My Favorite Beauty Products

Hello, beautiful creatures! Today I’m sharing my favorite beauty products with you. It’s been forever since I’ve compiled a list of what I’m using and loving to share with you, so I thought I would do that today with mini reviews on why they’re the best beauty products for me and staples in my collection. I’m not including nails in this post because I recently did a video on the best gel nail products for beginners, which has all my favorites for nails!

Everything purchased by me! All opinions my own.

Urban Decay Eden and Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I love Urban Decay Eden and Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potions! Eden is a light creamy beige matte that evens out any discoloration on my lid and blends in with my skin tone. Sin is a light shimmery champagne beige that adds a bit of brightening effect on its own. I use Eden more frequently than Sin.

I love to use Eden with all matte looks, if I am skipping eyeshadow but want a flawless bare eye look, or for mixed looks with multichromes, duochromes and shimmers.

I use Sin if I want to have an eye brightening effect without eyeshadow, or if I want to do an all shimmer look. If you have trouble blending your eyeshadow, I recommend starting with Sin because the little bit of shimmer makes it easier to blend.

Concrete Minerals Glitter Primer

Concrete Minerals Glitter Primer is a game changer for me with shimmers, duochromes and multichromes! The liquidy formula comes in a jar and you only need the tiniest amount of product for maximum effect. I use this with any shimmery shade on my lid, lower lid, or even crease, depending on my color placement. Apply it with a flat brush for best results.

Indie Eyeshadows

I have too many favorite eyeshadows to swatch them all again for this post but I will link you to my archives for each. I love my Lethal Cosmetics, Terra Moons Cosmetics, Silk Naturals, Aromaleigh, Fyrinnae, Sugarpill (especially the capsule collections), Sydney Grace, Baby Bat Beauty, Melt Cosmetics, Nabla, Natasha Denona, Black Moon, and Viseart.

Auric Glow Lust in Morganite 2.0

While I could never get Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter to look great on me, Auric Glow Lust in Morganite 2.0 is stunning. I wear this on its own as a light coverage glowy complexion perfection product. I also use this as a primer before my foundation. You can mix Morganite 2.0 with foundation or use it on top of foundation, too.

It’s a versatile product! I love the packaging for Morganite 2.0, as it’s a heavy glass bottle. While not ideal for travel, it feels very luxe, especially when compared to the Hollywood Flawless Filter packaging.

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

I’m hooked on the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder! I have this in two shades – Universal (translucent) and Shade 1 (for fair skin with neutral undertone). Danessa states Blurring Balm can be used to prime the eyes or complexion, to highlight or contour, to set foundation, or add sheer coverage. I use Blurring Balm as a light coverage foundation.

In the photo above, I swatched Universal on the left side of my hand and Shade 1 on the right, leaving some skin in betweeen bare. You can see the blurring properties of the swatches on my hand, as well as how well Shade 1 Blurring Balm blends in with my skin tone.

I find that for my dry skin I need to always make sure it’s prepped and hydrated, use a primer, and tap on the Blurring Balm with my fingers, and then I use a dense angled concealer brush around my eyes. I use the warmth of my skin to help the Blurring Balm blend into my face seamlessly. If I don’t use a primer or prep the skin, it does not look good.

Even though it states it can be used as a powder, I still often turn to a powder to help me blend out my blush or contour, because I use Blurring Balm as a foundation. If I’m having a great skin day, I love using the Universal shade to blur my imperfections. I primarily use Shade 1.

As someone who loves customizable coverage and stick foundations, what hooked me on Blurring Balm was the shade match, blurring ability and ease of use. It’s nice to be able to use my fingers with Blurring Balm and get gorgeous looking skin. I wore Blurring Balm when I was interviewed on Bloom TV by Gayle Guyardo.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation

I love the Fenty Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation in shade 105. 105 is for very fair skin with a muted yellow undertone. I use the Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation product to blend out the edges of eyeshadows, blushes, contours, to reduce shine and blur imperfections.

If you have dry skin like me, I always recommend prepping your skin with a dewy moisturizer or primer first. I apply the Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation with a big fluffy angled powder brush to my face. I love this versatile powder.

Lime Crime Bushy Brow Pomade Pencil

I love the Lime Crime Bushy Brow Pomade Pencils! I have the following shades: Anime (candy blue), Pony (pinky purple), Sea Witch (teal), Valentine (red), Dirty Blonde (taupe) and Sleek Black (soft black). I use the Pomade Pencils to make my brows look thicker, as mine are naturally very thin.

Sleek Black Pomade Pencil perfectly matches my brow color since I stopped dyeing my brows black. Unfortunately for me, Dirty Blonde and Valentine Pomade Pencils pull very warm on my skin tone. Anime Pomade Pencil looks the best on me of all the rainbow colors.

I don’t have a favorite product right now for darkening and adding dimension to the tail of my non-existant brows, but I’ve been using a lot of Haus Labs Granite Gray Edge Precision Brow Pencil.

