11 Best Oily Skin Primers

KiKi Carr

The most popular questions about makeup primers for oily skin are “Is primer really necessary?”, “Does primer stop oily skin?”, and “Which is the best primer for oily skin?”

Well, it depends. Some makeup artist swear by it and feel it is necessary and alot of people don’t feel like it’s necessary at all. Then there are those who can take it or leave it. But nothing will ever stop you from having oily skin genetics. And the best primers for oily skin are mattifying.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Matte primers help to control oil while smoothing and minimizing the appearance of pores. They combat shine and grip foundation so that it stays in place all day.

Matte primers are oil free and people love them because they not only help the makeup last longer, but they also blur texture, fill fine lines, and reduces the look of pores. Primers hide imperfections and are hidden gems for achieving that flawless looking finish.

What Is Primer Makeup

Makeup primer has two functions, one to protect skin with makeup by forming a barrier between the skin and foundation. The second main function is to grip complexion products. Primer helps foundation last longer throughout the day.

Primer should be used in conjunction with complexion products. It’s not skincare and does not replace your serums, moisturizers, or any of the other products in your skincare routine. Primer is safe to use everyday and although it can be applied to your entire face the best practice is to use it where needed most, like the T zone.

Choosing a Primer

There are many different kinds of primers i.e. cream, liquid, gel, etc. and there are many different types of primers. The type of primer will give you the benefit, i.e. hydrating, pore minimizing, matte, etc. To choose the right primer type first base it off of your skin needs. For example, oily skin should use primers that are oil absorbing or mattifying.

After putting your skins need first then and only then should you consider your desired finish. And FYI, all skin types can use hydration. Any day all day 7 days a week. Most people gravitate towards primers because they want a blurred finish and they want to diminish the look of pores.

Types of Primers

Mineral Based Primers

Pore Minimizing Primer

Silicone Based Primers

Water Based Primers

Oil Absorbing Primers

Hydrating Primers

Mattifying Primer

Protective Primer

Primer Vs No Primer

Ahhh the great debate! Well let’s say this, foundation can absolutely go directly against the skin. Primers were designed to compliment foundation. So no, primer is not necessary. But they really do work as a great foundation base.

Most primers can be used with liquid or powder foundation. As with anything there are pros and cons to using primer.

Primer Benefits

  • Best way to control oily face makeup
  • Has added skincare
  • Not harmful for your skin

Primer Disadvantages

  • Requires research to choose the right one
  • Extra step

What Order To Apply Primer?

Primer goes on after your skincare. Your serum, moisturizer and sunscreen should all be applied before your makeup primer. Although a lot of primers have amazing skin loving ingredients, those are added benefits. Products specifically designed to care for skin should be applied before makeup primer.

How to Apply Primer, Foundation and Concealer

Unlike skincare, makeup is meant to sit on top of the skin. It is completely pointless to use things your skin will love if it’s not on your face long enough to do anything. Before applying makeup always give your skincare time to absorb. Apply makeup after your skin care has been on for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 1

Apply primer to the entire face. If you have super oily skin set the primer with a thin layer of translucent powder. This will help keep the shine away longer. Be careful not to over due the powder so that your foundation doesn’t look patchy.

Step 2

Apply foundation or concealer. If you plan on wearing both foundation and concealer you can apply either or first. As a makeup artist for over 30 years I use concealer alone, to color correct and to highlight.

Concealer that matches your skin tone can be worn alone or under your foundation. The only time concealer should be used on top of foundation, no exceptions, is when you are using it to highlight.

Pro Tip: Tap concealer in with your fingers for a more natural look.

How To Use Primer for Large Pores

Oily skin types typically have larger pores. And when the face is shiny the pores are much more visible. The absolute best way to hide pores with makeup primer is to use a mattifying primer or double prime. When double priming use pore minimizing primer that is light-weight and oil free.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer fits the bill. This silicone based primer helps to fill pores and keeps skin looking matte. This primer has added skin bonuses like Vitamin A which is excellent for acne and Vitamin E for nourishment. Both Vitamin A and E keep the skin youthful looking and healthy.

The first step is to evenly apply the makeup primer. Next apply the foundation, concealer or both. After your base (foundation / concealer) is on, use your fingers to tap a small amount of primer onto any shiny areas of your face.

Remember matte skin makes pores appear less visible.

If double priming sounds like a lot you can always use one primer with a full coverage foundation and a blurring technique. The technique involves using a flat top kabuki brush and buffing the foundation into the skin rapidly and firmly.

