favorite basics

Here is a list of my favorite basics up to date. I'll link this post to a tab up at the top as a quick reference page, and change it when something new or better comes along.

I can go for an 'everyday' look using the items I've listed below. Sometimes I will decide to skip (or simply forget) to use some products but moisturizer is a must for me. Some of these products will be drugstore brands and others will be considered somewhat 'high-end'. Like I said, I'm sure this list will change throughout time, but it's nice to keep track of what I've been using.

BELOW: I've listed the product name and description, where I purchased them, why I like it, and when I've started using each item - my most recent items will be at the top of each category:

Moisturizer



Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer, 4.2 oz - $9.97 at Walmart

• easy, fragrance-free, lightweight and smooth lotion texture, affordable,  doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or sticky, just simple and clean!
• I've been using this product since July 2013.

Sephora Hydratant matifiant 8H SPF 20, 1.69 fl oz/50 ml - $23 at Sephora

• thin lotion texture, mattifying but still moisturizing, has a good amount of SPF, has a pump
• I've been using this product since December 2013.

Face Primer

Hourglass Veil mineral primer, 15 SPF, 0.33 fl oz10 ml - $18 at Sephora

• spreadable (a little goes a long way!), super smooth and silky texture, still keeps a natural skin look
• I've been using this product since December 2013.

Foundation (liquid)

Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation in shade 310 Warm Golden, 1.0 fl oz/30 ml - $11.99 at Ulta

• formulated well for oily/combination skin, light and breathable, good coverage while still keeping a natural skin look
• I've been using this product since August 2013.

Foundation (Blemish Balm/BB Cream)



Missha BB Cream in shade No. 23 Natural Beige, 30 ml - $12 at eBay.com

• quick and easy application, concealer + foundation + skin care product in one, moderate cream texture, brightening sheer coverage, PERFECT for natural-skin look, has skin repairing, anti-wrinkle, and brightening properties, sunscreen protection at SPF 42!
• I've been using this product since July 2011.

Eye Primer

Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer, travel size, (freebie comes with Lorac Pro Palette), original size 0.53 oz/15.3 g - $21 at Ulta

• thin lotion texture, dries softly and clearly, not powdery, holds eyeshadow fairly well 
• I've been using this product since April 2013.

Eyeshadows

Lorac Pro Palette, (16 colors, comes with freebie travel-sized eye primer) - $42 at Ulta

• 8 matte colors, 8 shimmer colors, perfect for all skin tones, velvet soft texture, highly pigmented, thin and lightweight magnetic case with mirror
• I've been using this product since April 2013.

Eyebrow Pencil

EM Cosmetics Arched Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette - $18 at emcosmetics.com

• kohl formula makes it easier to draw in tiny hairs, gives more realistic look, super fine point, retractable pencil needs no sharpening, has included spool end to brush and blend out, 
• I've been using this product since December 2013

NYX Automatic Eyebrow retractable pencil in Dark Brown - $4.99 at Ulta

• has built-in brush cap, retractable, soft texture, oval-cylindrical shape that makes it easy to shape eyebrow 
• I've been using this product since April 2013.

Eyeliner (pencil)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion (matte blackest black), 0.04 oz- $20 at Sephora

• smooth formula gives soft application, dries quick, won't smudge after dry, best for tightlining your sensitive waterlines, extremely dark black,
• I've been using this product since January 2014.

Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray, 0.01 oz - $20 at Sephora

• retractable, really dark black, creamy but stays put very well once it dries, good for the waterline
• I've been using this product since April 2013.

Eyeliner (liquid)

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, 0.02 fl oz/0.55 ml - $22 at Sephora

• super dark black, somewhat waterproof, dries matte, stiff and sturdy tip, has the finest point I've seen yet!
• I've been using this product since April 2013.

Mascara



Buxom Lash in Blackest Black, 11mL/0.37 fl oz - $19 at Sephora

• Hour-glass shaped silicon brush makes it easier to reach inner and outer corners, free of smudging and clumping, lifts and separates lash hairs while coating dark and even layer
• I've been using this product since January 2014.

Benefits They're Real (mini) mascara, 0.14 fl oz/4 g - $10 at Ulta

• short and thin rubber bristles makes it easy to apply without hitting my lids, lengthens lashes well
• I've been using this product since August 2013.

Maybelline Falsies Big Eyes, 0.3 fl oz/9 ml -  $6.94 at Walmart

• quickly builds volume, holds curl well, double-ended dipping barrels and brushes (one with thicker bristles and one finer bristles)
• I've been using this product since October 2013.

I'd like to go into some more detail about these products individually and do comparisons with other products someday once I get the opportunity to test out more items for a reasonable amount of time. That way I can give more helpful in-depth observations rather than misinforming you about my experience. A simple video would probably be easier than reading a blog post though. I'll have to try to get over my awkward fear of camera filming...

Anywho, I hope that was informative for anyone who is curious about what I've been using lately! But I'm always down to hear about any basics makeup products you can recommend, especially if they're more affordable while working just the same... I'm all about that.

Peace out.

updated: 02/03/14