WHAT’S IN YOUR SPRING MAKEUP CASE?

Here’s a list of what should be in your makeup case and why, this season? We haven’t let you down thus far, so just take our word for it. Cool? Thanks.

BINCHOTAN CHARCOAL Oil Blotting Paper via Selects Apothecary – $8
There’s only one other blotting paper that may even compare, but Binchotan trumps it for one reason. It doesn’t rip when the oil seems to be more than what the blotter can handle. I typically go through two to three sheets in a sitting with other brands, but “one and done” is my mantra with this.

SHEEN SHUJAN Eyelashes – $19
Like all lashes on the market, they are not easy to put on. Unlike every lash on the market, they are the most natural looking glams out there. Maybe because they are named after some of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies, subconsciously allowing us to channel our inner diva. Or maybe it’s because all strips are made from 100% human hair so it feels (and looks) like God blessed you with luscious lashes.

LUSTER PREMIUM WHITE Smile Illuminator Instant Whitening Kit (Ravamp) – $17
Sadly you can’t get the Revamp without purchasing the entire kit, but don’t feel like you have to use the entire system to see results. The travel-size tube of whitening serum gives you control over where needs to be whitened on the go. Red wine teeth making your smile look like 50 shades of grey? Yeah, the on-the-go pen will take care of that.

MALLY Evercolor Poreless Face Defender – $40
Finish off your entire look with this “poreless face defender.” Basically it’s a miracle in solid form that has no color. It mattifies oil spots, minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, and protects your look so it lasts all day. Plus no ashy-ness like that of setting powder. Sponge is included, so please don’t use your fingers. You’ll be transferring finger oils to your face and so forth.

EYEKO Me and My Shadow – $19
You know those days when you have no plans on going out after work and last minute someone texts,”Let’s get drinks. I’m nearby.” You can’t say no because you don’t have plans, and since Sephora isn’t in your five block walking radius you can’t “test” products. Thanks toMe and My Shadow, you can revive those dreary eyes without looking as though you just shot a Kardashian parody. No one, and I say this with the most love possible. No one needs that much makeup on the daily.

LESPORTSAC Travel Cosmetic – $22
I won’t go into much detail here because it’s LeSportsac. Everyone needs to have this in their repertoire. It’s been around for decades and is one of the easiest bags to clean. Once in high school my sister’s eye shadow broke inside her bag. After a good soaking in detergent, it was rinsed and left to air-dry. It basically looked brand new. How many cosmetic cases can say that?! ::drops mic::

LORAC Lip Luxe 8 Hour Lip Color in Bordeaux – $16
Let your lips do all the work. Seriously, this spring opt for a statement color that won’t blind with brightness. I say go for Bordeaux for a deep, rich pout that adds a little mystery to your persona. It lasts eight hours, and with the proper makeup remover, is gone with a few swipes. Another plus, it’s enriched with vitamins and anti-aging antioxidants that prevent bleeding or feathering. Which is very rare for matte coloring.

BECCA The One Perfecting Brush – $49
It’s the brush to replace all other brushes. Well not all, but pretty close –  foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan, and concealer brushes, kabuki, and sponge. The One Perfecting Brush can be used with liquids, crèmes, and powders and works best in larger areas. Non-porous, high-quality goat hair lets the product sit on top of bristles in lieu of absorption, allowing for a seamless application with no waste

BAREMINERALS Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – $29
Sooo, a BB cream, a CC cream, and a tinted moisturizer walk into a bar…. Yea, so that’s what’s happening in this tube. It’s ultra-lightweight, easy to spread about and offers different coverage based on application. For fuller coverage use the smoothing face brush. For something sheerer and more of a glow than a “foundation” use your fingers. Plus after a week, it’s been tested to increase skin hydration by 215%. Remember as the days get hotter, your entire body including your skin needs to remain hydrated.

SMASHBOX Baked Fusion Soft Lights in Bakes Starburst – $32
Add a bit of shimmer to your life. No, seriously. The suns out and you want those little flecks of bronzer and illuminator to glisten as the sun kisses your skin. My choice is the Starburst as it cloaks me in hues of peach, champagne and soft gold; ideal for darker tones. Basically it’ll look as though Helios veiled you in the most beautiful summer glow.

ESSENCE How to Make Brows WOW – $9.99
Have you heard, “Never trust anyone with bad eyebrows?” Let’s keep it 100. If anyone could butcher their brows to the point of nothingness, or even worse, scouse brows, they can’t be trusted. So to keep your eyebrows on point as often as you can, keep this kit close by. It houses everything you need to maintain, create, and perfect the ideal shape for your face. There’s even a little how-to step-by-step demonstrating what to do with words and visuals.