Building Your Makeup Collection: Part 2

next
Does Benefit’s Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer Really Work?
This is part 2 of a 3 part series about Building a Makeup Collection. Read part 1 here

5. I would argue that concealer is a very, very important part of any makeup collection. Either for under the eyes, blemishes or any other hyper pigmentation, concealer will help even out your skin tone in difficult places. When shopping for an under-eye concealer, look for creamy, hydrating products that are specifically made for the eye area. Sometimes drier formulas can look cake-y under the eyes. My favorite under-eye concealer is Bobbi Brown’s Corrector (post about it coming soon). It corrects dark circles, and provides great coverage. Some makeup artists would argue that you need a concealer on top of the Corrector, but I think that’s up for negotiation. My favorite concealer, for both under-eyes and blemishes is Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer. And my second favorite concealer is Mac’s Pro Longwear Concealer.

6. Eyeliner can be a huge hit or a HUGE miss. If you are nervous or unfamiliar with eyeliner, it’s worth the time investment to talk to a professional about what formula and application method will work for you. Eyeliner can dramatically change the shape of your eye, either for the better or worse. 
You can’t go wrong with a kohl pencil liner to start with. Kohl is a softer, smoother formula than just a pencil, and will glide across your eye. Then, as you get more comfortable, expand into the gel and liquid categories. I wrote a short post about eyeliner’s here and broke down the different between them here!

7. Invest in a few good neutral shadows. I think every woman should own at least 1 flattering eyelid color, 1 crease color, and 1 highlight/brow bone color. Usually, sticking with cool tones is safest, but experiment with a few different shades to see what works for you. And always use an eyelid primer before applying eyeshadow. It will completely transform how well your makeup applies AND how long it lasts! 
I love the Naked 2 Palette for a handful of semi-dark neutrals. Urban Decay also makes the Naked Basics palette for lighter neutrals (good for those new to the makeup world). I also like the mini palettes sold by CoverGirl! They put really beautiful shades together that work on a lot of skin tones. 
It doesn’t matter whether you start with cream or powder eyeshadows. It’s simply a matter of preference. I didn’t venture into the cream eyeshadow world until about 6-8 months ago. I use powder eyeshadows much more often, but love my cream shadows for a base.

8. My friend Kacia would agree that I’m a big proponent of lipstick. Lipstick completes your look and makes you look pulled together. And it doesn’t have to be a heavy, dark red color. Finding the “Your Lips but Better” shade is all I’m suggesting to start with. And then grow from there. If you hate lipstick, look for a balm with a little bit of color pigment. If you love lipstick, like me, find that perfect pink-y peach shade that you can wear with every single item in your wardrobe. 
A lip gloss is also a great option for a hint of color. And the more sheer the gloss, the more often you can just pop it over any base lip color!



Part 3 will come next week! 

comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Beth May says · 07.18.13

What a great idea for a post! I love a good concealer and think a neutral eyeshadow palette is essential! I love my naked 2!Beth May Blogs
My Bloglovin

Reply
Justine J says · 07.18.13

I read it and I feel sooooo wiser now! Thanks for sharing this xx

Justine | BRIGHTON DREAM

Reply
monica says · 07.18.13

Really good one 🙂

Reply
Suzanne S. says · 07.18.13

I love this little building your make-up collection series! I’m trying to built my make-up collection, so this will help me a lot 🙂
xoxo
Suzanne from written by suzanne

Reply
Melanie says · 07.18.13

I totally agree with the concealer comment. If only we were all born with flawless skin!! Great post, I’m new to your blog 🙂

I Pink i Love You

Reply
carly says · 07.18.13

I’ve been eyeing the bobbi brown corrector for a while now, can’t wait to read your post about it! And I never understood the importance of lipstick until I looked back in some photos and realized the entire bottom of my face was kind of lost!

Reply
Kate Cee says · 07.18.13

Do you think these products would work well for olive skin tone as well?

Reply
Judy says · 07.18.13

Kate, while I can’t speak to most of her products listed, I personally love urban decays eyeshadow pallets! I have naked, and can’t wait to get naked 2. I use MAC foundation and it really makes for a flawless look. I have an olive skin tone, I forgot to mention that! 🙂

Reply
Kerri Muffin says · 07.18.13

Loving these posts! I need a good everyday lipstick!

Reply
Carol says · 07.18.13

Years ago a friend of mine told me I was washed out without lipstick. That started my lipstick addiction! Nothing can brighten my face like a new lipstick!

Reply
Angi Engle says · 07.18.13

What kind of eyelid primer do you use? Or have you found that they all work pretty much the same?

Reply
Brittany says · 07.18.13

Great post, Kate! I have never used concealers before and now I may just have to look into them. Also, one random question… what is the font you used in your graphics? I love it!

Reply
still being [molly] says · 07.18.13

ooooo i didn’t know urban decay had a naked basics line!! good to know!

