what’s in my makeup bag

by Rachel McCarthy
makeup-bag-essentials

I’m switching things up a little for today’s Wednesday Wishes to share with you what is currently in my makeup bag. Makeup and beauty related posts seem to be popular, so I will be sharing more of these kind of posts as we head into summer. Please let me know if you have any questions! All the products that I mention in the post are also linked in the tool at the bottom of the post 🙂

best-beauty-products
You may remember from Favorite Beauty Finds of 2015 post {HERE} my love for my Clarisonic Brush with the Cashmere Cleanse Brush and Gentle Hydro Cleanser. I have super dry and sensitive skin and find this to be the best way to clean my face, morning and night. I was afraid to use it twice a day given my sensitive skin, but I find that when I only use it once a day, my skin doesn’t look nearly as clear and radiant. I’ve tried a few of the other Clarisonic brushes {THIS one most recently} but I have had the most luck with THIS brush.

You may also remember this Beautycounter Face Oil from the beauty finds post. I started using THIS face oil almost a year ago and haven’t stopped since! It takes the place of a traditional moisturizer and I honestly think it does a much better job of keeping my skin hydrated. I apply this right after washing my face in the morning, usually two drops in the winter months and one drop the rest of the year. 

The last step in creating my base is this Too Face Hangover Replenishing Primer. I had been searching for a primer for quite sometime, and wasn’t really thrilled with any of the samples I had tried. Enter this coconut water, probiotic-based primer. With more of a creamy texture, instead of the gel-like primers I was use to, I was skeptical. But, I have been using this since February and I haven’t had one issue to report! I love the way this primer hydrates and smoothes your skin to prepare for your foundation!

best-foundation-products
Next up is foundation. Last May, I switch from THIS Bobbi Brown foundation to the Beautycounter foundation. {I reviewed Beautycounter and their safe skin care products last summer, read the post HERE} Currently, I am using the Tint Skin Foundation in Porcelain {I use this foundation in the winter months because it’s a little heavier, but still lightweight}. I use THIS retractable complexion brush to apply the Tint Skin Foundation. In the summer months, I like to wear the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer in No. 1 because it’s lighter and also is SPF 20. {**Side note: usually when I use a foundation that has “SPF” it causes my skin to have a bad reaction. I have never had a reaction to the Dew Skin, which is basically a miracle!} I am almost out of the Tint Skin and will be ordering more of the Dew Skin in the next week! While we are on the Beautycounter subject, I am also a huge fan of the body lotion and hand lotion — they both have an amazing citrus smell!

Next up is concealer. I recently switch from THIS concealer {I’ve used it since high school!} to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Chantilly. I really like the ease of application {it’s like lipgloss!} and it’s super blendable and buildable. I use it under my eyes and over any blemishes. 

To apply the concealer, I use my latest love, the beautyblender. Honestly, I was pretty hesitant to purchase this makeup sponge. Priced at $20, I figured I could find a similar one for a cheaper price. I did buy one at Target that was under $5 {thinking a makeup sponge is a makeup sponge, right?} and wasn’t thrilled with it. I broke down and purchased this hot pink beautyblender {available in other colors, too!} and I’m so mad at myself for wasting the money at Target! It blends the concealer so well and last the entire day. To use the blender, I wet the sponge and squeeze out any excess liquid. I apply the concealer directly onto my face {you can apply the concealer or foundation directly to the sponge, too} and “bounce” the blender across my face to create a flawless finish. I use THIS to clean my beautyblender, which can also be used for your makeup brushes. And it’s great for travel 🙂 

Lastly, I set my makeup with this Bobbi Brown Sheer Pressed Powder in pale yellow all over my face. I haven’t really got into the contouring {I feel like it would look like I have streaks of makeup all over my face!} so I use the NARS Blush and Bronzer Duo instead. The blush can be bought separately {HERE, color is orgasm} and is a great color for most skin tones. I use THIS brush to set the pressed powder and THIS brush for applying the blush.

best-eyebrow-products
Since my hair and eyebrows are pretty light, I swear by this eyebrow powder in the dark blonde shade {it’s under $7!}. I use about three coats and apply it directly to my eyebrows after finishing the above foundation steps. I love that it only sticks to your eyebrows and not only does it fill the eyebrows in nicely, it really makes your eyebrows pop, especially if you have lighter hair like me. Also, it lasts FOREVER! I use THIS brush to apply the powder and THIS comb/brush tool {under $3}.

best-eye-makeup-products
Finally, the last step! I will go through this section quickly since there are a lot of products and tools mentioned. I’ve also included each brush I use for application. This is my typical, everyday/workday eye makeup, that I may slightly deviate from depending on the day. It’s a super basic combination and easy to apply: 

I start off with THIS long-wear cream shadow base in the BONE color and I cover my entire eyelid, all the way up to my brow bone. This is like a foundation for your eyeshadow and keeps your eyeshadow on all day! I sometimes use it alone if I’m just out running errands. I highly recommend it!

 As an all-over color for my eyelid, I use THIS gold MAC eyeshadow {RETROSPECK}. It’s not super shimmery and is a great basic color. I use THIS brush to apply the all-over color on my eyelid

 I use THIS grey shade {HEATHER} for the crease with THIS brush.

I use THIS eyeliner on the top and bottom lids in the espresso ink color and apply with THIS brush. 

I highlight my eyebrow with THIS Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in the BONE color and use THIS brush {same as the brush for all-over color on eyelid}. 

I finish my eyes with THIS no smudge, long-wear, waterproof mascara.

Whew! Sorry for the long post! There are so many details to cover when it comes to makeup! Let me know if you have any questions and thanks so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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