Once again we’re going to pretend like I lost my entire cosmetic collection (I would be distraught if this actually happened) and I was going to buy all of my replacement products at Sephora because in this scenario I’m a rich bitch. This is what I would buy, listed in the order I apply my makeup. Bless those who do their eyes before their complexion, it feels really unnatural for me to do my makeup that way. I’m also going to skip picking out what brushes and sponges to buy because that’s more work than I am willing to dedicate at the moment.
(If you haven’t checked out the skincare version of this post yet, check it out here.)
PrimerIf your face is the same oil slick mine is, I cannot recommend the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer ($40) enough. It has a really tacky finish that clings on to your foundation for dear life making your foundation last longer. This is the first primer I ever used where I didn’t get those marks on my nose for wearing glasses because my foundation stays put. I will say that this is for the makeup enthusiast and casual makeup wearers may be turned off by the sticky texture.
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Foundation
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You gotta give me two separate picks for this because sometimes your girl is a glow goals but other days she wants a matte finish.
For matte finish you can’t go wrong with Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation ($45) because a little bit goes a long way. No exaggeration a pea size amount is more than enough for my full face plus RiRi killed it with that shade range.
For days where I want to be a bet dewier I love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($53) and I honestly get compliments whenever I wear it. Sephora.com will say that it’s a highlighter but I use it more like an ultra sheer tinted moisturizer. It also layers like magic. It can be worn under foundation, over foundation or even on it’s own. Seriously. Don’t sleep on this one.
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ConcealerFirst off, this concealer is massive. It’s jumbo size which is thrilling. Second off, the Too Faced Born This Way Concealer ($38) is leaps and bounds better than that other concealer people rave about – cough, Tarte. Not only does it provide an inclusive shade range and full coverage but it isn’t drying. I found the Shape Tape to be drying and more “cake” like while the Too Faced is your skin, but better! |
Setting PowderA technique I learned from drag queens is baking my concealer with setting powder so that shit is bulletproof. I love the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Power ($60) because it is the finest powder I’ve ever used. It never clumps and never photographs chalk white and it just melts into my skin instantly.
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Contour & Bronzer
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Well, I am only 5 products in and I realized that I am still just working on my face. No wonder I’m broke, I’m literally wearing all my money on my face. Let me preface this by stating that contouring and bronzing is two different steps within the same kind of category in the sense that both products are “technically” bronzers. For contour I like to use something with a cool or neutral undertone, much like a natural shadow would have and for an all over bronzer I use something warmer for a sun kissed look.
The contour I am currently using is the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Bronzer in Amber ($42) because it stays all day and the cream formula makes it easy for precise application making me look like cheekbones for days.
My favourite bronzer is (and forever will be) the cult classic Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($40) because the pigmentation is perfection. The package is bulky AF and the brush it comes with is garbage, but the actual product? Chef’s kiss.
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BlushI’m a basic bitch and it’s going to be Nars Orgasm Blush ($39) all day every day. I loved the pressed powder formula for so long and never even considered trying the liquid version until I received a free sample, and let me tell you, cream blush makes you a different kind of bitch. The cream is SO much more pigmented and it makes it so easy to layer. |
HighlighterI don’t wear highlighter often because I’m naturally sweaty and I think that highlighter can enhance that in the worst way sometimes. A lot of highlighters can also showcase skin texture and be too glowy imo. When I do wear highlighter it’s Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Highlighting Powder in Candlelight ($53) for a super natural finish. This does give the appearance of healthier skin. Like a Hadid. I am like Gigi Hadid when I wear this. Kiki Hadid. |
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Eyebrows
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Eyeshadow (Single)ArEn’T yOu FoRgEtTiNg AbOuT eYe PrImEr?! Nah – I just use my concealer or skip it.
