Beauty Products: 2010 Edition
One of the most common questions I get asked on a regular basis is which beauty products I use. Though I’m not obsessive with trying out new products, I do keep a regular routine and have quite a few favorites from a handful of brands.
Lip Products
First off, I discovered M•A•C makeup in middle school, back in the mid 90s. I remember getting my first ever lipstick in 7th or 8th grade and using it religiously until it ran out. I’ve always loved the faint vanilla smell and though I’ve gone through color shakeups (purple and later red in high school), I tend to use a few neutrals from M•A•C exclusively on an every day basis.
My days are very busy and there’s not much time for touch-ups; bright colors that can bleed or smear just aren’t practical. I like creamy, warm neutral lipsticks that aren’t too brown and don’t look too overdone with a smokey eye. And, I love gloss. A big Lipglass fan for many years, last December I discovered my new favorite lip gloss — Dazzleglass. It smells great, adds some amazing dimension to lips and lasts for hours. And, the shimmer is unparalleled.
I barely ever use lip liner but when I want a more finished look, I use M•A•C Subculture because it’s a neutral pink tone that blends and avoids the dreaded visibly lined look.
I used to wear red lipstick fairly often and still have L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in British Red, which is warm and really flattering. Whenever you see me wearing red lipstick in photos, this is it.
Not shown, but worth a mention: Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine by Philosophy. The best smelling clear lip gloss I have ever tried. I am a huge vanilla lover and this totally delivers.
The Face: Eyes, Cheeks, Skin
Let’s start with blush. Too much and you look like a clown. Too little and you may appear….dead. I have really pale skin so I like a bit of warmth but I don’t want to look overdone. For a long time, I used M•A•C Sincere blush, but a few months ago, Margin was recommended and I like it even better. It’s more neutral, has a ton of shimmer and is highly pigmented — just a little goes a long way.
I’ve been using M•A•C eye shadows for about 15 years now. I own probably 20 shades but I have a few long time favorites. For the smokey eye I usually wear, I start with a no-name shimmery neutral shadow as a base. For the crease, I use Scene (deep gray) with Black Tied (a beautiful shimmery black) in the corners and finish it off with a Kohl eyeliner (M•A•C Smolder) or Prestige black liquid liner with a slight wing at the edge. And, when I want even more of an impact, I add a light dusting of Tiara loose eye shadow by Sugarpill onto my lids. It’s like liquid silver and everyone notices it because the pigment is really amazing.
Though, sometimes I just want a bit more impact on my eyes. I love M•A•C Atlantic Blue because it’s so much fun! But, my hands-down favorite for the last two weeks has been Poison Plum pressed eyeshadow by Sugarpill (which, in all honesty, has way more pigment than M•A•C). I went through a major purple eye shadow phase around 10 years ago and it’s back once again. I can’t get enough of it!
Not shown but worth a mention: I have a few limited edition M•A•C Mineralize eye shadows that I use all the time. They are amazingly shimmery and blend super well. Do you remember the Black collection from last year? I picked up Cinderfella (super shimmery black — even better than Black Tied) and Blue Flame (a multifaceted deep blue) that are beautiful.
For eyebrows, I use an angled brush and a tiny dab of M•A•C Mystery eye shadow (a dark brown) to add a dash of impact.
I’m not much of a liquid foundation fan. After applying moisturizer (I’ve been using Lancome lately), I put on concealer (I’ve used Studio Finish Concealer for about five years but recently got a sample of Studio Sculpt which I am liking even more) and then apply Studio Fix, which is a powder and foundation in one. Though it has a powdery finish, it covers nearly everything and makes skin appear silky smooth. Best of all, it can be applied lightly for a more natural look or layered slightly heavier for late nights and photos. Though I like Studio Sculpt, Gala swears by Make Up Forever concealer and I am considering giving it a try next. Have any of you tried it?
Though, like many of you, I’ve tried a number of mascaras including Maybelline Great Lash, I really do like M•A•C Zoom Black mascara because it builds up remarkably fast. And, it’s much less expensive than many of the other department store brands. It might be a bit heavy for some people, but I like a very mod, defined eye so it works for me.
Skincare
Up until I was 28, I did very little to my skin and it stayed almost perfectly clear. Then, something changed about six months ago. Breakouts became more frequent and my skin became slightly more oily. And, my skin is very fair and sensitive, so I wasn’t sure where to turn. I finally decided to go back to my teenage skin routine — the simple, affordable and effective 3 Step Skincare system by Clinique. Though, it’s not quite three steps for me because I prefer to use a different moisturizer by Lancome.
When I’m too tired to wash my face, I reach for Comodynes Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin wipes, which I first discovered at Trader Joe’s on a whim. If you have sensitive skin like I do, these are amazing. I’ve tried a few other brands and nothing ever works as well as these.
I am sure I’m probably leaving a few things out, but feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!
