makeup I use everyday

spoiler... not all from sephora

straight to the point and as simple as possible, from someone who’s tried a lot. I know this isn’t necessarily great content and could have been rounded up in shopmy or something BUT… I have stuff to say. I think women are getting sucked into buying so much makeup. It’s a really overwhelming world and sometimes it’s nice when someone says this is where you should spend your hard earned $$ and why. Making a gasping face on tiktok everytime you open a blush isn’t going to sell me anymore.

Another point… just because sephora is having a sale doesn’t mean every single product you own has to come from there. there’s a lot of good stuff elsewhere (but yes, obviously, there’s good makeup there too)

i did one of these in september but have swapped a few things, so here’s an updated version

Foundation:

Top 3: Shisedo, Victoria Beckham Beauty, MPH

If i had to pick one, shiseido wins! because it also has sunscreen in it, even though it’s not marketed that way in canada.

all three are excellent and very skin-like. mph is the lightest, better for summer. vbb and shiseido both give that glowy effect, but vbb has slightly less coverage and a higher price tag because of added skincare (which might just be marketing!)

Sunscreen: this is like a light coverage foundation and sunscreen in one. Does not break me out. Have not veered away from it for years.

Concealer: There are honestly a lot of great options on the market right now. It really comes down to what matters most to you. Is it price, clean ingredients, packaging ??

Tower 28, Ilia, and Natasha Denona all make more serum-like concealers. If you are prioritizing cleaner formulations, I would lean toward Ilia or Tower 28.

I really like Merit for covering blemishes. I usually apply it after I have finished my makeup using a small eye makeup brush (I use shade bone).

For under eyes, the Westman Atelier concealer is excellent as well as its really full coverage. I actually finished mine and will be restocking (I use L2 as its a bit warmer and helps cover dark circles).

Contour/Bronzer: My #1 forever and always, the hype around this product is real and I’ve been buying it since it launched I don’t know how many years ago. I have a neutral undertone and biscuit is the perfect contour/bronzer for me. Not too grey not too warm. Blends like a dream. If you want liquid, this is great (I use colour salt, and the blush in chilly is amazing too).

For summer I find creams heavy, so I go with anything that feels like water: I LOVE this very liquidy bronzer but application is important here. Shake very well apply on hand then prime brush with product. Feels like nothing on the skin and gives a good bronze. Also equally love the self tanner for face and neck. From substack chat, this was highly recommended and I love Westman so also worth checking out from Sephora sale.

The VBB water tints are incredible but not for those that want something easy to work with. I find the blush much easier to work with than the bronzer- will go into full details about the bronzer in substack chat if you are interested.

Powder bronzer: Hard finding something that isn’t too orange for my fair skin- wish the formula was cleaner but I’ve bought this twice already.

Blush: Also my forever #1 and always. Only cream blush I have found that actually lasts. If you can find your shade choice in the mini that is all you need. A little goes a long way. If you like cooler tones (I do for my skintone) my favourite shades are poppet and newly launched fizz. Add bichette for a sunburnt look.

Lip Liner:

Fara homidi (shades Faun and Bruni for night), if you don’t have access because you are in Canada use this shade iconic nude, and this to deepen!

Lips:

Really enjoying this new launch from Isla Beauty because I find it sinks into the lips instead of a sticky surface on top. The new westman balm is a great formula (I have cafe creme). Fara lip compact - I use nude 2 and keep this in my bag always (packaging is chic and the always need that mirror!) Those wonderskin lipstains do the job if you want something that lasts through salad dressing.

Mascara: I barely wear mascara but this is the one I use when I do. It doesn’t smudge and it’s a true brown NOT a brown black. Packaging makes it even better. Also this is for people who want natural looking lashes- do not buy this if you want dramatic lashes.

Setting spray: I like this new launch from Saie its really lightweight. If you don’t want your makeup to budge, I mean truly not to budge this really does the job (but i feel like its so toxic so I only use when really necessary).

The tools:
foundation/liquid sunscreen: I love this MPH one, if you want something denser this. Use this one for sunscreen.

concealer: THIS!! The best. For spot concealing this is a random eye brush- this would do the job! (this is the best way to conceal without adding so much makeup to your face, just add where you need).

cream/liquid contour and bronzer: every tiktok girl uses this one for good reason, I also use this regularly.

powders: This!

Only restock what you need- Save your $ for summer vacations!

XO

Jen