A Little Make-Up Talk

I have gone through so many stages when it comes to makeup.  I have been obsessed with all things MAC, gone all mineral, done the tinted moisturizer, and probably made it through half of the things in Sephora.  These days, though, I am opting for a simpler, less involved approach. I don't want to be on the constant hunt for newer and better.  For some reason, that is unsettling for me. Simple and trusty, that's my makeup motto.

So here's a little rundown on what I am using right now.

MAC Face and Body 
If I could only use one foundation for the rest of my life, this would be the one.  It is light but build-able,   reasonably priced, and lasts awhile, almost 6 months for me.  A little goes a long way and I love how it applies, there's enough to even out any little issues but it is sheer enough to look natural and let your own radiance shine through :)  I'm sure this is breaking some rule, somewhere, but I just apply it with my fingers and I've never had a problem.

Everyday Minerals Powder & Brush
I brush a little of this powder over my foundation or use it for touch up if my face is getting a bit oily.  I have used their stuff for a while now and I love it!  They are an Austin based company which makes them all the more awesome.  Note: their cases are different than the one showed, I just love them so much that I bought a few and put them together in a larger container.

Maybelline Great Lash
The classic pink and green tube. Hands down my very favorite mascara, ever.  I have used this for years and years.  Even when I go off and try others, I always come back to this.

Urban Decay Naked Palette
I love, love, love this thing.  It's a little pricy but I have had mine for at least a year and it is still going strong. I'm sure you've heard all about it already so I won't go into all the details but just, yeah, love it.

NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita
So, funny story is that I hadn't ever worn lipstick outside of dance recitals until I was 24.  Last year.  I was home visiting my parents, and my mom commented that my lips looked too pale and had I ever considered lipstick? Hmm… so I figured that my mother knows best and I went in search of a lightly pink but still natural looking shade, something that wouldn't be too strong on my fair skin, and once I tried this Nars one, I was hooked.

I am not very loyal to blush, lash curlers, eyeliner, or highlighters.  In my experience, I haven't seen a huge difference from brand to brand.

Blush - Right now I am using a free Clinique sample that my mother passed on to me (thanks, Mom!) and I'm pretty sure it'll last me awhile.  When I do buy some, I'll just pick up something at the drug store.

Eyeliner - I prefer the twist up kind, dark brown.  Otherwise I am not picky.  Currently I'm using Maybelline Unstoppable.

Highlighter - I bought the Benefit highlighters, High Beam and Eye Bright, a while back.  I like them and they definitely do what they say they're gonna do but I don't use them often.  My skin already has a "dewy" look to it with the foundation that I use and sometimes High Beam is too much.  As far as the Eye Bright, I like it but I feel like I can get the same effect with a light color eyeshadow.

Ted Baker Wash Bag (c/o)

Let me just say, I'm in love with this little make-up bag (which you can pick up at Surfdome.com, here!).  Normally, I am toting around something very neutral, dark colored, classic but maybe a tad boring.  So, while browsing the site I thought it was high time to brighten up my morning routine.  This bag is fun, girly, and cheery and it has me thinking of spring - which is the perfect pick-me-up thought on these increasingly cold January mornings! Want to check out a few more options? Check this page for more gorgeous Ted Baker bags.


What are your go-tos when it comes to makeup?  Do you love to try out new products or do you tend to stick to what works?  Anything new that is just amazing?