Like many women, my skincare routine changes often.  I bring in new products almost weekly in search of the Miracle Cure.  But while my medicine cabinet is a revolving door of Sephora purchases, my makeup bag is a stalwart of consistency.  I’ve been using many of these products for more than a decade, and I see no reason to change.

Products and links can be found in the Polyvore set, here.

On the Face. Two years ago, I switched from MAC products to Laura Mercier, and I am never going back.  The foundation primer holds makeup with an almost heavenly power but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.  Because I have pores and acne, I use the silk crème foundation, which you stipple on like spackle.  It’s the only foundation I’ve ever found with enough juice to cover a breakout without looking like you applied your makeup with a trowel.  However, most women would do very well with just her tinted moisturizer.

As for concealer, I like her Secret Camouflage, but what really makes this concealer great isn’t the formulation, it’s the brush.  The tiny brush head is like a lazer, pinpointing the blemish so you never over-apply. 

If you’d like to try the primer, tinted moisturizer and concealer (with brushes), you can purchase a very generous trial kit for just $60. 

On top of all of this, I apply a light dusting of Laura Mercier translucent powder using Sephora’s complexion perfecting brush.  It’s a puffy, soft powder brush that never deposits too much product.  And that is a very good thing.

On the Cheeks.  I use two products.  First, I brush Benefit’s Dandelion onto my cheekbones.  And then, for a pop of color, I apply Bobbi Brown’s pale pink blush to my cheeks.  This product looks REALLY bright in the package, but it’s actually quite perfect in its soft pinkness.

I use a soft angle blush brush from Sephora for this, but you could also use a fan brush. 

On the Eyes.  I’ve been wearing Stila Oasis for a decade of more.  It’s the perfect pale gold shade for eyes.  So every morning, I apply a bit with the tip of my ring finger and then add a muted taupe or mauve to the corners of my lids for extra pop.

As for eyeliner, I’m a big fan of Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Gel Liner.  It comes in a lot of great shades (I find Violet Ink and Black Mauve Shimmer perfect for everyday use), and it really lasts.  Unlike Bobbi, who uses a special brush to apply it, I like to wing out the ends, so I use an angled eyebrow brush.  And speaking of eyebrows, you should ALWAYS fill yours in, even if you think that they are dark enough on their own.  For this task, I use a simple drugstore brown pencil.  

On the Lips.  You’ll notice that there’s no lip gloss in the photo.  That’s because I don’t wear any.  When I do wear lip color (special occasions only), I wear Clinique Black Honey.  Otherwise, I’m good with chapstick. 

As for the makeup bag, I think it’s important that women have a sturdy makeup case that’s easy to keep clean.  You have no idea the kinds of bacteria that will grow in there if you don’t.  A Lysol disinfecting wipe once a week or so will do the trick. 

Likewise, it’s important to keep your brushes really clean.  I use an alcohol based spray for every day, and on Sundays I wash everything with natural baby shampoo.