Reply
Meg Cady says · 07.18.13

I couldn’t agree more about concealer and the neutral eyeshadow palette!!

Reply
kristina elaine says · 07.18.13

I’m going to purchase the Naked Basics before I go abroad for fall semester. I think it’ll be perfect for weekend travel around Europe!
xx http://enzaessentials.wordpress.com

Reply
pretty little things says · 07.18.13

I always struggle with finding a good eyeliner that doesnt smudge yet is easy to put on! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

Reply
Sewing Princess says · 07.18.13

Concealer is fundamental for me. After using Mac´s for some years I recently tried Make Up forever camouflage concelear (in Europe you can get one single color instead of the full palette). I found Make Up forever provides much more coverage. I am yet to find one product that doesn´t crease into my wrinkles…so i will be looking forward to any suggestion you may have on this thorny topic!

Reply
Maggie says · 07.18.13

Have you ever tried the benefit under eye concealer? Just curious what your thoughts are on it? Thanks!! 🙂

Reply
Martyna says · 07.18.13

Everybody loves a little bit (or more) of neutral palettes! xx

Martyna | NEON MIZZLE

Reply
Kristi Wyckoff says · 07.18.13

Thank-you so much for your blog! I found you a couple days ago via a common person on instagram. I then came to your blog and it has been a Godsend. I have such a hard time with hair and have only recently started taking makeup more seriously as I’m getting into a more people-oriented job (social work) than I used to have (scientist). I love that you are also a Christian, so I don’t have to worry about someone who’s totally obsessed with products, but rather uses them as tools (not idols). I also don’t have to worry about (how do I put this nicely) trashiness? THANK YOU! Your hair tutorials are awesome (at least the 3 I’ve watched so far). It helps so much with my daughter’s hair too. I was stuck with pony tail, two pony tails (not so attractive), and some braids. All very sleek and severe. I like the softer look you do here. I’m off to find out how you put on your eye shadow somewhere on here. You have blessed me.

Reply
Lauren says · 07.18.13

Can you share what shade you use in the Makeup Forever concealer? I’m interested in trying it, and I think you and I have similarly fair skin tones.

Reply
Louise Nickel says · 07.19.13

Great post! Loves it <3 xx.

http://www.beautyandlouise.com

Reply
debby preciado says · 07.19.13

I have a question about eye liner/mascara. Every time I wear the product of ANY brand it literally starts melting off my eyes within an hour or two. I have even worn waterproof mascara on only the top lash and that too comes off. I tried using powder, but it only left a caking appearance on my lid and my lashes look clumpy. I would love to wear liner, I get a lot of compliments when I do, but the short lived results look horrible in the end.

Help!!!

Melting mama

Reply
LuluG says · 07.19.13

Really handy. I’m trying to sort my make-up collection. Nearly there, but need a good eyeshadow palette. Totally agree about lipstick, I’m never without it.

Reply
Kelly F says · 07.19.13

Great picks! I really want to try that MUFE concealer because this is the 1000th time I’ve read a great review on it. I also love all of the Naked palettes because there’s something in it for everyone young and old. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters are one of my top lip products to wear all year round 🙂

Reply
anderson says · 07.20.13

Students also compile essays to complete for various scholarships. http://uk-essay.net/custom-essay this link provides the selection committee insight about the prospective candidate’s personality, intellect, and aptitude.

Reply
April Morgan says · 07.20.13

One question: how do you choose which shadow, lip color, etc. to wear for that day? I have heard make up artists say never match your make up to your outfit so what else is there to go on? Lol

Reply
Zaira Lynn says · 07.21.13

This post really helped! And whenever my mom goes to target, she shops for food and other items while I’m in the makeup aisle the whole time hahaa!

Zaira Lynn (Divorce Lawyer)

Reply
Val says · 07.22.13

I love all of these products. Your blog is great.

Reply
Suzane Mart says · 07.25.13

Very well said this all are basic requirement of the make up without all this our make up kit is incomplete…..

shopping-spot.com

Reply
Carrie says · 07.31.13

Every woman wants to look beautiful but we know everybody has lesser time to spend on skin care in this busy and hectic life. This tips will be very helping. Travelcountries

Reply
Tess N says · 08.11.13

I so want that Naked Basics Palette!

xx Tess
http://colourmetess.blogspot.com.au

Reply
achma khatun says · 12.23.13

Some people visit Lonavala to invest their own vacations and several am commit their own vacation to europre. There are lots of vacation to europre major resorts in Lonavala that will go well with the needs along with budgets of people.discount travel

Reply
jona reynolds says · 03.31.14

Lipstick is the prime factor of makeup. Lipstick is something without which Women and teen girls cannot live without.

Reply
Raypak 003899F Raypak Combination Valve Pro says · 07.31.14

I’ve learn some just right stuff here. Definitely
value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to make such a wonderful
informative web site.

Reply