For as many beauty products as I hoard (like an entire hall linen closet, I’m not proud), you’d think I’d be using all sorts of different makeup everyday, but in reality, I stick to only a few essentials. I don’t wear a lot of makeup in general (but again, still pretty hoardy about it) and I tend to prefer a natural look for everyday wear. I’ve found a select few products that help me achieve this look and here they are:

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Olio E Sasso Lip Balm, Laura Mercier Eye Pencil, RMS Living Luminizer, Tarte Cheek Stain, Chanel Inimitable Mascara

Before I delve into each product, don’t forget to check out all of my other life essentials here, including the last one I did about the best lotion ever IMO.

And now onto some serious rambling about these products:

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1 // I’ve had this concealer for years but only learned how to use it properly last September, thanks to a very good makeup artist. That peach color goes over my dark age spots and the lighter color brightens all the shadowed places on my face, like the inside corners of my eye, the cupid’s bow, around the nose, and anywhere else that’s feeling particularly sullen.

Olio E Sasso Lip Balm in #3 Crimson // This balm only looks dark. In reality, it goes on super sheer, with just a hint of berry to it. The balm itself feels so amazing and keeps my lips hydrated. The little bit of color is just an added bonus. I switch off with this Dior balm all the time.

Laura Mercier Longwear Eye Pencil in Slate // I don’t wear a ton of eyeliner, only a smudge on the top, usually on the lash line. But even so, I’ve tried every eyeliner in the book and none stay on my eyes like this one. I never have to worry about it moving or smearing over time. THANK G.

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer // This product is a secret of the pros. Multiple makeup artists that I know swear by it. It acts as an illuminator, brightening and making everything look happier and more jolly. I use this on the inside corner of my eyes (along with the Secret Camouflage for an extra juj), a little on my eyelids, in a C-shape from my temple to my upper cheek bone (under the eye), and anywhere else that needs a little brightening on any given day. This is the STUFF man. If I could endorse any candidate on this roster, it would be this one.

Tarte Cheek Stain in Natural Beauty // To go along with my theme of looking as natural as possible, I stick to this cheek blush, which is a sheer berry rose color. It makes your cheeks look just slightly flush, in the most natural way possible. Plus, I tend to prefer a cream blush over a powder for that general dewy look.

Chanel Inimitable Mascara //  Mascara is the only product that I’m never married to. I love Chanel mascara, but I also equally love the Buxom Lash Mascara. I switch it up all the time depending on what I have in the back stock. I was also using Benefit They’re Real for a long time and while it looks good, it would weigh down my lashes too much. The Chanel is much lighter and more natural looking, but still packs a punch.