HG MASCARA COMBINATION

Have you ever tried a mascara primer? My first experience was a sample from Lancome that I received with a sephora purchase a long time ago... I absolutely loved it. But for whatever reason instead of buying the lancome primer I decided to purchase one from shiseido.

Shisiedo mascara primer

I saw great reviews online and I've been using it for several months. I have no regrets over my purchase. The formula is quite different from the lancome version which is white in color, this one looks like vaseline and goes on clear. It does not feel greasy though and I feel like my lashes look fuller when I put this primer on. I feel like eye lash primers should be a must have in a make up lover's arsenal. Currently, I use my eye lash primer with the amazing Giorgio Armani eyes to kill mascara...

Shiseido mascara primer, Giorgio Armani eyes to kill mascara

I really think the eyes to kill mascara is overpriced (so is Chanel). But, Giorgio Armani often gives out 20% off discount codes during the summer and winter which makes the price a little more easier to swallow. Honestly though, I think this is a great mascara... I love my maybelline and loreal mascaras but there is something about the way this makes my lashes look - I just love it... it definitely gives you volume and length (makes your lashes look more separated rather than clumped together).

Giorgio Armani eyes to kill mascara

 I'm not just impressed by the formula, I also really enjoy the wand. I can get to my inner corners and am able to do my bottom lashes quite easily with the brush. I think if you are looking for a great quality mascara and willing to splurge I would definitely recommend adding this to your list.

HG PRIMER FOR THE FACE

Estee lauder illuminating primer

I used to associate the Estee Lauder brand as an outdated, old woman's brand. But after recently trying their brand, I've realized that they have some really great quality all star products. Few years ago, I had never used a face primer and did not understand what the hype was all about them. So after receiving and trying some samples of face primers from sephora (the one I remember really liking was from the brand Fresh from sephora), I decided to explore more about them. I remember choosing the estee lauder illuminating primer because of two reasons - the price and the reviews on the internet (I can't remember where but I think it was makeupalley).

I've used this product on most work days (> 40hours per week) for over a year and just ran out of it few weeks ago. The formula was incredibly light weight and not greasy. I work 12 to 13 hour shifts most days and I found that this product did make my base last the whole day - my natural oils would come through but I never looked like a greasy mess. I also found that if I put a little "extra" on - my skin would look more radiant.

This is definitely a holy grail no-fail product. I love it when products do what they claim... Currently I've tried other more expensive "illuminating" primers but their lasting performance is sub-par compared to this one... I have to combine at least two of them to get the long lasting results of this one.

If you're ever at an estee lauder counter ask the sales person to give you a sample to try... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

CURRENT FAVES - BRONZER/BLUSH

I'm so over this drab winter season - and I'm ready for summer. It's weird though because when the summer weather starts, I can't wait for fall. Hmm....

Anyways, I've been loving two products that give me a bronzed look to the skin... perhaps kind of like the J-lo bronzy glowiness?.... (well not really, but I enjoy the look nonetheless).

TOM FORD BLUSH: SAVAGE
www.saksfifthavenue.com

The first product is my recent blush splurge... I think the price of this blush might give some people a heart attack. But if you love makeup and you want to look tanned - then this product is worth the high price tag. I purchased mine from Saks but it's also available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms. It is gorgeous. You get 8 grams of product and the color is a red bronze shimmer - absolutely stunning on the cheeks.

DIORSKIN NUDE TAN: 003CINNAMON/CANELLE
www.sephora.com

This second product is my current HG bronzer. Although it some shimmer in it, the shimmer does not really show up on the skin. This comes with 10 grams of product and it does come in different shades (I got mine at Sephora) - so I recommend swatching/testing before you buy. Mine came with a mini kabuki as well. I would consider this a warm/neutral toned bronzer (not too red/not too orange)... just perfect for me.

The two products are what excellent workhorse products. Along with a bit of primer, tinted moisturizer, some brightener/concealer for the eyes, some mascara, some finishing powder and some lipstick/gloss and I'm set for a 13hour work day!!!

What are some of your current holy grail/no fail products?