Every now and then, I like to go through my archive of beauty product reviews and I always wonder why I ever stopped using about that product I raved about six months ago. But that’s the thing. Beauty routines change. New products and formulas come along, and sometimes, you realize later on that maybe there’s a better (and cheaper) version out there. I had fun putting together my list of spring makeup essentials and comparing it to last year’s routine, but it was nice to see which products and tools of the trade continue to make the cut. Read on for my spring makeup essentials for eyes, lips and face and a special giveaway featuring my favorite luxe sunscreen!
Eyes:
I’ve been very good about applying eye cream in the morning and at night thanks to my new Darphin Stimulskin Plus Divine Eye Cream (c/o Neiman Marcus). In my book, any $136 eye cream HAS to be good. And it is. The shea and mango butter makes it equal parts effective and soothing. While I still use my Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen to cover up any redness, I find that my NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is slightly more effective for keeping my powder eye color in tact. I’ve been switching between my bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Inspiration and my new Stila Not So Nude Palette (it’s only $20 at Ulta!). Right now I’m all about using eyeshadow as liner and this palette offers so many options. This season, I’m all about cocktailing my mascara (stay tuned for a separate post on that). Lately I’ve been coating my lashes in CoverGirl LastBlast Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara for an easy daytime look. Sometimes I layer it with Benefit They’re Real Mascara. I’m nearing an empty tube of my NARS Creamy Concealer because I love it just that much. I apply it with my dampened Beautyblender for an airbrush finish.
Lips:
My current lip balm of choice: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy (c/o). I wasn’t originally a fan of the minty scent but it definitely soothes chapped lips and doesn’t require frequent reapplication. While moving, I rediscovered an old favorite, Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss in Popsicle. It’s my go-to every day color. I recently just splurged on another NARS lipstick in Heat Wave (its power-staying formula is the best).
Face:
Before we dive in to makeup… let’s talk skin. I am all about my at-home Sunday spa day. You’ve heard me talk about Bliss Micro Magic before and I still use it to this day. I mean you can really feel it working. Of all the luxe daily moisturizers I’ve tested since I launched this blog, I even shocked myself that I found a winner in Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Gel Moisturizer (c/o POPSUGAR and Olay; why? See my review here). My current SPF of choice: Blush Med’s Sun-Tastic SPF 45 (c/o). I love its light cucumber scent and it doubles as a moisturizer (which will make my summer beauty routine easy peasy). I rarely wear foundation so BB cream has been my go-to. Right now I’m using a deluxe sample size version of Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream SPF 45+. The coverage is just as awesome as its hydrating formula. The coverage is just as awesome as its hydrating formula. After watching all these instructional videos on contouring, I recently splurged on the NARS Contour Brush #21 and I swear, it was worth every penny. I feel like The Body Shop is my hidden gem for shopping for makeup. I love their Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder (c/o), which has a matte finish (I’m not a big fan of shimmery bronzers unless it’s a body bronzer). For a rosy glow, I like to apply a cream-based blush first (like Benefit’s Fine One One or Stila Convertible Color Compact in Petunia) and then swipe on a silky powder like Clinique Cheek Pop in Plum Pop for a perfect long-wearing luminous finish.
A little birdie at Blush Med knows how much I love my Sun-Tastic SPF 45 that they have graciously donated three of them (valued at $50 each!) to give away to three lucky Politics of Pretty readers. Giveaway ends Friday at midnight. Good luck!
What are your go-to spring makeup and skin essentials?
Photography by Kate Ann
I love keeping it simple in spring with my basic bare minerals routine plus a pop of color with a bright pink lipstick 🙂
Love the skirt!
ole henriksen truth serum – i have probably been getting too much sun exposure as the days warm up and the serum automatically makes my face feel moisturized and happy.
I’m looking for a new daily moisturizer with SPF. Would love to try this.
I have been looking for a good contour brush thx for the rec. Also – Olay moisturizers are my all time go to!
A nice peachy blush and a bold lip color!
SPF!
I can’t live without F.A.B. Ultra Repair Lip Therapy and Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream! I’ll definitely have to try out the new Olay gel moisturizer 🙂
obsessed with my new kiehl’s micro-blur skin perfector these days. that and i can’t live without my mac gel liners <3
This is awesome! Love it!
I love my Jane Iredale mineral makeup and the hydration spray to freshen up throughout the day
I have been looking for better skin care products! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess bronzer!
lip gloss, bronzer and mascara.
Bronzer and water-proof mascara are my main essentials. But, I’m loving orange blush this season too! Love this post 🙂 xx
Great round up!
My go-to spring makeup essentials are my Dr. Jart BB cream (similar to yours ;)), NARS blush in Orgasm, and a coral lip.
I’ve been eying the NARS contour brush…it looks amazing!
Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
BB cream with Sunscreen and a light lip color!
Tinted moisturizer & mascara are my spring essentials. Thanks!