Monday, April 22, 2019

Life Changing Holy Grail Makeup Items

Like many makeup artists, I am always searching for the perfect products for my clients and myself. Throughout the years many different products have come and gone, being replaced with items I find superior in some way. There are some that have stuck with me for a number of years; products so perfect,  I can't imagine ever finding anything better. These items are my Holy Grail makeup items, the ones that I believe will continue to hold a place in my stash for years to come. Some have replaced previous favorites, others have held their HG status from the moment I tried them.  It is important to remember that what works for me, may not for you, but I don't call a makeup item "Holy Grail" without seriously loving it. 

Here are my Holy Grail makeup items:

  • Wet n Wild Photofocus Dewy Face Primer - I literally just finished another tube of this today. I bought my first one at my local Walgreens, and it quickly replaced my Urban Decay Brightening & Tightening Complexion Primer Potion. Very affordable, and super high quality, this product truly packs a punch that knocks out the pricier competition. I generally apply it underneath my foundation using my fingers or a flat paddle foundation brush. My only real complaint for this product is that I wish it came in an extra large jumbo size because I use it everyday!
  • IT Cosmetics CC Cream - This product replaced Nars Sheer Glow foundation in my daily routine. Sadly, Nars is no longer cruelty-free. My cousin gave me a tube of the IT Cosmetics CC Cream as a gift, and it skyrocketed to Holy Grail status before I even began my search for a replacement product for Nars. While this product does have skincare benefits, I still consider it to be a foundation due to the excellent coverage it provides. Plus this has an SPF 50+ without creating flashback when photographed. It is hydrating without ever looking greasy, and works well on most skin types.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer - When I bought this item from beautylish.com it wasn't because I was unhappy with the concealer I already owned. I was using Milani Retouch + Erase Light-Lifting Concealer and enjoying it quite a bit. I still think the Milani concealer is a great affordable option. Yet Charlotte Tilbury did what she always does; managed to make me replace a favorite with a gem from her makeup line. I rarely find that I can use the same concealer under the eyes and on blemishes.  The texture of this one is the perfect consistency and it blends into the skin like a dream. It has a twist style dispenser with a sponge tipped applicator.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro-Powder  - This product is one I have repurchased multiple times over, and own in all shades offered. I have yet to find a better pressed powder on the market. This is ultrafinely milled, and comes in a sleek, yet glamorous clamshell style compact. A little goes a long way with this stuff, and it remains the only pressed powder that I have tried that doesn't emphasize fine lines. 
  • Jouer Long-Wear Eye Brightening Primer - This is one of the newest items in my kit to reach HG status and for good reasons. I was, and am still happy with Milani's Eye Primer.  However, this version from Jouer provides slightly more coverage and staying power. What really made me switch is that it is also waterproof,  crease resistant and hypoallergenic. I tend to favor waterproof makeup items when available. One of the reasons I use an eye primer, is that if I don't my eyeshadow will almost always crease after several hours of wear.  Using an eye primer that doesn't crease helps me feel confident that my eye makeup will still look fresh hours after application. I almost always prime the eyes before eyeshadow application, so having the perfect primer is crucial for me. 
  • Ilia After Midnight Mascara - Yet another Beautylish.com find, I purchased this mascara on a whim. I didn't think anything would ever replace Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in my kit. Then Ilia came into my life. The superior formula is enhanced by the unique wand which has short bristles on one side, and longer bristles on the other that act like a built in lash comb. This style brush allows for multiple coats that you can comb through with ease so you never have to worry about clumps. 

Makeup preferences are deeply personal, but these items are ones that I truly stand by. They work well not only for me, but for most of my clients as well. I hold these fantastic few in such high regard, that I will not be looking to replace them with another brand anytime soon. 

What are your Holy Grail makeup items? Please share in the comments below. Did any of your favorites make my list?


*Unless otherwise stated, all products in this post were purchased by me. I do not get paid to write reviews. This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.