When I like a product, I love a product. Don’t get me wrong — I’m adventurous when it comes to trying new things but that doesn’t mean I necessarily always find the keepers. I try new foundations, mascaras, and haircare products all the time, based on reviews, word-of-mouth, and even testers. I’ve tried out various makeup brands, but I always go back to the ones I can find at my local drugstore.
When it comes to my day-to-day routine, I have an everyday, simple regimen. I can’t spend more than five minutes doing my make-up, no matter how much time I have to get ready! I spend about ten minutes getting dressed in the morning since I like to wake up at 8:30, and I paint my nails maybe once every few weeks. I’ve gotten my routine down, and as long as I have my coffee (and no bed-head), I’m pretty much ready for the day.
It’s not that I don’t want to get out of bed and dress myself up; it’s more that I just like to keep a natural look. I absolutely love to buy new makeup products, but I’ve never really wanted to wear a face full of makeup when I’m going to work or hanging out with friends.
I’ve experimented with makeup when I go out on the weekends, but I’m always most satisfied when I just choose the essentials: Foundation. Powder. Mascara. Repeat!
And when I say the “essentials,” I really do mean a specific essential product. I can’t imagine living without these products now that I’ve worn (and lusted over) them for years.
It turns out, my basic makeup essentials have been my favorites since high school:
Cover Girl 320 Clean Whipped Creme Foundation, Creamy Natural 
I have pretty sensitive skin so any kind of change in environment can leave my skin feeling itchy, irritated and red.
I love this Cover Girl foundation, and it’s like my second skin. Not only is it moisturizing and lightweight, but it naturally covers up any redness or imperfections on my face that result after being jolted awake by my alarm.
I’ve noticed other cream foundations leave my face looking shiny, but this one completely morphs into my skin without clogging my pores. I’ve been purchasing it for two years, and I really don’t know what I would do without it!
Maybelline Mineral Power in Classic Ivory
I absolutely adore mineral powders, but I’ve noticed some aren’t the most coverage-providing. This powder makes my skin look flawless and stays on all day. It has no added preservatives, oils, or fragrances, so I don’t have to worry about breaking out.
I’m pretty picky when it comes to adding powder to my face because I usually can’t find the perfect shade to match my skin tone. I don’t want to end up looking like a ghost or looking like I used too much bronzer.
My skin tone is pretty fair, especially in the winter. This powder leaves a flawless finish on my face without even making it noticeable that I’m wearing any face makeup. Because, hey, I’d rather eat cake than have caked-on makeup.
Talk about an eye opener! Eyelash curlers are like the coffee of my morning: a real wake-up to my lashes. I have pretty small eyelashes, so without using a curler, it doesn’t matter how much mascara I put on. For an uplifted lash, I head straight to the eyelash curler.
I’ve spent decent money on eyelash curlers before, only to be left disappointed and with limp lashes. I always revert back to the curler by NYX because, within a few seconds, my lashes look longer and thicker. I clasp the curler to the root of my lashes and hold from 5-15 seconds and voila! It looks like I slept for a whole ten hours.
L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara
I don’t wear too much in the way of eyeliner/eyeshadow, but I can’t go anywhere without mascara.
I’ve experimented with every kind of mascara: from expensive brands to drugstore brands; from shades of purple to shades of deep black; from thick brushes to thin brushes. I always revert to the same mascara. If you think “shocking extensions” is just another promotional term, it’s actually nothing but the truth.
I’ve had trouble finding mascaras that actually make my eyelashes stand out, but the L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extensions mascara can actually make me look wide-eyed even when I just roll out of bed.
Revlon Cherries in the Snow Nail Polish
Painting my nails is a great way to relax and unwind, but I rarely have the time to sit down, paint my nails, and let them dry. (Hey, I get hungry, too.)
I usually choose a deep red nail polish on most days, but I absolutely love this Revlon brand because it’s the perfect deep raspberry/magenta shade, which looks great when I’m wearing neutral colors. I’ll wear this nail polish any and all season long, and I love Redken nail polishes because my nails actually stay polished and don’t chip for a while after.
I bought this nail polish on a whim one day a few years ago, and it’s been a staple in my life ever since!
What are your makeup must-haves? Do you keep your routine simply, or do you change your look often? Leave me a comment or come say to hi me on Facebook or Twitter.