Sephora Chic Week Picks Part II: Makeup

Now for part II, MAKEUP. I know people get excited over this. But typically I don’t buy too much high end makeup. I tend to invest my money more on skincare and anything that provides a base. Because a good base you don’t need high end makeup to look amazing! Nevertheless, there are some unique products higher end brands offer that you can quite dupe at the drugstore.

HOURGLASS IMMACULATE LIQUID POWDER FOUNDATION

A matte, medium to full coverage, liquid-to-powder finish foundation that gets even dry-skin girls like me raving like mad about it! I have to moisturize really well before application and I’m good to go! It stays matte ALL day and never appears cakey! It’s beautiful in pictures too! It looks like skin! This is especially great for oily to VERY oily gals that need some shine control! This baby absorbs the oil your face produces leaving a flawless long-wear finish.

SEPHORA LIP CREAM STAIN

If you enjoy the look of a matte lip, you need this in your life! At a great price point of $16 CAD, it is so comfortable on the lips and lasts for hours withstanding drinking and snacking. It is super pigmented and rivals it’s higher price competitors. It is definitely not as drying as most matte, long-wearing lip products out there.

NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

Full coverage and creamy, this concealer blends well and hides all your imperfections. The doe-foot wand helps with application. Don’t let the tube fool you, this will last you a good minute. It does not dry up or crack on your face. Once it sets, it's not going anywhere!

MAKE UP FOR EVER FULL COVER CONCEALER

Slightly less creamy than the Nars concealer, this is still super blendable and covers everything! When I’m travelling, I don’t bring foundation, instead I mix this with some moisturizer for a medium coverage DIY foundation. A little bit goes a long way! I used this every day and I think a tube took me over a year to finish. Perhaps this won’t lasts a dunk in the pool but it will definitely resist sweat, humidity, and rain!

MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA BROWS

I know everyone is on that Anastasia Beverly Hills tip…but I have to say I do prefer the Make Up For Ever. Sorry kids. I find it just lasts longer, even through humidity. I can make it as opaque or as sheer as I want. And it doesn’t budge! With the right tools, this can create sharp edges or blended color. And in a pinch I have also used this as a eyeliner.

NARS PRO PRIME SMUDGE PROOF EYESHADOW BASE

This is the bomb!!! My Asian eyes have funny folds which always make my eyeshadows crease even with some primers. But not this one! It’s smooth application allows the eye shadow to glide on and stick! Regardless of the finish or texture, the eyeshadows look vibrant

TOO FACE SHADOW INSURANCE GLITTER GLUE

If you love glittery shadows, this is a MUST. It provides a stickier base allowing even the chunkiest of glitter to cling on all day. Even loose glitter is no match for this primer. I find there is less fallout than if I used a regular primer. But because of the tackiness, it makes it a little difficult to blend the shadows.

STILA SMUDGE STICK WATERPROOF EYELINER

You must know by now that I’m a sucker for long-wearing products! This eyeliner clings on all day through water and sun providing a real punch of color! I can smudge this out upon application for a blended effect or simply line for a bold statement! Another plus is they have some pretty unique colors that aren’t easy to find!

BENEFIT CHEEK AND LIP TINTS

I know! It’s been around for ages! But it is by far my favourite tints! It is a long lasting stain that can withstand the elements and all sorts of sweaty activity. You can build up the color for a bold pop! I suggest using a dual fiber brush, it works better than your finders.

BITE BEAUTY HIGH PIGMENT PENCIL & LUMINOUS CRÈME LIPSTICK

How can I pick just one?! Both perform equally as well, the only difference I find is the finish. The pencil is between a satin and a matte and the lipstick is a cream finish. Both are incredibly buttery and glide on beautifully. I don’t need a balm to prep my lips even if they are dry. It’s nourishing enough to improve the condition of my lips while providing a PUNCH of color (and I do mean PUNCH! KA POW!). Did I mention they are made from food-grade ingredients?

SMASHBOX FULL EXPOSURE MASCARA

I can’t bring myself to buy a mascara more than $10. But this formulation is one of the best I have encountered. I received it as a deluxe sample. It left my lashes defined and fluffy creating the illusion of fuller lashes. I didn’t notice whether it lengthened because my lashes are already longer than average. The texture is also perfect, not too watery not too thick. So I guess if I were going to buy the full size, I might as well take advantage of the sale.