Fingerpaints

She grew up and traded her paints for (makeup) pots.

Really, this should be a series because as a(n oily-skinned) girl who once grew up petrified of makeup that wasn’t powder, I’ve since become enamored with these itty-bitty pots of creamy pigment. Getting ready—especially these days—feels more like a ritual than an obligation. There’s art to dipping, dotting, blending; there’s intention even in the twisting and tightening of the lids. Even more satisfying is perhaps sliding open my drawer to see all these glass jars lined up like fingerpaints in a palette, ready for play or purpose. Formulated for effortlessness and ease.

These are some pots that have been on rotation over the last few years:

• Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint, Very Charming: I find most pinks difficult to wear on my complexion, but somehow, this warmed brink pink lifts away any sallowness for a sweet, girlish glow. For work, I tend to choose tawnier shades to sculpt away the youthfulness—but I always find myself reaching for it on off days. It’s enlivening and truly, charming. The formula is easy to use, too: not too slippery or dewy, but fresh, and adds a healthy flush on both cheeks and lips.
• Clé de Peau Cream Eye Color Solo, No. 308 (limited edition): It’s moonlight in a jar. Though this cream is almost too silky to stay put without creasing after an hour, I don’t mind because I love the shade so much. It’s even prettier as a highlighter that creates a subtle—though quirky, ethereal—alternative to the expected champagnes and golds. (The formulation seems more suitable for cheekbone placement, anyhow.)
• Supergoop Shimmershade SPF 30, First Light: This a creamy, shimmering eyeshadow with broad-spectrum protection—also known as my dream product. I don’t often buy on impulse at Sephora (much less any brick and mortar) but when this first launched, I snatched it off the gondola, swatched, and proceeded to hand over my credit card. The texture is lovely. It’s soft, almost like wet, Caribbean sand without any grit, and the white-gold flecks found in First Light are just dreamy. One light swipe across the lids instantly brightens. A second layer leaves behind a hushed, gold wash of color.
• RMS Eye Polish, Lucky: Though this is technically a cream eyeshadow, I predominantly use it as a blonzer (blush plus bronzer hybrid). The coppery brown unveils a peachy-pink undertone as it blends into my skin, and because of the pearlescent shimmer, it gives an illuminating, sun-kissed glow. It’s not to say that Lucky isn’t lovely on the lids either: I love the simplicity of a monochromatic, one-pot-wonder look.
• Flesh Eye & Cheek Gloss, Fleshpot (discontinued): It’s a shame I don’t have the occasion or patience to wear this more often because it’s one of the most exquisite takes on the glossy makeup trend I’ve yet found. To be fair, though, I haven’t tried the transparent Gucci one—so thus far, Flesh has been superior in texture, shade, and sparkle delivery for me personally. (Not to mention: Fleshpot is a fabulous name.)
• Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips: To be frank, I don’t love this. I have it, I reach for it, and I appreciate its presence. Buttermask for Lips is perfectly functional, but it’s just that: fine. The comforting vanilla scent is nice, however, and I do love the packaging. Also worthy of note is the natural-matte finish; it’s useful in providing a touch of moisture atop lip liner without adding glossiness to the final look.

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xx