Working on TV for so long made me a makeup junky. Since part of my job was to make sure I look polished with perfect makeup, I went out of my way to try to find the best stuff. Yup- no makeup person for me! I did my own at 3:30 AM. I always joked that I would have looked 500 times better if a professional did it! But I did my best and out of necessity I tried out tons of makeup.
My make up box= tons of makeup
It is messy, but it works! I had to carry my makeup around with me to work, so I have this grown up caboodle thing. I actually like being able to stash it below my bathroom sink, so I still keep it all in the same box.
For fun today, I thought I would share some of my current favorite makeup finds. It seems like there is always something new and better coming out, but these are the ones I have replaced several times and plan on buying again. I don’t necessarily wear all of these every day so this isn’t a suggestion of a makeup routine, just some fun finds to add to your buying list.
Mascara:
I found this stuff a couple of years ago, and I love it. You can put it on lightly or build layers to get WOW lashes without having to do fakes.
Eyeliner:
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes - Intense Black
This stuff goes on smooth and almost looks like gel liner. Almost. It is so much easier to use that I think it is a fair trade. I also use the brown version, depending on the look I am going for.
Brows:
I was honestly so annoyed when big brows came back because it was one more makeup step to do in the morning. It is tedious to fill brows in, but if you are going for a complete look, it really makes a difference. I use this with a separate brush to blend.
Lips:
This color lipstick is so amazing. I swear it looks good on almost anyone and you can wear it with almost anything. It is a soft pink color that blends so well. It is the one lipstick you will always find in my purse.
Light Foundation:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
This is not the foundation I used for TV. The ones for TV often don't translate as well in "real" life. I love this tinted moisturizer for those days when you just need a little makeup before heading out the door. It looks finished but still very light.
Eye Shadow:
This is another color that 
is neutral and pretty. It works well paired with darker colors for an evening look or alone for a day look.
Concealer:
Joe Blaso Highlight Orange Concealor
I swear by this concealer. I have epic-ly bad dark circles. I layer this orange correcting concealer on top of my regular concealer to correct the blue tones. It is a miracle worker!
Now I know a lot of these choices are more high end makup finds. I only picked my absolute favorite to recommend so you would know these are ones I think are worth trying. I totally understand a budget though and I am on the lookout for some great drug store alternatives. When I find them, I will make sure to let you know.
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Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Ugh, I feel ya on the brows! It's just another step for me now. I use a pencil line by Anastasia of Beverly Hills. My favorite mascara changes by the month, I swear! Currently, I'm really liking YSL's Babydoll, but next week it may be something else : )
Jessie says
I'm not a big make up person, but I may just have to take a look into some of the products you mentioned 🙂
Pam says
I love Mary Kay's ultimate mascara and eyeliner gel. I also use their skin care line. Their skin care line is wonderful and economically priced. Always get lots of compliments about my skin.
JulieWunder says
I've heard such great things about Mary Kay! Thanks for the tip!
Wendy Winn says
Might be a good idea of before and after shots...just saying!
JulieWunder says
Good idea Wendy! Maybe next time.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
First of all you, you used the word caboodle. That means you are absolutely the coolest and you made me smile big time. I need a new mascara, mine always seem to lump with my lashes so I might give this a shot! Tarte's BB Cream is one of my favorite makeup items that I can't live without!
JulieWunder says
Haha! My black one is probably not as cool as the pink plastic one I had when I was younger, but it workds.
I'll have to try the Tarte BB Cream sometime. I have yet to find a BB Cream I like as much as the tinted moisturizer, but I still love to try new ones.
Danyelle Musselman says
I'm always looking for a new mascara… will def have to try the Urban Decay, I love so many of their products!
Jaime says
I have two products I wear daily - a foundation and mascara. When I'm working, you'll find me wearing lipstick (I love Bare Minerals lipstick.) I used to do more eye makeup, and I don't remember when I stopped using it....maybe when my son was born? Hard to remember.
I'm intrigued by the mascara. Definitely going to try it.
JulieWunder says
Yeah, the eye makeup takes so much time!
They mascara is awesome! It is harder to get off, but I love it. Clinique take the day off remover gets it off the best.
Megan says
Thanks so much for sharing! Great tips! I'm always in the market for new mascara so can't wait to try this out. Really enjoying the blog 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Megan!
Jenny says
Ooooh, these are such great finds! I love that Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. If you haven't tried Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On eye liner, try it! It looks exactly like liquid liner, but it's a pencil, and it does not move once it's applied. Magic. I also love their Big Fatty mascara and Benefit's They're Real mascara. You're speaking my language today, sister! 🙂
JulieWunder says
I'm going to pick up the Urban Decay liner the next time I go to Ulta! It sounds fabulous. I am a sucker for trying out new stuff.
The They're Real is also on my list!
Blane Sherer says
I think it is a great idea for you to share your make-up expertise (especially from a " real person " do it yourself perspective).
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Ellen James says
Awesome advice and thanks for sharing all your tips and I am very eager to try some of what you suggested.
I have great skin @ age 61 and followed a good diet, lifestyle, always, careful with the sun. Live well, enjoy. I am a full time caretaker for an elderly parent, who is 95 strong
JulieWunder says
What an inspiration! Good choices do pay off!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Mac lip gloss and Bobbi Brown concealer and bronzer are my current faves. Love to wear bronzer all winter to give a splash of color.
JulieWunder says
Oh yeah, Mac lipgloss is fabulous. I always use a bronzer too... for my super paleness 🙂