Readers: What are some of your favorite beauty products? What can you not live without? Do you have any recommendations for new products I should try?
*Header image by M•A•C
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22 People have left comments on this post
I really enjoyed this post Nubs! That Russian Red Lipglass is just gorgeous. I think I need to add that to my collection! I’m definitely a MAC or NARS girl. Loving Sugarpill though, the colours are fab and the pigment is A+++! My skincare regime is all Lush products – my cleanser is a weird green that makes me look very weird and monster like.
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Nubby Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Kaz: I’ve only tried a NARS lipgloss and blush years ago but was impressed with the quality. And Lush is one of those brands that I’ve always wanted to try…there is a Lush shop in Portland that I need to make a point of stopping in ASAP!
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I love mac products but I have recently gotten frustrated with their more matte colors – they all seem to have a dirty tint to them, and their vivid sparkly ones are just too transparent when applied. Otherwise, the MAC foundations and such are pretty darn good.
One thing that I have found super SUPER awesome was an eyelid primer.. The Lancomme Urban Decay primer is the best thing since sliced bread. It helps with those “not quite vivid enough” colors or to make the cheaper pigmented eye shadows really stick out.
I have a question for you though.. Not regarding markup, but your hair.. I read that you dye your hair on one of your previous posts.. How often do you dye it? How often do you do your roots versus a full on dye?
And do you ever do it yourself or always go to a salon..
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Nubby Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Lindsay: After trying Sugarpill, I think I am going to stick with them for brighter colors. Lately, when it comes to MAC, I’ve had better luck with the Mineralize shadows. I’ve never tried an eyelid primer. I normally just use a dab of foundation but maybe it’s time to invest in some. I dye my hair every few months. My hair is naturally light brown so the roots get to be pretty noticeable. I do it myself and dye my entire head every time.
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I also have very fair and super sensitive skin! When I turned 21, I was given the gift of adult acne… a gift I could not return! Finally, my fairy godmother/dermatologist got it all cleared up. I still use some of the skin care she sells in her office. The line is La Roche Posay. Their Physiological Cleansing Gel is the only cleanser I can use that doesn’t leave my skin red.
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I havent bought new MAC products in a while, but next time i go to buy makeup I will definitely look for Sugarpill.. I love purples and blues for colors (when i go full color) and the MAC purples have felt so flat..
As for your hair – since you do it yourself (which is really refreshing to know) What do you use?? Do you go to a salon supply store and get color and base, or do you use boxes?? I had red hair for like, 2 weeks.. I paid close to $350 at the salon and walked out LOVING IT, but couldn’t afford to keep up. Looking for a more affordable option, since i really did love my hair red.. I also have light brown hair – its such a curse when dying anything other than another brown!!!
Ohh, and as for cleansers, I havent’ found one that works for my super sensitive skin (on the verge of just doing Acutane) but my friend just suggested LUSH to me.. Thinking about trying it soon.
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great post! your skin always looks flawless nubby. i’m not a huge fan of clinique’s makeup but i’ve just recently started using their 3-step products and so far they’ve given me fantastic results. for makeup i use almost exclusively mac and lancome – i love bold lashes and lancome’s hypnose drama is by far the best mascara i have ever used. people always ask if i’m wearing falsies.
lindsay: i hope you don’t mind me answering but i’ve been dying my hair black for about seven years so i know all about it
i use a box from the supermarket (clairol nice ‘n easy natural black). the dye sticks to my hair really well so it never fades, i only touch up my roots. you’re not the only one who has trouble with red hair – it’s one of those weird colours where it fades really quickly but then it always leaves a weird reddish orange tinge that is really difficult to get out. also, my boyfriend had really dry skin for years after using acutane, eventually he went to a pharmacy and got some medicated stuff. not the cheapest but it has worked wonders for him, i’d highly recommend talking to a pharmacist and telling them you’ve been on acutane so they could suggest something for you.
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Nubby Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
olive: My skin is normally pretty good but lately it has been freaking out! Ah, old age.
I use supermarket dye also — Revlon. I can;t remember the kind but it works great!
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I’ve never been the biggest fan of MAC- something about it just never really got me hooked. My favourite makeup brands are Annabelle (a Canadian brand) and Wet n’ Wild, which despite the junior high connotations, actually has some great eye shadow palettes and matte lipstick!
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I wore MAC in high school as well. Right now I am loving L’Oreal Photoready foundation. It makes my face look flawless and even covers red cheeks.
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I’ve had some problems with breakouts too lately, because of hormones I think, but I’ve just recently swapped face cream to the bodyshos tea tree night lotion and it works wonders!
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_SkinCare&CatCode=C_SkinCare_Moisturisers&prdcode=58325m
I also love trying new products, always on the look out for the perfect ones!
I also like clinique! Their products are great!
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Right now I am loving Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation. It’s a little too pricey for me so I might go back to Mac when it’s used up.
