My Makeup Bag

I published this post at around 7pm but due to some glitches, the site got a little screwed up, I think. So here's to trying again!



A practicing Muslim woman who wears hijab (head covering and modest clothing) and wears makeup can be subject to a lot of criticism from her peers and community members. Some think hijab and makeup don't fit well together. "What's the point of being so modest if you're going to wear all that makeup?" Even if "all that" is just wearing your eyeliner really thick. "It's going to attract the opposite sex and defeats the purpose of hijab don't you think???" "Why be so fake?" "What happened to being natural?" "I know I wear makeup, but at least I'm not a HIJABI wearing makeup..." And of course, the usual "Wearing makeup is HARAM!" from people who think everything is haram (impermissible), lol. In my personal opinion, I think women IN GENERAL should never wear too much makeup. Moderation is the way to go! Now with THAT being said...

I always have THE hardest time finding the right cosmetic/skincare product to use, whether it's the right shade of blush, an eyeliner that sets in dark and doesn't bleed throughout the day or finding the best makeup remover. I have tried quite a handful of products and although I'm not an expert on anything makeup related (so don't take my advice), I just wanted to share my favorite makeup items along with some tips (ok, ok....very very few tips). Enjoy!


EYELINER
My favorite type of eyeliner is liquid eyeliner but because of my slightly unsteady hands, I can never get the perfect look I have always dreamed of (the winged, thin to thick look) so I usually stick to pencil. Or I'll draw the initial line with pencil and carefully go over it with liquid.

I'm currrently using Maybelline "Line Stiletto" in Black

with Victoria's Secret "Very Sexy Eye Liner" in Black Velvet.

I was surprised at how much I loved VS's eyeliner! It's pretty
comparable to my all time most favorite favoriteeeee eyeliner:
N.Y.C. "Classic Brow and Liner Pencil" in Jet Black.

Do you KNOW how much this eyeliner costs? ONLY $0.99! It's SUCH a steal and comes out pretty dark with the first application. It also doesn't bleed out TOO much when I use it on my bottom lid.


MASCARA

Lancome "Definicils High Definition Mascara" in Black

I only used this because my MIL got it for me and I would say it's quite good but once this ran out, I went snooping around CVS for something cheaper and more volumizing. After a half hour in the Target makeup aisle, I decided to take a risk and buy Maybelline "The Colossal Volum' Express." And guess what? It is great!! It really lengthens my eyelashes, as advertised (because of the collagen formula) without getting them clumpy.

It's a MUST TRY and only about $6.00!

LIPCOLOR
I'm a gloss typa' gal!

Since July of last year, MAC "Tinted Lipglass" in "Viva Glam V"
has become my new favorite lipgloss, or according to MAC, lipGLASS.


It pairs really well with Lancome "Color Fever Gloss" in "On Fire"
(I apply On Fire first)

Every time I wear these two together, I get a LOT of compliments...even from C.C, which always catches me off guard. She is one who doesn't wear ANY makeup and probably doesn't know much about it either BUT it's ok because we stilllllllll love her! :)

BLUSH

MAC Mineralize Blush in Grand Duo was available
for a limited time and I'm so glad I purchased it!

Because Grand Duo gives me a shimmery look (which The Husband thinks looks so silly), I decided to take a trip to the MAC counter at Macy*s today to get something more natural looking that I could wear during the day.

I ended up buying MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly

This is what the color Gingerly looks like on the MAC
website but in reality it has more of a pink/brown tone.

FOUNDATION
I feel foundation powder makes my skin look dry so I stick to liquid.

According to CoverGirl, I'm Soft Honey #155



And according to MAC, I'm NC#42 in Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15.

I love this product because it looks so "natural" and no one is ever able to tell I have it on!

I have to admit, once you go MAC, you never wanna go back! Hahahahahaha, ok I know I know that was very corny BUT MAC really caters to girls who have darker than beige complexions. Their makeup line is great!

MAKEUP REMOVER
I think I have tried makeup remover wipes ONCE and I thought it was a waste of money because there just wasn't ENOUGH to last me a long time.

CoverGirl Clean Makeup Remover feels so oily and
smells like elmers glue so make sure you stay away!


A sales associate pressured me into purchasing
Lancome Micellar Cleansing Water for Face, Eyes, and Lips

It wasn't all that! It was too weak of a solution to remove any mascara and it didn't work well on my lips.

But Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
is, in my humble opinion, the best!!



But since I'm not willing to cough up $26.00, I've found the second
best alternative: Clean and Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (about $6.00)



I use it with Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Foaming Cleanser.


This products easily removes my mascara and I lovveeeee the foaming effect. Don'taskwhy.

And if you're really feeling lazy, you can always use Pond's Cold Cream or Vaseline to get rid of all the mess!

I definitely don't wear all these products at once. God knows I'd look like an ugly clown! I save the makeup wearing for get togethers or parties usually. Other than that, I like to wear as little as possible. For everyday use, I stick to my MAC lipgloss, mascara and just a bit of concealer under the eyes (if I feel I look tired). And the days I'm REALLY feeling good about myself, I don't wear any makeup at all! :)

Now you tell me, what's in YOUR makeup bag?