Thursday Thirteen - My makeup must-haves

"So now I want Sue to do a blog post with product recommendations because I bet she has great lip gloss and other stuff and is holding out on us."

Can I borrow your lip gloss?

That's what my friend tweeted over the weekend. If you want to see the whole string, you should really follow her on twitter. She's hilarious and smart and beautiful and has wonderful style. At Mel's request, I am happy to share what I've found.

First, let me warn you - I don't always buy cheap makeup. Why? Because I don't believe in throwing good money after bad. If I "save" by purchasing an inferior product - I've wasted money. I'd rather spend more and be happy with my results.

That doesn't mean I always buy the most expensive version, either. After 20+ years of wearing makeup, I've learned where (I think) you should splurge - and where it's okay to save. Here are thirteen of my favorite products and tips.

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Primer:
Tip - I know what you're thinking - what am I doing, painting a room? Building a foundation? Yes, that's exactly what you're doing. Once I started using this stuff, I realized it was an essential part of my makeup routine.

Product - You can spend upwards of $30 on a primer - or you can use a much less expensive version (like this one by Revlon) that will do the same thing. I've used both, and in this case, cheaper works just fine. So for about $11 at Target, you can save yourself time and money from reapplying other makeup 2-3 times a day.

Foundation:
Tip - It's the most misunderstood item in your makeup bag. It's not meant to conceal, so don't use anything darker than your skin. You want the same shade as your skin, or lighter - but no more than a shade.

Product - I like "self-adjusting" (one that blends with the actual color of your skin). It's very similar to tinted moisturizer - much lighter texture. The self-adjusting lotion I use is by Revlon, as well. Almay also makes a similar product.

Mascara:

Tip - It's all in the applicator. I've tried expensive (to the tune of $50 for a tube) and got the same results as if I spent $8.

Product - A few months back I found this little gem from L'oreal - a layer of shimmer to apply after your actual mascara. Love it - it's fun, without being too flashy.

Nails: 
Tip - Always give yourself a pedicure if you're wearing open-toed shoes or sandals. Period.

Product - For those times when your pedicure is last-minute, and there's no time to dry your polish, this stuff is awesome.

Hair:
Tip - Don't skimp. There is a difference between discount and salon brands, no matter what the commercials with the French guy tell you.

Product(s) - I like this one to control frizz. It's expensive, but well worth it, and you don't need to use a whole lot, so it will last you a long time. I have a bottle right now that's over a year old.  For texturizing/styling, I like this stuff and this stuff - they give body and style without a "crunchy" hold.

And as requested....

Lips - It's funny that in the dream, I handed Mel lip gloss - because I'm basically addicted to the stuff. I probably have about five lip gloss options on me at any one time. I have a whole drawer full of them in my bathroom, too. I have tubes that cost $25 - and I have those that cost $10.

If I were jumping out of a plane with a friend tomorrow, and she wanted to borrow my lip gloss - I'd be handing her this one from Neutrogena. It applies well, and has some good staying power for a gloss. It's also a natural color, so it doesn't give me that "made up" look.