The Essentials - Day to day beauty

As promised, here is the first part of a series called 'The Essentials', which is basically just a handful of things I can't live without. The first one is all about beauty products. Now, this isn't your evening out kind of thing, and yes I love liquid eyeliner and Nars Orgasm blush just as much as the next girl, but these are just some basics that I use when I'm rushing out to run errands. The best part about them is that they are all inexpensive and easy to find.


Here we go!

1. MAC Skinfinish Natural Pressed Powder - I LOVE this stuff. It blends so well, and looks amazing. It also lasts forever so it's well worth the 20 something dollars that it costs.
2. Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara - I know everyone swears by this classic, but I really prefer this one. Not only is it so easy to wash off with just your facial cleanser, but it's really feathery and pretty. It's also buildable, so you can keep piling it on and it won't start to look icky.
3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers - I bought this on a trip to the states recently and I wish I had bought a dozen of them. It's so light, has SPF, looks totally natural. Perfect.
4. Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer For Eyes - Purchased on the same trip...with the same result. Why don't they sell Neutrogena cosmetics in Canada yet???
5. Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Care in Cherry - If you don't want lipstick, this is amazing because it still gives you a tiny hint of colour. 
6. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain - For days when you want a little bit more colour, these are great! They can be tricky to apply, so here's what I do. I find it's best to apply a little lip balm, run the lip stain across your lips and rub it in a bit with your finger, then apply a bit more balm. It really does last all day too.
7. Revlon Eyelash Curler - This is a must have for any day, even with nothing else it just makes you look more awake! 
8. Rimmel Natural Bronzer - Bronzers can be tricky, and I find if you use one with shimmer it can look really J-Lo-ish (no offence J-Lo). On the other hand, if it's too matte and/or too brown it can look ruddy. I think this one is the best of both worlds, the colour is lovely and subtle, and there is no shimmer, so you don't look like you're headed to the club. I also like this video for how to apply bronzer.
9. Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Light Pink - I recently bought this and I'm a huge fan. Again, I like blush to be matte for day-to-day, and this one is really natural looking. 
10. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Polish in All Fired up - I love red nail polish, and I especially love this one. It's not too vampy, has just a touch of orangey-coral to make it more casual. Best of course on super short nails.

And there you have it! The Essential list of day-to-day beauty products. Every now and then I'll share one of these lists, so stay tuned for more!!