Emily's Makeup Must Haves

Ok, onto makeup. This is the fun part. I love when people email or write me a thank you note explaining just how long their makeup wore for their wedding. I always explain that the idea is for the products to be applied in soft layers, so it doesn’t look or feel like a ton of makeup. Primers and eye shadow base are two very important products. If it weren’t for these items, I wouldn’t expect the colors to come up true, or last throughout the day.

 

For oily skin, I love using MAC Matte in the t-zone to matte out any shine.

And just ask any Makeup Artist the importance of primer. I prefer Smashbox Hybrid 2 in 1 Primer.

And finally eyeshadow base… I love Chanel’s Professional Eye Shadow Base in Bright...

 

On to foundation… after understanding the true affect that HD television has had on our industry, I was on a mission to find a truly great makeup. My needs were simple, I needed a makeup that not only wore well, but looked great in photos AND on the big screen. Makeup Forever rocked my world, and I will never go back. You can say what you want about airbrush, but this girl will never graffiti you!! Makeup Forever HD Foundation is amazing god-send stuff!

 

If you were to ask me which item I could not live without, it is this… Bobbi Brown’s Bisque Corrector. This stuff comes in three amazing shades, Light Bisque, Bisque and Dark Bisque. For your kit, you should have all three. For yourself, pick one.

Of course, no kit would be complete without the essential Laguna Brozer and Orgasm Blush by Nars. If you are lucky, you can get them both in the same compact like below...


I find that these two colors alone are sometimes too warm, so I like mixing Lorac's Desire Blush in the apple of the cheek. This bright, cheery pink really makes for a beautiful and romantic look. And the combination of cool and warm shades really adds to the dimension of the look.

On to eye makeup… I have a technique that I like for the eyes. I line with a waterproof pencil, and then I go over it with a shadow liner to set it. And sometimes I use a liquid line, depending on the look I am going for. These are the two must haves for this look. One thing that I have found is that you can spend any amount on a waterproof pencil, they are all the same. So, for an item that I am constantly restocking, I go cheap. Ulta, Maybelline and Avon are all fine for this job. As long as they are retractable and waterproof, you are good. I really like Avon’s Waterproof Glimmersticks Eyeliners in Black, Espresso and Navy.

If I am doing a liquid line for a retro inspired glamour look, I love Trish McEvoy’s Finish Line. It is a product that turns any eyeshadow into a waterproof liquid line. It Rocks!

While on the subject of items to cheap out on, this holds true for mascara too. There are so many brands out there, with so many kinds it can be confusing! General rule of thumb… if you are looking for a lengthening mascara, look for a wand with the bristles close together—typically a longer thinner brush is seen with these. And for a thickening mascara, look for a brush with the bristles further apart. Most of the newer models sport rubber wands, which are amazing for length. I prefer Cover Girl Lash Blast Luxe. I know that people LOVE Christian Dior’s DiorShow and Lancome’s Hypnose, but as someone who keeps her mascaras on constant rotation, it is just not worth the splurge here. But, to you, it may be. It is a personal thing. And for a makeup kit, only waterproof will do. No use keeping a regular one in there, if you happen to mix it up and use it on a bride on her wedding day, your name will be MUD!!

 

Eye shadow is something that is a make or break thing. It is that thing where people will say, what did you use on her!? The pigments must be strong and come up true and blend easily without caking or creasing. The brands that I love to use are Chanel, Nars and MAC. Some of my favorite must have colors are Chanel Eyeshadow Quad Beiges de Chanel, Nars Indian Summer, and MAC Blanc Type and Typographic.

 

Someone once described eyebrows as the painting hanging above the sofa. I thought that was both hilarious and stupid all at the same time. But you can visualize what they meant. What I recommend for eyebrows is to first have them groomed by someone who will not make you look like Jean Harlow. This is something to invest in. Whatever you do, do NOT let the girl who does your nails, do your eyebrows! Big mistake, and you will be sorry—for a long time.

 

What I like to use on the eyebrows is a Boars hair eyebrow brush, Smashbox Beeswax and a MAC brow color. This creates the most natural look. Dip the brush in the beeswax first, then dip into an eye shadow color that matches or is a little lighter than your brows, then use small upward strokes to fill in.

 

The final must have product for eyes is the Shu Umura Eyelash Curler. I like to use once before, then once again after the mascara is applied if a lash is super straight.

 

Lips are the finishing touch and so important to complete the look. Lipstick and lip gloss colors are so personal, so I will just be touching on products here. I love Chanel’s Ultra Wear Lipcolor as a base. It has the longest wear of anything I have tried.

I wish that I could find a lip gloss that I didn’t love as much as Chanel’s Glossimer. This can be worn alone, or on top of lipstick. Not sticky or gloppy, I love it!!

Makeup is an art form; and with this art form, you will find endless interpretations. The above items happen to be products that I use and love. I am an unbiased consumer and receive no compensation for recommending these products. In my experience, these are tried and true to me.