But we don’t judge. When a product works well, regardless of where it’s bought, it just works.
These are the products that have gone a full round and more in my make up bag (which, might I add, is not large). I’m what you would call a creature of habit. So although I do get the pleasure of trying a bunch of new products, it’s rare that a new product enters my makeup bag as a permanent, reoccurring fixture. In fact, almost all of these products are ones that I’ve personally repurchased after finishing it.
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette
Although a bit more of a splurge at $55, it is worth your pennies. I’ve used a single palette for over 1 year until hitting pan. But the best part of this palette is that it’s what I call an “everything” palette. Of course, I use it as my contour and highlighter, but I also use it as my eyeshadow (and sometimes even as as lip shimmer). It has a creamy powder texture, making it super easy to use, no matter your make up training. It also comes in 2 shades. I’ve used and loved both. The “Universal” palette offers a better shade of blush.
Marcelle Double Precision Eyeliner
This has been my go-to eyeliner for YEARS. I first discovered it when I worked at Shoppers Drug Mart while in school. It remains (as you can see by the many smudges on it) my favourite eyeliner. The Stila eyeliner is a close runner up, but I love that this particular eyeliner offers two sides (a thicker and thinner brush). I use the thin side to draw out my cat eye and the thicker side to fill in. At a mere $15, it’ll last you up to 6 months (if you use it every day like I do).
You can also use the code: MEL15 (on Marcelle.com for free shipping + 15%)
Dermablend Cover Care Concealer
I first got introduced to this concealer last year and have not put it down ever since. The shade range that this concealer comes in is EXTENSIVE, but the most impressive quality is how well it covers without looking cakey (or requiring several coats). I have 2 shades in my make up bag at all times – one lighter shade for my under eye area and one that matches my skin tone for acne scars. This concealer will change your life. It’s not lying when it says it gives you 24 hour coverage with hydration. It’s also designed with sensitive skin in mind.
Stila One Step Corrector Primer
As you can see by the bottle and my inability to even show you the formula in the bottle, I use this every day. If you’re not a beauty guru, colour correcting sounds (read: IS) complicated. Knowing what colour to cover redness, which colour to reduce dark marks, etc. is such a chore. And let’s be honest, we all just want a one step fix. This primer will do all of that and more. It instantly neutralizes redness and conceals blemishes. Often I won’t use a foundation and will just use this with concealer.
Charlotte Tilbury Cream Eyeshadow
I am a huge fan of cream eyeshadows, mostly because they are SO easy to use and looks like you put a lot of effort into your eyeshadow. This Charlotte Tilbury pot is one I’ve personally used for over a year and it’s still going strong. It gives your eyes an instant pop and glow and literally requires one swipe. The one I use is in the shade Rose Gold.
IT Cosmetics CC Cream
As you can tell by the packaging, this is one of my most used products. Besides its skincare benefits (hello SPF + Anti-Agin properties), the coverage on this CC cream is INSANE. I struggle with cystic acne and scarring and this CC cream is one of the only ones that I’ve tried that covers it all. I apply it either with a beauty blender or just my hands and it is super easy to blend into your skin.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
I just started trying and using this tinted moisturizer but I’m loving it so far. It’s about the same price as the IT Cosmetics version but offers a bit more of a lighter coverage. It does, however, come in a larger shade range. I love the natural glow that it gives your skin.
Burt’s Bees Natural Blush with Vitamin E
Burt’s Bees is one of my favourite brands, hands down. There’s a ton of their products I use often that aren’t pictured here, but this blush is one I use every day. I’ve also recently been using it as an eye shadow when I don’t want a shimmery look. It’s super lightweight, is super easy to blend and features bamboo, honey, and Vitamin E. Truthfully, I use it because it’s the easiest blush I’ve ever tried and is the perfect shade for my eyes and cheeks. We are here for products that can do double duty.
