September 18, 2012
My friend Amber is obsessed with all things beauty, and good thing for me, she keeps me in check when I want to keep using 10 year old eyeshadow quads and attempt to get away with using some random color of eyeshadow to fill in my brows. You might recall that when we last heard from Amber, she was sharing some easy makeup tips with me in the comfort of my own home. Well today she’s sharing her top 5 beauty must-haves that every woman should own in her beauty arsenal. I have to say, Amber hasn’t steered me wrong yet, so I’d listen up and take note if I were you ladies!
1) A good eye shadow palette with both neutral and dark colors. Something you can take with while traveling or throw into a large purse. It’s easy to use and allows you to change your look at a moments notice. ( I like Urban Decay’s Naked Palette but M.A.C let’s you create your own as well). You will also need a few brushes with this palette! (Angled soft brush, crease brush & flat brush
2) NARS blush in Orgasm. It is a game changer. The champagne pink matches every skin tone and instantly creates a subtle and provocative flush.
3) Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener – perfect for wearing under concealer or without, it instantly brightens the under eye area and is seriously one of the best products I’ve invested in. An essential tool for all moms.
4) Black Mascara. It truly opens up the eyes and gives them an extra oomph. I’ve tried them all and my favorites are DiorShow Blackout, Maybelline Stiletto Lash and Benefit’s Yes, They’re Real
5) Eyebrow pencil. Most people don’t think about it but the eyebrows are so important to the overall look of your face! Once you start filling in your eyebrows you will never go back. My favorites are Anastasia Brow Pen – Long Wearing Brow Tint or Perfect Brow Pencil and M.A.C Eyebrow (it’s like a crayon that stays sharp!)
Thanks so much Amber for sharing your secrets with us, oh wise one. I have to say that every single product you’ve told me to buy, I’ve loved, so I know the ladies can’t go wrong with these recommendations.
Friends, please go check out Amber and give her some love at her Facebook page for Sweet Emotions Makeup Artistry! She’s a great gal with a big heart and is a talent with the makeup brush who gladly shares her knowledge with anyone that’s interested. Tell her I sent you! And please share any of YOUR personal makeup must-haves. Do any of them correspond with Amber’s, or do you have your own makeup arsenal weapon of choice?
Great list! I’ve been meaning to pick up Nars Orgasm for ages and somehow always forget when I’m at Sephora.
My foolproof mommy makeup is Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Benefit Boing (under eye concealer), black eyeliner, black mascara and one of Sugar’s tinted lip balms. Works both at the playground with my boys and out to dinner with my hubby!
These are awesome recommendations!
I have a question for Amber (I’m not on FB, so maybe she’ll read this..?) I’m really blond and have very sparse brows (thanks mom) and am always trying to find the right brow kit. I’ve read good things about Anastasia, but the reviews have also said the colors available aren’t good for blonds. Should I try another brand or give this one a go?
Hi Kristen!
One of my girlfriends has the same problem.
There are a couple of brands that offer shades that work well on Blond’s (M.A.C has a lovely cream/crayon type pen, Too Faced has a dual eyebrow pencil/brush in Blond-ey)
Anastasia generally does it the best and all the blonds I’ve seen and used seem to work. Remember your eyebrows should actually be a smidge darker than your hair color (unless of course you’re on America’s next top model and they bleach them). I would definitely give them a try. They have a tinted brow gel that may work better for you than just the brown pen or pencil.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email me: swtemotions (at) yahoo (dot)com
Hope this helps!
I SO needed this post, I am a totally makeup/beauty novice and I have been searching for some must-have products. thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you sooo much Amber!
Hmmm….the numbering is off…but it makes me focus on more awesomness for longer so whatever! 🙂
I first discovered Nars Orgasm blush right before my wedding in 2008 – it’s all I’ve worn since.
And I’ve been lusting after that eyeshadow palette since it came out, even though I very, very rarely wear eyeshadow [likely because I’m clueless as to how to apply it!].
I’ve heard amazing things about that mascara!
I just blogged about benefit’s They’re Real the other day. It is my favorite mascara!!! I think it’s a must have in any makeup arsenal. 🙂
thanks for the tips! I’m still getting used to wearing make-up on an everyday basis, so these come in handy!
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during
lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to
take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!