Inside My Makeup Bag

Working in the beauty industry has many perks – you get to try all the latest brands! But when the gloss wears off, I always go back to these fail-safe beauty bag staples. Here’s the makeup gear I love forever after…

First Base

The second I jump out of the shower, I apply a few drops of Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%, $99.95, which absorbs straight into my skin. It’s a super high-concentrated Vitamin C serum and my number 1 free-radical fighter. When I don’t use it, my skin is grey and dehydrated, and when I do apply it daily, I reclaim my glow – brighter, plumper skin. You beauty!

Sun Smart

I don’t leave the house without protection, and Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF50+, $16.99, is my pick for a lotion-light feel with serious sun protection.

Eye Know!

I know it’s not the norm to do your eyes before your foundation, but I have this crazy ability to sneeze right after applying eyeshadow, liner and mascara, and it all heads south. So I create my eyes before I apply my foundation. Clever, huh? My favourite eye-popping products are M.A.C. Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch, $33, as a base, with Paradisco, $33 over the socket, a sprinkle of Make Up Store Eye Dust in Morning Breeze, $33, in the inner corner for sparkle but I mix between soft pink palettes and gold-beige.

For eyeliner, a few coats of Benefit They’re Real Mascara, $38, does the trick – not too thick and heavy, but poppy. Eyebrows are high-brow on my list, particularly since I have one grey rogue hair that rebels against the wave popping out for visits, and a few gaps here and there. I like to call these pit stops. I’ve used the Shiseido Eyebrow Styling Compact, $59, for eons. And when I sneeze and my eyes head south, I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover, $10.98, for any spills, as well as P.M panda-eyes removal.

Prime Location

It’s exxy, but it’s a winner: Chanel’s Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base, $65, keeps foundation on my face from morning to night. No reapplying required.  The appearance of fine lines around my eyes is a sight to behold. While not intended to smooth over wrinkles, I use Benefit POREfessional, $53, to fill in the gaps – it creates a flawless canvas for foundation. Sssshhh.

Good Foundations

I’ve been a big fan of Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture-Rich Radiance Sunscreen Fluid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $86, for years now. It’s silky smooth finish and slightly dewy finish is perfect for disguising fine lines and blemishes. I can’t be fussed reapplying makeup throughout the day, and know this gem will last from dusk ‘til dawn and blends perfectly.

Lip Service

Bold lips are not my thing. I usually let my eyes do the talking. For a subtle half matte, half shiny glint of colour I use L’Oreal Colour Riche in Silk, $21.95. Smoooch!

Midas Touch

For a little sparkle, I dab a drop or two of Benefit High Beam, $45, pearlised pink highlighter on my inner and outer eyes and the bridge of my nose for a dewy glow.

This is a sponsored post by Neutrogena. All opinions expressed by the author are authentic and written in their own words.