These are the winners, the front-runners on my vanity table. I use these more than any other makeup product, and have for the longest amount of time. I certainly use OTHER makeup products, because I change up what I’m using quite frequently.
These five items, though, are always on repeat and as soon as they get low I replace them!
- Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer (in shade 1) – I’ve been using this product for years as blemish and under eye concealer. It will not crease, provides really great coverage, and blends really nicely. Typically, I use my fingers to blend the product in, but it also works extremely well with my beauty blender.
- Beauty Blender – I was a little late to the beauty blender love, but now that I’ve stuck with it consistently for a few months I’m hooked. When I applying my foundation, I’ll squirt a bit onto the back of my hand, then pick up my damp (but very squeezed out of water) beauty blender, dap the foundation, then dot it onto my face. Generally I use a dabbing motion to press the foundation into my skin. The more moist the blender, the thinner your foundation will apply!
- Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation in Soft Blush – I have loved this foundation for what feels like my entire adult life. I was introduced to it years ago by a reader and have had it in my makeup kit ever since. It’s full coverage, looks natural/matte in the finish, and makes my skin feel great. It’s my tried and true foundation that is #1 in my book.
- Benefit Roller Lash – I didn’t like this mascara at first, but after seeing Jordan’s lashes looking amazing I decided to give it another try. The second time was the charm and I fell in love. It is not waterproof, but holds the curl as well as a waterproof mascara would. I can’t say enough great things about it. It doesn’t dry out quickly, it’s a dark, inky black, and it dries quick enough to not smear all over the place. If you haven’t tried it, TRY IT.
- Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil (in shade 1) – I was loyal to Hourglass Arch brow pencil but after using this product I could see that the lighter shade really worked a bit better for me. It applies easily, stays in place, and I really have to work at it to get it off at the end of the day.
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I recently got a Beauty Blender, though from Real Techniques, as it seems to have really good reviews at a more affordable price. Does anyone know if the brand really matters or makes a difference?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
When I’m trying to keep my beauty costs lower (i.e., not spend $20 on a makeup sponge) I always go for the Real Techniques orange sponge! It’s just as good, if not better – I love the flat side! 🙂
Could you do a video for using a blender??
I like this idea!!
I also love the beauty blender – totally worth the money! And I had the same issue with the Benefit mascara xD But at the end of the day it’s a bit too expensive and there are others I like more for a fraction of the price =)
xo, Rosie //Curvy Life stories
I haven’t tried any of the Benefit brow pencils, but they do look great!
How long does the Arbonne foundation last for you typically?
like, the bottle of foundation or daily wear?
Benefit Roller Lash is one of my always replace products too! The others are Glossier boy brow, bare minerals original foundation, Glossier priming moisturizer and Fresh lip balms. xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
I’m hooooked on the beauty blender! Love your picks!
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. edgy sweater!
Why do you like the Benefit goof proof over Hourglass? Is it the price? They both seemed to be identical.
Hourglass feels a bit drier to me and goes on darker. I like the shade 1 in Benefit Goof Proof for my hair color at the moment.
Yes, took your advice about the Benefit Roller Lash. Picked it up on sale last month at Ulta. I am a bit of a mascara snob but have to say I really like this brand! Makes my lashes look longer and thicker. Plan on checking out the Make up forever concealer next. Just waiting for a deal! Thanks Kate for recommendations!
I’m on a major hunt for the perfect concealer, may have to try out this one!
I really appreciate posts like this, so thank you! With so many posts about new products to try via blogs, Instagram, etc., I always love seeing which products actually go on a repurchase list.
Hey Kate, have you tried tarte’s shape tape? I use it as a concealer and it is the best concealer I have ever used! I have tried a lot of them. It is full coverage, but does not look it and is quite brightening under the eyes. I don’t use it for contouring, but as a concealer it is top notch.
I have and it hasn’t blown me away but maybe I need to give it another shot!
I love it! Best concealer I have used. So creamy & blends seamlessly! I also don’t use foundation unless I’m going out somewhere nice and it looks super natural with a little mascara and some blush!
I love my beauty blender, even though I usually buy the off brand. I’ve never tried it damp before, but I’ll have to give it a shot!
I just bought the Benefit mascara and I’m obsessed!
Need to they their brow pencil.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I just don’t understand the beauty blender! I like the idea of it, but I can’t seem to get it right!
If you love the beauty blender and haven’t yet tried the Real Technique dupe, I’d highly recommend it! Same results, 1/4th the price 🙂 I’ve never tried the Arbonne foundation though, I will definitely need to check that out!
A video on how to use the beauty blender would be wonderful. : )
That mascara is amazing! A friend of mine recommended it to me and it really does a great job!
Makeup Forever concealer & a beauty blender are like must haves for a flawless looking skin. Would love to try out the other products you mentioned in your post 🙂
I’ve not tried anything from MUF before but that concealer sounds lovely. I need to get my hands on more of Benefit’s brow products because they are amazing!
Charlotte / Charlotte’s Picks
Ooh yes I agree with the Benefit Roller Lash! Definitely one of the better mascaras out there in the market in my opinion! Thanks for sharing!Xx
I cannot live without my beauty blender! I remember having a sample of the benefit roller lash and it was so nice. I need to get a full size asap!
I think I would have to agree with the Beauty blender I just can’t live without mine. Oh and goof proof is my favourite option for everyday brows.
Good choices xx
What is the best way to color match for the Foundation?
Is the soft blush relatively fair in color? I would say I’m similar in coloring to you – except brunette, and don’t know what color to try for the Arbonne foundation….decisions!:)
I’m very fair so yes it is a fair shade
I love the beautyblender. I’ve tried other cheaper alternatives but they just don’t compare.
SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS!! Im an arbonne consultant, I love their products! and i love my beauty blender and make up forever as well!!!
Have you tried any Younique products? If so, what is your take on them?
Have you tried Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink liquid lipstick? I recently tried a few shades and it’s life changing. Stays put (I have Invisalign and always worry about lip color ending up on my trays) and my lips are not dry and flakey after wearing it all day!
Love you blog, Instagram, and that you share your beautiful family with us!