This technique is good for small problematic areas. If you try to do this all over your entire face you run the risk of looking cakey.

Once the foundation has been buffed into the skin add a light layer of translucent setting powder to seal the deal.

Best Primer for Large Pores

One of the best primers to blur and fill pores is the Makeup For Ever (MUFE) pore minimizer. MUFE is one of the best makeup brands around. This primer visibly reduces the appearance of pores instantly and is one of the few primers that can be worn alone because of its flesh tone.

MUFE PORE MINIMIZER

Reduce the appearance of pores for up to 24 hours. Instantly smooth. Blur. Smooth fine lines and texture.

Best Matte Primer

When it comes to matte primers the best one is the Bobbi Brown Face Base. It is vitamin enriched and a 2-n-1 primer and moisturizer. The face base does not clog pores and is made with very simple ingredients. Oh, and it smells wonderful!

BOBBI BROWN FACE BASE

Full makeup prep in one step. Rich. Lightweight. Fast-absorbing. Layers seamlessly with makeup and skincare products.

Best Primer For Acne Prone Skin

An oil controlling primer is the best option when you have a breakout or pimples. The Tom Ford Traceless Primer has Salicylic Acid which combat acne scars and help keep pores clean. It also cuts down on excess oil, is anti-bacterial, and lessens breakouts over time.

TOM FORD TRACELESS SOFT MATTE PRIMER

Hybrid primer. Oil controlling. Sweat and humidity resistant.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

How to Hide Dark Spots on Face Naturally

KiKi Carr

Being a person who has oily and acne prone skin, I know how frustrating it can be to be left with acne scars. Pimples are easy to get rid of, it’s the acne scars that take forever to go away. The good news is camouflaging hyperpigmentation is quite easy.

The best way to cover up dark spots is by stippling a full coverage foundation into the skin. Before applying the foundation it is important to prep the skin. In order to prep the skin apply a makeup primer to the entire face. Next color corrector the darkest spots with an orange color corrector. Follow that up with a flesh tone concealer and lastly stipple a full coverage matte foundation into the skin using a kabuki brush.

Hyperpigmentation on black skin tends to make things look much worse than they actually are. Having a good skincare routine will treat and prevent blemishes. Skin care and makeup goes hand and hand. These days makeup has just as much technology and skincare ingredients than skin care itself!

BecauseI have problematic skin I love makeup that has amazing skincare ingredients. I mean no one wants to use products that will cause more problems. Today’s makeup has been vetted by Dermatologist, is long lasting, moisturizing, hydrating, has SPF and more.

Prep and Prime

Primer creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup. It’s basically a surface for the makeup to sit on and stick to. That way it won’t slip and smudge. The Bobbi Brown face base doubles as a moisturizer and makeup primer. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Shea Butter, and Vitamins B, C, and E. These ingredients help condition and prep skin for a fresh, healthy-looking glow.

Color Correct

Using an orange color corrector on dark spots will neutralize the discoloration. Neutralizing the hyperpigmentation first will decrease the amount of foundation and concealer needed to camouflage the spots. The Live Tinted color corrector is vegan and packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Vitamins C and Vitamin E.

cover dark spots with makeup black women

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Conceal

Concealer can be worn on top of the foundation or under the foundation. Concealer will cover dark spots easily. Concealers are formulated to be hide blemishes. The Lancome Teint Idole is infused with rose extract, glycerin, moringa seed and water lilly extract.

Foundation

A full coverage matte foundation is the best makeup to cover dark spots. Foundations are designed to blur and create an even skin tone. The CHANEL foundations corrects and illuminates the complexion. This product does not make any skin care claims but it is the foundation I find myself reaching for every time I am going for a flawless complexion.

Makeup helps you feel great, dark spots or not. I am all for covering up dark spots with makeup WHILE you are working on your skin. I know what it is to feel as though you are hiding behind the makeup and it doesn’t feel good. The trick to faking it until making it is you actually have to make it lol. Here are 6 tips to get rid of dark spots.

Covering hyperpigmentation with makeup is easy to do with the right tools and techniques. The most important things to have is a full coverage foundation and a firm brush.

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BOBBI BROWN

Oil-free. Antioxidant. Rich. Non greasy. Hydrates. Softens. Cushions.

LANCOME

Weightless. Full Coverage. Matte. Sweat resistant. Doesn’t clog pores.

CHANEL

Soft matte finish. Full coverage. Buildable. Lightweight. Last up to 24 hours.

LIVE TINTED

Balances out dark spots. Demi-matte. Easy to use. Vegan.

