I’m always trying new products, but I thought it would be fun to share what have been my most-used makeup products lately. For me, these are the products that “just work,” and they’re the things I reach for when I want to throw something on my face without having to give it any thought. The colors are just right, and they help me achieve my signature look — glowy skin and pinky/nude lips. 🙂
No brand matches my skin as well as NARS, and I love that NARS Pure Radiant has SPF 30. This was one of my first high-end foundations, and I’ve repurchased it time and again and will probably continue to do so because it’s a great everyday foundation. It’s available now at NARS Cosmetics for $44.
L to R: Swatches of PUR Minerals HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation in Tan and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Annapurna
Brow & lash products
L to R: Glossier Boy Brow in Black, Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Gel in Brown and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
I’ve been devoted to Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz for years, but for the past month or so I’ve been reaching for brow gel instead. One reason is that I think my brows have been looking pretty good, and I don’t have any missing patches.
Another reason is that brow gel is just faster, and I like the softer look, too. Glossier Boy Brow in Black has a tiny little wand that makes it easy to add some color and definition to my brows. And then the formula has a stiff, waxy texture, but it’s still really easy to blend.
For an even softer look, Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Gel in Brunette is a bit less opaque, and it’s brown, so it’s great for low-key days when I just want to add a little polish to my face without too much fuss.
It has a more liquid texture than the Glossier one, but both are amazing.
Face and lip products
ColorPop Cosmetics Highlighters in Most Necessary and Butterfly Beach
I am a HUGE ColourPop fan, and I probably wear something from the brand every single day. I use Most Necessary as a blush to add a little color and sheen to my face, and Butterfly Beach is great for adding a natural shine.
I’m most comfortable with either a nude or a pink on my lips because I think they’re great for wearing to work, and I also know they’ll look good with whatever else I’m wearing on my face or body.
These two are constantly in my purse: In a Nutshell and Frick N’Frack.
For something with a bit more color, I’ve been reaching for Frick N’ Frack by ColourPop. It’s from their new Ultra Satin Lip launch, and I love the finish. I think the color is perfect for everyday. It’s available at ColourPop for $6.
L to R: cheek color swatches of Most Necessary and Butterfly Beach; lipstick swatches of In A Nutshell and Frick N’ Frack
Eyeshadows
I usually don’t find time for eyeshadow on most days, but when I go out at night, I LIVE for smokey eyes.
These NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks make it so easy to get a good smokey eye. I’ve had Aigle Noir (black with green and gold shimmer) since the summer, but I just bought Nunavut (deep purple) when I got my makeup done at the NARS San Francisco boutique a couple weeks ago.
I’ll typically smudge it all over the lid, then blend out the edges with my fingers. Add mascara, and my eyes are done!
Adia is a lawyer by day and a beauty blogger by night. She believes that makeup should be fun and simple, but she also likes multi-step skincare routines (she’s complicated!). Adia loves the sight of a brand new highlighter, and she’s constantly looking for the perfect concealer. Follow her beauty adventures at Adia Adores (formerly beautyluxelife) and on Instagram.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Chelseasays
Oooh, fun post! The Pur foundation sounds amazing!
My most used products right now are probably the Glossier Skin tint, concealer, and Boy Brow, Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Vanilla Bean, a different bronzy Makeup Geek eyeshadow whose name I don’t remember, and Clinique High Impact mascara or Pacifica Stellar Length mascara.
I think if you like the Glossier skin tint but want more coverage, the PUR foundation would be perfect! I see that you’re a fellow Glossier fan 🙂 I LOVE their products and packaging. Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Their stuff is just really handy, and pretty fairly priced. I also like that the skin tint doesn’t have SPF; I wear a separate sunscreen, and a lot of sunscreens break me out. Plus I also find that foundations without sunscreen look better.
Yes! Boy brow for the win! I loved your most used makeup products. It looks like we have very similar tastes. Carly recently posted … Glossier “Black” Boy Brow Review
Great post! NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer is a frequent go-to for me. I also couldn’t live without their semi matte lipstick in Fire Down Below. Chris25 recently posted … Enchanted Polishes in Pegasus and March 2014
I have a large stash that I rotate often, so my most used makeup products are mostly basics. Mirabella Prime for Face & Eyes. Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Nyx CC Cream in Green as needed for redness under my foundation. BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Fair and e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain. (Which one I use depends on how much coverage I need that day and how oily my skin is.) E.l.f. HD Concealer in Brightening for undereye circles. E.l.f. HD Powder. E.l.f. Mist & Set. Sephora Blush in Tranquil as contour powder. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in Perversion and Roach. Physician’s Formula Sexy Booster Cat Eye Mascara in Ultra Black. My most used blushes lately are Milani Rose Powder Blush in Coral Cove, and Tarte Amazionian Clay Blush in Exposed. My lip colors have been all over the place.
