Makeup Bag Spill
I’ve downsized my makeup stash quite a bit in the last few years. Safe to say, I’m really happy with my current collection. I have no regrets experimenting with various products and brands in the past as it’s only helped me arrive to this point where I finally know what formulas and colours work for my skin. I love a natural ‘no makeup’ makeup look, and even when I dare to experiment for special occasions, I still like to lean towards earthy colours – greens, corals, browns and golds, just extra sparkly and pigmented. When I first started working and making my own money, I went through a short, albeit expensive phase where I invested in luxury makeup products that costed me and arm and a leg, which taught me very important lessons – a) financial management and, b) expensive does not always equal quality. At the end of the day, things like makeup and skincare are very subjective. We all have different types of skin and live in different environments (some cool and some humid). If there’s one thing I’d like you to takeaway from this roundup is find what works for you, here’s what works for me. My current makeup bag is a mix of high-low products, and whatever luxury products I’ve invested in, I use for years on end – especially eyeshadow palettes. And most of my other makeup products I replenish at most twice a year, which works well for my wallet.
I have two makeup bags that I currently use – a smaller one from Bvlgari that we received on our Emirates flight last year + a puffier one from local brand, Studio Mana Mana, which helps insulate my makeup palettes and bottles.
Face
Foundation
I always have two kinds of foundation in my rotation – a full coverage one and one that’s of sheer coverage. As I get older, I’ve invested more in facials and skincare with the goal that someday I’ll be able to leave home foundation-free. Especially with the humidity here in KL. I spend an hour under the sun and hello, breakouts! I’ve tried out Huda Beauty, Dior, Tom Ford and Bobbi Brown in the past, they’re all amazing and I’d highly recommend it. However, I’ve stuck with Tarte’s Face Tape collection for many years now and it never disappoints. I use the Face Tape Foundation in shade 35N Medium Neutral and it’s the perfect shade for medium olive skin tone and is full coverage. I especially use this for events & special occasions where I want to make a good first impression.
I heard about Chanel’s water-based foundation earlier this year from one of my favourite influencers, Chloe Morello who recommended it for a natural, sheer coverage option. Picked it up at the airport a few months ago and turns out it’s a wonderful investment. I find myself reaching for it on a day-to-day basis when I’m heading out for lunch and dinner dates. At age 29, I’m slowly coming into my skin and embracing all my little imperfections. Something has changed within me and there’s a renewed appreciation for myself – both inside and out, and with this growing confidence, the Chanel – Water Fresh Complexion Touch in shade Les Beiges is taking me one step towards my goal to be foundation-free.
Concealer
I’m not big on concealers. Shocking! I know!…Considering the fact that I have dark circles the size of an elephant. However, a lot of it has to do with genetics (like my darker lips) which I consider to be a part of me. I’ve never been obsessed with lightening the colour of my under eyes, just covering up extra dark circles on nights I don’t get enough sleep. I’ve been using the Tarte – Shape Tape Contour Concealer in shade 35H Medium Honey for five years now and it does the job. I gently dab tiny dots underneath my eyes, especially around the inner corners of my eyes, and it makes all the difference. Lighter but still very much natural.
Colour Corrector
Also from Tarte’s Shape Tape range. I initially started with shade Orange, which just like the name turned out to be too orangey and would require thick layers of concealer to seamlessly blend. When done properly though, looks amazing. However, since I prefer thin layers, I’ve since opted for one shade lighter, Peach which I love so much. On most days, I skip the concealer and this colour corrector alone gives me the natural effect I want.
Moisturising Primer
I usually apply my skincare and makeup together, so I’ve relied on my Dermalogica – Intense Moisture Balance as a primer. It gives such an intense hydration when I’m makeup free or when I have very little makeup on. However, it dries out easily under heavy makeup, to the point where my foundation starts to crack. With an oily and dry combination skin like mine, hydration is not a want but a need. One of my favourite makeup artists, Nikki Makeup uses the Bobbi Brown – Vitamin Enriched Face Base Primer on her a-lister celebrity clients and their makeup is simply gorgeous! It’s now my favourite moisturising primer EVER. It’s on the pricier side for a small tub of primer, but if you rarely wear heavy makeup like me, it’ll last. If there’s one product I want to influence you to run to Sephora and get today, it’s this.
Eyeshadow Palettes
I shared on my IG story just earlier this week how glad I am on my decision to downsize on my eyeshadow palettes years ago. I of course still have my Huda Beauty and Natasha Denona funky palettes laying around somewhere, but makeup is meant to make you feel beautiful and feel like your best self. Even though I like to adventure here and there in pursuit of finding my personal style, I do not feel beautiful in blue or purple eyeshadows. I admire those who can pull off the look, but it’s just not me. I’ll stick with experimenting with clothes for that edge. I currently have four eyeshadow palette’s in my current makeup bag, a mix of earthy and shimmery shades – minus one by Marc Jacob (can’t remember what it’s called) I had years ago that’s still my favourite eyeshadow palette but it’s been discontinued. RIP.
