Beauty tips from a fashion blogging 20-something

When I go to events,  I want to be able to put my best foot forward and that starts with the exterior. Of course there is a confidence and quality that needs to radiate from within but strangers often judge the book by its cover  because – let’s be honest – what else do they have to go by? Below are the products I have been using lately to look my best.

*Note: I have purchased all of the products below of my own volition and have been using some for years. None of this is sponsored content.

EYES

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner –  This eyeliner lives true to its name because it does not smudge and lasts for a very long time. I have gone through my fair share of eyeliners and this is by far the best yet.  I use Sepia, a dark brown, for everyday because black is a bit too severe on me. I also purchased the brush from Bobbi Brown.

Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Duo – I have the duo but I use mostly the lighter gold shadow to brighten and open up my eyes.

Urban Decay Eye Primer – I cannot live without this product, especially in the summer. It keeps my eyeliner and shadow stay in tact for hours. I bought it in “Sin” which is a nice shimmery champagne color.

Dior Show Waterproof Mascara – This works really well but after a few hours, it starts darkening your undereyes so be sure to carry around makeup remover with this one. I’m actually in search of a new mascara because of this. Next on the list: the Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes mascara.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler –  This works like a dream!  There is no turning back with this curler. Buy it!

LIPS

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 – This is called #1 for a reason. It saved my lips when they were badly chapped during the dead of winter.

Tarte Lip Stain – I absolutely love this one. The color is absorbed right into your lips so it not only stays, it looks completely natural. Longevity is important to me especially when I go to events that serve food and drinks (most do). I hate having to step away to reapply but I no longer need to do that with this product. If I want to go a bit more glam, I just add gloss on top.

Purple Lab Huge Lips, Skinny Hips –  I love this product because it is very modern. It serves multiple purposes: colors, moisturizes, plumps, AND it curbs your appetite. It contains Hoodia, which is an herbal, all-natural appetite suppressant. That is so genius to me, I don’t know why there weren’t more like this in the market.

CHEEKS

Clinique Pressed Powder Blush in New Clover – Pretty and pink, you can’t go wrong with this shade. However, the blush fades quickly so I am currently looking for a good cream blush in a similar pink.  Hard to part with this though because I love the color.

Stila Sun Highligher – I always use  a very gentle sweep of bronzer under my blush for extra glow. I actually learned this from a Twitter tip from InStyle!

HANDS

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve – My  hands get very dry very fast. This has instant effects. I carry it with me EVERYWHERE.

OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel Lacquer – This treatment is on the pricier end but the finish is flawless, sturdy and guaranteed to last two weeks. I got it in Strawberry Margherita, a bright pink, to celebrate Spring and daylight savings.

Proof that it works. These are my nails at Day 9:

Not a single chip! And it is as glossy as the day I got them done (last Thursday). I can’t tell you how many compliments I have received – from friends to colleagues to strangers at events.

Hope this was helpful to you. If you have tried and true go-to’s, I would love any recommendations, especially for mascaras and blushes! Makeup removers as well :)

Cheers,

Virginia