REAL TECHNIQUES

Domed shape. Soft. Buffs and blends. Can be used with liquids and creams.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Best Eyebrow Products for Oily Skin

KiKi Carr

Eyebrow makeup is arguably the most important step. Facial expressions are defined by the brow shape. Too high of an arch makes you look surprised, too close together makes you look angry. Too dark, too thin or thick can make you look outdated. Take it from a makeup artist, brow shaping is definitely the one step you don’t want to mess up.

The only thing worse than a bad brow shape is walking about with a smudged brow. As an oily skin person I have used brow products that smear. Anastasia Beverly Hill makes the best brow products for oily skin. I have used the pomade, brow gel and brow pencils. All of which perform amazing and last throughout day.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Brow Pencil

The Brow Wiz and Brow Definer are both fantastic eyebrow pencils. If you want a sharp crisp precise brow or your brow is sparse go with the Brow Wiz. The Brow Definer is perfect for depositing color into a full brow. Both pencils are long lasting and stay in place. The colors show up on dark skin, and best of all, these brow pencils last FOREVER! They don’t need replacing often.

Brow Gel

Brow gel applicators can be a bit messy. There is always too much product on the spoolie! Not with the Dipbrow gel. The applicator has just enough product on it when you take it out of the tube. What I love most is the Anastasia brow products always gives a natural looking finish.

The Anastasia brow products have a matte finish, are long lasting and smudge proof. They are undoubtably some of the best brow products for oily skin.

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Brow Wiz

Ultra-fine. Perfect for sparse brows. Smudge-proof.

Brow Definer

Triangular tip. Ideal for filling in fuller brows quickly.

Dipbrow Gel

Water-proof. Long lasting. Natural finish.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Step by Step Everyday Makeup for Oily Skin

KiKi Carr

When we think of using makeup to cover acne and dark marks most people imagination will immediately go to LOTS of thick heavy makeup. Immediately no. In fact, it is the direct opposite. Step by step makeup for oily acne prone black skin is much simpler than it sounds.

Makeup on oily skin can be a bit bothersome. It starts off looking fine at first but after a few hours it looks shiny. A good makeup routine for oily skin should include a makeup primer and a really good oil control foundation.

makeup for oily skin

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Oily Skin Makeup

A little goes a long way. No need for a bunch of STUFF! These hand full of products will give you a clean, simple, matte look. Narrowing down the list even further the foundation and setting powder will do the trick. The other products are complimentary and used to help bring the look together.

  • Primer
    • Smooths and helps makeup stay in place.
  • Bronzer
    • Adds dimension and warmth.

Simple Everyday Makeup for Oily Skin

STEP 1 – PREP

An error proof prep for oily skin makeup is to have a good skin care routine. A minimal skin care routine is to cleanse, tone and moisturize. Bobbi Brown has a 2-N-1 moisturizer that smells divine. It is a makeup primer and moisturizer in one.

STEP 2 – FOUNDATION

The best foundations for oily skin are matte. One of my favorite foundations is the CHANEL flawless finish. The formula is absolutely amazing. There is no such thing as using too much of this foundation. The more you use, the better it looks. It is truly buildable!

STEP 3 – HIGHLIGHT

Concealers are my favorite makeup product. They are so versatile! I use concealers to define and sharpen the brow shape, as an eyeshadow primer, to color correct, to fix makeup mistakes, cover blemishes, and my number one reason .. to highlight! The Lancome Ultra Wear is my newest favorite.

STEP 4 – POWDER

Powders not only set the makeup but also take away shine and if tinted can add color. There are so many powders to choose from. When selecting a powder make sure it is finely milled. Beauty Bakerie Translucent Powder is super fine and works wonders.

STEP 5 – BRONZE

Bronzers really help the makeup look cohesive. No complexion is a solid even tone. There are different tones and textures throughout the face. Bronzers adds depth back into the face after foundation. The LYS matte bronzer livens up the skin.

Everyday makeup for oily acne prone skin can be achieved in 5 easy steps. Everything after bronzing is like icing on a cake. A flawless complexion is the key to looking naturally beautiful and fresh.

beautiful black woman long hair glowing skin

Add a lash for an effortless eye look!

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Bobbi Brown Face Base

Vitamin enriched. Vegan. Plumping. Hydrating.

$64.00

CHANEL Foundation

Full-coverage. Soft-matte. Lightweight.

$60

Lancome Ultra Wear

Hydrating. Brightening. No creasing or caking.

