The Beauty Sleuth

I get asked all the time about the products I like to use, not just for session work, but ones I use on myself — My personal favorites. So I thought I would take a minute to share some of my daily go-to items. My philosophy has always been a less is more approach. In cosmetic terms, that doesn’t mean I advocate no makeup! On the contrary, for me this means selecting products that do a multiple of things. Let’s say multi-tasking at its best. The following items have found a home in my makeup bag, (which is small, only 5x7x3 ) have many functions and really work, which make achieving any makeup look a snap. Here’s a list of some of my favorite things:

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate: Perfect spot hydrator. I uses it anywhere I need a little boost of hydration because while my skin is quite oily, it still needs moisture.
Skinn by Demitri James Orchid Gel and Hi Def Cotton/Mineral Foundation SPF15: Quite simply these two products are amazing. If you have combination, verging on full blown oily skin like I do, this will keep your skin looking what I like to call velvet matte (that’s blend between Matte and dewy, because who wants to look flat and lifeless?) , all day long. I use the Orchid gel alone if I want a sheer tinted moisturizer look and combine the two when I want a bit more coverage. Whether you use together or not, this primer/foundation combo looks fresh and natural, never overly made up and doesn’t have that typical mineral powder sheen. No need for extra powder or concealer as you can layer this to cover any imperfection you may have. I use a brush when I want to layer it up.
Burberry Light Glow Blush in Blossom: A perfect blend of pink and coral that can be used on the cheeks and the eye area to perk things up.
SmashBox Cosmetics Artificial light Luminizing powder: A subtle highlighter. It’s quick, easy and most importantly; effective. Use it where ever you want to add a little shimmer.
Skinn Dimitri James Smudge Stick in Egyptian Clay and Venus: This chubby smudge stick pencil stays put all day long. Doesn’t budge or fade till you are ready to take it all off.
Burberry Beauty Sheer eyeshadow in Porcelain and Khaki: A Sheer and beautiful texture. It feels very velvety on the skin and lasts the day.
Tarte Cosmetics Four day Strong mascara: Like it says, it would last that long if you wanted it to. Unlike traditional mascaras, this one is more like a stain for the lashes. Makes them inky black and adds volume.
Tarte Natural lip tint and stain in Matte Hope and Sheer in Moody: Like the Tarte Cheek Stain, these don’t fade to nothing by midday. They feel nice on the lips, won’t dry them out and are really great shades to mix or use alone.
MOR Cosmetics Lip Delight lip balm: I have grown to love this lip balm but still hate the metal case…I can’t get it to close for the life of me. So while I did include in this product round up, I have to admit it sits on my bathroom counter rather than in my makeup bag.
Smashbox Limitless Longwear lip gloss SPF15 in Endless kiss: This is a youthful shade or pinky-coral and pretty much looks great on anyone.
Sothys Pro Refiner System Complexion protector: For those time when I really need to look smooth and oil free (like for photos for example) I dab this on after I have finished my makeup
Smashbox Browtech in Taupe : It’s not a brown, or a blonde..It’s somewhere in between. This brow wax and color do the trick to fill in and define my brows without looking like I carved them onto my face.
Visine: For those days when I really need to get the red out and also, for emergency situations, if you apply a dab under your eyes, it de-puffs rather nicely as well.
Juara Candelnut Perfume Oil: Just because I love the way this smells and as its small, I can carry it with me all the time.
Oh and my snazzy little makeup bag? It came from Longchamps and was designed by an old friend and super talented guy, Paul White of Me Company.