For the longest time I had no idea of how to apply makeup, nor did I know what makeup would fit me. I wanted to do a post with the beauty products I use the most, since I often get asked about what products I use. I realized that nobody knows my face as I do, and whenever I go for makeup I end up not liking it. I feel it changes the way I am and what I am. Yes, makeup has the power to do that. I started applying makeup when in high school and at the time I strongly believed that the black eyeliner was my best friend. Little did I know, I was so wrong. That was the time when I also made my eyebrows very thin, since "that's what the standard was". Biggest mistake. Since then it took me nearly 18 years to realize a change was needed. One summer day last year, I decided enough was enough. I headed out to the mall determined not to return home until I have found the makeup products that work for me. Here's what I discovered:
my face needs a full-coverage foundation (I just love Lancôme 260 Bisque N; in the winter months I use a lighter shade 210 Buff N)
eye liner works best if I apply it half-way on the lower eyelid, and then brush it towards my inner corner (I use Always on Gel Eye Liner from Smashbox, in black)
for the upper eyelid I have to have a very neutral color that complements my brown eyes, given my eyes are very round and I barely have any space between the eyelid and the eyebrow (Charlotte Tilbury Marie Antoinette Eyes to Mesmerise Cream does wonders)
my eyebrows need to be full grown (not cut), and brushed with a clear brow gel (for that I use Clear Brow Gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills, and if I need any fillers I use Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows in Super Model-I found it to be the most natural-looking one)
for the mascara application I need a full, thick, round brush since my eye lashes are very long, but sparse (I love Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara)
since I have bluish tinted little veins under my eyes I need a concealer that hides that (Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correction Palette in Medium is best; I first apply the peach shade and then the tan shade next to it)
blush only looks good if I apply it straight on the apples of the cheeks (I use a mixture of Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick Formentera and Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder 02 Brunettes)
to contour my cheeks I swipe a line of contour powder from the ear to the apple of the cheek by the help of a contour blending sponge (I use Stila Shape and Shade Custom Contour Duo in Light)
my two favorite lipstick shades are Lancôme Color Design Matte Inconspicuous and Bite Amuse Bouche Chai. I also use Penhaligon's Orange Blossom Lip Balm.
How long does this makeup take to put on, you may ask? The answer is: 10 minutes. It is fast and easy to put on, and it is long-lasting.
Now let's discuss rules I guide myself when it comes to my image. I never get out of the house without wearing makeup. It is my opinion that a woman always has to look well put together. I am a huge believer that consistency is key so I try to accomplish that in my looks. You will see me wearing the same makeup more or less, whether I am at the hospital for a day of clinical, or going to an elegant wedding party. My only regret is not having had discovered a consistent style years ago.
Hair is another big step for me. I am a natural brunette, however that recently changed, and I am so happy it did. Blonde is so much more easier to upkeep, plus it looks increasingly better on me than dark hair does. I was always scared of dyeing my hair a light color. I figured it would look fake and unnatural. It wasn't until my friend Andreea @ https://www.instagram.com/glambyandreea/ recommended her hair dresser Alexia @ https://www.instagram.com/beautibyalexia/ that I decided to take the big step. I like my hair length above the shoulders and I love to wear it wavy. The way I accomplish that is by using the flat iron. Ever since I dyed my hair blonde I only have to wash it once a week (before it would be at least three times). Now the dry shampoo is my best friend (I use Batiste Dry Shampoo). To wash my hair I use Shimmer Lights Blonde and Silver Shampoo, then apply Era Organics Conditioner and It's a 10 mask. After I towel-dry my hair, I apply a bit of Moroccan Oil and It's a 10 Miracle leave-in product. These treatments do wonders in the prevention of blonde damage.
I have so many favorite perfumes. A few I can mention are Penhaligon's-Agarbathi, Chanel-Coco Mademoiselle, Miss Dior-Cherie, Hermes-Voyage d'Hermes and Eau Des Merveilles, Prada-L'Eau Ambree and Prada by Prada, Santa Maria Novella-Aqua di Colonia Patchouli and Melograno, and recently Maison Francis Kurkdjian-Gentle Fluidity. What they all have in common is a very strong scent. I cannot wear floral perfumes and nothing annoys me more than trying a sample of perfume on me that I don't like.
As for hand and body lotion I love L'Occitane-Amande. Such a delicate scent. You can see from the picture it is my favorite since I tried to squeeze every last drop out of the tube.
These are the nail polish colors that I use the most. I like dark colors in the winter, coppers in the fall and light in the summer.
