Wherever I go—from carpool to New York Fashion Week or adventuring in the Great Bear Rainforest—there are some makeup essentials I never leave home without. I’ve always loved playing with makeup, but I typically have about five minutes to get ready before one of my kids starts calling for me (or climbing on me like a jungle gym). So…makeup essentials to me are beauty products that help me look and feel polished with minimal effort. These six have become staples in my beauty bag and are versatile enough to get me through any occasion. What are your makeup must-haves?
1. Luma Just a Touch Lip & Cheek Tint
This is hands down my favorite multi-tasking beauty product. It acts as both a lip and cheek color. You can layer it on for more intense color or use just a dab or two for the perfect natural flush.
2. Becca Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer
If you’re not a believer in primer, this product will make you a convert. The formula contains cooling properties that helps reduce puffiness while prepping your skin so makeup glides on smoothly (e.g. no caking or creasing!). It makes me feel like I look alive after a night of no sleep.
3. Inika Organic Vegan Mascara
My friend and makeup artist Campbell Ritchie introduced me to Inika Organics and I am obsessed. This mascara goes on easy and lasts allllll day.
4. Aveda Feed My Lips Liquid Color Balm
This vegan liquid lipstick provides rich, bold color while feeling as soft and moisturizing as a lip balm. A quick swipe easily takes my look from playdates to date night.
5. RMS Beauty Eye Polish
I love this color on my eyes. The subtle metallic cream brightens my eyes and gives me a fresh glowy look that lasts most of the day. The polish also doubles as a cream, moisturizing the delicate skin around the eyes with natural oils.
6. Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen
With just this one product I can check off sunscreen, moisturizer, primer, cover-up and skin therapy all in one. It also comes in a variety of shades to flatter all different skin tones.
8 Comments
Suzanne
I just bought suntegrity last week it is WONDERFUL! Can’t wait to try the others.
Suzy
Been using suntegrity for years
Suganti
I have oily skin so my moisturizer Cetaphil oil-free is a must. I try to take face mask with citrus for brightening/hydration when I’m in vacation.
Cristin
I work with Aveda and absolutely love the new Feed My Lips Color Balms. A little bit goes a long way, I like to use a tiny bit and smudge it to use it more like a stain and it’ll last me until the evening.
Diane
I’m going to have to check out Suntegrity. I like a product that multi-tasks!
My basic routine lately has been foundation (Elf), eyes and cheeks from a palette that covers both (Tarte or Too-Faced), mascara (IT), and (mostly to cover the greys) eyebrow tint (Benefit).
Lily Wood
This is so helpful and amazing! I’m always looking for the best products to help me not always look half asleep! As a side note, along with your skin care and makeup routines, would you be open to a hair routine blog post? Your hair is always so gorgeous and I’m dying to know the Padalecki secret to luxurious hair haha. Love you and your blog!
ADELE THOMSON
Tried all the products you suggested and I love them. Thanks Gen
Christina
As a work from home mom to two toddlers, I had pretty much given up on make up. But I was tired of not loving my appearance when I looked in the mirror. I came across your blog post and decided a simple routine would be good. I am amazed at the Becca Anti-Fatigue Primer. It works wonders for the morning after one of the kids didn’t sleep or I had to stay up late to catch up on work. I also love the eye polish and tint. Thank you for your post!