Bobbi Brown Rosey Nudes Eye Shadow Palette – A combination of two metallic shades, Pink Quartz & Velvet Plum, and three matte colours, Antique Rose, Mauve and Cocoa, this is my go-to eye makeup everyday. Despite the name, it appears more nude, coffee-ish rather than rosey, especially on my tanned skin. I like dusting Velvet Plum on the inner corners of my eyes when we’re heading out for dinner.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Luxury Palette – I’ve always loved a barbie makeup with shimmers and pink rosey undertones so this has to be my favourite eyeshadow palette, reminds me of the one from Marc Jacobs. Inside you’ll find two shimmery shades and two matte colours. If there is one makeup palette to invest in, its this. I assure you its flattering for all skin tones. Can’t go wrong with Charlotte Tilbury.
Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad in 20 Disco Dust – I’ve had this palette for many years now, way before I invested in the above two. The colours are divine but at this point both my other palettes have the same shades and pigment. I however still reach for this when I’m going for a smokey eyed look. It has a dark purple shade that’s simply divine. Plus point, it already came with two applicator tips which made it very convenient to pop into my work bag back then.
Eyes – Other Products
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black – Believe me when I tell you that I’ve never used another eyeliner in my life. I stumbled upon this eyeliner in a drugstore when I was in high school and never looked back. I love the micro tip, it helps accentuate my eyes instead of taking away from it. I get so many compliments on my eyeliner all the time. You will not regret investing in this + each tube has so much of product, mine seems to last for years without drying out.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brown Definer in Medium Brown – As a Taurus, change is not my thing. I tried out the gen-z clean girl makeup aesthetic but for some reason my eyebrows just don’t hold up. I’ll stick to the 2010 millennial eyebrow makeup that works for me, and this eyebrow definer does just that. The triangular brow pencil makes it so easy to apply and I love that it isn’t too pigmented, so even when I accidentally overdraw, a) it still looks natural b) it’s easy to repair.
Benefit They’re Real Magnet Mascara – I’ve experimented with Benefit over the last decade and I will say I’m not a fan of their products. However, if there’s one thing they’re masters at – it’s mascara (I also remember loving their primer and lip tint when I was younger). I will say it’s very pigmented so tread carefully. I had some trouble with smudging and clumping when I first purchased it, but now that it’s drying out, ironically its perfect.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow Rich Metal – A singular eyeshot palette, this one is super convenient to have in your bag for a quick touchup between work and dinner for that extra pop. It slightly differs other shimmery eyeshadows I have in the sense that it has more of a burnt coral undertone instead of rosey or nude. I still reach for this before I head out the door for fancy dinners. Not as an eyeshadow, but as a highlighter on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose and my brow bones. It’s super pigmented and helps give me the Bella Hadid effect.
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eye-Shadow Stick in shade Dusty Mauve – Gotta have one (or three!) eyeshadow sticks. I don’t have anything mauve which is precisely why I bought it, and this eyeshadow stick is a beautiful combination of sparkly burgundy + mauve. It’s a date night favourite, especially when we travel. I think I popped this on my eyes almost every night during our last trip to Bangkok. She’s really special.
Hourglass Eyeshadow Stick Voyeur in shade Equinox – I’m embarrassed to say that I only discovered this brand last month when in fact, the brand feels to me very Tom Ford-like and exudes luxury and elegance from the packaging to the scent. I will definitely be purchasing more from Hourglass. I needed a gold eyeshadow because my current jewellery stack has plenty of gold metals in it and the gold from this eyeshadow stick complements them so well. As always, I use them on the inner corners of my eyes. We have a trip coming up next month (I’m so excited I already have my suitcase out!) and I’m already envisioning dinner makeup looks with this stick.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in shade Vanilla – It functions just like the eye-shadow stick in Mauve, except it has a consistency that’s more like a creamy concealer, so I use them as an eyebrow concealer after lining my brows with the Anastasia Brown Definer. Such a necessary finishing touch that makes all the difference. Makes my eyebrows look tidier – very clean girl aesthetic.
Lips
I loooove lipsticks. It’s the one makeup product I’m most tempted to splurge on an impulse. I tend to bring home a mix of rosey and nude colours that look the same, yet I can tell the difference. I also never apply just one lipstick at any given time. Doesn’t matter if its a casual lunch, errands run, or a wedding. I have at least two layers of lipsticks that build up to the colour I want. If you’re hoping to find recommendations for a red lipstick, I’m sorry I haven’t unlocked the ‘red lip’ chapter of my life yet (HAHA). When I do, I’ll let you know.
