My Beauty Essentials

Here is a quick run down of makeup and skin care products I love and use on a regular basis, in other words, my "essentials."  I've also compiled a list of items I like but consider more of a luxury, not necessarily for everyday use.  And then there are three I'm mentioning that I don't bother with at all.  Makeup is extremely personal, and there is not one prescribed way to use it.  I know that something I consider essential may be completely unnecessary for someone else, and vice versa.  Some of the cosmetics I use are important for my health and upkeep, however, a lot of it I use because it is a hobby and passion of mine.  (I'm certainly not one who gets dolled up for fancy events on a regular basis).  So without further ado,  here is what the list of what I  (first world "need") to have at all times:

MAKE-UP
Mascara
Eyeliner
Eyeshadow
Foundation Primer
Foundation
Lip Balm
Lipstick and/or Gloss
Blush
Nail Polish
Makeup Brushes

SKIN CARE
Gentle Cleanser (one I can use to remove eye makeup if needed)
Daytime Moisturizer (preferably with SPF of 30 or higher)
Nighttime Moisturizer
Eye Cream

High maintenance?  Admittedly a little. 

Here is a list of what I don't have to have on a daily basis, but like to have on hand:

MAKE-UP
Concealer
Bronzer
Contour Powder
Highlighting product
Eyeshadow Primer
Makeup Setting Spray Beauty Blender

SKIN CARE
Eye Makeup Remover
Serum (with vitamins and/or antioxidants)
Exfoliant
Retinoid Cream(anti-wrinkle benefits)


Here are some products that many consider to be essential that I personally never bother with and explanations as to why:

Eye Lash Curler-  This is one of those things that if I ever regularly used one, I would probably decide I couldn't live without it.  But I'm perfectly happy not having one, so why try to change that?  I do remember trying one out as a teenager, and seeing very little difference at all.  And to tell you the truth, they kind of scare me.  I'm afraid something would startle me while I was using one and accidentally rip out all of my lashes.  Pas bien. 

Brow Gel/ Pencil- I was blessed with good brows (though I have a thousand other flaws to make up for it).  So I don't need to fill them it, at least at this stage of my life.  If I start to lose my brows as I grow older, you better believe I will be all about filling them in to get my full brows back.  I use brow combs, spoolies and wax every once and awhile to keep them in place, but not all the time.  I tweeze and get them waxed every few weeks to keep them well-groomed. 

Self-Tanner- I understand the appeal of self-tanners, I really do.  They have some amazing products out there that help people safely fake a tan so as not to endanger their skin, and I am a huge supporter of that. 
As for myself, I am about as fair as they come.  I don't tan naturally- I burn, I freckle, but I don't really tan, so I figure, why try to pretend my skin can do something it really can't?  I gave up on real tanning many, many, years ago, and now I am so completely paranoid about skin cancer, I spend the summers indoors as much as possible, or repeatedly slathering on spf and lingering in the shade when I have to be outside.  Self-tanners aren't worth my time and money.  I make do with the occasional application of face bronzer, for a sun-kissed glow, and good old fashioned sheer pantyhose when I am wearing a skirt.  It works for me.


So, after all of that I will say that I reserve the right to change my mind on any of the above that I mentioned.  I may decide one of my "must haves" is non-essential, or more likely, that one of my "not important" items may some day become a must-have.  For example, I used to think that the idea of foundation primer was a joke, but once I started using one I became converted for life.
I'll delve further into my favorite brands of some of these products that I love in future posts.   :)