Here lately, there sure are a lot of things I can't control (my weight, my pregnancy skin issues, etc. etc.) but one thing I
can control that can still make me feel pretty is makeup. Below are my tried-and-true products and colors that I can't live without. In no particular order...
#1)
NARS blush in Orgasm-$26
It's a peachy pink with shimmer that is
universally flattering. I always buy new blush colors, but I
always go back to this one. If you haven't tried it yet, you should.
My mom introduced me to this when I was freshman in high school, and I have not stopped using it since. Ladies, I am telling you, of all the products I've ever tried this one works the best! I feel naked when I don't use it. After curling your eyelashes, put one coat of Underwear for Lashes on (it's a white mascara), then let it dry while you do the rest of your makeup, then put your regular mascara on top. Your lashes will be fuller and thicker! After 12 years of use, I don't think I will ever stop buying this product.
#3)
Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Vamp-$30
This classic deep wine color really makes a statement, but I tend to only wear it in the winter and around the holidays. You really have to mute everything else, especially your eyes, to pull it off, but I think it's so dramatic and stunning. I especially love wearing it with a little black dress. It's almost an accessory in itself.
I keep going back to this same bronzer, and I use it year-round. I like that it has a really matte finish--I simply despise bronzers with sparkly bits in them! It blends well and looks natural. I sadly had to go from a shade medium to a shade light this past year, due to my lack of tan. But I have officially been tanning-bed free for almost 3 years now, and if that means I'm a shade lighter, so be it.
#5)
Laura Mercier Tinter Moisturizer-$42
I wear this in the summertime for lightweight, flawless coverage. This product is perfect--you will just love the way it feels on your skin. Not too heavy, not too light.
Just right. And the best part is that it has spf 20 and it's oil free.
"Composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin cell growth and fight the aging process." And, it has spf in it as well! In my opinion, it's The. Best. Powder. Period.
Another product that I've been using since high school. I remember buying this for the first time while shopping for new makeup before homecoming. The lady at the counter sold it to me by saying it was what supermodels wore on their cheekbones. Ha. But for real, it is a hilighter that gives a radiant, dewy finish and it gives your skin that natural glow. And I've still been using it after 10 years. If you are not wearing a hilighting cream, you definitely should be.
#8)
Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara- $7.25
A drug-store favorite! Mascara is the one product that I don't see any real improvements between the drug store versions and the more expensive department store versions. I always try new mascaras, but I always go back to this one. It makes my lashes the most thick and full. And you can't beat the price for $7.25.
There are a few beauty products that I love but sadly, can't be using right now due to the pregnancy. But as soon as I am done breastfeeding I'll be going right back to them. They are:
- Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner-$160, I know this is pricy, but I used this throughout 2007 before my wedding and my eyelashes were sprouting like crazy. I got so many compliments on my dramatic long eyelashes, which I have never had before. It really does work. Who cares about the claims that it could make you go blind? ha! I can't wait to use it again--but I might try the new Latisse since it's a prescription form and maybe safer?
- Avene Diacneal Lotion- $52, My dermatologist gives me this and it was a cure for so many ailments. It contains retinol and glycolic acid (hence the reason I can't use it while pregnant) but it really smooths out the skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. I used it every night after I washed my face, and I rarely ever had a breakout. And my skin was glowing. It was a miracle.
- Topix Replenix Cream with Green Tea- $44.98, Another product my dermatologist gives me, but I found it cheaper on the website Skin-etc.com. ($44.98). They make this in a cream and a serum, but I like the cream better. I used it every morning after I washed my face because green tea and caffeine are potent and powerful antioxidants that minimize free radical induced skin damage. I noticed my skin looked healthier and any redness was reduced by daily use.
I really think that a "pregnancy glow" is a myth that people tell you to make you feel better-ha! I myself have felt extra blemishy and non-attractive lately, but I only have 3 more months to go! And it's all worth it for my sweet baby boy!
