As I was sort of planning out what I wanted to blog about for the next little while a week or two ago, I recognized the need for a little dose of Mary Straton from Olive You Darling in my blog life! She’s such a fun guest to have, and she really knows her stuff. Especially when it comes to looking good. One thing about MS is that her makeup is always perfection. She looks flawless every time I see her (even when she’s not even wearing makeup!) so when I asked if she could guest for me, I knew that she’d be a great one to ask about beauty must-haves (especially since I’ve been looking for some better-quality go-to’s lately!)
To prove that she’s a credible source when speaking on topics like beauty, here’s proof: What a babe!
Ok, enough babbling from me. Turning it over to MS now!
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Hello again, HIVE readers! I’m thrilled to bee back! (Like what I did there?)
The Queen Bee so kindly asked me to share with you some of my makeup must-haves. I must admit, there was a time in my life when my makeup came only from Walmart. What more did a girl need beside CoverGirl dusty rose blush and Lip Smackers with a little tint? I will even confess to wearing clear mascara. Read on if you forgive me.
It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties and living on my own when my friend, Haley, introduced me to Sephora. I was but a young, impressionable lass, and Haley was older, glamorous and went to college at Ole Miss. I have a vivid memory of sitting on the floor of her impeccably-decorated apartment while she gave me my first smoky eye. Of course, when I looked at the finished product in the mirror, I felt I looked like Cleopatra, but nevertheless I was hooked.
Fast forward about ten years, and I’ve been around the block a few times. A cosmetic lady-of-the-evening, if you will. I’ve had makeovers at every counter at the mall and even a few at Sephora, but nothing takes the place of good ole trial and error. It costs money, yes, but I’ve done some leg-work for you to save you some time and moolah.
Let’s start at the beginning. A very good place to start.
1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Beauty Balm. I was not blessed with flawless skin a la Natalie Portman or Michelle Williams. It’s oily, uneven, and I have huge pores. So, naturally, I would need something so serious as to call itself “Black Label.” This stuff is great. I started using it when I was pregnant, and I first attributed it to having the glow. I’ve been using it since, and I still really like it. I can’t attest to the age defense or dark spot correcting, but it covers great. My skin tone is basically tennis-ball yellow, so if this works for me, it will work for you.
2. Laura Geller Welcome Matte. Oily skin, big pores, etc. See above. It’s basically a primer that controls oil. And if it can control the geysers that are my pores, it can control anything. And a tiny bit sets your makeup to stay all day with little to no shine. Yes, please!
3. NARS blush. I told you, dusty rose Cover Girl just doesn’t cut it. There are certainly drugstore brand items I ain’t skeered to use (you’ll see some later), but this is not one of them. NARS blushes are highly pigmented (a little goes a long way) and come in flattering colors. We’ve all used or at least heard of The One with the Naughty Name, but choose the brightest one you can find and just a dab will do ya. The goal is to look flushed, not blushed.
4. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Did I mention I have oily skin? That includes my eyelids. This product should come with a warning: don’t use it if you don’t want every molecule of eye makeup to stay in its exact original location; i.e., don’t be thinking you’ll just add more eyeliner and then smudge it to soften the line. No, you won’t.
5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara. I like thick, black, Kim Kardashian lashes. Every day. I tried desperately to like the fancy brands that everyone else swears by, but I keep coming back to this one. The brush is good, the formula is good, and it’s buildable. That’s code for multiple coats for you weaklings.
6. Sephora Brow Comb #21. The only one I use for my Kim K wannabe lashes. Metal teeth. Self-explanatory.
7. Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum. I don’t need to elaborate on lashes again, but this is an incredible base if you want to beef yours up. I don’t use it every day because it’s not cheap, but for special occasions, I put it on before I do anything else (so it can dry), and it gives your mascara something to hang onto. I also like that it kind of opens your eyes, too.
8. CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain. Y’all. It’s a magic marker for your lips. It could NOT be easier to use, and the neutrals are perfect to wear everyday if you like a dark eye (who, me?) and under lip gloss for a good color base. It’s a tad drying, but I’ll take it for nine bucks.
Thanks again for having me, Laurel! I hope I helped you ladies out there locate something that will help you feel especially pretty today. And if you have a cannot-function-without item, please let me know! I love to add to my makeup drawer!
Happy weekend!
THE HIVE | The Lovely Bee 