Monday, September 12, 2011

holy grail cosmetics.


Hi. My name is Meredith and I’m a cosmeticaholic.  I’m addicted to YouTube beauty guru­­ videos, makeup related blogs and shopping at Sephora.  Since I have been through just about every product under the sun, I thought it might be insightful to share some of my every day, must have, holy grail, go-buy-this-now products.   



Brand: Benefit
Product: Erase Paste
Why I Love This: It’s a brightening under eye concealer.  I don’t have a huge problem with dark circles or under eye bags, however, on the days that I am particularly tired, this little guy does the trick! This product is rumored to cover blemishes as well but I wouldn’t recommend it for this use. If you have tried this product before and didn’t see the results you wanted, please let me know as my application technique might be a huge help.
  



Brand: Laura Mercier
Product: Foundation Primer (Oil Free Version)
Why I Love This: It’s a face primer that doesn’t mess with my skin and keeps my makeup lasting throughout the day.  I put this on after my moisturizer and before my concealers. 




Brand: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals
Product: Mineral Foundation (Original, not the matte version)
Why I Love This: Where do I begin?  If I had to narrow it down to my absolute number 1 product, this would be it.  I was completely against the idea of mineral makeup as I assumed it would not have strong coverage.  After hearing a ridiculous amount of raves about this “miracle product” from YouTube beauty gurus and bloggers, I decided to give it a whirl.  Thank goodness I did! Life changing product.  It has fantastic coverage, does not look cakey like most liquid foundations, is long lasting, and, somehow, improves your complexion. Yep, miracle product.  Personally, I prefer the original formula since it gives somewhat of a dewy, glowing finish.  If you want a more matte effect they have this option as well.  If you haven’t used this quite yet I highly recommend you run by your nearest Sephora and get yourself a sample. You won’t regret it! I promise.




Brand: Nars
Product: Angelika-blush
Why I Love This: This blush is described as “cotton candy pink with gold flecks,” on the Sephora website. What a perfect description. It’s a total Barbie color with sparkles in it.  However, it doesn’t come off nearly as girly and vibrant as I’m describing it. If you apply this with a light hand it really gives off the perfect pink with a slight highlight to your cheek bones.  I cannot take a picture that does it justice.  Please check this one out in person-the color is gorgeous. 



Brand: Mac
Product: ProLongwear Concealer
Why I Love This: It conceals!! What a concept J Not much to say about this other than it’s a legit concealer that lasts all day. I use this for my face only (as opposed to Benefit’s Erase Paste, mentioned above, for the under eye area.) 



Brand: Urban Decay
Product: “All Nighter” - Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Why I Love This: After your makeup has been applied you spray this setting mist to lock everything in. This product is especially good if you are planning for a long night out, a special event, or something of that nature. If you use the combination of the Laura Mercier primer (before your makeup is applied) and Urban Decay’s All Nighter (after your makeup is applied,) your products won’t budge!




Brand: Buxom
Product: Amplified Lash Mascara
Why I Love This: It provides the ultimate combination of length and volume!  Typically, I layer two or three different brands of mascara to create my desired look.  However, the actual wand in this mascara is expandable creating a two-in-one tool. 


Brand: Maybelline
Product: Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner
Why I Love This: It’s very easy to work with, long lasting, and perfect for a winged/cat eye effect.  



Brand: Sephora
Product: HD Brushes
Why I Love This: You will have to actually go into the store and feel them to see why I love these products so much.  Sephora’s HD brushes are incredibly soft,  do not shed, and they create an airbrushed/HD end result.




Brand: Too Faced
Product: Snow Bunny - Bronzer
Why I Love This: It’s the ideal bronzer for those with really light skin.  This product is a bronzer and highlighter rolled into one, without making that harsh, dark line when contouring.  Primarily I use this as a highlight on my upper cheek bones.



I hope you enjoyed this post! Please let me know if you have any questions about the items mentioned above and tell me about your holy grail products too!

8 comments:

Natalie said...

Yo! I'm currently using NARS concealer an I love it but ive never tried MACs. What is the difference between the two? Why do you like MACs, concealer specifically, above the rest? Teach me :)

Lilladylife said...

what an amazing pile of products!!! the Sephora HD brushes are amongst my favorite brushes also! Hmm I actually have not tried any other things from your list outside the primer ( which is divine ) but the rest of the list, are all must look into the future items!! very cute blog =)

Amy in Austin said...

I guess I need to give the Bare Minerals foundation a shot. I keep hearing great things, and my complexion could use a little help. I rarely use the same products twice (with the exception of my Clinique Almost Make-Up SPF 15-it's light enough to wear when I work out and still want to look half way cute.) But I will say that I love the Too Faced "Naked Eye" set. The shadow colors are great, and the how-to cards are helpful for a make-up dummy. Great blog post!

Meredith Paige said...

Nat-- It's just something about the consistency. It's thicker than most concealers and lasts SO long. It almost feels like a foundation (their prolongwear foundation, which I love, to be exact) but more "clingy" if that makes any sense. Ha! It claims to last up to 15 hours and I swear it's legit. I apply it with my finger in a patting motion, not rubbing it in.

Lilladylife-YAY!! I'm so excited you checked out my blog. You are seriously one of my favorite bloggers and I about died when you posted on here. Thank you so much!!!

Meredith Paige said...

Amy-Yes!! You should definitely give it a try. I was so anti and finally gave into the hype--now I don't know what I did without it! I adore that pallet too! I think it's my fav! Your mom and I were just talking about it when she was in town. Great minds think alike :) Thanks for the kind words on the blog.

lexi920 said...

Agreed - in reference to the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer. It hasn't made me breakout once and this (along with the LM oil-free tinted moisturizer) endures sweaty lunch time gym session!

Great list!

Sometimes Life is Bliss And Sometimes Not ! said...

I love benefits ! I saw you over @ bleubird :) I am just a lovely blog stalker :) xoxoxo have a bliss day

MissCouture17 said...

This post definitely made me want to go to Sephora to buy some new products! I love NARS Angelica, it's such a beautiful colour. In regards to erase paste, I've been meaning to try it out but I've heard quite a few negative reviews. It's obviously HG status for you, so i was wondering how you apply it? thanks!
xx, Kels

www.misscouture17.blogspot.com