My 10 Best Beauty Secrets for Special Events

One of the fun perks of blogging is the opportunity to try a variety of cosmetics. I’ve tried my hand at quite a few beauty products over the years (for better or worse!) and have come to love a handful of favorites for a streamlined routine. While I normally mix both drugstore and designer cosmetics day-to-day, these 10 quality beauty products are my ‘best of best’ I rely on for special events and occasions:

HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER | The holy grail of primers, in my opinion 😉 The primer goes on smooth, filling in fine lines and pores for an even complexion.

NARS SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION | Simply the best foundation I’ve tried. The formula is smooth and sheer, with buildable coverage. I wear shade Medium 1.5 ‘Vallauris.’

NARS BLUSH | For a healthy glow, I like a touch of this beautifully pigmented blush. A little goes a long way!

BOBBI BROWN EYE SHADOW | Bobbi makes the prettiest palettes and I especially love her eye shadows. This palette includes a variety of shades and shimmer.

LANCÔME PRECISION EYE LINER | Whether you’re going for a bold cat-eye or a soft and romantic look, this eyeliner is easy to use and stays put.

LANCÔME HYPNÔSE DRAMA MASCARA | It’s like false lashes in a bottle 😉 The formula and wand are both top-notch to build defined and dramatic lashes.

ANASTASIA BROW WIZ PENCIL | An ultra-slim pencil to shape, define and fill in your brows for a polished look. The shade ‘Ash Taupe‘ is a great match for blondes.

HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHT STROBE | A newer discovery of mine, I love the way this strobing powder adds dimension to my face. I apply a little toward the top of my cheeks and down the bridge of my nose.

YSL LIP COLOR | Splurge-worthy. The pigment, formula and packaging of this lipstick is the best. I wear shade 06 ‘Pink in Devotion.’ If you’re looking for a lesser-priced alternative, this color ‘Sorbet‘ is a great budget buy.

URBAN DECAY ALL-NIGHTER SPRAY | A miracle worker! Just two or three spritzes, this spray sets your make-up and keeps your look flawless all day (and night).

I also want to mention two drugstore favorites, both of which rival higher-end alternatives: this illuminator and this bronzer. You can find both for less than $5 at Target, Amazon and most drugstores. So, there you have it! Have you tried any of these products? I’d love to hear your own personal favorites!