It’s true what they say: All good things must come to an end. And with that, I’m hanging up my hat this issue as a Bellingham Alive beauty contributor. It’s been a joy to connect with my community by writing for the magazine, and I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity for the last four years. In thinking of what I could share for my last piece, I thought it would be fun heading into the holiday season to do a gift guide of my favorite things! While I can’t quite claim Oprah status, I have solidified my list of ride-or-die products during my years as a makeup artist. As my parting gift, I’d love to share my secrets with you.
URBAN DECAY: NAKED SKIN FOUNDATION
My official secret weapon. This foundation is my desert-island item—the one product that I cannot live without. The formula is sheer enough that it looks and feels like you’re wearing nothing, while offering a true medium coverage to hide any redness and blemishes. Its light-reflective particles blur imperfections and fine lines, and it stays all day, even without primer! And if that wasn’t enough, its ingredient list is not only super-safe for you skin, it even has nourishing ingredients that will help feed your skin while you’re wearing it! I can’t say enough good things about this foundation and hope you love it as much as I do.
BECCA: PRESSED HIGHLIGHTER
I love using a good highlighter because creating that dewy glow can really do wonders for enhancing your skin’s radiance. I have tried dozens of highlighters on the market, and none come close to performing like any of Becca’s products. While I love them all, my favorite is their pressed highlighter because it is so easy to use and takes only seconds to apply. My favorite color of highlighter from Becca is Opal. It is universal for nearly every skin tone and goes well with every look. If you’re looking for a great holiday gift or just wanting to try some different highlighters, Becca currently has “Macaron Glow Kit” for the holidays. For roughly the price of one highlighter, you get four different travel-sized highlighters, including Opal!
BENEFIT: 3D BROWTONES EYEBROW ENHANCER
Truth be told, I bought this product when my old favorite was discontinued. I was on vacation and desperate and just needed something. I gave it a chance with low expectations and it may just be one of my favorite surprise products yet. Its claim to give “instant color highlights” made me nervous initially—I didn’t want glitter brows! But wow, I get it now! I’ve never seen a brow product offer this level of dimension before, and the applicator allows you to apply the product quickly while also being precise in creating hair strokes so your brows look naturally fuller. If you’re looking for another gift option, Benefit is currently offering a travel-size of this product along with a trial mascara and full-size brow powder in their “Brows On, Lash Out” gift set!
EMBRYOLISSE: LAIT CREME CONCENTRATE
One of the best-kept secrets in my makeup kit is this product. This all-in-one makeup remover, moisturizer, and primer is a must. It’s a great moisturizer for combination-dry skin, and makeup sits over it beautifully. It fills in pores and fine lines, eliminating the need for a primer, and removes makeup gently in a pinch. I love products that multi-task and this is the queen of them all! It’s hard to find Embryolisse locally, but Target is now carrying travel-sized Lait Creme Concentrates so there’s no excuse not to try it out! It would make the perfect stocking stuffer or travel companion to your holiday plans. I hope you pick one up!
URBAN DECAY: VICE LIPSTICK CREAM
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t leave a lipstick recommendation for you. Lipstick is my favorite makeup accessory and from neutrals to berries to bolds, I love them all. My favorite lipsticks in my bag right now come from the Urban Decay Vice collection in the cream finish. They are nourishing, full of antioxidants, color rich, not prone to feathering, and they stay just a little longer than your average lipstick would. While there are many colors in this line I love, “Gash” is the ultimate dark cherry red lipstick, absolutely perfect for the holidays!
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