“Side tip: don’t use makeup you have no prior experience with when attending an event. Anticipate Murphy’s law. You don’t want mishaps to happen. You don’t like raccoon eyes, irritated eyes, rashes, and God-knows-what! Stick to your guns, don’t fix if it ain’t broke”- Kathryne
If you’re looking for a vegan and cruelty-free long-wearing matte foundation, Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation is the answer. It’s the closest dupe to Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (tests on animals) based on finish, coverage and longevity. The best way to apply it is with a beauty sponge over a well moisturized or primed skin. There are 30 shades in all, I wear Medium 53 for reference.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Diffused Light) has been a staple ever since it first came out three or four years ago, if my memory serves me right. I use it mostly to set concealer especially under the eyes. If you’re a woman of certain age, please skip baking as it will just emphasize crepey skin. Lightly apply this powder with a fan brush to set foundation if you need extra reinforcement.
Whenever I wear red lipstick, I skip blush but mainly rely on highlighters such as this go-to palette from Hourglass Metallic Ambient. It’s a holiday limited edition from last year but I’ve seen it re-released at Sephora and Nordstrom. Currently out of stock from both of these retailers but you can buy it from Amazon via one of its partner vendors (read How To Veganize Your Beauty Stash).
Now if and when I decide not to wear red lipstick (which is largely influenced by my activity level: note, will it involve eating?), I opt for nude lips paired with smokey eyes. Hence, I always carry this purple eyeshadow palette from Colourpop. I customized it by selecting purple-ish shades that appeal to me. I believe I only paid $12 including the case! Great quality for the price.
Okay, that makeup bag is from Tommy Bahama. It’s waterproof and big enough to stash all my essentials. The lining is made from faux leather (PU) and the animal print renders a more mature yet classy vibe.
I know, what’s a makeup bag without several other lipsticks, right? But I do downsize because I don’t want to overwhelm myself with choices. Either bullet or liquid lipstick, both with red and nude shades. Other favorites include these liquid lipsticks from Au Naturale, On Pointe (mauve pink) and Terracota (red brown). And as you know, I can’t live without my Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipticks. I have about 15 shades, the shades you see above are Ludwig (pink brown) and Santa Sangre (true red housed in limited edition gold case).
Eyebrows are life, at least to me. Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting is very easy to use. I am a fan of this product for years so that tells a lot. It’s way better than Anastasia and Charlotte Tilbury brow pencils.
Another thing I skip in the morning is mascara because I save the drama for later, haha! I don’t really wear false lashes either so a mascara like Tarte that gives me volume and length is enough for me. Of course, a lash curler is in the mix!
I also bring with me any facial mist (deluxe/sample size) like this one from Osmosis. I use it wheneverI feel like my skin is starting to feel dehydrated. This activating mist is basically water, or fancy water so to speak. How do I know if my skin is dehydrated versus dry? it feels tight under the makeup so before my skin compensates by producing more oil, I “water” it just like how you would a plant to prevent wilting.
Lastly, a soft vanilla fragrance to complete my easygoing look! This perfume from Pacifica (Island Vanilla) isn’t a favorite but it’s good enough to bring in case I need to “freshen up” after a long day at work.
Sometimes I also bring LBD and heels, that is if I decide to change my outfit and look more polished during events. Just like last time, I swapped my jumpsuit for this black dress and red block heels. Do you also do the same? (read How To Veganize Your Wardrobe)
Love all your looks here! Especially the LBD. Of course, I expected to see your favorite Hourglass products and the pretty Au Naturale lippies.
Thanks Allison. You’re so sweet
Congratulations on the opening of the new clinic! I love your makeup picks and your outfit!
Many Mahalo’s! xo
Beautiful like always <3 You are rocking both outfits.
I feel this. I have a large makeup stash, but a smaller “daily look” bag for when I don’t have time (or energy) to experiment.
Great makeup picks and I love the LBD & heels! I should probably break down and buy some Ambient highlighters.
You look great in red lipstick! Love that dress too!
Great LBD and look to accompany it. I keep a limited event bag since those purses are usually small. But if I have to change my look from day to night I’d carry more like you did.
I agree with you that a special occasion is not the best time to try something new! It’s best to stick with tried and true products that you know won’t let you down, even if they’re not the latest and trendiest.
Awesome tips! I should try the KVD lock it. I LOVE the concealer…best concealer I’ve ever used. I need to go to sephora, so I’m going to check it out.
I know our birthdays are coming soon so we need to treat ourselves seriously,lol
All key items to keep close by! I love your jump suit! It looks so comfy and soft!
It is. I wear it once a week since getting it last January. I know, right? next time I see this style, I’m going to hoard lol
I really love this post! You look great in that dress, and I love all of your vegan options.
Thank you so much
I love Hourglass powders, they feel incredible on the skin and wear so well in any weather. You look gorgeous in both of the outfits!
Thanks much! Enjoy your trip
I’m liking those liquid lips!
Great makeup picks! Nothing better than a classy black outfit!
mahalo!