My ultimate makeup must-haves!
Gone are the days I carry a super huge kikay kit! Sharing with you my 5 go-to favorite beauty products and why I love and keep on restocking on them! These are the basics that I use on a daily basis.
For the eyebrows: K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Pen
As they say, kilay is life! That is why top on my list is somthing for the eyebrows. I'm such a huge fan of the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Pen. It's not a cult favorite for nothing! I've tried eyebrow gels, waxes, powders and pencils.. you name it! But nothing comes close to this one, trust me. The stroke looks like the real thing (I personally don't like eyebrows that looks like...uhm fake or too made up or too perfect). I just want eyebrows that still looks natural. Also, the long lasting 24-hour formula is great so you won't have to worry about touching up in the middle of the day. It stays put even when I have such an oily face, it even stays put after dipping into the pool or beach. For Php795, it sure is quite costly, but it goes a long way. It can last up to 5-6 months before I need to restock.
Where to buy: Beauty Bar stores
For the lips: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick
I fell in love with the Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipstick line from Maybelline, particularly with the shade Clay Crush. It's my ultimate MLBB (my lips, but better) lipstick! I think this is my 3rd time restocking this shade. And I don't normally finish a whole tube considering I have a lot of other lipsticks in my stash. But this one's an exception... I just keep on finding myself using this day after day and it never left my kikay kit since day one. The creamy formula makes it easy to apply, and I like that it has matte finish yet not at all drying on the lips. The staying power is great too! Even after drinking or eating, it stays put. For only Php299, this one is such a steal and I won't mind hoarding on 'em!
Where to buy: Department stores and Watsons
For the face: Belo Sunexpert Tinted Sunscreen
I have to 'fess up! Ever since I discovered BB creams and tinted sunscreens, I've never gone back to using foundation. Simply because I like the lightweight feeling of having BB cream or tinted sunscreen on my face instead. I also don't normally need heavy coverage, anyway (and with the high humidity and temperature in Metro Manila? Good luck on surviving the whole day with that!). That's why BB creams and tinted sunscreens became my go-to base makeup products. I've already tried BB creams from Faceshop, Missha, Etude House and many other brands. But lately (aka for the past several months), I've been using the Belo Sunexpert Tinted Sunscreen and have grown to love it. It's so lightweight, it already feels like second skin. However, it won't hide pimple marks that much so you still have to cover up with a concealer.
Where to buy: Watsons, Zalora and Lazada
For the dark circles and red marks: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
If you have to make me choose between an eyebrow product and a concealer, I'd definitely choose the latter! Haha! I can skip the kilay part (if I'm really in a rush) but NOT my dark under eye circles, naahh-uhhhh. I swear I look sick or look super tired, thanks to my panda eyes when left unconcealed! :( For many years now, my only go-to brand is Nars, particularly their Radiant Creamy Concealer line. Whenever I apply it, you know that it's there, but it's barely there. It instantly brightens up my eye area. It doesn't melt, it's crease-proof, and it stays put all through out the day. Great for concealing red/pimple marks too! My only issue with this one is the price - Php1,700 a pop! Good thing I normally ran out only after 10-12 months (yep, it can last me an entire year even with daily use cos the consistency is a bit thick and a few dots per application goes a long way).
Where to buy: Nars stores and Rustans
For the eyes: Karadium One Stroke Pen Eyeliner
Some people say they are not themselves when they're not wearing their favorite lipstick, but for me... it's when I'm not wearing eyeliner! hahaha! I like 'em winged! I used to buy K-Palette's eyeliner pen but I found a cheaper alternative - the Karadium One Stroke Pen Eyeliner. It glides smoothly on my skin, doesn't bleed, dries fast and lasts all day long. And best of all? It's only Php290.00!
Where to buy: Beauty MNL
#6 BONUS!
Skin Genie's Lip and Cheek Stain Alive! This easy to apply and long lasting lip and cheek stain instantly became my favorite! I want to collect all shades, but right now I have "Cherry Pink"! I've been using this regularly since the start of the year. What I like most is that it's liquid so I just have to use my finger when applying on my cheeks. I don't normally put makeup brushes on my kikay kit anymore so good thing I can easily just use my fingers with it.
Where to buy: Beauty MNL
So that's it! I think it helps that I don't impulse buy that much on makeup anymore. I get to maximize the ones that I currently have; get to find out which ones are great for the job, and make mental note to repurchase the ones that are actually worth buying.
How about you? What are your top 5 beauty product must-haves?
