RED HOT

Red lipstick can turn a bad makeup day into a v good one, especially if you find that red hot shade that compliments your complexion. You could literally wear nothing but lashes and with a spicy red lip and it'll look put together without even trying. I don't even really love wearing lipstick (more of a lip balm kind of girl, to be honest) but I love the way a red lip instantly changes my mood and is a confidence booster. These are my ride-or-die reds that you totally need in your life:

1. Sephora Cream Stain in Always Red is actually the best red lipstick you will ever own. It is a classic matte red with the perfect amount of blue undertones that'll make your teeth look white. The doe foot applicator makes for perfect application if you have a steady hand, so take your time. A bold red like this one looks best when the edges are clean and sharp. Minimal touch ups required with this one which is ideal for me. Oh also, its only $14! 

2. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red is such a staple. All of the Nars lip pencils are incredible and literally every makeup artist swears by them. They even made it to ITG's Top 20 Awards 2016  so you know its good. Mysterious Red is a rich red that makes your lips look velvety and expensive. That's a thing! With it being a pencil, you're able to stay in the lines for that perfect red pout. The only downside is that you have to sharpen it (this one is the best!) but I'll live.

3. Glossier Generation G in Zip is a poppy red that really livens up your face. The formula of this matte lipstick (seeing a trend here?) is totally different from other lipsticks. Its dry but moisturizing? Its sheer but can pack a punch of color? Its great. For me, this is an easy/casual red that I can slap on without even looking. All colors of these Generation G lipsticks are great so if you wanted try them, you definitely should here!

FACE OF THE DAY

Getting ready in the morning is always such a drag, but the part I look forward to the most is when I can sit at my vanity and put my face on. Now, I do favor a more natural makeup look, but I take my time and enjoy the process. Half of the fun for me is trying new products and some of these bits are old favorites while others are fresh on my radar.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: I have been using this for a solid year now. It smells nice, is super light on the skin, and looks fresh on the face. I recommend applying it with your fingers; saves time and is one less brush to wash!

Wayne Goss Brush No. 2: Speaking of brushes! This is the brush that I hear every beauty guru gush about and now I know why. First off, it feels like luxury. The bristles are the softest out there and it is the perfect shape to highlight/contour. That's all I really use it for but if any powder products peak your interest, then you need this brush. 

YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizer: This is the newest member to the everyday makeup team and I can't see myself without it. The rose gold tube looks pretty on my vanity while the peachy toned concealer inside totally hides the fact that I don't get enough sleep. Bye-bye under eyes!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara: Another tube sitting pretty on the vanity. Mascaras are a necessity for me but I tend to be super picky with formulas. I've been keen on this one since it doesn't smudge and gives me va-va-voom lashes ASAP!

Tweezerman Lash Curler: A tool that goes hand-in-hand with mascara. My lashes need a good pump or two to stay nice and lifted before any mascara goes on.

Glossier Balm DotCom: This skin salve will forever be a favorite. I have a tube on my vanity, in every purse, on my bedside table, everywhere. If you've never tried Glossier, this is a staple. Go get 20% off here! (P.S. Phase 2 came out! Currently placing my order...)

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color: When I'm not rocking the natural balmy lip, I'm wearing this. I don't tend to wear lipstick all that much but this one is comfortable to wear and adds a nice color and subtle sheen to enhance my pout.

BEAUTY BASICS

When it comes to my beauty regime, I try and keep it simple. The less makeup products to put on, the better. I'm usually in a mad dash to get through the door so I don't have much time anyway. I'll be the first to say that I'm guilty of hitting the snooze button too many times in the morning. I need my beauty sleep, you know?

So here are the beauty basics that I reach for on the daily and never do me wrong:

Prep: I have been loving Glossier's Balm Dotcom. I use the universal skin salve mostly for my lips but have used it on my cuticles to give my nails a little TLC. I tend to have dry hands so I always have a cream in my bag. I recently got this & Other Stories Moroccan Tea Hand Cream because it smells fresh and clean. 

Face: At the moment, I can get away with not wearing foundation everyday, but I always blend in a little NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer under my eyes and in areas I need it. It evens out my complexion without it being too heavy. To really fake good skin, I dab the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer across my cheekbones and on my cupid's bow. This stuff make your skin look so healthy, hydrated, and fresh. What more could you want? 

Eyes + Brows: A little cat eye flick has become my signature look and I do it with the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner. I have never cheated on my liner, but the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner has me tempted. With that, curled lashes and a few coats of mascara, my eye look is complete. I don't go anywhere, and I mean anywhere without my brows on. I have gone through quite a few of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and Brow Gel. Its the perfect duo to naturally define your brows and have them stay all day. 

The Finishing Touch: Lately, I haven't been wearing much on my lips since they have been so dry thanks to the changing weather. When I do wear a lip color, its the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro because its easy to apply, matte, yet moisturizing, and the color is natural. It's everything I want in a lip color basically. Just before I leave for the day, I spritz on Diptyque Les Eaux Eau Rose. With a mix of damask rose, lychee, and bergamot, it's a fresh and feminine day time fragrance that always gets compliments. 

I have tried plenty of makeup and skincare but these are the standouts that always get the job done right. What are some of your beauty bag basics that you can always count on?