Hi, I’m Kayla. I’ve got combo skin (oily T-zone, dry cheeks) and a warm, light-medium tone. Makeup is my calm hobby and my chaos cure. I test stuff on busy school mornings, sweaty summer days, and late-night weddings. Some things shine. Some things flop. Want the real tea? I laid out the minute-by-minute version of that experiment in this deep dive if you’re curious.
Let me explain.
One quick note: If you’re curious about the science behind why certain formulas grip, blur, or glow, the nerd-friendly breakdowns over on Girindus are a goldmine.
Primer: A Sticky Start (On Purpose)
I’ve used two a lot:
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Both feel sticky for a minute. That grip helps my makeup hold through Texas heat. Hydro Grip makes my base last the longest for me, but it can feel tacky. e.l.f. is cheaper and almost the same. I use one pump. Too much gets gummy. Honest truth? On lazy days, I skip primer and just moisturize. It’s fine.
Foundation: The Base I Reach For
I wear foundation when I want a smoother look.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte (I wear shade 210 in summer, 200 in winter): This one is matte but not flat. It covers redness without a mask look. It can cling to dry patches though. I learned to moisturize well first.
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless (I wear 118/220 mixed): Cheap. Light but buildable. Can oxidize a bit on my skin, so I powder the T-zone.
For even more ideas—especially if your T-zone rivals a disco ball by noon—check out this curated guide to the best foundations for oily skin that helped me compare formulas before buying Fenty.
Real story: I wore Fenty at my cousin’s outdoor wedding. It was 93°F. I used a damp sponge to press it in. It lasted through cake, hugs, and ugly crying. My nose still got shiny, but not bad.
Concealer: Small Tube, Big Job
I use two styles:
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Custard): Smooth for under eyes. Not super heavy. If I rush and smear it, it creases. If I tap and wait ten seconds, it stays.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Neutralizer + Light): Great for brightening. That little sponge top is weird but handy. It can look dry on me in winter, so I add eye cream first.
If dark circles are your main nemesis, this rundown of the best concealers breaks down coverage levels and undertones better than anything else I’ve read.
I dot, wait, then tap with my ring finger. Easy.
Powder: The Quiet Hero (But Don’t Cake It)
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: Blurs without looking chalky. I use a small brush on my nose and chin. I avoid under eyes unless it’s hot out. Flash photos can look a bit pale if I use too much.
- e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder: Softer, with a tiny glow. Nice for normal days. It can make my T-zone shiny fast, so I use it on cheeks only.
A tiny bit works better than a cloud. I learned that the hard way. When I switched to an all-talc-free routine for a full month (full report here), I realized just how much filler sneaks into classic setting powders. Also, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a powder puff becomes the star of the show, my tongue-in-cheek tale lives here.
Blush: My Mood in a Dot
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (Happy): This stuff is strong. One dot per cheek. Two and I look like I ran a mile. It blends best over foundation that’s still a little tacky.
- Glossier Cloud Paint (Dusk): Soft, sheer, pretty. Foolproof. I use it for work days when I need to look alive but not “done.”
My grandma taught me to smile and tap on the apples. I still do that. It’s sweet.
Bronzer and Contour: Warmth, Not Mud
- Benefit Hoola Bronzer (Original): Classic matte. I sweep it along my temples, cheeks, and a bit on the nose. It can look harsh if I load the brush, so I tap off the extra.
- Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer (Bronzer): Smells like vacation. Smooth and soft. On my skin, it looks natural and not orange.
If you’re fair, go light. If you’re deeper, skip Hoola Original and try deeper shades. I’ve seen Hoola look gray on my friend with deep skin. It wasn’t cute.
Highlighter: Shine, Not Glare
- Rare Beauty Positive Light Highlighter (Mesmerize): Soft glow. Not glittery. I tap it with a finger. Over powder, it can lift makeup, so I apply it right after foundation.
- Wet n Wild MegaGlo (Precious Petals): Cheap and bright. A little dusty but pretty. I use it for night looks.
Daytime? I keep it gentle. Night? I go ham. You know what? It’s fun.
Eyeshadow: Fast or Fancy
- Urban Decay Naked3 Palette: Rosy tones, easy to blend. The shimmers can fall out, so I press them with my finger.
- ColourPop Super Shock Shadow (Ritz, Birthday Girl): One-and-done sparkle. No brush needed. It dries out if I leave the lid loose, so I twist it tight.
Urban Decay Primer Potion helps a lot. Without it, my lids crease by lunch.
Eyeliner: Winged Hope
- NYX Epic Ink Liner: Inky black. Flexible brush tip. Great for small wings. It can bleed if I don’t shake it first.
- Stila Stay All Day: Drier tip, but very steady. Lasts through long days. I used it for a rainy day concert, and it did not budge.
My trick: rest my elbow on the counter and breathe out while I draw the wing. Sounds silly. Works.
Mascara: Lashes or Smudges?
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise: Big lashes, fast. It can flake by hour six, but the volume is worth it for me. Easy to remove.
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High (Waterproof): Holds curl all day. This one is hard to take off. I use a cleansing balm, then a gentle wash.
I have watery eyes. I hate raccoon eyes. Sky High wins on sweaty days. If your lids are extra fussy, my rundown of eye makeup that actually works on sensitive eyes might help.
Brows: Shape Without Drama
- Anastasia Brow Wiz (Medium Brown): Thin tip, soft lines. Great for gaps. Pricey, but it looks natural.
- e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil (Neutral Brown): Budget twin. A bit waxy, but fine for daily use.
- Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter: Clear gel that freezes brows in a good way. If I use too much, it flakes like hairspray. I learned to brush it through lightly.
Sometimes I leave one tiny scar line in my brow alone. Imperfections look human. I like that.
Lips: Balm, Tint, Matte, Gloss
I wear a lot of lip stuff. Here’s what actually stays in my bag:
- MAC Ruby Woo: Bold blue-red. It’s dry, yes, but it stays and makes teeth look white. I prep with balm first.
- Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink (Lover, Pioneer): It lasts all day, even through tacos. Sticky at first. Give it a minute to set.
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb (Fenty Glow): Shiny, comfy, sweet scent. Looks good on bare lips or over liner.
- Revlon Super Lustrous Cream (Rum Raisin): Easy, creamy, grown-up shade. No fuss.
- Burt’s Bees Tinted Balm (Rose): Sheer color for errands. I keep one in every coat pocket like a gremlin.
For dry lips, I skip long-wear that day. Cracks plus matte equals nope.
Setting Spray: The Last Step That Matters
- Urban Decay All Nighter: My makeup stays put, even on hot days. Feels a bit like hairspray mist, but it works. I spray, then press with a clean sponge.
- NYX Matte Finish: Good budget choice. Less sticky. Not as strong as All Nighter on me, but close.
I used All Nighter at a holiday party under twinkle lights. My face looked the same at midnight as it did at 6 p.m., which