Doing my own makeup for my wedding means I’ve spent the last few months reading reviews and testing, testing, testing. I made a million Sephora trips and found several things that I’ve fallen totally in love with in addition to a few that I didn’t. I used to scoff at people that spent a ton of money on high end makeup but I’ve come to realize that I can make a much more informed purchase at high end stores than at a drugstore. I can test to my heart’s content and return anything if it doesn’t work, no questions asked. Quality products really do last much longer and I took doing my wedding makeup as an opportunity to invest in some great things that would last me a long time. I’ve done my homework and here are the products I’ve deemed worthy of a spot in my new and improved makeup bag:
Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation
When I ordered some of my wedding makeup online from Sephora and chose my free samples I saw this one and decided I would give it a try. Maybe if I really liked it I would use the sample for my wedding day, but I rarely wear foundation anymore and decided that I wasn’t going to invest in a big bottle of something I wouldn’t wear regularly. The sample pack came with a range of shades so I was able to try it several times and I soon wished I could wear it everyday. When I used the last of the samples for my wedding day I was so sad to be out of it and decided that, although pricey, this one was truly worth it to me. For starters, you only need the tiniest amount so the bottle will last forever. Secondly, it is super lightweight and natural looking but also buildable to full coverage if you need it to be. It contains argan oil so it also works as a treatment for your skin. My skin leans toward combination in hot months but the finish is just radiant even when I set it with a bit of powder. I also love the fruity smell and colorful packaging.
Recently Tommy took me into Sephora and totally spoiled me by letting me choose some things I’ve had my eye on. One of them was this palette. Tarte’s blushes are so pigmented and long lasting and I love that there are neutral and bright shades included. I like using the pink and coral ones to brighten up my face on light makeup days and I love the neutrals in the middle with a smoky eye or bright lip. This is a limited edition and sold out on Sephora’s site right now but if you can still get it in store I’d highly recommend it.
One of the things I hate about setting powders is that they tend to oxidize and turn a weird color once on my face. I was looking for something sheer and colorless to set my wedding makeup and I love this one because it does exactly that without looking chalky. The price is super reasonable too. I’ve tried several of the Essence products and I’ve always found the quality to be great. I get them at Shoppers Drug Mart.
The search for my holy grail concealer is over! I’ve heard awesome things about this one for months but it was always sold out at London Drugs and Rexall when I checked. Shoppers Drug Mart recently started carrying NYX and I finally was able to pick this up. Good shade selection, creamy, long wearing formula and under $10 a pop. I had ordered Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer for my wedding makeup and expected to love it but returned it because the NYX one was way, way better and a fraction of the cost.
This mask was another one of the things I chose on my Sephora shopping spree. One of my favorite bloggers raves about this line constantly and I was really interested in a product that would get my skin in good shape prior to the wedding. The texture is definitely like mud and smells a bit like tea leaves. There is a bit of a burn when you apply but when you rinse it feels like you have a new face. I honestly felt like I could go makeup free the day after I used this. I got the gift set that included the travel size of the Super Mud Clearing Treatment and I used it on breakouts leading up to the wedding. It dried them up super-fast.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
For my wedding lip I wanted a pale pink-y nude that would be long wearing. To find the perfect shade I applied my makeup the way I planned to for the wedding and then popped into Sephora where I proceeded to test about 20 long wearing lipsticks in various shades of nude. This was definitely the hardest product for me to nail down in my look but I finally settled on this one in Melancholia. You basically paint it on, and let it set. The finish is super matte and can be a bit dry so I usually add balm on top for moisture. I really like the formula and will definitely add more shades to my repertoire.
I’ve been a loyal devotee to Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel polish since it came out. The polishes last a long time for me but my only beef was the lack of shades. After hearing so many raves about the staying power of the Formula X polishes, I decided to try the system, because they are priced similarly to the Sally Hansen polish but with a million color choices. I’m so impressed with these. They last even longer than the Miracle Gel line and look so shiny; almost like shellac. My first manicure lasted 8 days without a chip and I didn’t even do a top coat touch up like I normally would. I chose to start with Less is More (ivory nude), Radical (lilac), Dark Matter (black) and TGIF (coral). I wore Less is More on my wedding day.
Sephora Luster Matte Long Wearing Lip Color
This formula is similar to the Kat Von D. I really wanted a neon pink and so I chose Electra Pink Luster. It is more moisturizing and therefore not as long lasting but it does hold up really well, particularly for such a bright shade. I am straight up OBSESSED with this color and have gotten several compliments on it whenever I’ve worn it. So fun and will be on repeat all summer for sure.
Do you have any new faves I need to hear about?
BAG OF FLOUR 
HI, hope your feeling better. SOrry to hear about your Grandma not doing good, we wish her all the best. keep us posted. HOw much is the glow mud face stuff u got at Sephora, let me know sometime. I will say a prayer for your Grandma, take care, Kim
John Erwin
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