Lucky 13: My Favorite Beauty Products

By Kenda - January, 20th 2014

I have (at last count) 4 cases and 2 shoe boxes full of cosmetics. And then there is the random lip gloss or eye shadow single you can find scattered around in my desk, purse and elsewhere. But, there is one case I keep front and center at my bathroom counter: my favorite beauty products. These are the items I use daily and wouldn’t risk losing in the chaos of my bathroom storage.

I believe in function over flash, so there’s a wide range of prices and brands. No matter if you are a cosmetic collector or never bother with more than a touch of color – I hope you can find something you like.

1. Paula Dorf Brow Stencil Kit – $20
   One of the main questions I constantly hear is, “How do you shape your eyebrows?”. Waxing and plucking, of course, but I also cheat. Eyebrow stencils are an easy way to get the ideal width and curve every time.
2. Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer – $35
   A good friend turned me on to Sephora several years ago. This was one of the products I grabbed on my first (of many) shopping trips. Intended for tattoo coverage, it’s ideal for hiding those marks and blemishes that thin concealers can’t manage.
3. Pond’s Luminous Finish BB Plus Cream with SPF 15 – $10
   This has rapidly become my favorite everyday foundation – light, true to color and a beautiful brightening effect that makes me feel fresh and ready to take on my day.
4. Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer – $30
   Short of Botox, this filling primer is your best friend for hiding lines around your eyes, mouth and between your brows (remember all those times you squinted in the sun? Yeah…those).
5. Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm – $5
   For years I dealt with dry, cracked lips. The only thing that turned them back into something soft and ready for color was Burt’s Bees. This balm is hypoallergenic with the moisturizing power of Kokum butter and all natural ingredients.
6. 3 Custom Color Specialists Brow Powder – $18
   Stop fighting with eyebrow pencils and hard lines. Brow powder is perfect for soft shaping and gradual fading.
7. Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush – $10
   If you don’t have a Kabuki brush yet, what are you waiting for? Full coverage while providing even distribution of your powder or mineral foundation. Perfect and natural every time.
8. Pur Minerals 4 in 1 Pressed Foundation – $27
   On those days I want to quickly freshen up, PUR Minerals pressed foundation is perfect. Light, but smoothing coverage in a few swipes of a puff or brush.
9. Eclos Facial Cleanser – $14
   I came across Eclos by accident, and I’m so glad I did. This gentle prep cleanser uses Apple Stem Cells to help stimulate your skin’s cellular rejuvenation process. And it smells amazing. I also use their Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream each night.
10. e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator – $12 (3 pk)
    Hello lip miracle! Have you ever been getting ready to go and noticed you had some flaky skin on your lips? No bueno. This lip exfoliator is a great, quick way to prep your lips for your favorite color by gently removing skin with sugar, grape seed oil, avocado and shea butter.
11. e.l.f. HD Blush – $4
    HD blush is perfect for that rosy glow without the powder finish that says “I put makeup on!”. The soft cream color goes on evenly and blends with your skin for a beautiful soft focus finish.
12. Rimmel HD Quad Eye Shadow Palette – $4
    These HD finish eye colors look perfect under any light. This is one of the few color sets I own that actually lasts all day and never creases – even without primer.
13. Studio Mineral Infused Primer – $6
    The first thing on my face is my primer. This mineral primer, by e.l.f., creates a silky smooth canvas to fight excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. I use the green to even out my skin tone. It’s even good to wear without makeup at all for a finished, but natural face all day.

 

New Kid on the Block: #14 Bombshell Cosmetix

A good friend sent me a fantastic sneak-peek package: Bombshell Cosmetix – A brand new line by co-founders Jessi Donahue and Lisa Stovash. Jessi and Lisa,  owners of the popular BronZed Tanning Salon, have hand-picked and tested this new set of colors and treatments to bring out your inner bombshell (yes, you have one – you really do).

The Illuminating Finishing Powder (in ‘Moonbeam’) is such a nice pick-me-up when I’m feeling a little drab. I’m almost 40 (..did I say that outloud?…) so I love the subtle sparkle it gives my skin without feeling heavy and creasing around my wrinkles. Meanwhile, the Luxury Gloss (in ‘Nude Nature’ #ca3) has answered a question I recently had for my friends: “What is a great sheer gloss for everyday use?” I love color, but it’s hard to find one that matches whatever you’re wearing. Bombshell Nude Nature was just what I needed. Neutral, sheer color that isn’t sticky and moisturizes as I wear it – I think I’m in love. Keep your eyes peeled for more on this new makeup line – or contact Jessi and Lisa to find out how you can order yours today.

What are your must-have cosmetics?