I’ve written about my skincare routine a few times but realized that I have never shared my makeup routine. I think taking good care of your skin is essential for makeup application and the ability to use less products but I always wear something.

Even if I’m going to the gym, I’ll apply a little concealer, curl my lashes, groom my brows, and swipe on a little lipgloss. It’s a cliche but completely true that you never know who you might run into in New York so I always leave the house looking polished.

I tend to be very loyal to the products I use which can be problematic when one of them is discontinued as I found out while putting this post together. My day routine is obviously a bit lighter especially on my eyes while my evening/event make-up has a heavy eye and more illumination but they both start with dewy skin.

Here’s a look at what’s in my makeup bag.

I’ve heard that you shouldn’t use primer daily because it can break out your skin. I use Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer under foundation almost every day and have never had a problem. I just read that some women use it alone which is an interesting idea since it makes your skin glow. It also helps your foundation stay on longer. I wouldn’t do my make-up without it. 

I just found out that the La Mer Treatment Fluid Foundation I’ve been wearing for at least 10 years has been discontinued. It has been replaced by La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation SPF 20. I haven’t had a chance to experience it in person yet but I’m hoping it will impart the same flawless finish as the previous incarnation. 

I was introduced to Hourglass Cosmetics by my friend Dina and I’m so glad. Hourglass was founded by beauty industry veteran Carisa Janes as an “intersection of science, beauty and luxury.” The formulations feel modern and really are luxurious. I tried the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick but it was much too heavy for my skin. You can also use it as a concealer so I’ve kept it for that purpose. I would like to try the Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free Broad Spectrum SPF 15 when I go to buy a new foundation. The description says it’s, “Powered by the brand’s proprietary Matrix Regeneration Complex, it targets the signs of aging by helping alleviate the appearance of wrinkles over time, and it creates a naturally radiant complexion.” Sounds good to me. 

For under eye circles, I love Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer For Under Eye in 1.5. It last longer than normal concealers and is also good for blemishes when used with a small brush. 

The Rolls Royce of concealers is Clé de Peau. It has a lovely creamy texture what doesn’t settle into fine lines. I use Beige but another less expensive option is Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Under Eye Concealer which is very hydrating and creamy as well. I also use Benefit High Beam Liquid Highlighter along my cheekbones and sometimes even under my concealer. 

I don’t use much powder except for a tiny amount to set my make up along my t-zone and under my eyes. The one I always use is Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Velour Puff. 

I use Aerin Beauty brushes which don’t seem to be available any longer. But it might be time to replace them. I like this Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Collection set since it has everything one would need for their makeup routine. I also love the brushes from Hourglass. 

I don’t go in for all that Kardashian contouring but a little bronzer under your cheekbone will give you lovely definition. If I’m doing heavier evening makeup, I might add a little around my jawline and hairline. I am currently using anAerin Beauty bronzer that’s no longer available but I also use this Tom Ford Small Bronzing Powder.

Don’t be alarmed by the color of this Nars Mata Hari blush. When you apply it with a light hand and a good blush brush, it looks like natural flushed cheeks. Of course, it’s unavailable online for some reason but  there are 22 other Nars Blush shades from which to choose.

Even when I’m not wearing eye shadow, I will use Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen on my lids but it also acts as a great primer.
Shu Uemura is the only eye lash curler that many beauty professionals use and it’s the only one I use. For some reason, the brand is no longer sold in US stores but you can buy it online. There is also a special Chinese New Year special offering 15% off sitewide with the code CNY15. 

Brows are so important to me that I wrote a whole post on them in Brow Beat last year. As I mentioned, I will fill and groom my brows with Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel even when I go to the gym.

I also use Anastasia Brow Gel when my brows are looking a little unruly.

During the day, I use a tiny bit of eyeliner along my lashes and will apply it heavier for evening. I like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner which comes in 12 different colors. L’Oreal Infallible Eyeliner is a great product at a good price that I also use but the packaging is cheap and the blender end always falls off. I wish they would fix that issue 

One of the products worth the splurge is Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad. I love the Nude Dip palette but there are 11 different quad palettes. The quality of Tom Ford eye shadow is the best I’ve ever used. 

I have my eyelashes dyed at Benefit so I don’t wear mascara during the day. Dyed lashes are really wonderful if you workout a lot because they define your eyes without mascara smudging. I always have my lashes dyed right before I travel so I look put together but don’t get mascara smudges when sleeping on a flight. I will only wear Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara for evening or when I have a meeting.

This Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush is meant to be used with the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick which I found too heavy. Instead I use it after I’ve applied my makeup to feather it out and make sure I don’t have to much product under my eyes or around my nose. 

The one product that you might pull out of your bag in front of other people is lipstick so i think it’s also a good place to splurge. Tom Ford makes some of the most luxurious lipsticks but I love the Tom Ford Lips and Boys Lip Color. They are smaller tubes so they are great for evening bags too.

I don’t post selfies often on Instagram but when I do, someone always asks my lipstick color. I layer Chanel Glossimer in #46 Giggle over Aerin Mercer lipstick which is no longer available. But it’s also great alone for a light natural color.

Another Hourglass product that has a cult following is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. I usually just use it at night but you can use it during the day as well. It blurs your makeup and creates a great glow.

As I mentioned above, I love Hourglass brushes and this Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush is perfect for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette.

Another thing I love are Tom Ford Makeup Palettes which I can throw in my bag with one brush so I can be ready for touch ups during the day or while traveling. My favorite from last year is no longer available but I just got this new Tom Ford Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette on my upcoming trip to Mexico.

If makeup is not y0ur thing and you don’t know what to wear or where to start, I highly recommend this Bobbi Brown Style File Work It Eye, Cheek & Lip Kit with great natural colors.

I have a brown satin Tom Ford makeup bag that is starting to get a little dirty. When I’m ready to upgrade, I will be ordering this Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set that come in 11 different colors and can be monogrammed.

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.”

– Yves Saint Laurent