Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
I actually just discovered this cleanser last year when I got a free sample of it, and I am so glad Clinique shared it with me! A little bit definitely goes a long way - it is so foamy! - and it really leaves my skin feeling super clean! However, it does leave my skin feeling a little stripped (too clean?), so I don't use it every day.
Lush Ultra Bland
This is the best cleanser I have found for simultaneously removing makeup and hydrating my skin. When I first tried this, I tested it by washing my face with a regular cleanser first, and then using the Ultra Bland. You use Ultra Bland by rubbing a small amount all over your dry face. You then wet a washcloth with warm water, and remove the cleanser. I was amazed at how much this stuff got off my face after just "cleansing" it. Plus, like I said, it is super moisturizing in and of itself. I don't use this every day because I don't wear a ton of makeup every day, and I feel like it is good for makeup removing.
I have been using this stuff since high school, and I absolutely love it. I kind of wish it had some SPF in it, but since I have SPF in my foundation, I don't worry too much about it. Whenever I put it on, I feel like my skin has been begging for a drink of water, and I just didn't realize it until the lotion quenched the thirst (how dramatic is that?). It is very lightweight, but keeps my skin moisturized and soft.
Almay Intense i-Color Liquid Eyeliner in Black Pearl
I started using liquid eyeliner a while back, and it changed my life, I tell you! I feel like it really makes my eyes pop! This one is not too intimidating for novices, goes on smoothly, and doesn't damage the pocketbook too much. As an added bonus, it has a subtle (or not) Pirates of the Caribbean reference. Almay for the win.
Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Makeup
I absolutely love this foundation - the Smart Shade technology is brilliant in my opinion. I usually wear the light (200) in the winter, and medium (300) in summer. It's not an exact shade, and blends wonderfully. It is also very light, and has those anti-aging benefits, and sunscreen, which become all the more important the closer I get to the big 3 - 0. I got heart palpitations just typing that. Only 27, only 27...big deep breath.
Maybelline Volume Express One-by-One
This mascara both volumizes and lengthens my lashes without the bulk and clumps of a lot of other mascaras. It also does not make my eyes itch (which some mascaras/eyeliners do). I get tons of compliments on my lashes when wearing this!
These are the essentials, at least for me. For eyeshadows, bronzers, blush, and so on, I don't have any one particular item I stick with. I really love the brands I mention above as well as just trying new things.I will also have to side with Erica (since she is the one who introduced me to this back in high school!) who uses plain ole rubbing alcohol as her daily facial cleanser/makeup remover - I don't use rubbing alcohol on a daily basis, but I do use it as a cleanser, and even a toner, if you will, several times a month. Nothing really beats it in terms of efficiency and cost!
What are some of your beauty must-haves?
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