Happy New Year!!!
I wanted to share with your my kit favourites. These are my go-to’s on just about every client/bride I work with.
These products I have mostly purchased. Any products sent for consideration will be marked with an asterisk (*) but as always, these opinions are my own! I totally recommend each of these products for personal use. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to benefit from these favourites :)
In no particular order:
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
$32 CDN
Available on The Shopping Channel
If you suffer from any sort of redness, Bye Bye Redness is your saviour but it’s a little dark so I can only use it on medium, tanned, or really freckled skin. Use it all over or to spot conceal, then apply your foundation on top.
Full review here
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye
$24 CDN
Available at The Shopping Channel
This is a waterproof concealer that really brightens up the undereye area. I apply color corrector first, then foundation, then Bye Bye Undereye on top. The key to concealing dark circles is correcting in thin layers.
Full review here
Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray
$36 CDN
Available at Sephora
I use b6 instead of primer, most of the time, but especially on oily skin. b6 soothes skin, reduces redness, absorbs oil, and minimizes pores. It leaves the skin feeling soft and provides antioxidants. You can even use it as a refresher throughout the day
Urban Decay Naked 3
$64 CDN
Available at Sephora
There was so much hype surrounding this palette but I’m so glad I got it. The rose gold tones suit so many people. I use it on Caucasian (especially you blue-eyed beauties!), Asian, and South-Asian clients.
I have Naked 1, too but almost always reach for Naked 3 first
Vuesets Tahiti (24 sections)
$18 CDN
Available at Camera Ready Cosmetics
I love this little empty palette. I squished 24 shades of lipsticks into it and carry it around in my kit instead of carrying around lipstick tubes. It’s really helped condense my kit.
Stila Eyes Are the Window “Mind” Palette
$59 CDN
Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart
This palette is completely matte and is perfect for my mature clients. The eyeshadows are pigmented, easy to blend, and don’t crease (even without a primer).
Ethereal Glow
Luminous Flash, Incandescent Electra, Mood Exposure
Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Radiant Light
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes & Powders
$41 CDN – $67 CDN
Available at Sephora
I absolutely love Hourglass blushes and powders. They are so soft and buttery and easy to blend. Each powder captures, diffuses and softens surrounding light. The powders are available in 6 shades. I use Radiant Light and Incandescent Light on a regular basis. The blushes are also available in 6 shades. To date, Mood Exposure is my favourite
Ben Nye Luxury Powders
$13.95 CDN
Available at Camera Ready Cosmetics
These have been a staple in my kit, instead of using translucent powder that leaves a white cast on the skin in photos. They’re silky smooth and mattifying. They absorb excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Lise Watier Age Surpreme Matifying Cream-Gel*
$69 CDN
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart
I use this on my oily-skinned clients. It mattifies the skin, controls excess sebum, and fills in wrinkles and fine lines.
Light palette
Image borrowed from beautezine.com
Medium palette
image borrowed from makeupforlife.net
MAC Studio Conceal and Correct Palette in Light & Medium
$40 USD
Available at MAC
These are so useful for Makeup Artists. The concealers and correctors are creamy and blend so well. A little creasing is involved so don’t forget to set with powder. Mix the concealers to get the shade you need.
Clarins Opalescene Face & Blush Powder*
$40 USD
This was a Limited Edition item
This warm, neutral blush is perfect for those medium-skinned clients that want a natural look or even for fair-skinned beauties that want something more sunkissed. I love the versatility of this blush.
Revlon Lash Potion Mascara*
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart
I really like the formula of this mascara. It coats lashes clump free, doesn’t fade throughout the day, and really adds volume and length. One of my favourite drugstore mascaras!
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Lipstick in Desert Rose*
$25 USD
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart
This is a neutral, rose shade with gold flecks. My mature clientele love this color. It’s just enough color on the lips that the cameras won’t wash it out. It’s also hydrating and comfortable to wear
Vasanti Belarus Lipstick*
$15 CDN
Available at Rexall
This vibrant coral pink is a favourite among summer brides. It suits all skin tones and is also comfortable to wear. It’s not overly dramatic which is why my clients love it