Over this past year, I’ve had the chance to find some of my favorite makeup products ever and really narrow down what I like wearing on my face and what I don’t. Working in cosmetics, I’ve had the opportunity to try out the majority of makeup brands and figure out what my favorites really are. These products that I am including in my annual Makeup Bag Favorites are truly the best of the best. Trust me.
Clarins HydraQuench Cream-gel (buy here): I’m usually not the type of person to become a huge fan of one particular skin care product but this cream has changed my life. It’s the first one I have found that I enjoy every single thing about. It’s lightweight, yet extremely hydrating without being greasy or oily. It makes my skin a happy camper.
Clinique Even Better Concealer: I think you guys are all going to hate me when I confess that this concealer is unfortunately discontinued. But, I thought I would still include it in this list, because apart from it being the best concealer ever, I am still hoping there might be a small chance that you can find it somewhere. One of my favorite things about this concealer is that it has ingredients to treat your dark spots as well as covering them.
Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen (buy here): Because my skin tends to get a bit oily throughout the day, I have never been a huge fan of shimmery highlights. This highlighter doubles as a concealer and is a brightening pale pink color. It’s great at drawing light to my face, while still maintaining an overall matte appearance.
ColourPop Eye Shadow in Desert(check out here): I wish I could include all of the ColourPop shadows in my 2014 favorites but the truth is, even though the formula is beautiful, I really only wear one of the colors and that is this satin tan color. It is such a perfect crease color and I find myself reaching for it each and every day.
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm(buy here): Throughout this past year, I have been obsessed with anything matte, so naturally, that includes matte lips. However I can’t stand dry lips so that’s why these Revlon balms are so great. They’re moisturizing AND matte!
Pur Minerals Shadow Stick: This has been one of the great eye bases I have ever used. It’s very similar to the Mac Paint Pots with the exception being that it is in stick form, which I love so much more. It’s so easy to layer under your eyeshadow and helps it stay on all day without creasing or budging.
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Duo (buy here): I usually stick to my classic sugary sweet scents but I decided to try something new last year and I’m so glad I did. These fragrances smell so good on their own AND layered. They are the perfect mixture of sweet, musk, spice and florals.
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau BB Beauty Booster (buy here): Before 2014, I had a bad outlook on BB creams. I thought I would never be able to like one because they didn’t offer the amount of coverage I would ideally like. However, this Guerlain one is the exception. It has a surprisingly decent level of coverage camouflaged in a beautiful, lightweight, silky formula.
Quo Perfecting Sponge: Ever since I picked up this sponge from Shoppers Drug Mart, I have stopped using a brush for my foundation. It is so much easier to use this handy sponge in achieving a perfectly blended, streak-free complexion.