My Most Used Makeup - Part 2
Concealers and Powders....
As promised, here’s part 2 of my most used makeup! These are the products I’ve reached for constantly over the past year - each one has never let me down.
I’ll be honest… there were moments when I got distracted, thinking I’d found a new holy grail, but somehow, I always ended up coming back to these. I mean, testing and reviewing beauty products is literally part of my job, so obviously, I have to stray a little - but when something truly locks me in, I know it’s good.
My most used makeup isn’t just out of habit - it’s about performance. Each one ticks all the boxes for me: easy to apply, long-wearing, flawless finish, and my favorite…compliments. So, let’s get into it…
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer - I've been using this for around 3-4 years now, and that alone should tell you just how much I love it! It’s ultra-creamy, and the coverage never disappoints. I know some people find it too cakey, but honestly, a little goes a long way. If you’re piling it on and not hydrating properly, then yes, of course, it will look cakey! But when used right, it lasts so well on the skin. And as long as you set it well, it won’t crease either.
Too Faced Born This Way Multitasking concealer - I’d call this the little sister of Tarte Shape Tape. It’s creamy, blends seamlessly into the skin, and gives great coverage. If you find Shape Tape a bit too much, you might love this one instead.
One thing I really love is how much product you get. I’m not even sure if it’s actually bigger than most concealers (I fully admit this might just be in my head), but it feels like there’s so much inside! It never runs out!
Huda Beauty Easy Bake setting powder - I love this setting powder. It’s definitely a little heavier than a standard translucent powder, but it locks everything in place all day. I use the shade Banana Bread, and it’s not too yellow for my skin tone. I like to press it on with a powder puff (specifically, the Laura Mercier one), but I never let it sit and bake - I dust it off immediately with a brush. Yes, your base will look powdery, matte, and have that just-done look right after applying, but (and it’s a big but) - if you want your makeup to last all day, you’ll have to deal with that for at least the first hour. It takes about an hour for your natural oils to come through, and once they do, your base will look much more natural.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless finish powder - I go for this when I don’t have much time to do my makeup, using it to set my base instead of Huda Beauty Easy Bake, and it’s also my go-to for on-the-go touch-ups. It’s great for mature skin, especially under the eyes, but I use it sparingly - too much can make the skin look cakey. A little goes a long way with this one!
My Most Used Makeup Of 2024 - Part 1
I know we’re all focused on what’s going to be trending this year, but I wanted to share my most used makeup from last year…because it just goes to show what actually worked and clearly won me over. Sometimes, I don’t even realize what I’ve been using so much of.
These are a few products that I’ve tried and actually ended up using for a longer than expected - but like I mentioned, I always ended up going back to the list above. I still use these, but it’s every now and again when I want a change, and never long term.
NARS radiant creamy concealer - I mean, it’s a favorite for a reason. It’s a great daytime, natural finish concealer. I know exactly what I’m going to get with this one, but it doesn’t stay looking fresh throughout the day. I use this when I my makeup isn’t so important to me. A quick bit of coverage whenever I need it.
Guerlain Terracotta concealer - This is very similar to the NARS concealer. I love it for immediate, good coverage, but by the afternoon, it’s not as fresh looking and seems a little sallow looking to me. If I know I only need good makeup for a couple of hours, then this is a go-to.
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Hi Nina Your posts are very informative and have taught me alot. I am 56 years old asian and have pigmented under eye skin. Use charlotte tilbury orange colour corrector and milani concealer and charlotte tilbury setting powder. Even with moisturising skin and eye cream the final look is creasing and dry under eyes. I have tried to use the tips you mentioned in your posts. Would you advise anything else?
Hi Nina! Great list! May I ask what are the pros and cons of a tinted setting powder vs translucent?