It’s that time of the year to change out your makeup drawers!  Since Sephora is offering 20% off (did you get the coupon???), I thought it would be perfect timing to share some of my favorite items in my personal makeup drawer.

Up first… the face!  I’ll blog cheeks, eyes, illuminator powders and finishing sprays later this week.

What are your favs?!

xo

Foundation: I’m not big on primers (on my skin), especially since I’ve been using Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet+ foundation (color #30).  I go back and forth on foundations… this summer I was using Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation – but since my skin coloring is changing, I don’t like the lighter shade on my skin.  I was also using Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, but again, not loving it for the winter months.  I’ve always loved Mat Velvet+ by Make Up For Ever and I also use this foundation on certain skin types for clients.  Color #30 (that I use on myself) is also one of the top used colors that I use on my clients.

Primer + Illuminator: I know I just said that I’m not a fan of primers on my skin (which is true), but I do love NARS Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15.  Since it does have SPF, I don’t use this on clients, but I LOVE the way this wears underneath my foundation!  It’s a personal fav for sure!  If you’re looking for a little more shimmer, again, I love NARS Illuminator.  I put this on PRIOR to foundation.  That’s how I’ve found that it works the best.  When I put it onto of my foundations, it pulls the foundation.

Foundation Brushes: Okay, these aren’t from Sephora… but I can’t live without my Sigma 3DHD Kabuki ($24) and Sigma Round Kabuki ($24).  Makes your foundation appear as butter on your skin!  You don’t need both, in fact, my favorite is the 3DHD and at $24, you can’t go wrong!

Concealer: I go between NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer + Bare Mineral Stroke of Light.  Nars is a little heavier, but I LOVE it… I normally start by blending with the Sigma Precision bush and then blend it in again with a mini beauty blender. It’s a beautiful seamless finish.  Stoke of Light is a little more sheer and radiant.

Contouring: I’m not a big fan of contouring… but when I do, I keep it simple and easy!  Love this Smashbox Contouring Trio.

Powder: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder, love love love love this powder.  Also, using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit and loving the banana powder for concealer setting.  Another fav by NARS is their bronzing powder.  It’s a good one to give your skin a little warmth throughout the winter months. 

Brushes: Sigma Angled Kabuki, soft-dense fibers truly create the most flawless finish.  I also love the Sigma Tapered Kabuki, which has the same soft-dense fibers, and glides super easy over the face and into the contours of the face.