<p>For summer, I’ve gone with BB and CC creams (not at the same time! LOL) because they offer lighter coverage which I prefer to a heavier foundation, especially during the summer months. I also like the higher SPF…Smash Box and Revlon are brands in my make up basket. For me, they are interchangeable—So if you’re buyin’, I’d say go with Revlon because a drug store purchase is more economical. SB is pricey and not all more impressive–my two cents. </p>
<p>My favorite find (and I LOVE it!) is Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum by Dior. I thought it was a bunch of bunk when my BFF told me about it, courtesy her very-with-it daughter. In a weak moment, I bought some and have loved it for my rather stumpy lashes! It’s in a mascara tube and you put it on just like mascara. Kinda weird because it is white!. Then top it with your preferred mascara. (I’m a fan of the Maybelline in the green and pink tube! (El Cheapo!)) I swear it makes my lashes look SO much better/thicker. And, it really helps with the whole smearing thing which, as my eye lids sag and bag as the years go by, I can use all the help I can get!!</p>
<p>Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes is hands down the best mascara I’ve ever used…and I’ve used many. I did love Benefit’s They’re Real, but found that Lorac stays fresher longer. I also have sensitive eyes @gouf78 and have had no problems with this one. </p>
<p>I second @nottelling on Nars blush and Shu Uemura eyelash curler. My favorite “trick” for eyes is to use Christian Dior’s white eyeliner on the waterline. </p>
I have not. I think I’ve used their other sunscreen, though. And you can use this on your face?</p>
<p>Just a word of caution for those with sparse eyebrows who are trying to go for thick ones, definitely use a brow pencil - sharpened and quite thin - first and then go back with powder. It helps make your brows look more naturally thick rather than very soft and powdery. If you are filling in your brows, powder is just fine. </p>
<p>I enjoy my Calvin Klein mascara. I thought it was just another overpriced mascara. Just one swoop for my lashes and they are noticeably longer and fuller, although my lashes are already long.</p>
<p>Tip for mascara application is to spin the brush while you apply the product for smooth and consistent application. It’s always worked for me. </p>
<p>L’Oreal also makes great sunblock that is perfect for the face. Unlike other brands, it does not sting if gets into the eyes.
I find my Chanel mascara to be very gentle on the eyes. Kiddos stick with their Clinique.</p>
<p>I’m a product junkie, although I am pretty low maintenance and don’t goop anything on. Love Rodan + Fields skin care (Redfine line) and also Origins Plantscriptions products. I sort of alternate. I wear a lot of Bare Minerals- love their new liquid foundation and I just need a couple of drops of it. I use Nars cream and pressed powder blushes. Bare Minerals bronzer (just a tiny bit) and pressed powder eye shadows. Bare Minerals mascara with a clear coat over it to make it waterproof. Lush luminator (brightener). Currently loving Bare Minerals wand lip glosses. I think they are called Moxie or something. They have a little bit of a tingle and taste good AND last. MAC lipsticks. I’m on and off with Clinique. Prescription Retin-A cream every other night.</p>
<p>Second the diorshow products! I got a sample of their mascara and I knew I had to get the full sized one when I went to sephora. It makes my short sparse eyelashes look actually normal for once. I swear by my Chanel lipstick I normally wouldn’t spend so much but its a classic red shade that is so versatile I can wear it with sweaters and jeans or with formal gowns. I will never go back to a cheaper red lipstick because well a girls got to splurge a little!!</p>
<p>I forgot about NARS. I have a NARS Multiple that I just love. I also love Fresh products, the Kiehl’s body cream, Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing mask (feels so good!). I love Sephora because of all the samples, although I find Chanel to be pretty generous with those as well. </p>
<p>@reb1rr I find that Eco-tools has nice brushes. They sell them alone and in sets. They are always very soft and gentle, and they feel high quality even though they’re affordable. If you’re ever in the market for a kabuki brush, I’d recommend Laura Gellar’s. I bought it just because it looked nice one day, and it works wonderfully.</p>
<p>Another product I’d highly recommend for skincare is Dr. Lin’s skincare line. He apparently is the doctor for the Kardashians. His acne spot removal treatment was on sale at Ulta. The product claimed to reduce redness which I have a lot of. I’ve been putting it on every night for 3 weeks and I’ve noticed a big difference. My nightly routine is Dr Lin treatment on my cheeks and forehead (where the redness is) and Benefit moisturizer all over, about 20 minutes after I let the acne treatment settle in. That’s when I didn’t shower at night. If I showered, the night also includes using some sort of cleanser in the shower and the Dermalogica Pore Scrubber. My skin is not sensitive though, and I find it can handle a lot of product. </p>
<p>As for brows, I started using the Ofra Brow Pencil because I received it in my Ipsy glam bag last month. Before that, I was putting some Urban Decay eyeshadow on my brows. This pencil makes my brows look like they were just done and styled. I love it!! I was never big on brows until about 3 months ago, and I’m so happy I found this pencil. It retails for around $3 and looks like it will last a lifetime. It’s brown, and claims to be a universal color for everyone depending on how much or little you apply. I’d recommend that for anybody who wants to start doing their brows! </p>
<p>I have a lot to cover up and my favorite foundation is Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid. It covers pretty well without looking like I’m hiding too much. I don’t use anything on my face that has a scent (if I do, I smell it all day) so I like Clinique and Neutrogena sensitive skin lines. </p>
<p>Laura Mercier makes some products that I like. The tinted moisturizer and concealer (I have a yellowish shade which covers the under eye circles ) are both good products. The eyeshadow base is amazing. Shadow will stay on all day. I frequently use the base just by itself.