$29

Beauty Bakerie

Oil control. No Flash Back. Blurring.

$24.00

LYS Bronzer

Clean. Talc-free. Buildable.

$18.00

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Flawless Skin Oily Acne Prone

KiKi Carr

These days everyone wants a flawless makeup application. We have all seen the cakey makeup, the unblended makeup, the mismatched makeup and we are tired. The goal is to look better not worse. The girls want a step by step tutorial on how to apply makeup for oily acne prone skin. They want quick, they want easy, and they don’t want cake .. so here we go.

Smooth and flawless makeup for black women with oily acne prone requires prepping. Applying light weight skin care products that won’t clog the pores will help the makeup apply smoothly. As for the makeup, less is more. Using makeup to cover acne doesn’t need to take long and it certainly doesn’t mean using a lot of product.

makeup to cover acne black skin

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How to Get Flawless Skin Oily Acne Prone

Prep the skin for makeup. Start with a good cleanser and toner for oily skin. To get the glowy dewy look you can follow up with the Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Next moisturize the skin. Cerave makes an amazing moisturizer! It is great for under makeup. It’s light weight and very matte. The final step is to conceal dark spots and BOOM! You’re done!

Looking good is not about spending a lot of money or using pounds of product on your face. Less is always more. When the skin has texture, using makeup won’t make it appear flat. What is doable is an even complexion. Acne or not, correcting uneven tones throughout the face makes a world of difference.

Flawless black skin that is oily acne prone is achieved with a good skin care regimen and a little makeup. Using a lot of makeup will not help the skin look flawless, smooth, or natural. If not properly removed, too much makeup can definitely worsen acne.

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black skin care for dark spots

Glow Recipe

Hydrating serum. Visibly reduces the look of hyperpigmentation. Vegan. Clean beauty. Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

$34.00

concealer

HourGlass

A full-coverage, weightless, waterproof. Perfect for under eyes, not too thick and heavy. Blurs. Brightens. Last up to 16 hours.

$36.00

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Pink & Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin

KiKi Carr

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

I have said it before and I am going to say it again. MAC Cosmetics is my go to for everything because they always have it, whatever the “it” may be. Currently MAC holds a title for the number one lipstick brand in the United States. When combining the many different shades of lip glosses with the various shades of lipsticks, MAC has over 200 lip color choices. With that said, it is a no brainer to shop MAC for the best pink and nude lipsticks for dark skin.

Some of the best pink and nude lipstick shades by MAC Cosmetics for dark skin are; Lady Be Good, Myth, Whirl, Angel, Dangerous Curves, and Spite.

mac cosmetics lipsticks for dark skin pink and nude

Although a few of the mentioned shades are Best Sellers that is not why I am highlighting them. In my opinion those shades can wear them without a liner. Women of color often pair pink and nude lipsticks with a brown liner, however these colors don’t need it. They are beautiful shades on their own.

MAC Cosmetics is iconic in the beauty industry. No makeup lover is without it in her arsenal. Rather a professional makeup artist or beauty enthusiast, MAC has always been and will always be a makeup bag staple.


Lipsticks

mac angel lipstick

Angel

Soft pink. A Lipstick formula with smooth, build-able coverage. High pearl. Semi-lustrous finish.

$19

mac myth lipstick

Myth

Light neutral nude. Creamy. Soft cushiony feel. Medium-to-full coverage. Satin finish. Best Seller.

$19

mac whirl lipstick

Whirl

Dirty rose. A creamy rich lipstick. High color payoff. Matte finish. are more important today than ever before. Best Seller.

$19


Glosses

mac spite lipgloss

Spite

Muted plum taupe brown. High-gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Can be worn on its own, with lip pencil or lipstick. Lasting shine. Pigmented. Very shiny. Contains jojoba oil which helps to soften and condition lips. Best Seller.

$19

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator
contour nose before and after

Best Products For Nose Contouring

KiKi Carr

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Contouring is a technique that helps to pop and define our features. Although it seems like everyone is using the contouring and highlighting technique they aren’t. Til this very day many women still would like to learn how to contour. If you have ever wondered specifically how to contour your nose and what products to use for contouring and highlighting keep on reading.

If you want to contour the nose you will need a fluffy angled brush. An angled brush is sometimes referred to as a cutting brush. They are slanted and the top of the brush is pointy. That point easily fits in grooves and corners. Angled brushes make clean straight lines. A nose contouring brush should also be fluffy. Fluffy brushes are used for blending.

