Yesterday I went on a tiny shopping spree to Sephora, Mac, and Ulta with one goal: to stock up on the essentials.  Although I usually try to leave with at least a handful of out of the ordinary purchases, like a bold lip color or a product from a new brand, this time I tried to stick with the fundamentals that keep me coming back time and time again.

Ardell Lashes:  I have love for fancier mink lashes too, but for everyday wear I go with Ardell.  My favorites are Double Up, Demi-Wispies, and Wispies.

Stipple Brushes:  I’ve got my eye on the Sigma Essentials brush set, but until then here are some realTechniques duo-fiber face, contour, and eye brushes.

Benefit Erase Paste:  One of my favorite concealers/ under-eye brighteners.  I take it in a shade “No.1; Fair.”

MAC Strobe Cream:  Mix half and half with your favorite moisturizer for a brightened, glowing complexion.  An all time favorite.

MAC Pigment: “Vanilla” is my go-to for the inner-eye corner glow.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes:  Essential.

Covergirl Clean Makeup Remover Wipes:  Same as above, but for varieties sake.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser:  I think I’ve mentioned this product before.  It’s my favorite facial cleanser and does the best job of removing stubborn eye makeup.  I like to use it with my Clarisonic for a deep cleaning.

MAC Fix+:  Admittedly, I’m new to this one.  It’s only my second time purchasing this fixing spray and I can’t do my makeup without it anymore.  It’s my biggest makeup revelation since the beauty blender ball.  I spray it before, throughout, and after my makeup process to make sure my cake face doesn’t get truly cakey.

MAC Paint Pot:  “Painterly” is, hands down, my favorite eyeshadow base and paint pot.  It’s a pinkish beige that complements any eyeshadow color scheme you have planned.  It never creases and its pro-longwear.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream:  Obsessed!  They glide on so creamy, they smell like marshmallow fluff, and the colors are universally flattering.  In order from L-R are Morocco, Stockholm, Cairo, San Paulo, and Addis Ababa.  Morocco is more red and less orange than pictured, and Cairo is not as pale as pictured.

Sephora Fiber Mask:  In “Green Tea.”  I’m a fiber mask addict, but at this point I’ve already gone through most of the masks I purchased in Japan.  The Sephora fiber masks are a bit pricier than their Asian counterparts, but they do the trick.

MAC Lip Pencil:  “Soar” is a new purchase for me.  It seems like the perfect shade to darken up a nude lip, and enhance your lips for a nice pink.  Side note: its what Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist uses on her… but I swear thats not why I bought it.

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer:  Full coverage concealer that has definite staying power.  A 2005 Allure Beauty Experts “Editors Choice” winner, and one of my favorite products for when I’m doing a full face of makeup.  I use “Light Beige” for a true match and a shade lighter if highlighting.

KISS InstaWave:  I received this “automatic curler” in the mail yesterday and I had no faith in it at all.  Not a wand and not a traditional barrel, I thought no way could it work… and I was wrong.  My hair didn’t tangle, the curls were even, and the bounce lasted all day.  Review coming soon!

What beauty products are you always stocking up on?  If you haven’t entered my Candle Gift Set Giveaway yet, ENTER HERE; there are still a few days left until the winner is chosen.

xxLK
(Some of these items have been sent to me for review, however, all opinions and words are my own)