I have found that the Cover Girl waterproof mascara is good for staying on all day and I also buy blush in an inexpensive drugstore brands.</p>
<p>I use the Neutragena sunscreen on my face but I googled it and see they make one specifically for your face which is probably even better. I do love their sunscreen because it goes in so fast and doesn’t leave any greasy feeling whatsoever.</p>
<p>Not a make up junkie, but I do like to try new things. Right now my go-to products are Benefit’s Boing concealer, Lemon Aid eye shadow base, and They’re Real mascara. For a primer I’ve been using Make Up Forever HD. I love anything Chanel and have been using their foundation, loose powder, blush, and eye shadows. I keep the primer and foundation very light by applying them with a brush–I get great coverage and use a minimal amount of product that way. I have a dark brown Make Up Forever liner for my lower eye lid and a dark brown Bobbi Brown gel liner for my upper eye lid. Lip liner is always a T. LeClerc neutral and lipstick is usually Laura Mercier’s Baby Lips. I know it sounds like a lot, but I have fun with it, and get a look that I like to call “enhanced natural.” </p>
<p>@lady lorna would you recommend Benefit Bo-ing concealer? I have porcelain skin…just curious if you have similar type skin and like it. It’s been on my must try list. I’m itching to try Chanel’s makeup but my bank account says no haha! By your make up routine, you sound like a girl after my own heart!</p>
<p>I do like the Bio-ing concealer–especially with a primer, which helps it blend. It comes in three shades, so you could try the lightest. It’s true that Chanel cosmetics are pricey, but I find they last a long time. Perhaps you could add them in one at a time!</p>
<p>Best beauty find–Latisse. Got it from the dermatologist’s office. It works–my eyelashes are noticeably longer. There’s also a product for eyebrows that helps them grow in if they are sparse–didn’t need that–my eyebrows grow like crazy.</p>
<p>I use medical grade skin care products that are available at a doctor’s office or a spa–the brand I use is called Clinician’s Complex. I switch make-up brands fairly often–right now I like Laura Mercier. I’ve also used Bobbie Brown and NARS. One brand of lip gloss that I keep coming back to is Chanel. Also tried samples (after a facial) from Tata Harper (named after the woman who started the line)–liked them but the products were really pricey.</p>
<p>Another fan of the Benefit Bo-ing concealer here. I have also use the Bare Minerals concealer but I like Boing better. I also use Nars Primer but I also like the Smashbox gel primer that I once got as a Sephora and would try that also to switch it up. Just bought the new Bare Minerals liquid foundation but haven’t tried it. I like Clinique blush and Lancôme Mascara along with mascara from Benefit that I got as a sample. Stila is my preferred eye shadow but I still use Clinique also. I’ve been using a Stila lipstick that I picked up at Sephora but am a major long time user of Clinique’s Black Honey and I also like Korres Lip Balm that I have in a plum color similar to Black Honey.Clinique’s Happy is my everyday fragrance. </p>
<p>@bookmama22 please let me know how the Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation works! I’ve been using the powder for 5 years and it’s the only foundation I’ll use. Been wanting to try the liquid but I’m a little skeptical</p>
<p>I think the Bare Minerals new Bare Skin foundation is excellent. You really just need a small amount and the "special " brush they have is helpful. Color matching is important. I’m glad I didn’t try to order online because I would have been way off.</p>
</p>
</p>