When it comes to eyeshadows, I don’t often gravitate towards singles because they’re not as cost efficient as palettes but there are definitely a few worth investing in. If you like glitter you will not be disappointed with the Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows ($31 each). Keep it classic with their signature shade Kitten, a shimmery nude pink. I love using this as an eyeshadow topper as well to add extra dimension to a look. |
Eyeshadow (Palette)
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Asking me to pick my favourite palette is like asking me to pick my favourite child. I can’t and I won’t do it. I could easily argue that for anyone who really loves creating eye looks you need at least three palettes; a warm-toned neutral, a cool-toned neutral and something fun.
The Modern Renaissance ($55) from Anastasia Beverly Hills is a superb neutrals palette that can be played up for really dramatic looks. I know it looks quite colourful but if you ignore the berry shades it’s more of a neutral palette. It blends like a dream and their colour stories are well thought out.
For my fun palette I am going to pick one that I don’t actually have in my collection but want is the Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette in Purple Blue ($305) because I imagine that at that price tag it’ll also fix all of my problems. Remember, we’re living in a dream scenario where I can have whatever I want. If I had to pick a fun palette in my price range it would be the Too Faced Chocolate Gold Palette ($65).
EyelinerMy signature look is an easy one to achieve. Full fringe bangs and a cat eye liner that could cut glass and you got yourself a “Vicki when she’s lazy” makeup look. I go through liquid liner like nobody’s business and my eyes water whenever I see dogs, so I need something that stays put. It’s gotta be the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($29). It never tugs, is true deep opaque black and the felt tip applicator makes my wings perfect. |
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MascaraI don’t wear mascara often, it doesn’t fit into my living Bratz Doll fantasy so I often opt for false lashes but there are occasions when I decide to go with a couple of coats of mascara instead of literally gluing shit to my eyeballs. My favourite is the Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash ($33) because it is the closest to falsies I can get without actually wearing falsies. The brush separates my lashes while the formula can actually hold a curl in these stubborn Asian lashes. (Also, if you’re Asian and need a new eyelash curler I cannot recommend the Shiseido ($29) one enough. Designed by an Asian brand, this is the only eyelash curler that fits my eyes, plus it’s easy to find refills of their curler pad!) |
Lipliner & Lipstick
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Hi, my name is Vicki and I have a confession to make. I love expensive lip products. Like a lot. I have more lip pencils in my apartment than I have writing pencils and I fully expect to buy a few more during the Sephora Spring Sale. I have HUGE lips that I used to be really embarrassed of but as I got older I realized that some people pay a lot of money to have lips as luscious as these smackers.
My favourite lip liner is the Pat McGrath Lab Lip Pencil in Contour (… shudders. It’s $37. FML.) It is a beige brown that looks super natural. Yup. I pay nearly $40 to make my lips look like my lips. It is also always sold out in this shade so I am assuming that someone famous also loves this and keeps recommending it.
For lipstick I gotta give it to Charlotte Tilbury ($39) because that formula is perfection. Demi-matte finish that lasts all day, hydrates and makes your lips look fuller without all that tingly other products have. It glides on like a fucking dream. Seriously, one swipe pigmentation. My favourite shades are the classic Pillow Talk (medium), a nude pink and Hepburn Honey, a light peach.
LipglossI’m going to be an asshole and recommend a gloss that is already sold out online (in literally every shade.) I got the Tower 28 Jelly Lip Gloss ($18) in Fire a couple of weeks ago and this is my new favourite lip gloss. It’s not sticky, gel-like, moisturizing, lightweight, perfectly tinted, perfection in a tube. And (by Sephora standards) it’s so affordable. AND it’s certified clean. Buy it. In every colour. |
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Setting SprayI know that I am probably coming off as extremely high maintenance right now but please know that I’m almost done and also that I’m not sorry. The last step is that you gotta set it and forget it with a setting spray. You can’t go wrong with the Urban Decay All Nighter ($42) because it’ll turn your makeup into cement. I go through this like it’s water. With over 9,000 reviews on the site it’s no wonder why this is the best selling setting spray at Sephora. (Also I just saw that it comes in a jumbo size for $58.) |
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