By Lily Sage
As a makeup artist and beauty expert, there are certain products that are close to my heart and always in my makeup bag. When I really love a product I keep one in my purse and one at home in case of an emergency. I love products that are long-wearing, multitaskers that compliment my other products, fit in my kit easily, and always give gorgeous and effortless looking results. The top picks that I can’t live without are often the products that I love to recommend to friends as well as clients.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $24 Sephora.com
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer, $24, available at Sephora
When I do my makeup in the morning, I do it in such a way as to make sure it lasts all day with little to no touchups. In order to accomplish this, using a primer is a non-negotiable. This creamy primer will prevent shadow from creasing, make your eyeshadow more vibrant, and it also contains an ingredient called Dermaxyl which helps to smooth fine lines on the lid. I apply it all over my lid with the applicator, as well as on my brows before I fill them in, and on the lower lashline as well.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow, $23 Sephora.com
Makeup Forever Aqua Black Waterproof Creme Eyeshadow, $23, available at Sephora
This product can create multiple eye looks, but my favorite way to use it is actually as an eyeliner. The number one question I get about eye makeup is “Can you recommend an eyeliner that won’t wear off or run?” This product will stand up and win the fight against smudging, rain, allergies, and movies based on Nicholas Sparks novels. I apply it with a thin liner brush to create a signature cat-eye, and I also use it as base for a sultry smokey eye look. Please note that this product is highly pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, $18 Sephora.com
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, $18, available at Sephora
I have always loved Anastasia’s products and I have been using Dipbrow in Ebony since it hit the shelves of my neighborhood Sephora… and I have never looked back. This long wearing brow pomade comes in eleven rich shades. It fills in your brows and lasts all day, while giving you the perfect product to simply enhance your natural brow or create a more defined and dramatic brow. I apply it using the Anastasia Number 14 brush.
Tarte Maracuja Exfoliant, $16 Sephora.com
Tarte Maracuja Lip Exfoliant, $16, available at Sephora
Matte liquid lipsticks are a major player in the beauty game. In order to achieve that full and flawless lip look, your lips must be prepped prior to application. The Maracuja Lip Exfoliant gently scrubs away dry dead skin on the lips with raw sugar, and hydrates with Shea Butter and Maracuja Oil.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, $20 Sephora.com
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, $20, available at Sephora
This is a lip color I always get compliments on, and if I’m on the subway or at a restaurant someone will ask me what I’m wearing on my lips. Lolita is that perfect chestnut rose that looks great on most skintones, and the soft neutral tone compliments any eye look or blush color. It contains Vitamin E and goes on slightly glossy but sets with a matte finish. I have one in my purse at all times.
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, $15 Sephora.com
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, $15, available at Sephora
Hands are sometimes overlooked when it comes to anti-aging. A woman’s true age shows on her hands, neck, and around the eyes. I wear sunscreen daily, use eye cream twice a day, and I always have this hand cream with me. It was a life saver this winter but it’s lightweight and creamy enough to keep using in the warmer months ahead. Formulated with Shea Butter to hydrate and nourish, and Grape Polyphenols to fight free radical damage, this hand cream has provided visibly softer and and smoother hands. It’s also wonderful directly applied on the cuticles.
-LS
