Curated complexion makeup collection of a dry skinned, soft matte girly (PH weather friendly)

Personal thoughts on products I've been trying to curate my collection with for years. Lengthy post but oh well. Mains are listed with *. Some are alternatives or dethroned mains that I still reach for on certain days.

Primer:

1. Tom Ford traceless soft matte primer \*

This works for oily skin too (probably better.) It does leave kinda like a powdery feel to the skin, that soft satin feel. I think that's exactly what prevents my makeup from melting under the ph's sun and humidity tho.

2. Bobbi Brown face base

I use this for drier days. It gives a nice slip to the skin while keeping it moisturized.

3. Elf hydrogrip primer (green)

I only use this I'm either doing a full face or just applying it on spots where I notice flaking that exfoliation just can't solve bc the tackiness lays them flat.

Foundation and concealer:

1. Lovely Causemetics beyondblur concealer\*

I use it to spot conceal, as a foundation, and as a concealer. I love this sooooo much. They did well on this formula. It's full coverage yet lightweight. The undertones, the blurring effect it gives taken it's applied with a brush. I see reviews claiming it dries quickly but I disagree. It gives me enough time to work it in. Then again, not everyone's skin is the same. This is just what works for me. However, it does turn 2 shades darker when it dries down so shopping is difficult. Don't trust the swatches unless they're blended out. To those specifically shopping to look for dupes, it's similar to ABH concealer.

2. Huda Beauty faux filter concealer

This was my main before I got the lovely concealer. It has a thin consistency, beautiful soft finish, doesn't turn shades darker when it dries down, medium to full coverage, lightweight. The reason why this got dethroned is bc there are days it clings to dry patches and the packaging is messy if you don't keep it stored upright. This one isn't as versatile as the lovely concealer. It only gives me that flawless finish if applied with a brush but with a sponge, it's patchy.

3. Nars pot concealer

It's perfect for spot concealing. I don't like it under the eyes tho, it does tend to emphasize dryness. Only spot concealing, that's it.

4. It Cosmetics CC cream

Mentioning a foundation I used to like because everything I mentioned so far are just concealers. This is beautiful as a foundation. It leaves a hydrated finish to the skin, flawless once set with powder. Full coverage. I just don't reach for it anymore bc the lovely concealer does everything it used to for me. Anddd shades are limited, not olive skin friendly.

Blush:

1. Rare Beauty liquid blush (dewy finish)\*

Pros: This has kinda like a thin, oily feel so it works well for my dry skin. It doesn't lift the products underneath. Buildable. Pretty shades.

Cons: This has a learning curve to it. It's bad when applied directly onto the skin but pretty only when worked into a brush and then applied on the skin. It's patchy when blended with a sponge.

Contour:

1. Westman Atelier contour stick\*

Blends easily. Doesn't disrupt makeup underneath. Performance is great. It's a cream product so application matters. I work it in the brush bc if applied directly, it has a minimal patchiness.

2. Strokes contour stick

Basically the WA contour stick but affordable and the wear time isn't as long. It dries out in the packaging after a few months.

Bronzer:

1. Issy foundation (used as a bronzer)\*

I use a light coverage foundation as a bronzer bs it just looks more natural on my olive skin. Love the undertones. Hydrated feel and finish. It lasts all day if set, gives you a lot of time to work with it.

2. Huda Beauty tantour

This was my main before. Longevity is great. It blends so easily. Dries down to a satin finish. But it looks orange on me in pictures so I reach for issy's foundation instead.

Highlighter:

1. Rare Beauty liquid highlighter

Idk if i'll ever "hit pan" with this. I use to tiniest amount to achieve the look I go for. Stays exactly where I put it. Looks the same throughout the day. Smells like coconuts, it's faint tho. It's not exactly a pearl-like highlight like the powder version as it has teeny tiny glitters if you really look closely but I like this one. I didn't get the powder one bc it shatters so easily.

Powder:

1. Huda beauty loose powder

I'm obsessed with this one. A staple in my routine and collection. The reviews and claims are true. Blurring, sets your makeup to last all day. But not drying at all, given that I set lightly before baking. It smells so good!! I just love how that elevates the user experience. I opt for this instead of LM, that one is sooo drying.

2. Charlotte Tilbury powder

I only use this as a finishing powder. Idt it's for setting bc I tried that before and it did not do the job. But great as a finishing powder for that added blur and coverage.

Setting spray:

1. Charlotte Tilbury

What I love about this is the nozzle, the scent, how it enhances the longevity of my makeup, and especially how it melts everything down to one layer, removing the powdery and makeup-y look and have it sit on top of my skin flawlessly. I see some saying it has a dewy finish but on me it's just a soft matte.

2. Milani make it last (original)

Basically CT spray but with a dewy finish.