About Face Fractal Glitter Brow Gel

About Face Fractal Glitter Brow Gel has quickly become my favorite product by About Face Beauty! I tried it on a whim and fell in love with the multidimensional color and formula. I own Interlude (opalescent white), Gold Dusk Woman (gold multi-sparkle), and Envy Baby (teal green sparkle) Glitter Brow Gel.

I love the Glitter Brow Gel formula so much I had to order a backup of Interlude, which I never order backups anymore. And I also ordered Eclipsed (magenta sparkle) Glitter Brow Gel. Unfortunately, I placed that order on October 29, and it still hasn’t shipped. About Face Beauty doesn’t know when it will ship, though it was supposed to be in stock when I ordered.

I placed an order on November 8 to take advantage of About Face’s code GOWILD sale, and that order shipped on November 14. When I reached out to About Face about my October 29 order, they apologized and offered to cancel it, which I don’t want. I don’t know why they have trouble fulfilling their orders, but be warned if you order from them it may not be a smooth experience. I prefer to order them from Ulta, but sometimes that’s not possible.

Anyway, despite the issues with shipping, I’m addicted to Glitter Brow Gel! It does a great job of holding my brows in place and helping them to look gorgeous.

Bliss Exglowsion Super Rich Moisturizer

I’ve been using the Bliss Exglowsion Super Rich Moisturizer as my daytime moisturizer for years. It’s gives me nostalgia feels of MAC Strobe Cream with the iridescent shift it gives my skin. Aside from the silly name and jar packaging, this is one of my favorite beauty products because it’s very hydrating for my dry skin. It’s great for prepping my skin before makeup.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50

I stumbled across Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50 on reddit when I was searching for a new SPF to wear under makeup without issues. I use the clear shade most of the time, but sometims I will use the Mint. The mint has a very subtle green tint that helps to counter any surface redness from rosacea. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50 is a very lightweight but hydrating formula that my skin loves and performs beautifully under makeup and looks great when worn alone. It’s very affordable too. I purchase it either on Amazon from a trusted seller Takashima, or from Yesstyle.

My go-to body SPF is Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50.

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

I’ve tried so many different tubing mascaras. None of them work well for me the way Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara works. I struggle to get my stick straight lashes to hold a curl unless I’m getting lash lifts. This formula helps my lashes to hold a curl much better, and it’s flake free. The only other mascara I’ve tried that has worked close to this still gave me flakes. I don’t enjoy shopping on Thrive’s site, but that’s the only place to buy Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.

Velour Would I Lie Lashes?

If I’m going to wear false lashes, it’s going to be the Velour Would I Lie Lashes?. These are no-trim lashes that are extremely comfortable for me to wear. They help to open up my hooded eyes and I feel pretty when wearing them. I don’t wear lashes frequently because they’re usually very uncomfortable for me. The Velour Would I Lie Lashes? are the pinnacle of comfort for my sensitive eyes. I wore Velour Would I Lie Lashes? when I was interviewed on NBC WFLA News Channel 8 Bloom TV’s Gayle Guyardo about indie makeup recently.

Velour Latex Free Lash Glue

I am unfortunately very sensitive to lash glue, so a latex free lash glue is a must! I made the mistake in New York once of using a regular lash glue, which ended with my eyes swollen and I couldn’t see. Not fun! So I swear by Velour Latex Free Lash Glue. I also use this to apply gems or other items around my face. It holds all night! The Velour Latex Free Lash Glue dries clear. It’s perfect for me!

Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Wash

I got hooked on Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Wash when I was searching for a hydrating body wash. The Hempz body washes are wonderful on my skin. My body tends to be normal, not dry, but when the temperatures cool off, I notice that I need more body hydration. I love the smell of Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Wash and how it leaves my skin soft.

Cocoa Pink Dry Oil Spray

The Cocoa Pink Dry Oil Spray is superior to every oil spray and spray moisturizer I’ve ever tried. I love that Cocoa Pink Dry Oil Spray is easy to spray on my body or my hand and massage in. It quickly absorbs and leaves my skin soft and smelling delicious. I’ve been addicted to the scent Black Cherry Upside Down cake. This smells like cherry + marshmallows + cookies to me. If that scent isn’t your thing, Cocoa Pink has many more to choose from!

Beachwaver Good Vibes Moisturizing Shampoo

I’m always on the hunt for a good moisturizing shampoo because my hair is lightened to blonde underneath my rainbow colors. I stumbled across Beachwaver Good Vibes Moisturizing Shampoo and am in love! Beachwaver Good Vibes Moisturizing Shampoo smells like delicious coconut and leaves my hair shiny and hydrated. Dave uses it on his crushed velvet length short hair too. Dave washes his hair daily; I wash mine every 4-6 days right now.

Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock

I get my hair lightened to a very light blonde, have it toned ashy, and then dyed a myriad of rainbow colors. Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock has been my go-to conditioner for my hair. You can use it two different ways. Apply Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock to dry hair, leave it on 5 minutes and then rinse. However, I typically apply Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock after I wash my hair and leave it in for the duration of my shower, then rinse it out. Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock is my secret to gorgeous, shiny, healthy long hair. My hair is down past my hip bones!

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo Coconut Colada

Finding a dry shampoo that doesn’t bother Dave’s allergies has been tricky. I finally landed on Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo Coconut Colada. It smells nice, though I still love the smell of their LE Strawberries and Champagne much more! I use Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo Coconut Colada in between washing my hair to freshen it up.

Transcend Hair Studio

This is a Tampa specific favorite beauty, but I adore Cliff at Transcend Hair Studio. Cliff has been doing my hair for several years. He’s a master of balayage, tape in extensions, rainbow colors, ‘normal’ colors, and hair cuts. If you want complex color, you need to see Cliff!

Polished & Co

Another Tampa specific is Polished & Co. Thisha is the only one I trust for lash extensions and lash lifts on my extra sensitive eyes. I also see Thisha for waxing. She offers many more services, too.

Kaleidos Cloud Lab Lip Clays

The Kaleidos Cloud Lab Lip Clays have quickly become one of my favorite indie makeup lipsticks! The Kaleidos Cloud Lab Lip Clay formula is very long wearing and moisturizing. It’s a cream-to-powder formula for a velvety matte finish, minimizes the appearance of my lip lines, has very little transfer once it sets, and doesn’t cause my lips to flake or peel off. I only have a few colors, but they are fantastic! My favorites are Scorpion Fruit (purple based black), Fiamma (bright, cool-toned red), Agave (deep teal green), and Mercury Wave (muted purple taupe). I ordered Smeared Rouge (blackened blue-red that can be smeared to magenta) during their current Black Friday Sale!

Black Moon Liquid Lipsticks

Black Moon Liquid Lipsticks are divine! I wore Armageddon on TV recently. In the swatches above from the top left we have indie liquid lipsticks Sleepwalker (pure black, worn on my wedding), Eternal (metallic rose gold), Murmaider (metallic teal), Sorrow (metallic blue), DeVille (metallic red), and Armageddon (metallic blackened red). Then there’s Haunting (coffee). The bottom two are Hazel (army green) and Castle (metallic gunmetal). The Black Moon Liquid Lipsticks formula dries down completely and wears for hours. You can make the sparkles more intense after the metallic colors dry down by rubbing your lips together or gently rubbing your finger on your lips. See Black Moon Liquid Lipstick lip swatches of me wearing 21 different shades!

Sugarpill Liquid Lip Colors

Sugarpill, another beloved indie brand, also makes some must-have Liquid Lips for me. Their formula is ultra comfortable to wear. My favorite color is Sub-Zero. Swatched above I have Sumbunny (metallic rosy lavender), Vertigo (muted smoky purple with teal sparkles), Pumpkin Spice 2 (metallic golden orange), Love Bug (bright blue-based red with sparkles), Sub-Zero (blackened teal blue), and Hijinx (deep berry with teal sparkles). Yes I’m a teal girl! The Sugarpill Liquid Lips formula is very moisturizing and comfortable. See my Sugarpill Liquid Lip Colors collection swatches.

Melt Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks

Finally, as part of my favorite beauty products I had to include my Melt Liquid Lipsticks! Swatched above I have Death Cherry (deep red), Velvet Room (deep plum), Bellastona (candy apple red), Circuit (deep blue), Toke (deep green) in the first row. Second row is Atomic (bright magenta), Superheat (hot iridescent pink), Mariachi (bright purple), Sequel (dusty cool plum), Chick Habit (cool lavender), and Cookie Cutter (light cool pink). Most of my Melt Liquid Lipsticks shades are discontinued. See many of my Melt Cosmetics Collection Swatches for more!

Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Longwear Stylo

Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Longwear Stylo pencils are my favorite eyeliners these days! The #4 black shade stays put on my upper waterlight and lashline when I tightline. Most of the shades last well on my lower waterline, despite my eyes being watery. They’re beautiful colors too! I love that you can use the Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Longwear Stylo pencils as eyeliner, as eyeshadow or a color base, and they blend out easily. I use a tiny brush to apply them as liner. I’ve seen the Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Longwear Stylo pencils on sale at Ulta for $10 (almost 50% off) a few times this year, so it’s worthwile to check Ulta’s sales.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed learing about my updated favorite beauty products! I wanted you to have a place to start if you’re looking for new beauty products that perform well. I’ve been beauty blogging for almost 15 years at this point, so some of my favorite products have changed, but many of my favorite brands are still around. What are some of the products you’ve been using for a long time? What are some new favorites?

Don’t forget to check out my Black Friday Cyber Monday Sales post in case you’re in the mood to shop some great deals this year!