{what’s inside my make-up bag?}

hi everyone! so a few weeks ago i thought it would be super fun to share on my friend heather’s blog “WHAT’S IN MY MAKE-UP BAG!”, since i’m always interested in finding about + trying new make-up. i’ve been wearing make-up for for almost 15 years, so crazy! i started with a jet black mascara {with a fat wand, please!} and slowly started wearing eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, blush + lip gloss as well.

for me, a “natural” look is my favorite. if zack and i go on a fun date i’ll apply another coat of mascara, add another swipe of blush and maybe some lipstick, but that’s about it! i haven’t braved RED lipstick yet although it sounds like it would be fun!!! maybe that’ll be next on my list ;D

before i share what’s inside my bag i thought it would be helpful to share more about my skin type, since i know that plays a huge role in selecting make-up. my skin is a little bit oily and definitely problematic! if i’m wearing foundation it absolutely has to be high-end. basically, anything that can be bought at Target or a drug store is a no-no. within hours these low-end products irritate my skin causing me to breakout. however, the rest of what i wear is inexpensive, thank goodness!

as for my cleansing routine, every morning + night i wash my face. i love this foam wash for the morning and these wipes for the evening. i use astringent 2x/day and follow-up with a light moisturizer 2x/day. something else i’ve learned that has played a huge role in my make-up + cleansing routine is this: anything with SPF in it causes me to breakout as well. it’s so weird, but instead of focusing on this i just move forward with what i’ve learned and make sure to not spend too much time out in the sun. i also love these oil blotting sheets and use 1-2 daily {is that TMI?}.

OK, so now that i’ve shared about my skin type + my morning routine let’s get to the fun part, MY MAKE-UP!

i wear make-up just about every single day and am faithful at washing it off at night. i’m a dork, but i can’t sleep if i know i have foundation or mascara on, hah! here’s what i wear on most days, in order of application…

* MAKEUP FOREVER HIGH DEFINITION PRIMER {NEUTRAL} — i just started using primer, and i know it sounds a little bit silly BUT it totally works and has helped my foundation stay put for a few extra hours. it feels a little cool upon application and it’s a little bit relaxing to “paint” it on with my make-up brush.

* SONIA KASHUK RETRACTABLE MAKE-UP BRUSH — one end is for my foundation, the other is for my blush! and i love that there are caps for both brush types so they stay clean a bit longer.

* LAURA MERCIER SILK CREME FOUNDATION {CREAM IVORY} — this is my new favorite foundation! it has lovely coverage, ranging in light to heavy depending on how many applications you apply. it covers redness, blemishes, and gives me a nice base for applying bush :)

* CLINIQUE BLENDED FACE POWDER — for a matte finish!

* NARS BLUSH {MADLY} — did you know when you color your hair you should also change your make-up?! this was news to me! in february i went into sephora looking for a few new items and told the cosmetologist i felt like my make-up made me look washed out. i was with a friend who reminded me i had recently colored my hair {from blonde to reddish/brown}. the cosmetologist found me a new blush and YEOW! my life has been changed forever! ;) this specific color {Madly by Nars} is fantastic!!!

* COVER GIRL EYESHADOW {CHAMPAGNE} — such a pretty, light, shimmery color ~ it’s been a favorite for many years :)

* EYE SHADOW BRUSH — the brush i use is similar to this. it’s simple + provides a quick application.

* MAYBELLINE DEFINE-A-LINE EYELINER {BROWNISH BLACK} — again, an all time favorite for many years. BONUS: if you need to wipe it off and start over {because seriously, sometimes i need to do that!} it comes off clean! no need for make-up remover.

* MAYBELLINE THE COLOSSAL VOLUM’ EXPRESS MASCARA {GLAM BLACK} — i’ve been wearing mascara for years… since i was like 12! so that’s about 15 years now ;D my theory is to match your mascara wand with what your lash type is. so for me, i love a fat, dense mascara wand. i’ve tried using something thinner but my eyelashes get all clumpy and weird. i have naturally long, thick, curled lashes – DON’T HATE ME! – so two coats of mascara is all i need.

* NAIL POLISH — my favorites are Essie, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear + Sally Hansen Diamond Strength (top coat)

i feel kinda like we’re back in 7th grade, sitting in a circle on the floor with our kaboodle’s flipped open ;D my kaboodle was pink with glitter, if you’re wondering! make-up is fun to play with and even more fun to wear when you know you’re going on a fun date with your man or some girlfriends.

SHARE WITH ME BELOW: what is YOUR favorite make-up item? do tell!!!