I’ve been pretty obsessed with the UD x Gwen Stefani eyeshadow and blush palettes,Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette, and bhCosmetics Foil Eyes 28 Color Eyeshadow Palette. A couple days ago I finally caved and bought the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette on the Sephora sale. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be putting that into heavy use the rest of the spring and summer.
You have some good picks here! I love the UDxGwen eyeshadow palette. Also I bought the Too Faced PB&J palette bc of Karen’s review here but haven’t used it yet!! I really need to though LOL. Taking note of the Milani blush you mentioned too. Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
I’m glad to hear you love the Gwen eyeshadow palette. I feel like it’s really under-appreciated. I hope you’ll like the PB & J palette. Let us know how you end up liking it. Have a wonderful weekend!
Out of convenience I have been reaching for my tried and trusted stuff a lot lately, which are the Clinique eyeshadow sticks, my L´Oréal liquid liner and a thin layer of the MAC Studio Waterweight foundation, as well as my The Body Shop Honey bronzer. LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Taking out the trash IV – April 2016 Empties
I luv tinted moisturizers for everyday used so I don’t have to feel this heavy load of foundation. I recently discovered shadow sticks from MBB and I love them! I don’t use it that much because there’s no need, but for you how do you use shadow sticks for the daytime since many have shimmers in them? I’d like to switch up simple mascara or eyeliner days with a shadow if I can, just haven’t figured out how…
Hi Mickey! I’ll just smudge the shadow stick along the lashes and use my finger to blend it out. That leaves more of a wash of color rather than something super intense. Adia recently posted … Glossier Favorites
Would you say the boy brow is stiff enough to keep stubborn brows brushed up the whole day? I’ve been contemplating getting it versus the Anastasia brow gel.
Those highlighters are triggering me to make another colourpop order (I really shouldn’t! haha) and the Pur Hydrafluid sounds soooo good especially because my skin’s been dry recently.
At the moment I’ve been showing love to my MAC Face and Body and started actually using blush (any random one I can find in my drawer lol). Nyx intense butter gloss in Chocolate crepe has been my go-to easy lip. Cel recently posted … Regrets #1 // Bite, Essence, Hourglass, L.A. Girl, The Body Shop
Hi Cel! I definitely think the boy brow will work! My brows are bushy and it keeps them in place all day! You’re reminding me that I need to try Butter Gloss. Keep hearing great things 🙂 Adia recently posted … Glossier Favorites
The Glossier Boy Brow looks sooooo nice, and I’m a sucker for good marketing, and the “boy brow” name just makes me think if I wear it I’ll look like Cara Delevingne, haha. Lovely post x
Oooh, fun post! The Pur foundation sounds amazing!
My most used products right now are probably the Glossier Skin tint, concealer, and Boy Brow, Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Vanilla Bean, a different bronzy Makeup Geek eyeshadow whose name I don’t remember, and Clinique High Impact mascara or Pacifica Stellar Length mascara.
I think if you like the Glossier skin tint but want more coverage, the PUR foundation would be perfect! I see that you’re a fellow Glossier fan 🙂 I LOVE their products and packaging.
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
I’ll have to check it out!
Their stuff is just really handy, and pretty fairly priced. I also like that the skin tint doesn’t have SPF; I wear a separate sunscreen, and a lot of sunscreens break me out. Plus I also find that foundations without sunscreen look better.
I ALWAYS wear a separate sunscreen. I think foundations with sunscreen sometimes aren’t as true to color.
Those NARS shadow sticks are so nice. Beautiful colors 🙂
I really like them. So easy for a smokey eye!
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Is there anyone who doesn’t love nars pure radiant? It’s so bomb dot com! I have to try the nars velvet shadow sticks sooooon.
Seriously! Everyone loves it 🙂
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Yes! Boy brow for the win! I loved your most used makeup products. It looks like we have very similar tastes.
