call it what you want.

junkie.

addict.

connoisseur.

i'm a teeny bit obsessed with makeup.

walking into sephora makes me all tingly inside. the black and white sephora logo signals my brain to release endorphins.

i'm totally not kidding.

what's not to love?

an entire store dedicated to making you feel pretty.

i like feeling pretty.

don't you?

here are my top five favorite brands {in no particular order}:

NARS
Stila
Bare Essentials
Smashbox
MAC {not sold in sephora}


and my must-have products + shades:

moisturizer + SPF :: cetaphil SPF 50 lotion {SPF is a must for me everyday since i use retin A micro at night which makes my skin ultra sun-sensitive...plus the anti aging benefit of daily sun protection is really a no brainer}.

primer :: smashbox photo finish. i'm a huge fan of primers. i don't know about you, but i like my makeup to stay where i put it until i take it off at night.

eye shadow primer :: urban decay makes the best one on the market. your eyeshadow will glide on and stay on all day....no creasing and no fading. really, i promise!

under eye concealer/brightener :: benefit erase paste. love this. it not only conceals under eye darkness, but it brightens too...you'll look well rested even if you're not. need i say more?

foundation :: bare essentials bare mineral foundation. hands down my all time favorite. it simply makes your skin look amazing without feeling like you're wearing a thing. the stuff's magic i tell you.

translucent powder :: MAC pressed blot powder. if you tend to get shiny like i do, this stuff is amazing. i  use it to set my foundation/concealer prior to applying any other makeup. the best part? it's not a regular powder which can cake and look chalky, its only purpose is to absorb excess oil and help keep your makeup in place without adding another layer.

now that your canvas is prepped, primed and ready to go....it's time to create a masterpiece!


eyes
...

pencil :: prestige eye pencil in black, granite and charcoal brown. these are every bit as good as the more expensive brands. i love the way they blend and last.

shadow :: stila eye shadow in kitten and MAC eye shadow in all that glitters are my go to shades for everyday.
MAC eye shadow in nylon is my choice for a highlight shade.
MAC eye shadow in trax, tempting, nocturnelle + sable are my faves for adding more depth and color.

mascara :: maybelline full + soft in very black.


cheeks
...

cream blush :: stila convertible color in lillium. i usually wear cream blush in the colder months and powder when it's warmer.

powder blush :: NARS orgasm - this peachy pink color honestly works on everyone. so pretty.


lips
...

lipstick :: MAC lipstick in faux with a nude gloss for day. mystic or dubonnet for night.

gloss :: smashbox lip gloss in luster and aura are just two of my many favorites. anyone who's seen my extensive collection of glosses knows this is my biggest weakness. i'm fairly certain there is isn't a gloss on the market i haven't tried. scary, i know.

i guess you could say makeup is my thing.

what's your thing?