Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Purse products

Different people have different opinions as to which makeup/skincare products  are important enough to always have around, no matter what.  This is my take with the reasons behind my choices.

Oil blotting sheets:  They are great for the middle of the day or early evening because most people get a bit shiny by that time.  Just press on the slick parts of the face (so you don't disturb your makeup) and you're good to go.  I prefer this over powder because powder can cake if reapplied too much.

Black eyeliner pencil with a smudger on the end (or pack a cotton swab or angled brush with it):   It's great for darkening eye makeup if you're attending an evening event after work or school and don't have time to go home before said event.  Just apply on the upper lash line and smudge with a small angled brush or cotton swab.  It can also be applied and blended on the outer corner in a pinch.

White eyeliner pencil:  Perfect highlighter if you ask me.  If you are feeling tired, this can make you look more awake when applied in key places.  Swipe it lightly on the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, and cupid's bow then blend away into your skin.  It will make you look more awake than you feel.

Lip balm (either no tint or one that looks like your natural lip color):  Dry lips happen and it's best to have lip balm handy.  If you want to add a little polish to a no-makeup look or full-face of makeup, use a tinted lip balm that looks like your perfect lip color whether it matches your natural lip color or is a little more pink/red tinted.  It will even out your lip color but look completely natural, all while moisturizing your lips.  How can you lose with that?

Spot-treat acne gel:  Pimples come up when you least expect them and this can zap them before they can fully form.

(Optional) Stick concealer:  Cover up the pimple mentioned for the spot-treatment if it turns red and you either have a meeting or are very self-conscious about the spot.  (No shame in that!  I always have it handy for swing dances.)  No need for a brush, just use clean fingers to apply and blend.  The warmth of your fingers will help the concealer melt into the skin easier for more natural coverage.

Moisturizer with SPF of at least 30 (Just fill a travel bottle to keep in your purse.)  :  It's pretty self-explanatory as to why I would suggest keeping this handy.  The sunscreen is the main reason for this item to be in your purse, but I prefer carrying moisturizer because it doesn't have as strong of a smell and isn't as greasy.  This is because the sunscreen is diluted in the moisturizer; a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 is about like straight SPF 15, hence I suggest SPF 30 as a minimum.  Quick tip about putting sunscreen or moisturizer over makeup: rub a tiny amount in your hands and pat the product on your face so your makeup isn't disturbed, but you still get the protection.


That's it.  This collection takes up very little space and has you armed for just about any touch-up you may need at any time.  This is also very basic.  If you have a signature look, toss in the product that makes it happen, like red lipstick or a specific mascara.  Would you add anything to this mix?  If so, what would it be?

Please leave comments.  I would love your feedback.

<3  M

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