Carly recently posted … Glossier “Black” Boy Brow Review
Yessss! I love Boy brow 🙂
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Nunavut and Aigle Noir look really beautiful! And I really like your lip color choices.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Personal | Five reasons I love going back to Belgium
Thanks! These lip colors are definitely going to be staples.
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Great post! NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer is a frequent go-to for me. I also couldn’t live without their semi matte lipstick in Fire Down Below.
Chris25 recently posted … Enchanted Polishes in Pegasus and March 2014
OH yeah, I love the NARS concealer too! The consistency is great.
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Ooooh, I love the looks of In a Nutshell.
I have a large stash that I rotate often, so my most used makeup products are mostly basics. Mirabella Prime for Face & Eyes. Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Nyx CC Cream in Green as needed for redness under my foundation. BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Fair and e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain. (Which one I use depends on how much coverage I need that day and how oily my skin is.) E.l.f. HD Concealer in Brightening for undereye circles. E.l.f. HD Powder. E.l.f. Mist & Set. Sephora Blush in Tranquil as contour powder. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in Perversion and Roach. Physician’s Formula Sexy Booster Cat Eye Mascara in Ultra Black. My most used blushes lately are Milani Rose Powder Blush in Coral Cove, and Tarte Amazionian Clay Blush in Exposed. My lip colors have been all over the place.
I’ve been pretty obsessed with the UD x Gwen Stefani eyeshadow and blush palettes,Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette, and bhCosmetics Foil Eyes 28 Color Eyeshadow Palette. A couple days ago I finally caved and bought the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette on the Sephora sale. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be putting that into heavy use the rest of the spring and summer.
You have some good picks here! I love the UDxGwen eyeshadow palette. Also I bought the Too Faced PB&J palette bc of Karen’s review here but haven’t used it yet!! I really need to though LOL. Taking note of the Milani blush you mentioned too.
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
I’m glad to hear you love the Gwen eyeshadow palette. I feel like it’s really under-appreciated. I hope you’ll like the PB & J palette. Let us know how you end up liking it. Have a wonderful weekend!
You’re right; I don’t really hear much about the Gwen palette at all. I’ll have to try the PB&J palette and report back 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend too!
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
Out of convenience I have been reaching for my tried and trusted stuff a lot lately, which are the Clinique eyeshadow sticks, my L´Oréal liquid liner and a thin layer of the MAC Studio Waterweight foundation, as well as my The Body Shop Honey bronzer.
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Taking out the trash IV – April 2016 Empties
Which eyeshadow sticks do you like?
Adia recently posted … Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick: Perfect for Travel
The Clinique ones, especially Bountiful Beige and Fuller Fudge, but I do own some KIKO ones that are lovely as well.
I luv tinted moisturizers for everyday used so I don’t have to feel this heavy load of foundation. I recently discovered shadow sticks from MBB and I love them! I don’t use it that much because there’s no need, but for you how do you use shadow sticks for the daytime since many have shimmers in them? I’d like to switch up simple mascara or eyeliner days with a shadow if I can, just haven’t figured out how…
Hi Mickey! I’ll just smudge the shadow stick along the lashes and use my finger to blend it out. That leaves more of a wash of color rather than something super intense.
Adia recently posted … Glossier Favorites
Would you say the boy brow is stiff enough to keep stubborn brows brushed up the whole day? I’ve been contemplating getting it versus the Anastasia brow gel.
Those highlighters are triggering me to make another colourpop order (I really shouldn’t! haha) and the Pur Hydrafluid sounds soooo good especially because my skin’s been dry recently.
At the moment I’ve been showing love to my MAC Face and Body and started actually using blush (any random one I can find in my drawer lol). Nyx intense butter gloss in Chocolate crepe has been my go-to easy lip.
Cel recently posted … Regrets #1 // Bite, Essence, Hourglass, L.A. Girl, The Body Shop
Hi Cel! I definitely think the boy brow will work! My brows are bushy and it keeps them in place all day! You’re reminding me that I need to try Butter Gloss. Keep hearing great things 🙂
Adia recently posted … Glossier Favorites
I love the shadow sticks but I don’t own any yet. NARS TM is my go to!
Erin recently posted … Juliette Has A Gun Miss Charming
NARS definitely sets the bar for tinted moisturizer!
Adia recently posted … Glossier Favorites
The Glossier Boy Brow looks sooooo nice, and I’m a sucker for good marketing, and the “boy brow” name just makes me think if I wear it I’ll look like Cara Delevingne, haha. Lovely post x