I also love that after I wash my face, my white towels aren’t stained with mascara! They are cruelty-free and vegan. This mascara is also formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates or synthetic fragrance, so I feel pretty comfortable putting it near my eyes.
ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
This is a close runner-up for me and one I have been using a lot lately! It also gives great color, length and separation. I will say, it is not as lengthening as the Thrive Causemetics, but definitely still pretty! I love that they are also cruelty-free and are paraben, pthalate and fragrance free.
Complexion
I must admit, complexion is where my routine is probably the most minimal. I have very dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, so I usually over-indulge on skincare, instead. However, if I want a little something extra for a day-to-day look or I am having a breakout, these are what I reach for!
Kosas Revealer Concealer
Kosas Revealer Concealer is the only concealer I have used since discovering it about two years ago. Absolutely nothing compares to the natural coverage and hydration it provides. I have very dry skin, but I do not notice any patchiness with this one. Kosas is another “clean beauty” brand, which, can mean a lot of things, but they are truly strict on formulating without harmful ingredients!
Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++
I am a sucker for a nice, glowy finish! Kosas hit it out of the park with this one. I have fair skin, and so mineral sunscreen can tend to make me even more washed out. However, this one gives me a nice glow without being streaky or leaving a white-cast. When paired with some concealer, it gives a great everyday amount of coverage. If you prefer full coverage, this is probably not going to be your favorite though!
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This is a very hydrating a glowly skin tint with mineral sunscreen. Again, being multipurpose for coverage and SPF protection is such a win in my book. This does give a bit more coverage than the Kosas. The only reason this is not my number one, is the smell can be slightly off putting when applying. I do not notice the smell after applying it or having it on throughout the day, but still something you should know.
Eyes
Back in the day, my TooFaced Peach palette never got a day of rest. Sadly, she has since expired, but I have found some new loves to fill that hole in my heart.
ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
I mean, it’s in the name! This is truly the only “need to have” palette that I own. I have the Cool Nudes. It is my perfect everyday palette and travel companion. Mainly matte, with a shimmer for a little extra pop. Formulated without talc, which has become really important to me, because I usually get ready for the day while my son is next to me playing.
Urban Decay Primer Potion
This is my OG, ride or die primer. I have used this since I was about 16 years old and no primer has come close for me. While my skin is very dry, I have pretty oily eyelids. This primer sets me up for a crease-proof day, every time I use it. Unfortunately, it still does contain talc, but it is in a gel form, so less likely to be inhaled.
Kosas Air Brow
In my opinion, nice clean brows can make or break your look. This stuff holds my brows in place all day without flaking. I prefer this in the clear shade, just because I have a hard time color matching my brows and my hair lately. Pregnancy and postpartum has changed my hair color quite a bit, so it is easiest for me to just get clear and know that it will work for me for a long time! However, I have used the tinted before and still get high quality results!
Lips
This is my all time favorite makeup category. I am a huge lip product fanatic! I genuinely do not leave my house without lip balm in my purse.
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
A hydrating, balmy-gloss that can give a nice pop of color to your face. I have PB&J which gives a nice jammy color and adds a little extra something to my look without a lot of effort.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
The dry Colorado winters are so brutal on my dry skin and it never fails that my lips will chap or peel, no matter how much water I drink. I keep one of these on my nightstand all winter long. It lasts forever and with it being a thicker consistency, it really helps when my lips are in dire straits
