In My Makeup Bag

Every girl has her makeup staples. I like to switch things up pretty often, but I carry the same few items with me all the time and tend to use them as a base for more elaborate makeup days. These are the products that I use for my basic, everyday makeup.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Porcelain

This goes on before anything else I wear. It is a little pricey at about $45 but I have had this forever and it is worth every single penny. I sometimes don't even wear any other foundation or anything if I am having a good skin day.

• Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer

This goes on right after the tinted moisturizer. It makes my skin so soft and the rest of my makeup go on so smoothly. Another product that lasts forever so worth the price.

• One Hot Minute by Benefit

I use this on my cheeks for a nice light bronzed effect. It is perfect for every day and for my fair skin.

• Lancome Powder Brow Pencil in Chataigne

The perfect redhead brow pencil. 

• Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette

This brow gel keeps my eyebrows in place while adding a bit of color to the hairs themselves.

• Sephora Shadow in Tiramisu

A perfect brown neutral for the crease.

• Bare Minerals Shadow in Soul

This is my go to highlighter for below my brow and I often use it in the inner corner of my eye as well. Adding a light shadow to the inner corner makes your eyes look bigger, and I love me some Zooey Deschanel eyes. I also use one by MAC (I don't remember the name) for fancier occasions (it's brighter), but this one is perfect for most situations.

• Bare Minerals Shadow in Nude Beach

This color goes over my lid. It's got a pretty sort of lilac-y tone lurking, but it remains a beautiful color for everyday wear with my neutrals.

• Sephora Long-Lasting 12 Hour Wear Eye Liner in Matte Dark Chocolate

A perfect dark brown liner, and only $12! This lasts all day and looks great on just about anyone.

• MAC Loose Pigment Shadow in Copper Sparkle

I use this to line below my eye just below my lash line. It really makes my eyes pop and adds a little pizzaz to an otherwise neutral palate. 

• L'Oreal Grow Luscious Mascara

I know, it's drugstore mascara. I have tried literally dozens of mascaras in my lifetime, at a range of price points. My mom gave me this one after she heard Carmindy (of What Not to Wear fame) recommend it. I took it with a grain of salt but decided to try it. It's amazing. I have long, relatively full lashes but they are pretty light, as most redhead's lashes are. I am on a constant search for a mascara that a) makes it look like my lashes are longer b) makes my lashes look more full c) doesn't clump d) isn't waterproof because I hate when it smears down my face when I am washing it off. This is the one. Don't waste your money on anything fancier. This is the Holy Grail of mascaras. Seriously. Go buy it. It's like $6. Go.

So that's my everyday face. What are your favorite products? What can you not live without?

Spring/Early Summer Wish List

There are so many fabulous clothes out this spring! I was just thinking about all the things I would like to add to my life this season. I am trying to add things to my wardrobe that I can wear for work and for my personal life. Here's my list:

Stripe Racerback Cami at J. Crew Factory- Love this with pink cropped pants and a white or navy cardi.

Novelty Draped Tee in Summer Lime at J. Crew Factory- love this because it's casual and cool but still nice enough for work. I've seen this in person and it's actually much greener.

Springtime in Your Step Skirt at Modcloth- This skirt is perfect for spring or summer and for work or home. It's such a wonderful silhouette for most bodies and makes the waist look small. So cute!

Old Navy Blue Printed Denim Skirt- So fun and summery! Also pretty with other vibrant colors like bright pink.

A nice cropped dark jean, like the INC Skinny Cropped Jean at Macy's- so cute with so many tops, and they still look polished enough for work.

Pink Rolled Cuff Cropped Chino- I just love pink and navy together, especially with gold accessories. It's such a beautiful way to wear the nautical trend but with a playful twist.

Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Saffiano Travel Tote- this tote fits a 17" computer along with all your other necessities. It's perfect.

J. Crew Factory Emery Flats in Nude- such a great nude shoe and so versatile! I can't find the link to the nude one on the site (just the persimmon color, which I already own) so the link is to that, although I know they have the nude in the store.

Tory Burch Jackie Wedge Espadrille- these shoes scream "summer" and go with so many things. 

What are your must-haves this season?