When I say "Holy Grail", I am not referring to the one Jesus used at the last supper. In the cosmetics world, "holy grail" basically means a product that is your absolute staple and if somebody wants yours then they'll have to pry it from your cold, dead hands. One can tell a lot about someone by their must-have products so I thought I'd post mine and you can judge me according to that.
1. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
I feel like this product deserves it's own Shakespearean sonnet. It keeps my makeup on so well... There have been times when I've slept with my makeup on and worn it to work the next morning (do not follow my example) and it stayed on almost as well as if I'd put it on that morning.
2. MAC "Matte Bronze" Bronzing Powder
I have never been too into bronzers, however, this adds a great warmth to the face without looking artificial or obvious. I don't like shimmery bronzers because they can make your face look too shiny or disco ball-esque if you put them anywhere besides the cheeks. This stuff is basically fool-proof and perfect if you want to subtly give your face a fake tan and/or make it blend with your more tanned body.
3. Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation
Chicks love multi-purpose products, I totally fit into this generalization. This gives you concentrated coverage but isn't cakey. I don't even know what else to say about it other than it does its job, what more could I ask for?
4. Bare Minerals Original Foundation
Started wearing this when I was 17, it has been my old reliable ever since. My sister-in-law and other friends worship this product. It feels light on the skin and makes my skin look beautiful - I look like I'm on the infomercial! Just kidding, but I really do love this stuff.
5. Elf Eyebrow Kit
It's been said time and time again: eyebrows are the frame to your face. Not to sound too dramatic but eyebrows can basically make or break your face. This stuff is great because you have a setting gel and a powder and either work alone, but when they're united they're unbeatable. Plus it's only $3 so what's not to love?
6. Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
I really hate the name of this stuff but it is the best drugstore mascara I've ever used. Someone once asked me if I was wearing false lashes when all I had was this stuff on! Doesn't get clumpy (hence the whole "clump crusher" title) and the waterproof version actually comes off with a makeup wipe so you don't have to scrub for ages to get it off.
7. Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
I like this for when I want extra coverage like when I go to special events (who am I kidding, I don't go to special events.) or my skin is just being a total a-hole. It is lightweight and looks like just your skin. My only complaint is that it smells so strange but my love is so strong that I'll accept it with its flaws.
8. Milani Baked Blush in "Luminoso"
Ugh, this blush is so g-darn beautiful it's insane. It is very light and not overpowering in the slightest. I actually layer it over other blushes sometimes (matte blushes so I don't look too crazy glittery) and it always adds a beautiful touch!
9. Urban Decay Naked Palette
Yes I know this palette is far from being a hidden gem but I had to include it because it is the best makeup palette I have by far. I love all the colors (though some do have fallout) and you can basically make any type of look for it. I am more into the regular Naked palette over the Naked 2 because it has warm tones and those make my eyes look more blue as opposed to the cool tones in the Naked 2.
10. Nars Larger Than Life Longwear Eyeliner in "Rue Bonaparte"
Nude pencils are perfect for putting in the waterline or lining around your lips so lipstick doesn't bleed. This one is from Nars and has pretty good staying power, however, there are cheaper alternatives at the drugstore that I haven't tried but I'm sure are just as good.
Well there you have it, my "holy grail" products. I realized there's no lip products in there but that's probably because I stick to Chapstick most of the time - and it is usually just whatever's around. Anyway thank you for reading and have a great day!
Xoxo,
Allison
