Today’s letter is a twofer. Part one is a short list of the beauty products I use for my makeup routine in honor of Sephora’s Spring Sale that started Friday for Rouge members and is open to everyone tomorrow. Part two is a recap of my birthday weekend in Chicago and will be for paying subscribers only.
Let’s go!
Part One: Sephora Sale Picks
Foundation: Dior’s Backstage Face & Body Foundation
I switched to this foundation last fall after using Armani’s Luminous glow for years. Suddenly, Armani felt very dry to me and I was ready for something different. I absolutely love this foundation. It’s available in 43 shades, so there’s no doubt they have exactly what you need, and the blending capability of this foundation is remarkable. A little goes a long way and lasts the entire day. Cannot recommend trying it enough!
Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
I can’t seem to fall in love with any other concealer but this stuff. I love the formula and feel it provides the exact right amount of coverage without being cakey. It also blends really well with a damp beauty blender!
Contour: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
I’m not into using contour to completely rearrange my facial structure; however, I do like feigning more pronounced cheekbones and shadow where appropriate. This contour stick has been a perfect introduction in the world of makeup magic tricks and comes with a buffer brush on one end so you can easily blend it in. I have the Medium shade!
Blush: Merit’s Flush Balm Cream Blush
I looooove this blush so much, and I’m getting a new shade this sale called “Rouge,” which is a true cherry red. I tried it on in-store the other week and it brought my face to life. I love how easy this blush is to apply, blend, and touch-up. Sometimes I’ll use this buffing brush to manipulate it the way I want.
Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
I’ve been using this stuff for years. It used to only come in one shade, but it’s now available in four. I use the “Honey,” and love the finish — it’s matte without being drying and covers up the wrong shine while letting the right shine… shine!
Bronzer: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer
I only use bronzer when I’m not using the contour stick. I view the contour stick as a full-out makeup look, and the bronzer as a more casual makeup look when I want some color but don’t want to go through with the whole shebang. I also LOVE using this stuff as eyeshadow! It offers the perfect amount of shimmer and natural color. I have the Luminous Bronze Light shade.
Brows: Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Tinted Eyebrow Gel
I have tried SO MANY eyebrow gels, and I always always always come back to this. It’s a thin, tiny wand with micro-precision so it fills in the fine details without making your eyebrows look too thick or chunky. I use Dark Brown and a little goes a long way!
Eyeshadow: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes
This palette has every matte neutral shadow a girl could need, which makes it worth the $50 (especially because it’s on sale). I use it every time I do my makeup and am never left wanting any other eyeshadow.
Highlighter: Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator
Once you use liquid highlighter, it’s hard to go back to powder IMO. I discovered this Saie stuff last year and haven’t looked back. Just a tiny dab is so effective and gives your cheekbones/tip of your nose/chin/forehead that perfect dewy finish without being shiny. It truly makes you glow.
Lipsticks: Charlotte Tilbury x 2
Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm
I’m on my… 4th?… tube of this? It’s just the best. “Pillow Talk” is the perfect natural, everyday color and I love the formula of this lipstick-balm. It’s sticky so it stays and it’s super hydrating. I may buy a new color this sale!
Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick
The best kind of lipstick, IMO, is one that’s both matte and moisturizing, which is exactly what this formula nails. Any color is worth your lips’ time, but I personally love Walk of No Shame for a warm berry red.
Lip Balm: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Some people think this stuff is overrated, but I couldn’t disagree more. For years now, I’ve had a jar in my makeup drawer, in my bedside drawer, and in my desk drawer. When I run out, I panic. I just love the consistency and feel of this hydrating balm, and it’s so easy to slap on. I always stock up during Sephora sales!
And that concludes my Sephora sale walk-through. Go forth and invest in your beauty!
Now, let’s chat about my weekend in the Windy City.