Guest Post... 5 Make Up Essentials by Alena of Oh, It's Just Perfect!

Good morning all you east coasters, I am happily asleep in my bed on the west coast when this posts dreaming of my day ahead at the Getty and Santa Monica Pier, but I had to introduce the fabulous, varsity shopper of all things beautiful and Etsy, Alena from Oh, It's Just Perfect!  Today she'll be sharing her 5 makeup must haves for every girl.  She always posts the greatest finds and never just one, but a variety of options at different price points so definitely check her out. 

Hi Julip Made readers! My name is Alena and my blog is Oh, It's Just Perfect! I've been a fan of Julie's blog since the beginning and I was so excited when she asked me to do a guest post while she was exploring the LA scene with her boy. We both live in DC {about five minutes from each other} and we will both be in LA at the same time. Crazy, huh? I can't wait to swap LA stories when she gets back.

Today I'm blogging about five makeup essentials that every woman should have in her arsenal. Here's my disclaimer--I love makeup. LOVE it. I get goosebumps going into Sephora. The packaging. The colors. The options. I'm getting the shakes just thinking about it. Now the bad news. I'm not exactly good at doing my makeup. Yeah, I buy all the "fancy" stuff, but don't actually know how to use it. So, my picks are pretty fool proof things that even I know how to use.

1. EYELASH CURLER

Shu Umera Eyelash Curler. $14.50. d

I've been using this eyelash curler for a long time. I read about it in a magazine, ripped the page out and ran to the nearest Sephora. I've been hooked ever since. I can't imagine going out of the house without curling my eyelashes. It makes me feel "done" even if everything else about me is a total mess. 

2. CONCEALER

Make Up For Ever Invisible Cover Concealer. $28. 

I have been on a quest for the past ten years to find the perfect under eye concealer. I don't know about you, but I have some pretty nasty dark circles under my eyes. I believe mine are hereditary and I'm going to thank my Dad's side of the family for this lovely "gift" that they passed down to me. I'm really happy with this concealer for under my eyes, but I'm always looking for the next greatest one. So, if you have any suggestions {especially any natural/organic options}, please share!

3. BLUSH

Tarte Natural Cheek Stain {in Flush}. $30. 

I am a blush addict. I apply it a lot throughout the day? Why? My Dad's Irishness rubbed off on me in the form of PALE skin. P A L E. It no longer bothers me though thanks to this amazing blush. It gives you such a perfect and soft color. I use it on my lips sometimes too, so it's a two for one deal! 

4. LIP GLOSS

Korres Lip Butter Glaze. $14.

Oh lip gloss and chapstick - I love you so. I usually carry about five in my purse at all times. I keep some at my desk at work and a very large collection on my nightstand. I collect them like trophies. If we are at the store and I spot a new one my husband sweetly asks "do you really need another one?". After giving him a death glare, I throw in into our cart along with four additional ones {just to teach him a lesson} and march to the checkout line with my brand new trophies. I really, truly love the Korres ones. All the colors are gorgeous and I'm so excited they just came out with the tube version - I have an aversion to the chapsticks in a pot.

5. SUNSCREEN

Key Solar RX Sunscreen. $30.50.

So, this isn't really makeup, but it's the most important thing a woman can put on her face! Refer to #3 and you'll know why sunscreen is so important to me. I wear it every single day. This is a new sunscreen for me and so far I love it {my sister turned me on to it}. It has a nice smell and my skin has remained burn free!

Well, thanks for reading my five essentials. I'd love to hear your five essentials--I'm already gearing up for my next Sephora run!