Best of 2011 Beauty Products: Base Makeup

December 30, 2011

From Dior’s first Velvet Eyes Multi-Wear Adhesive Eyeliner Patches to the myriad new nail products that came out (nail polish strips, magnetic polish, at-home gel polishes etc.) and the official launch of Asian cult BB creams at Sephora, 2011 is undeniably a great year for all of us beauty junkies. I will begin a series of my favorite products for 2011, starting with base makeup.


Clockwise starting from the top:

* Used even on Kristen Stewart during her wedding scene as Bella Swan in Breaking Dawn, Cle de Peau Concealer ($70) never fails to erase undereye circles and pimples in one single swipe.

* Smashbox Studio Skin SPF 15 ($42) is my number one go-to for flawless skin up to 12 hours straight. The foundation is also great for photoshoots.

* For every day, Kanebo Sensai Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet Foundation ($50) provides good and natural coverage. Lauren Conrad is also a fan of the line!

* MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($27) has been my favorite since 2007 for a sheer, glowy look and to set makeup. ‘Nuff said!

* To counteract uneven skintones and help makeup last longer, a few bottles of Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primers ($32) in different shades are a must in my kit.

* I finally discovered the greatness of Graftobian Hi Def Glamour Creme Palettes ($24). Its wide color range and good yet easy-to-control coverage makes it perfect for freelance work, like this pin up makeup look I did on Kristen (such a beauty!)

* Too lazy to put on makeup? That’s when I go to Bosica B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ ($38) for light yet natural coverage and great sun protection.

What are some of YOUR favorite base makeup products this year? Share!

7 Comments

  • Reply Kayla December 30, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Primers: Benefit Porefessional and Too Faced Primed and Poreless. Foundation: MAC Matchmaster.

    I’ve been curious about BB creams… I heard the Bosica one is really light. Do you think it would work with NC30-35 skin?

    • Reply Phyllis December 31, 2011 at 11:01 am

      Hi Kayla,

      Thanks for your sharing your list =)

      Most BB creams tend to run light because a lighter complexion is preferred in Asia (long story).

      The Boscia BB cream claims to self-adjust to different skintones and works nicely with my NC30 skin. However, I have read that people with darker skintones find it too light. I would definitely try it on at the store first if you’re interested in buying.

  • Reply Jamie December 31, 2011 at 12:41 am

    Boscia BB Cream is nice, but it’s a shade or two darker than my skin tone. I love my Skin79 Triple Functions BB Cream, which I just discovered this year! I also love my HG Smashbox Photofinish Primer, but next year I want to try Benefit’s Dr. Feelgood.

    • Reply Phyllis December 31, 2011 at 11:17 am

      Hi Jamie,

      I liked the Skin79 Triple Functions BB cream too! Had it in 2009 =)

  • Reply Leah December 31, 2011 at 8:36 am

    L’Oreal Studio secrets magic perfecting base
    Tarte Amazonian clay matte mineral powder bronzer
    Tarte Amazonian clay blush in Exposed
    Sephora Collection retractable waterproof eyeliner
    L’Oreal extra volume collagen mascara
    MAC Mineralize skinfinish ( Totally agree with you)

    btw I’ve tried the Dr jart BB Cream.. It’s ok but I prefer Josie Maran’s matchmaker foundation. They are both light with very sheer coverage. I was just a little scared by all the parabens in most of the BB Creams.

    • Reply Phyllis December 31, 2011 at 11:54 am

      Leah,

      Thanks for your list and glad to know that you share the same love for MSFs =)

      I just recently got to try the Tarte Amazonian clay blushes and bronzers and you’re right, they are pretty awesome! So smooth yet pigmented!

  • Reply Leah December 31, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Almost forgot to mention my favorite concealer Glamoflauge by Hard Candy. I was soooo impressed by this concealer esp. as a drug store brand ( only $6!!) . Ive tried sooo many expensive concealers through the years but this one works the best. it covers up everything and it doesn’t sink into the fine lines under my eyes. and just a TINY bit goes a long way. Love it way better than the MAC, bobbi brown concealers I had in the past. I really want to try the new Tarte Maracuja oil creaseless concealer, but this one will always be my backup. 🙂

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