MAKE UP ESSENTIALS

Tagged by Kelly...
My make up kit is a melting pot of brands. I have no brand loyalty at all. My kit is bursting with pots, powders, brushes and glosses even if I usually end up using only 5-6 pieces daily. Call me weird but I guess I find satisfaction in the exercise of choosing. This echoes my (bad) packing habit. As my husband, Haligi, puts it, I am the exact opposit of traveling light--literally and figuratively. Hmmmppph!

My purchases are influenced by neither brand nor price. The most compelling reason why I purchase a particular make up item is the way it registers on my skin and the way my skin reacts to it (my skin is slightly sensitive). I can live with The Body Shop or Maybelline during one shopping spree and then go for a Dior or Chanel the next, to the detriment of my savings account. It is rather fortunate too that my best friend, A, manages some of the leading make up brands in the world, so I get a lot of freebies. Diba, Em? :)

So here are my make-up essentials...

Clinique Double Face Powder
(Matte Honey)

A mainstay of my vanity kit since my initial foray into the world of beauty (naks!), this product comes with an application sponge, goes on dry, and gives superb coverage No powdery bits, no flaking, and stays on all day with nary a touch up.

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
(Shade #3)

Thanks to blogging, I am now a proud owner of a set of "signature" eyebags. Hehehe! I like the consistency of this product--very dewy and creamy, but doesn't look dry nor caked no matter how much you pile on.

T. LeClerc Mono Eyeshadow
(Feuille d'or/Brun Doré)

I chose these shades--neutral brown and soft gold, because they match the predominant color of my wardrobe (and bags and shoes, hihihi!). Both shades have an iridescent finish and silky texture that blend smoothly on my skin. Best of all, they contain Vitamin E. Plus, the carved silver compacts that they come in are so pretttyyy!

Scott Barnes Chic Palette (Brandy Wine)

Where do I begin to describe my experience with the SB's Chic Palette? As you know, Scott Barnes is the makeup artist who's known for giving Jennifer Lopez that famous glow. The Chic Palette has three pans of blush in graduated shades and textures. Each palette contains finely-milled matte, demi-pearl and pearl colors that, when applied to your skin, mimic a true, radiant flush. You can use the blushes on their own or you can make up your own combinations. There's no going wrong with the colors!

NARS Lip Sheer and Lip Gloss (Hindu/Rose Birman)

Every year, I find a lipstick shade that I like, and for 2008, NARS seals the deal. I use the Hindu to work. Warm and velvety, it is a welcome change from the usual red or glossy nude. On weekends I settle for the Rose Birman, which is neither too sticky nor too runny. I also think it gives my lips that ideal "blush."

BONUS: Dior Beauty Confidential (Moon Glow)

I received this as birthday gift in 2007 and have gone easy on usage when I discovered the price. :) Although the byootiful silver case weighs a T-O-N, I love carrying this around to give me great highlighting and touch-ups, whenever necessary. Hindi lang bagay gamitin sa Tuguegarao o sa Kalinga. Hahaha!

That's it, pancit!