What’s In My Makeup Bag

I have 3 makeup kits: a train case that has all my products that I often use when I do makeup for other people, a bigger personal case that contains the items I don’t use every day (like my smoky eyeshadows and the like), and a small bag of everyday essentials. By far, the items I turn to literally every single day are stashed in the smallest case. Here is what’s inside that case. I would recommend these products without hesitation; they’re the ones I rely on day in and day out.

1. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink ($24): This cream blush lasts all day, and is the prettiest pink shade I’ve found. It glides on whisper-soft for a gentle blush, and layers beautifully for a more pronounced flush. Note: this is the old packaging of this product; check out the new packaging, available now.

2. Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($19): Since the She Uemura curler is only sold online now, I use this–and it’s just as good. Curls expertly, with all-day hold.

3. MAC Strobe Cream ($15-$30): I mix a few drops of this into my tinted moisturizer for extra glow.

4. MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden ($23): This shimmery bronzer gives my fair skin just enough bronzey glow that’s believable, not fake. Note: This packaging is from the 2010 “To The Beach” collection, and is no longer available. Refined Golden is part of MAC’s permanent collection, so the bronzer itself is still available.

Keep reading for more products!

Nourishing With AHAVA Gentle Eye Cream

One of my 2012 resolutions is to take better care of my skin. I am embarrassingly lax when it comes to caring for my face. No matter how many times I promise I’ll slather on moisturizer with SPF every morning, I inevitably forget and get out of the routine. I rarely use eye cream at night, let alone during the day. But now that I’m 30, the faintest hint of crepiness has crept up below my eyes. Not ok.

As a result, I’ve vowed to establish a solid skincare regimen this year. The first step I’ve taken toward this is with AHAVA Time to Hydrate Gentle Eye Cream ($32). The cream contains an infusion of AHAVA’s proprietary minerals from the Dead Sea, which are supposedly great for your skin. I’ve been using this during the day to fake a well-rested look — even when I only logged a few hours’ sleep. I wouldn’t recommend using this as a night cream; it’s not strong enough. For that, I’m still using my beloved Creme de La Mer. But this is a great option for daytime hydration.I like it for several reasons. I smooth it on under my eyes before applying my concealer, and it feels like a big drink of water for my delicate undereye skin. It also helps my concealer glide on smoother, and I’ve noticed it doesn’t cake into the very fine lines under my eyes halfway through the day. With this as a base, my concealer lasts longer. It’s something small that I worked into my routine, but I feel so much better doing it.

What are your new year’s beauty resolutions?

Pretty Ways To Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Image via Estee Lauder

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we’ve come so far in battling this ugly disease, it’s disheartening and discouraging to see so many women still affected by it. But there’s always hope: as of 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. alone. You can help that number increase by purchasing these beauty products. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds from their sales will be donated to breast cancer research and awareness foundations.

Before I delve into all the great products you can buy to support this cause, a word about the photo above. Estee Lauder is one of the most active companies in contributing to breast cancer research and crusading for awareness. Their first campaign launched in 1992, and they have worked tirelessly year-round ever since to get the word out about early detection and prevention, which can greatly improve survival rates. This year, they’re launching a new campaign concept: “TOGETHER. Connect. Communicate. Conquer. For A Future Free of Breast Cancer.” Their campaign promotes the importance of life-saving early detection and regular screenings.

And now, onto the products.

Image via Addicted To All Things Pretty

OPI Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts ($8.50) is a crackly vibrant pink topcoat that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Tweezerman Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Tweezers ($20) are 2011’s answer to picture-perfect brow maintenance. The white Precision in Pink tweezers feature a Swarovski crystal pink ribbon, and are just as exacting as Tweezerman’s other excellent hair-removal tools. Proceeds go to various organizations devoted to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Image via Beautyblender

Beautyblender Travel Kit ($23.95) includes the iconic reusable pink foundation sponge and a mini squirt bottle of their blendercleanser to clean it with. 15% of all proceeds from this product go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ahava Honey-Herbal Mineral Bath Salts: Relaxation in a Bottle

I’m a firm believer that a hot bath can cure any woe (physical, mental, or emotional). There’s something about sinking into a tub full of steamy water and bubbles that melts away any cares or concerns.

Imagine kicking relaxation up a notch. Pretty nice, right? Ahava Honey-Herbal Mineral Bath Salts ($20) will do just that to your next bath.