For blush I love NARS Russian Red, Lovejoy, and Deep Throat and MAC’s Format.
I am in love with the Sleek eye shadow palettes only sold in the UK. I bought mine on this site. http://www.glamr.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_27&products_id=91&zenid=80b42a72b8d26589ebd7e6aaa799514d
I also like the Loreal HIP eye shadows. I only have four MAC eye shadows – Carbon, Club, Woodwinked, and Sumptuous Olive and I love them all.
I have way too many lip products but my favorite it MAC’s Nymphette Lip Glass, which I just lost! Bummer
I’ve broken up horribly lately so I currently hate all my skin products because nothing seems to be working for me.
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I’ve never used MAC Cosmetics before, though I’ve heard wonderful things about their lipsticks. For skin I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin makeup, and lips I *always* use a Chanel lipstick. The quality and color is worth the money. I tend to keep my look minimal. I’m more into skin care. I use a prescription wash to help breakouts and Cetaphil moisturizer (highly recommended!) with SPF50. For makeup removal I use Pond’s cold cream and a warm washcloth.. which is wonderful for daily exfoliation but when I need something a bit stronger I use a mixture of granulated sugar and extra virgin olive oil. Sounds a bit weird but really works!
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My fave cosmetics brands are Urban Decay, Benefit and Stila. I usually only purchase MAC products if they’re limited edition… I’m a sucker for sweet packaging.
The Clinique 3-step is amazers! I’ve also been wanting to try Philosophy Purity — and I hear Murad works wonders for breakout-prone skin.
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I swear by Clinique for makeup. I actually love their Dramatically Different moisturizer and have worn their Superbalanced foundation for years now. It’s great for sensitive skin and they always have freebies at different department stores so you can try out their other products (and I looove free stuff). I’ve started using Lancome beauty products which are great, but since Loreal own them and there’s apparently little difference between their products, I might just stick with Clinique.
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Nubby Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Cara: I agree that Clinique is great and a godsend for sensitive skin — I’ve had some really intense skin issues and once my lips literally felt like they were peeling off….I ran to the Clinique counter and the product they recommended had then cleared up in a matter of days when it had been going on for months! L’oreal is great too though I don’t always like the strong fragrances in their products.
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At the moment I’m really getting into the Max Factor creme eyeshadows, the colours stay really strong all day – up until these I’d only ever used powdered eyeshadows but I think I might not go back, lol… Lip-wise, I’m a more of a lip-gloss person, I love natural-looking pink tints and apricot glosses, dark and red lip colours just don’t suit me. MAC’s lipsticks are beautiful, I have ‘Myth’ (a nude shade), and ‘Snob’ (a light 60′s pink) that get quite a bit of use
L’Oreal’s blush squares (it’s like a blush compact with a mirror and a little flat brush) are a big favourite. I use a lot of mascara, no foundation, and concealer very sparingly. One thing I am looking for at the moment is an SPF 30+ tinted sunscreen suitable for pale skin.
Skincare regime – Proactiv solution followed by Simple brand moisturiser, morning and night. I also love a product called ‘Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment’ – it’s brilliant for chapped lips, as a quick-fix for stray hairs, or for dry skin I also swear by a Nivea product called ‘Norweigian Hand Cream’.
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I think i might head out to the store and get some store bought hair dye and use the sebastian chemistry treatment after (still cheaper than going to the salon) I’ll post the pics soon..
Olive: thanks for responding.. i actually havent been on Accutate yet, but I am on the verge.. There is nothing worse than being 28 and worrying about acne AND wrinkles.. COME ON.. can the world PLEASE give me a break??
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I’m going to sound horribly biased because I work in a Lush store but I’ve used their skincare for a few years now (before I started working there even!) and I would never use anything else. It turned my skin around from the oily blotchy mess it used to be. I get comments quite regularly now about how clear my skin is and I credit it all to Angels on Bare Skin and Ultrabland cleansers, Vanishing Cream moisturiser and Eau Roma toner water
As far as makeup goes I’m a huge Urban Decay fan
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I love the Clinique 3-step process, too! It’s a lifesaver. Like you, I use a different moisturizer because I find the Dramatically Different moisturizer to be too heavy. Actually, the moisturizer that comes with Proactiv is really amazing, as is Lush’s line of moisturizers.
I’m addicted to Bourjois Paris products! Specifically their liquid liner in Prune, and their lip stain pen in Praline.
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Lindsay- I’m a beauty therapist not affiliated with any particular brand but I’ve used MD Formulations range on adult acne skins with great results. They do have products specifically to target both acne and the initial signs of ageing. I know this may be sacrilege, but Proactiv is actually really damaging to one’s skin- essentially it thins the skin, making it weaker and more easily irritated and the signs of ageing will appear much earlier. I’d recommend seeing a dermatologist or beauty therapist who specialises in adult acne. Also, see a doctor who can rule out any hormonal imbalances as they can often be the cause of adult acne.
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