MAC Cosmetics 275 Synthetic Medium Angled Shading Brush

Watch This Video For A Demo

It doesn’t matter if you have a wide or narrow nose the concept and purpose of using this technique is the same. Contouring and highlighting isn’t about changing your features. Sure it’s slimming and if you love tacos like me that is ok with you. However, the purpose of contouring and highlighting is to bring forth the areas of the face in which light naturally hits and recede the portions it doesn’t.

As a makeup artist I say all the time that great makeup is all about tools and techniques. Once I started using an angled shading brush to contour my nose it got so much more precise and EASIER! The brush literally does all the work. If you are new to contouring this brush is a must have.

If you are looking to contour and highlight having the proper tools will make the task of precision a piece of cake.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator
mac blush for dark skin

MAC Blush Shades for Dark Skin

KIKI CARR

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

First things first, it’s gonna look right on you. Every color looks amazing against melanin. PERIOD! Now, with that out of the way …

Spring has SPRUNG!!!

It’s time to take our look from muted to vibrant. One way is to add a splash of color to the cheeks. Blushes add the perfect pop of color to the face. They can be worn as a flush of color or layered to build intensity. Pinks, peaches, and reds worn as blush colors add a little something special to every spring makeup look.

With all of the different choices we have now-a-days, narrowing down a good blush can feel daunting. There is an array of color choices and textures. Not to mention the lingering thought in the back of our minds about color pay off.

MAC Cosmetics nailed it with their satin and matte blushes. They are completely decadent and at a price you’ll love! These blushes will definitely brighten your spring look during the day and liven up your complexion for summer nights.

Full Fuchsia

Satin Blush. Intense color. Bright. Beautiful. Showstopping!

$25

Frankly Scarlet

Matte Blush. PERFECT color. Vivid. Stunning. Fantastic!

$25

Pink Swoon

Satin Blush. Barbie pink. Breath taking. Gorgeous. Rich!

$25

Buy all 3!

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator
smokey eye makeup look dark skin black woman

Smokey Eye Makeup Look | Dark Skin

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Date Night Inspo

Hey girl!

Check out this sexy date night look I put together for you. A sultry smokey eye is a go to. The great thing about a smokey eye is that it can be any color! The key to smoking an eye out is to concentrate the black on the lash line. That’s what makes the eye sultry.

My favorite product for a sleek & sultry eye is the MAC Cosmetics Feline eye kohl pencil.

For this look I paired a brown smokey eye with a bold berry lip and threw a gloss on top. You know a gloss takes any lip color to the next level. This is such an easy makeup look! The secret to looking really made up is a glamorous lash.

These are the products I used to achieve this look. All worth it! I use these same products all the time because I love them so much and I know you will too.

red lipstick on black women

Featured Products

Seamlessly Covers Dark Spots

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation

$43.00

Barely There

Jaclyn Hill Divine Neutrals

$18.00
$19.00

Get The Look!

Click here for outfit inspo. Have fun on your date night boo!

~xoxo

best mac lipsticks dark skin, dark skin woman mac lipstick, beautiful black woman wearing red lipstick, dark skin makeup

MAC Lipsticks for Dark Skin

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Most Complimented Combo

dark skin woman red lipstick, mac lipstick for black women

Try Ruby Woo lined with Chestnut and Lady Be Good in the center for a beautiful ombre!

MAC Ruby Woo

MAC Chestnut Lipliner

MAC Retro Matte Lady Be Good

MAC Lipstick Swatches

Let’s start off by dismantling all of the dark skin makeup myths RIGHT NOW! Every color looks amazing on us, PERIOD! Although dark skin can successfully pull off any color the most flattering colors are:

YELLOW & GOLD | ORANGE & CORAL | RED | PURPLE | GREEN

PRO TIP: Top any lipstick with a gloss to enhance the look!

matte vs glossy, matte vs glossy lipstick
mac cosmetics lipglass

I have been a makeup artist for many years. I am considered a Master and an Expert at this point in my career, so I know. Here I have highlighted some of my favorite MAC lipsticks and lip glosses. Check out the video for swatches.

Spite

$19.00

Oldie but goodie. Soft pinkish brown.

Ruby Woo

$19.00

Truly shiny! Sexy.

Join the Beauty Gang for Free VIP Access!

amazon womens fashion

Odyssey

$19.00

Stunning everyday shimmer.

skincare tips for dark oily skin acne prone

CB 96

$19.00

Orange gold. Soft.

Bronze Shimmer

$19.00

Classic. Classy

Be Sure to check out my full face of MAC video.