Neutrogena

(At work, at an Estée Lauder brunch. Scored their Resilence Lift day cream in my gift bag, which I highly recommend. Picture by Karla Valencia de Bosch.)

One of my biggest obsessions (and where most of my money goes to) is make-up. I have to drag myself away from stores like Sephora, M.A.C, and Ulta (love, love, LOVE their deals), although it’s most of the time, an unsuccessful effort. It doesn’t help either that editors get a lot of samples and products as gifts, in hopes that you love them and mention them in your publication (wink*wink*).

With this obsession, and considering the amount of beauty products I’ve tried in the past, my friends are constantly asking for advice before they purchase a product. I’ve got my friends hooked on some of these, so I here present, the products inside my make-up bag!

I am the biggest fan of Smashbox Photo Finish Make-up Primer, and so is half of the whole female population on Earth! It’s so popular and for a good reason. It makes your skin a perfect base for your make-up, erases lines and sets it to last the whole day. I fell in love with it when I noticed my forehead was not greasy, even after leaving work in a hot summer day. I really liked their version that includes luminizer included, but I like their classic version better.

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix is the only powder foundation that really covers imperfection and evens my skin tone. It really lasts, looks natural during the day as well as at night. No greasy forehead, either. I usually apply it with a big powder brush, but the sponge that is included in the package works wonders, too.

M.A.C lipstick in Costa Chic is super flattering on any skin tone (I believe almost all of my friends own one). It’s also a little creamy and frosty, but looks natural for day, and if you pair it with plum smokey eyes… amazing! You can top it with M.A.C Lipglass in Pink Lemonade or Lychee Lux.

L’Oreal Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner Waterpoof in Black is really easy to apply and remove.The wand has a little pointy sponge applier that helps you make precise lines and master those super sexy cat-eyes. L’Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Waterproof in Black makes your eyelashes big and fat without the flaking, comes off easily, and is super affordable.

Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio in Cover Shoot includes shadows in shimmery gold beige and browns. It goes great from day to night. Simple, neutral make up for day with a little sparkle, and then you can play it up and do the smokey eye for later in the evening.

And to get it all off? Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, because I’m just lazy!

Hope my recommendations help you out next time you go shopping for make-up. If you have any suggestions, leave a comment! 🙂