Don't be surprised if I end up picking two for some of the categories, especially for foundation. I am also avoiding limited edition products, which is difficult. Two of my absolute favorite products are limited edition, but I don't feel that it is fair to mention products you can no longer get or will not be able to in the near future.
1.) Primer
You guys are going to kill me for this one, but this stuff is amazing. Do I use it a lot? No, because it is so freaking expensive. But the Armani Prima Day Long Skin Perfector for Trouble Zones is incredible. I have combination/oily skin and this stuff controls my oil like nothing else. I use it on my T-Zone and the oil doesn't break though. As a result, whatever foundation I use on top stays put and doesn't break up. Another one that I really like is the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer. It has the added bonus of smoothing out pores.
2.) Foundation
This is a hard one for me because I have a few good ones in my current rotation. But I am going to say Cover Girl's new Clean Matte BB Cream. Yes, it is new. However it is fantastic. Even though it says it is a BB cream, it has good coverage. It doesn't completely cover up my acne scars, but it does a good enough job for me. It stays matte and lasts all day. Plus it is inexpensive. It always looks the same and I know what to expect from it.
3.) Concealer
Hmm....probably Kat Von D's Lock It Concealer. It is one of the only concealers I have used that works for my dark circles and blemishes. Sure, it is prone to creasing, but with a good setting powder, that will not happen.
4.) Face/Setting Powder
Even though this is new to my collection, I am going to choose Kat Von D's Lock It Setting Powder. It really does lock your makeup in place and it makes my skin look so smooth. It is also great for baking your under eye area if you really want to make sure things stay in place.
5.) Bronzer
I would have to say Too Faced's Milk Chocolate Soleiel. It isn't too orange for my fair skin and it doesn't look patchy. Plus it smells like chocolate. Can't go wrong with that.
6.) Blush
This is hard because I don't wear blush too often, but I would go with the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in the shade Celebrated. I don't reach for it often, but I love it because it adds just enough color without being too much.
7.) Highlighter
Hands down the Anastasia Beverly Glow Kit. I just can't decide if I would go with Gleam or Sun Dipped. Probably Sun Dipped, though. These are hands down the best highlighters out there.
8.) Mascara
Hmm...probably Max Factor's Masterpiece Max. This is a new one in my collection, but I love it even more than my Tarte Amazonian Clay Gifted Mascara. I'd also have to have my L'Oreal Voluminous Primer to really amp up the length and volume.
I did receive this tube of Loreal's Voluminous Primer for free from Influenster, but you better believe I will be buying another when it runs out. =)
9.) Lipstick
Please don't make me choose! I have so many that I love. But I think my absolute favorite, at least in terms of formula, is the Maybelline Loaded Bold's line. But in terms of color, I would have to say Milani's Nude Creme. Yeah. I'll go with Nude Creme because it goes with everything. Or M.A.C's Creme Cup, or even Bite Beauty's Sugar Cane. No..I'll stick with Nude Creme. Yes.
10.) Liquid Lip
This is even harder than lipstick, to be honest. I am going to say ColourPop's Ultra Satin Lip in Lyin' King because the color is amazing and the formula is probably one of the best out of all the liquid lipsticks I have. Huda Beauty's Spice Girl Liquid Matte is in a close second.
11.) Gloss
This is an easy one...Buxom's Full On Lip Polish in Kristen. I love the cooling sensation, it is glossy without being sticky, and it has a slight plumping effect. The color is very subdued, so it will go with everything.
12.) Lashes
I almost never wear lashes, but the Kiss Ever EZ trio lashes because they are a cinch to apply.
13.) Eyeshadow Palette
I'm going with my customized Z-Palette with my Makeup Geek shadows. Other than the Violet Voss x Laura Lee Palette, these are my most used shadows and I know I can always depend on them.
14.) Setting Spray
Wet n Wild's Photo Focus Setting Spray. It works and it is cheap.
15.) Perfume
Tom Ford's Velvet Orchid is my all time favorite perfume. I love earthier, deeper scents that are not too sweet, floral, or fruity.
This actually wasn't as hard for me to do as I thought. The only categories that were a little challenging were lipstick and liquid lipstick.
What are your ride or die picks?
