My favourite makeup.

I've gotten some emails asking me what I use for my makeup. Here's a blog post just showing you what I use. I don't claim to be a beauty expert by all means. Also, I have to also say that right now I'm trying out new BB creams as the one that I listed on here is a tad too light for the summer time now, as I have been outside for quite some time so I've gotten a tan. I will make another post about the other BB creams I purchased for another day. My routine is pretty simple and I'd like to think I don't do much, haha.

Just a discretionary note, I keep this in my makeup bag at all times but I don't use every single one all the time. There are some days I forgo mascara or my cat-eye liner look. More or less however this is how I go out. It takes me about 30 minutes or less to do this.

List of products:
1. Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
2. The Body Shop 'Matte it' Primer
3. Skin Food Salmon Under Eye Concealer
4. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in #27 (Honey Beige)
5. ELF Studio Translucent Mattifying Powder
6. Missha The Style Mascara Primer
7. Blinc Volumizing Tube Mascara
8. ELF Studio Eyelid Primer
9. NYC Eyeshadow Palette in South Street Seaport
10. Stila Liquid Eyeliner in Black
11. NARS Super Orgasm Blush
12. ELF Studio Aloe Setting Mist
13. Sephora Cream Lipstain in "Always Red"
14. Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear 15. Benefit Brow Zings in Dark

See my review under the cut...

Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (Can be purchased here) I've tried a variety of different moisturisers - from drug store brand, to higher end brands, and nothing seemed to quench my skin's thirst. I have really oily skin so I am always on the look out for decent moisturisers that don't make me feel like an oil slick. This is a bit pricy, but a little goes a long way - it keeps my skin nice and moisturised throughout the day.

The Body Shop 'Matte it' Primer (Can be purchased here) I've also tried a variety of drug store and high end primers. None seemed to do the trick - some would just not do its job, some would leave my face super oilier than before, and some just really irritated my skin due to the chemicals. After searching high and low I always return to this primer. It's a decent size at $15, although the Body Shop always has sales so you could get it for less. It does mattify my skin and make it smooth so makeup can adhere to it properly.

Skin Food Salmon Under Eye Concealer (Can be purchased here) This is my first under eye concealer and this tiny pot is still not finished despite me using it daily for months. I think it does its job but I am looking for better ones. It does seem to clear off the dark circles and leaves that area looking refreshed, unfortunately it can't do anything about the bags -- especially when I smile. Oh well.

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in Honey Beige #27 (Can be purchased here) After trying various Korean BB creams and North American ones, this is the one I go back to. I definitely recommend this for those who are drier skinned as it is thicker and it does moisturise substantially. For people with oily skin like myself, I put a primer underneath (does seem to defeat the purpose of BB creams multifunctional capabilities) but the colour is perfect (when it's not summer) and it hides my imperfections such as huge pores and some discolouration. If you're in the market for a decent Korean BB cream that comes in a breadth of colours look no further. However, since it is a bit light for me I put some tinted moisturiser or liquid foundation and mix it in so it is a colour match. So far I have seen no side-effects thus far from doing this.

ELF Studio Translucent Mattifying Powder (Can be purchased here) I am looking for a decent mattifying powder but this is what I use so far. It does the job and lasts for hours if my skin becomes too oily, which is only the case if I do a lot of walking outside in hot weather. It does an okay job, recommendations would be very welcome here!

Missha The Style Mascara Primer (Can be purchased here) This stuff is amazing. I wrote a lengthy review about it here. It comes on white and the brush is perfect, it extends your lashes so long! I use it quick though so I can apply my other mascara on top. For those with straight and sparse Asian lashes like mine would enjoy how it can really lengthen and curl lashes.

Blinc Volumizing Tubing Mascara (Can be purchased here) I think you can all figure out by now that I have oily skin. My lids are no exception to this. Every mascara, even if waterproof, seem to melt down on my face and cause a serious case of panda eyes. This fact has deterred me from ever using mascara... until recently. Since using Blinc tube mascara, this is no longer the case. I can wear mascara with confidence all day long.

ELF Studio Eyelid Primer (Can be purchased here) I love this stuff. It's cheap at $3 and does its job properly. I don't use the eyeliner sealer. There's not much else I can say about this product. I found there was no creasing in my eye makeup whatsoever.

NYC Eyeshadow in South Street Seaport (Can be purchased here) While it's a bit chalky at times, this is a great palette. I don't like being bold with my eyeshadow. I like neutral and browns so I wear this, it serves a double purpose as wearing eyeshadow allows for a nice "canvas" in which I use to apply my eyeliner. The colour pigmentation is great and I love the colours.

Stila Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black (Can be purchased here) I go back and forth on what my HG eyeliner is. Sometimes I like K-Palette's 1 Day Tattoo and sometimes I like Dollywink Liquid liner. However, Stila is probably the best one in terms of precision and colour payoff. It is really black, intense black in fact! It also lasts all day and I don't have to worry about it fading or it smudging off due to my oily lids. It is a bit pricy but it does last quite a while. A cheaper alternative would be Maybelline's Stiletto Eye Liner.

NARS Super Orgasm Blush (Can be purchased here) This is not a fan favourite but I do like the glitter, but it is a bit messy at times. It's a pinkish blush with gold glitter as you can see. Nice colour payoff but it is a bit more chalky and rough than other NARS blushes.

ELF Studio Aloe Setting Mist (Can be purchased here) When I know I'm going outside for a while I spritz this on to make sure my makeup is set and intact. I carry it in my purse at all times.

Sephora Cream Lipstain in "Always Red" (Can be purchased here) I almost wear this daily. It's a perfect red! It applies on creamy but dries matte. It is stubborn and does stain your lips. I had to vigorously rub my lips to get it off and it was a challenge. This lasts a while even when you are eating and drinking, I barely have to reapply this stuff. I definitely recommend it for red lip fans.

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (Can be purchased here) I love this stuff. I use it on top of the Benefit Brow Zings because my brows do not stay still and tends to stray a lot. Perfect setting product, keeps my brows still all day and it doesn't feel or look unnatural! Definitely one of my holy grails for brow products.

Benefit BrowZings in Dark (Can be purchased here) This is a perfect product to make your brows stand out. The wax helps to shape the brows while the powder sets the wax in. I've been all about dark brows lately and this helps me achieve that look. A good substitute is the ELF Eyebrow kit and is way cheaper.
With all of these applied on my face, it looks like this... (minus the red lip colour and the setting powder, oops)...

TA DA! SO, As you can see I am a makeup noob. I'm still learning, I didn't get into makeup until very recently. I used to just smack on some lipstick and call it a day.
So, I have to ask -- what are some tips regarding makeup you'd like to share? I'm also curious to see what you all use for makeup - what is your holy grail? (I'm especially interested to see what Women of Colour have to say!) Would you like to see more beauty posts like this in the future?