My Holy Grail Makeup Products

Over the last, well, many years of my makeup, hair, and skincare product hoarding I have realized that there are a few products that I have consistently repurchased and use ALL the time. I call these my Holy Grails. I stand by these products because they have stood the test of time and me : ) You know those times where you go to a makeup counter, drugstore, Sephora, or wherever to get the newest most amazing product, and you race home so excited to pull it out of it's packaging to have the glorifying first impression, only to find that it falls flat of your expectations and completely takes the wind out of your supposed to be glamorous sails. Well, I can assure you these products will not do that. THESE are the products you bring home, tear open, and try only to have your expectations surpassed. You know, when you try it for the first time and you look in the mirror all doe eyed like "Bitch I am fabulous!" 

I have loved these products for years, and I hope I can help you find your own Holy Grails!

SmashBox Bronze Lights Bronzing Powder in Suntan Matte

  

I love this bronzer because it has no shimmer, so it makes for the most perfect contour color. It's not too warm or too cool toned, its just perfect. It also comes in a lighter shade for you more fair beauties.

NARS Portobello Eyeshadow Duo

These two matte brown shades are absolutely perfect for a neutral eye look. If I ever can't decide what to do with my makeup, this is my go to. If I want to spice it up I'll add some black winged liner and I'll blend a darker brown (MAC's Espresso or Charcoal Brown for example) into my outer corner. What's even more awesome is the lighter shade on the left is perfect for filling in my brows. I have medium brunette hair, if that helps to gauge. 

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Japanese Maple

This is the most perfect nude lip color. 'Nuff said.

MAC Pigment in Tan

I'm sure many of you have heard of this because so many people rave about it. It's that amazing. I wear it in the summer all over the lid and blend it out using my bronzer, that simple. Or in the fall I'll pair it with a burgundy eyeshadow, there's so much you can do with it and it looks amazing on all skin tones. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara in Extreme Black

Ok, so let me first say that I used to use the Diorshow Blackout Mascara RELIGIOUSLY. That is still my all time favorite mascara, but I'm ballin on a budget so I had to find the next best thing, and I did. I LOVE this miracle orange tube. It adds so much volume and length to my lashes, just like my Dior, but for a fraction of the price. The formulas and wands are strikingly similar. They are both a little clumpy, but thats what I like. No, not clumpy lashes, I like the thick formula. I'm not shy with my mascara, and I'll sit there for a good minute or two getting the application just right. I could do an entire blog post on mascara, I'm that ridiculous. What's even better is the formula does NOT transfer. I have long lashes, and many other mascaras will transfer to my under eye area leaving this black crescent shape after wearing it for an hour. This stuff does not budge, and it's not even waterproof. LOVE!

MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

I can't say enough great things about this blush, it is so perfect. I know this picture isn't the best, but the color is a golden bronze with a rose undertone. Its hard to explain, you just have to swatch it in person, it's gorgeous! If you're iffy about blush application and just want a shade that's more neutral but still has a beautiful glow with a hint of color then this is your perfect shade. It's not too shimmery, or too bronze, or too anything, it's just perfect. 

If you try or already have any of these let me know how they work for you!! I'll be doing a hair and skincare product list soon as well. Thanks for stopping by!!

XO Amanda