My basic make-up items

I'm not sure if I'm in the position to talk about make-up, since, truth be told, I'm not really good with it.
I only started wearing foundation, mascara, lipstick and lashes a few years ago. Before that, I would only wear a bit of eyeliner (it was terrible, yes).

But ever since I got interested in gyaru style, and after watching tons of Youtube make-up tutorials and trying (and failing with) a lot of different products, here are some of some of my favorite, basic, make-up items I wear nowadays.

Most of these (if not all) are what you would call "drugstore brands". Still, since I'm a bit picky with some products, like foundation, these are cheap brands that actually work.

{This is not a sponsored post. I wish I got money for this, but no...}

Maybelline BB Cream

Even though it's not a wonderful BB Cream, it really works as a moisturizer and a primer. Ever since I started wearing it, my foundation lasts longer, blends more evenly and has a better finish.

Revlon New Complexion foundation

Best foundation I've tried, hands down. It feels light and has oil control which works wonderfully.

I remember I had previously bought Maybelline's Age Rewind, and, just for the experience and to compare, I applied it on half my face and Revlon's on the other half (does anybody else do that? Just me? Ok...); then I completely forgot about it and took a nap, and when I woke up, the Maybelline's half was completely oily and worn off and Revlon's was still matte!

Another light foundation I had tried was Maybelline's Fit Me, which is also light, way cheaper, but nowhere near as good as Revlon's New Complexion.

By the way, I believe this foundation has been discontinued, which would explain why I got it so cheap.

Maybelline's Fit Me! concealer

The paint on it is completely worn off from carrying it in my purse :p

I bought this one together with Fit Me! foundation. I stopped using it for a while because I felt it just didn't work for me. But a few months ago I came across a review on it, and it stated it was actually one of the best drugstore concealers! So I gave it another try, and turns out I was applying it a liiiittle wrong :S (Oh, the shame!)

Besides, it also blends better with the foundation I'm using now than it did with Fit Me!

Long story short, it became my concealer of choice.

Maybelline Great Lash

I know I've said before Maybelline has let me down, but it's still the cheapest of the decent brands you can get here, so, whenever I need to buy a product right away and I'm a little short of cash, I go for Maybelline.

Besides, regarding mascaras, I don't ever really expect any magical effect on my lashes.

First, because no matter the brush or the formula, my lashes always look the same; maybe with less clumps, maybe a bit more arched, but the promised "falsies" effect, to me, is BS. And second, because the models in the ads are wearing false lashes (it's SO obvious), an effect you can only achieve with...false lashes.

So, what I basically expect from a mascara is that it doesn't smear or clump. And this mascara delivers.

Avon's Color Trend eye shadow, chocolate kiss palette

Basically a nude palette with brown, pink and sand colors. Perfect for a not-too-flamboyant look.

Nivea's Soft Rose lip balm

Not a truly wonderful balm, honestly, but it works fine. What I like about it is that it smells like my homemade cookies.

Even though it says it will "highlight your natural lip tone" and it looks a rather dark shade of pink, it is barely noticeable.

Also, since it's winter here, this is a must-wear.

Maybelline's Super Natural Control powder

This is a hand-me-down, which is a little darker than my skin tone, so I use it as a bronzer for contouring since I don't want it to go to waste.

Probably not the best choice for a bronzer, but I don't really use much, nor that often, and it works fine.

This is not really make-up, but I thought it was worth mentioning

Argan oil.

It does wonders for my hair! I apply a little bit on my split ends and it makes my hair smooth. Besides, it smells great.

A piece of advice: never apply it on your roots, and start with a few drops first, then apply more if it's been absorbed. The more ruined your hair is (mine is bleached, so go figure...) the more you'll need to use. It makes your hair a bit oily at first, but after it's fully absorbed, it looks and feels really good.

The one I've got is a national brand, but L'oreal has launched its own version recently, so it probably is available worldwide.


And, when I've got a little extra time, I also like to wear some natural-looking false lashes. This particular model adds a little extra "something", without looking too over the top.

Sorry for the terrible pic, but my phone camera has no zoom :(
Anyhow, these are the cut lashes I had previously mentioned. Even though they look tiny, my eyelashes are almost non-existent, so these do make a difference.

And, about my make-up routine:

I don't know about you guys, but putting make-up on is like some ceremony to me.

I like to sit in a well-lit place with a big enough table to spread all of my make-up and play some k-pop videos on the background. I don't know why, but they inspire me and certainly lift my mood  :D

And this is my song of the week!!! Not the latest hit, but I recently discovered it and it just makes me wanna dance around the house.

Do you have any particular make-up routine too? And what are your favorite products?

Thank you for reading!


On a side note, I also bought me Clean & Clear's face moisturizer, Elvive's Smooth and Polish hair conditioner (I couldn't get the shampoo) and L'Oreal's Revitalift for the bags under my eyes, but I'll be using these products for about a week to see the results and then write a decent review.