Tried-and-True Beauty Products

Yes- this is still a travel inspired design blog. That said, many of us are traveling to warmer places, and even if we aren’t, that spring and summer sun is getting stronger every day. What better time than this to switch out winter wear for warmer weather make up. (Truth be told, I use these products all year long and somehow the shades work for sunned/haven’t seen the sun in months skin.) Read on for my current tried-and-true beauty products.

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Far from a beauty blogger (you won’t find any tutorials here), I share this more out of a tried-and-true, convenience factor. Do I know what I’m doing with makeup? I most certainly do not. Do I still have products that are lovely and don’t annoy me that I can share? That I can do.

Let’s start with foundation. I am probably on my 7-10th tube of this foundation. (And that is saying a lot because it magically lasts a very long time!) It covers well, blends well, and goes on easy.

I recently ordered this clean beauty concealer in the Sandstone shade. I was pleasantly surprised with how creamy this is and how easily I can apply it, especially under my eyes. I really is just so lovely.

From the same clean beauty company, I also purchased a bronzer (looked up one tutorial on how to apply it and called it good). It is a nice pick me up for the spring months. I got the Seine shade.

For when I’m in a dewey glow mood, I also bought this highlighting balm from the company. It gives a nice, subtle glow. I got the Bounce shade.

Again from MERIT, I have repeat purchased this cream blush. When I first purchased it (in Beverly Hills), I thought it was going to be wayyyyyy too bright. But, like the other Merit products I own, it somehow adjusted perfectly when I put it on.

(If you are on a budget or wanting to try one product from MERIT, this is the order I would purchase in…1- blush, 2- concealer, 3- bronzer, 4- highlight stick. I have also tried the lip gloss, but it was too drying on my lips. The Brow 1980 is super nice; however, now that I’m older, I need a little more “fill” in the eyebrow department.)

Another repeat performer in my make up bag, is this mascara. Because it is on the more expensive side (although totally worth it!), I also purchased this similar mascara for less money and for less fancy occasions (i.e., dropping the kids at school in the mornings and working out). Mostly, I love both mascaras because they wash off easily and never leave under-eye residue.

Probably the makeup product that I switch out the most is eyeliner. It is hard to find a good liner! This is one product that I haven’t found a high quality one that I feel is worth the money. They either break or are fabulous but run out too quickly or have too harsh of a line, etc., etc.. Recently, I went back to this inexpensive one and am happy with it.

I don’t have a good eyeshadow. They all irritate my eyelids.

This brow brush and brow pomade have a learning curve. It is easy to apply too much. That said, overall I feel like it looks natural and fills in spotty eyebrows pretty well. I have the pomade in soft brown.

Once I bought this lip gloss, all others seemed not as great. I like that it doesn’t try out my lips and lasts for a good, natural amount of time. My favorite shade is Dolly. I also have Kir Royal.

Okay- I think that is it! Hopefully this is helpful 🙂