I do have quite a few lippies to share, so I’ll keep the description as simple as possible. Since I have naturally dark lips, I only wear matte lipsticks. Otherwise, the colour tends to disappear after a few sips and bites. I do make sure to lather Vaseline on my lips beforehand to prevent excessive drying and cracking. I have however, started investing in velvet lipsticks depending on the formula, and I love the ones I have.
Lip Velvets
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet in shade Pure Hollywood: the sweetest rosey pink undertone.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet in shade Parchment: Gorgeous dark brown. I feel elegant & edgy when I have this on.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet in shade Crush: Coral with hints of rose. If I’m carrying a smaller bag and need to pick just 1 lipstick to have on-the-go, its this one.
Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Lipstick in shade 311: A farewelll gift from my ex colleagues + one of my favourites that I can wear just on its own. I apply some on my cheeks & eyelids too, and off we go!
Matte Lipsticks
M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick in shade 701 All Fired Up: The prettiest pop of bright Fuchsia for when I dare to go bold.
M.A.C Matte Lipstick in shade 649 Down To An Art: Nude with hints of coral. Stunning when paired on its own with a smokey eye. Otherwise, I mostly use it for layering with darker lipsticks.
Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in shade Pay Day: Beautiful burgundy. I layer this with another Huda Beauty favourite in shade Interview (can’t find it, it’s lost somewhere in one of my bags), for a nice burgundy + nude blend.
Nudestix Magnetic Matte Lip Colour in shade Burgundy: Deep burgundy. Always the final step for any of my lipstick combinations. My ultimate favourite – complements my skin tone so well!
Other Lip Products
Sephora Lip Liner in shade 15 Deep Beige: (can’t find it online so I’ve linked a different shade). The only lip liner I could ever need. Super affordable as well!
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face in shade Sunkissed: My most used makeup product. It has more of a velvety finish that feels so natural. I pop this on my eyelids, cheeks, nose and lips every time I want to go makeup-free.
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick in shade Dusty Rose: The most recent addition as I always wanted to try out MBM. Love it so far, and the brush tip feels divine & luxurious.
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint in shade 18 Mulled Peach: Favourite drugstore find. I use it as a blush on my cheeks and on the tip of my nose. Elevated my makeup game and gives me that Barbie look I love!
Other Products – Face
Setting Powder – I had the OG Laura Mercier Setting Powder for a couple of years but turned to Rare Beauty’s Setting Powder in shade Light when they first launched in Sephora. Unfortunately, it was way too light and had a white caste against my tanned skin. I repurchased in shade Light-Medium and currently have both in my makeup bag. Though, if I’m being honest I rarely ‘bake’ which is a reminder for me to use them. On occasions where I do use a setting powder, my makeup sits beautifully.
Contour – I’m not too big on contour these days compared to my university days when I worshipped the ground the Kardashians walked on (what was I thinking?!) and would never skip contouring even in my simplest makeup routine. Well, those days are long gone. Only when I’m headed out for special events like weddings or birthday dinners where I might be photographed do I reach for my Bobbi Brown – Bronzing Powder in shade Medium. I also love applying them as an eyeshadow on casual days. I loved loved their bronzing powder in shade Caramel/ Golden Honey (I can’t remember the actual name) , a much warmer shade but last I checked it was discontinued.
Compact Powder – Every woman NEEDS a signature finishing powder. I’ve used Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Powder for two years now and it’s one of my favourite investments ever. They weren’t kidding when they said flawless. It works almost like a blotting tissue that wipes away any traces of sweat or oil. I use a shade 2 Medium/ Moyen. Actually, mine’s more than halfway through, so this is a self-reminder to restock.
Glow Powder – Givenchy Teint Couture Healthy Glow Powder in shade 02 – (Can’t find the powder on the Sephora website so I’ve linked their powder foundation instead). I actually claimed this as a checkout gift from Sephora many months ago and have yet to use it regularly. Givenchy is being dragged on social media lately because their products just aren’t pigmented enough, and I kind of have to agree. I don’t believe in cancel culture , so I’ll give it another try and will let you know how it goes.
Setting spray – Don’t own a setting spray but I’ve recently been double-ending my Caudalie Beauty Elixir (which is essentially a facial mist) as a setting spray and I love it!!
This is a full list of every single makeup product that’s always in my makeup bag and that are regularly in my makeup rotation. They may seem like a lot to some and too little to others. It’s all subjective. I’m really happy with this collection as I love and use every single item I own. In fact, I’ve downsized quite a bit and have a feeling that I’ll continue to downsize even more as I get older. Typing this out also made me realise just how many Bobbi Brown and Tarte products I own, which I’m guessing is because they’re best suited for my skin colour and type.
I hope you enjoyed this! What are some of your favourite makeup products that aren’t necessarily a cult-favourite? Let me know in the comments.
Until next time.
Love,
alyia