Let me just start out by saying this: I am not a beauty professional. I’m not trained in makeup or hair. BUT… (big “but”… haha. Okay, I’m juvenile. Moving on…) also, novice I am not. After spending 15 years working in television, during which 99.9% of the time I was responsible for my own daily makeup and hair styling, I learned juuuust a little bit about what it takes to look presentable, on TV and in real life. (This is the time where you Google me and see that, yes, there have been many unfortunate examples of my ability to do said hair and makeup. I’ll give you a minute. … Okay. Done? Now, trust me when I say I promise I have gotten better. See?)  Anyhow, the point is, during the course of that 15 years, I have spent a TON of money and time and probably invested a little too much drawer space in stashing all sorts of beauty products. And let me tell you, while most aren’t worth it, some are. Big time. And they are the ones I go back and back and back to, whether it be for making myself look presentable for air, or for daily life. On that note, let me present Part One of Can’t Live (or Go in Public) Without Beauty Products: The Face Edition 

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

  I start with foundation, because this is the product people ask most frequently about when they find out I work(ed) in TV. Why I Like It:The coverage is ON. POINT. Like, this stuff covers sh**. From lighter freckles to intense, just-popped-and-still-red pimple spots, one or more layers of this will do the trick. Little known fact: I have some of the darkest circles under my eyes that you may have ever seen (hat tip genetics!), and I can use this as a concealer on non-TV days to cover those. That is my ultimate test for foundation goodness. And this baby passes it. The best part is, the feel of this foundation is incredibly light, and with a brush of good translucent powder, it stays matte almost all day, without ever feeling like you have a mask of foundation on your face. And yes, this stands up to HD lighting and cameras. So, booyah. How I Use It:I recommend applying with a small, dense-bristled, domed brush, and buffing on in circles. No fingers for foundation! 

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

 Since we’re on the topic of foundation brushes, it only follows to follow it up with this. No matter what foundation I’m using, this is always the brush I reach for. I have three of them. Enough said. Why I Like It:The brush fibers are incredible. They apply just the right amount of liquid foundation. It’s easy to layer your coverage. It’s small and fits easily into any makeup bag. And it washes like a dream. (Stay tuned for another post on best brush cleaner!) How I Use It:I put a blob of foundation on the back of my hand, touch the brush into it to get a small amount on the brush head, and buff away. People have different application techniques, but I like to start on the cheeks, go down to the jaw and just beyond onto the neckline, and then do the nose and forehead. But, by all means, chart your own path! 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder

 I am and IT Girl in this arena, too. What good is having perfectly-applied foundation if it’s going to slide all over the place as the day moves on? Enter this beauty. Why I Like It:Translucent powders sometimes aren’t. And then they make your face look like kabuki, which is great if that’s the look you’re going for, but you’re probably not. So, this. It’s spun so finely that it disappears into my skin without changing the tone of my foundation, but it also keeps my business in place like, well, nobody’s business. How I Use It:I use the accompanying IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Airbrush Powder & Bronzer Brush #1, which, if purchased through QVC, comes in a kit. I put a touch of the powder into the cap of the powder container, dip the brush in, and buff. 

bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener

 Because good concealer matters just as much as a good foundation, I choose this. (It’s one of several I like, but this is the one I use most frequently.)  Why I Like It:Although it may technically fall under the “highlighter,” rather than “concealer” category, I still reach for this to use under my eyes, because I see a great brightening effect when applied properly. It is sheer enough to look natural, but also can live up to studio lighting like a pro. How I Use It:I apply in a triangle below my eyes, going from tear duct down to the corner of my nose, out to the outer corner of my eye, fill in, then blend with a Beautyblender sponge. I then set it by using a small brush and a touch of the IT Cosmetics finishing powder I just reviewed above.

Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer

What good is putting all this makeup on your face if it’s just gonna slide off in the sun or under the lights? Enter…

Why I Like It:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer will change the way you think about primers–if you think about them at all. It checks all the boxes for me. 1) Incredibly light and glides smoothly over skin. 2) Doesn’t break me out. 3) Includes mineral-only SPF. (SPF is non-negotiable, but chemical filters are my enemy.) 4) And it lasts…. [Enter Squints from Sandlot to help me explain this one]:

 God I love that movie.How I Use It:I smear it on with my paws. A pump is enough for the whole face. Just rub it on, wait a few seconds, and commence with the foundation and concealer/primer.Okay, well, that does it! Hope you enjoyed and took away some helpful hints. Stick around for upcoming posts of other Can’t Live Without (or Go in Public Without) Beauty Products!