What a Beauty Editor Keeps in Her Makeup Bag
by Lisa DeSantis
As a beauty editor for over a decade, it’s pretty much my job to try products. And, as you can imagine, I’ve racked up my fair share of PR in my twelve years in the industry. Amongst all of the mailers I receive– or even just the emails I get where a new product is pitched– only a select few actually make it to my regular lineup. And the ones that do usually stay in rotation for a while because they’re that good. Interested in my must-have makeup items? Here’s what’s made the cut.
Foundation:
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Sheer Glow Hydrating Foundation Stick
Until this entered my life, I was pretty much anti-foundation. I didn’t want anything too heavy or full coverage, but most importantly, I did want something that gave me a glow. This is both– lightweight, but also covers everything I want it to and the glow is next level. When people compliment me and ask me for my skincare routine, I swear it’s just this. Perfect, glowy skin in just a few swipes. It’s made my pre-teaching routine so easy because it feels super low maintenance, but leaves me looking polished. I go through them like crazy!
Concealer:
Tarte Shape Tape Blurring Concealer
While I was averse to foundation, I’ve always been a concealer girly. Pre being won over by the CT Foundation Stick, I used to use Tarte’s OG Shape Tape as my base, applying it where needed, and then blending out with a Beautyblender (another must-have in my bag). But, I became a covert to this newer version, which plays really well the foundation stick because of their similar consistencies. This one is more concentrated, pigment wise, though, and slightly more matte, while still being creamy. Its blurring properties help to conceal breakouts and other imperfections, which is what makes it a must-have for me.
Blush:
Benefit Cosmetics Juice Stick Dewy Gel-Cream Blush in Shellie
There’s kind of a theme here– another stick that I use daily! Super easy to just dab on and go, and it imparts the prettiest coral flush that wakes up my complexion and compliments the glow of the foundation. While you could definitely just tap it in with your fingers– the heat from your hands will actually help the formula melt seamlessly into your skin– I typically buff it in with a brush and sometimes even go over it with a powder formula like the brand’s Silky Soft Powder in the same shade for an extra pop of pigment that also offers some setting power.
Eye Liner:
Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Stick Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in Wine Spill
I was hooked on a Chanel liner called Burgundy Perlé that was the perfect shade of merlot that made my hazel eyes *pop*, but sadly it was discontinued. For the longest time, I would reserve it for special occasions and forgo it as my usual everyday liner, but then I found UD’s liner, which is very close in color– it’s described as “deep burgundy” and has the same beautiful glide as my Chanel shade. Bonus: it’s waterproof and has a built-in brush, which is perfect for smudging out the shade around my eyes for more of a lived-in look that won’t budge once it sets.
Mascara:
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
I’m a snob about all of my beauty products, but especially mascara. I’m sorry, but I can’t get behind a “natural” lash look. Give me volume. Give me drama. Give me inky black. All that to say, I’ve had to kiss a lot of frogs (mascara formulas) before I found my prince (the Thrive Causemetics formula). I’ve been wearing this formula for years, and while I’ll sometimes get enticed by the promises of another formula and stray, I always go back to this one. It gives me the longest, fullest lashes, and when it comes time to remove my makeup at the end of the day, there’s no tugging or elbow grease required– just a few swipes of a wipe and warm water, and the tubing formula slides off effortlessly. Absolutely no raccoon eyes.
Lip Liner:
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine
There’s a reason this is a pro makeup artist go-to. Described as a warm caramel nude, I find that it’s the perfect shade for lining my lips. Slightly darker than my natural lip color, it adds definition to my shape and gives that cool 90s supermodel vibe. Whether I top it with lipstick, gloss, or even just lip balm, I love that it adds a little extra something to my pout without feeling overdone.
Lip Gloss:
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in 111 Pearly Peach
When I want to give my lips a little extra oomph sans color, this is what I reach for. Slightly minty and super smooth, the formula is plumping, not sticky. That tingling sensation you feel? That’s the volumizing happening. And thanks to the slight shimmer that it's infused with, the gloss reflects light for a slick finish. It’s great for applying over lipstick, too, when I want some extra shine, or to refresh my lip look midday.
Comments