Sephora VIB Picks: My Daily Make-Up Essentials
By popular request, all my make-up essentials (including shades!) are linked below. I have sensitive, acne-prone, oily/normal skin. I have hooded eyelids. I wear the same make-up products for class, rotations, and interviews. I value make-up that does not break me out, is long-lasting, and is business appropriate. I’m also attaching a few non-filtered photos so you can see the true appearance/color of the products.
1. Face Primer: Skin stays matte, pores less apparent, and allows my make-up to last all day. I buy the mini version, which lasts me 6 months.
2. CC cream (everyday wear): I don’t wear foundation but instead wear this full-coverage CC cream. It is my go-to when I go out with friends or special events. It has SPF 50 with a natural, skin-like finish. My shade is “Light”. This 1 tube has lasted me almost 2.5 years because you need so little for a beautiful flawless look.
3. CC cream (business interviews): I loved the matte version of this CC cream while interviewing for residency. The days were often super long (some of my interviews began at 7 AM; I woke up at 5-5:30 AM) and it helped me stay matte, requiring no touch-ups for 7-8 hours. My shade is “Light”.
4. Concealer: Not part of the Sephora sale, but my holy grail concealer. Can cover everything. I am shade “Light Medium”.
4a. Anti-Fatigue Eye Balm: The green tint cancels out red/purple undertones in dark circles. Also leaves your undereyes silky smooth, a perfect canvas for concealer next.
4b. Under-eye corrector: My holy grail! I use shade “Light Medium”. It brightens up my undereyes a ton.
5. Beauty sponge: I don’t wet mine before using it because it often sheers out my coverage. I only buy a new sponge once a year. I wash mine every 2-3 days.
6. Eyeshadow primer: One of my ESSENTIALS! If you have hooded & oil eyelids, this is a MUST to make your eyes last all day. I use the anti-aging version of this eyelid primer, and it makes my liner last for 12+ hours. The standard size has lasted me years (seriously, it’s been like 2 years). I tried the popular trend of using concealer as an eyelid primer, and this primer still works 110% better.
7. Eyeshadow: I only ever use 3 shadows. They are all individual, matte singles in a custom quad. I cannot wear glitter/shimmer eyeshadows because my eyes are too sensitive :( They currently have a promo going on for a custom quad for $32. My own quad has lasted me 3 years, and I still haven’t finished 1 eyeshadow entirely. I wear the shade “Burnt Orange” matte every day. For special occasions, I will deepen with the shade “Blazing” and “Deep plum”.
8. Eyeliner: I hate how much I love this eyeliner but it is what it is :( It is my holy grail liner, and lasts all day & night. It glides on easily, with no tugging on your eyelids, and a little goes a long way. I stock up once a year and go through 1 pencil every 2-3 months with daily use. The shade I use is “Blacquer”.
9. Bronzer/contour: Baby face? No problem. I love this powder because it looks like a natural shadow on the hollow of your cheekbones. It hurt to take the plunge because the cost seems ridiculous for a powder, but I use this EVERY DAY. I have now had it for a full year and am still not done with it. This powder has a matte finish, with no shimmer. I have never broken out using this, and it does not need to be set to look flawless. My shade is “Medium”.
10. Blush: The longest lasting blush ever. The shades “Exposed” and “Paaarty” are my ride or die. They are both matte finish, with no shimmer or glitter. This is great for business/interviews. No breakouts on my sensitive skin.
11. Setting powder: My favorite face powder that mattes my skin without being cakey. I have been using this same product since I was 16 years old and have never change it because it’s that good for sensitive skin. Comes with its own puff in the compact. I’m in the shade “01 Stay Buff”.
12. Lipstick: I use this lip crayon in the shade “Calvados”. Perfect “my lips but better” with brown undertone. Creamy, doesn’t dry out your lips, and great for every day wear.
13. Gloss: I live for a glossy lip & my favorites are the one with the mint-like sensation. I love this gloss because it has a gorgeous rose undertone that is almost angelic. It also claims to have lip plumping properties, and although I don’t need more lip plumping, it may interest those who look for that in a product. It is sticky & not very long lasting, though, so I would not recommend for outside events. I use for special events & going out with friends because I love the color so much (Rosy Glow).
14. The only face brush I use: This dual-ended face brush is my favorite brush of all time. I love dual-ended brushes because I am so lazy and refuse to carry more than 2-3 brushes in order to fit all my makeup in 1 bag. It is on sale now (I bought mine full-priced so this is a steal!). I use 1 end for blush/contour, and the other end to powder.
15. Finishing powder: By far the most expensive makeup product I own and I value it greatly. I do not use this everyday, only for photos or special events because it gives you the most beautiful, ethereal “glow from within” look. I don’t use highlighter because it can be overwhelming and can enhance texture, but I love these powders in particular to give you a next-level, natural and appropriate glow.
16. Setting spray: My security blanket! I sometimes also get their matte-ifying version but to me, they’re both really similar. Will lock in your make-up for hours. I buy the full size to use on the regular, but loved the travel sizes to bring with me while interviewing/TSA compliance.
17. Makeup remover: Finally, to take it all off, I love this makeup remover. I loved it so much I even brought it with me during traveling. After a full day of make-up, I noticed my wipes and cleanser weren’t taking off the residue, causing me to breakout. I like this model because it doesn’t break the bank like their other versions. One charge can last me 2-3 weeks.
Hope that was helpful! If you are interested in my skincare regimen, I am also happy to share in the near future. My skincare is incredibly affordable (90% of it is drug-store) and simple with few steps.
