Top products from r/BeautyGuruChat

So I do want to preface this by saying that my acne is largely hormonal. I don't break out because a product/fragrance is too harsh, nor is my acne really a result of clogged pores (like with dirt, oil, etc.), so YMMV if you've got sensitive or very acne-prone skin.

• Moisturizers: I like to combine CeraVe moisturizing cream (in the big tub) and The Estee Edit pink peony overnight water pack. After I cleanse in the morning (I use Soap and Glory peaches and clean deep cleansing milk if you were curious) I apply the CeraVe first and then the Estee one right on top. At night, I'll do the same thing but if I'm extra dry I'll also add a few drops of sweet almond oil on top of everything. You can get sweet almond oil fairly inexpensively on Amazon, I use this brand. Also, a note of caution on the CeraVe moisturizer: it’s kind of heavy and it may take your skin a little while to adjust to it, during which time you might find yourself looking a little greasy. Keep using it, though! Once you’re used to it, it’s a fantastic moisturizer.
  
  
• Primer: I'm currently using the Too Faced Hangover Primer which I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes I feel it doesn't really help the longevity of my makeup but it's gentle and does seem to moisturize a bit. I might look for something else once I finish up what I have, though. I used to use the very silicone-y primers (Smashbox photo finish, NYX studio perfect) before I realized that I really didn't like the feel of them on my face because they just sit on top of your skin. I've also heard of these types of primers clogging pores a bit.
  
  
• Foundation: Tarte Amazonian Clay. It's medium-full coverage but still looks quite natural if you apply it well. I almost always apply it with a damp Real Techniques sponge because it gives a better finish. You can build up coverage faster with a brush, but it'll emphasize dry patches a lot more unless you're really, really careful about using a stippling motion rather than buffing. You can also try applying it with your fingers - I did that today to try and get my makeup on quicker and it looked awesome. Like I don't know if I was just having a good skin day or if I unlocked a mystical secret of this foundation but I was seriously shocked at how good it looked.
  
  
• Concealer: Makeup Forever full cover concealer. Really good coverage without looking cakey or emphasizing dry spots. This is great for covering blemishes but it’s way too heavy for concealing under your eyes. If my skin is looking really bad and I’ve got some extra time in the morning, I’ll use a green concealer underneath the MUFE one as well. I’m currently using the NYX full coverage concealer (in the little jar), but because it’s pretty solid, it’s way, way too dry for my skin, so I’m on the lookout for a good green liquid concealer.
  
  
• Powder: Bare Minerals mineral veil. I sweep a very light layer over my face just to set everything and provide a good base for blending blush on top of it. Loose powders like this one look more natural on me than pressed powders and are a lot less likely to look dry and cakey.
  
  
• Setting spray: I use the Urban Decay all nighter spray. It seems pretty good, but this is the only setting spray I’ve ever used and I only started using it a couple of months ago so I don’t really have anything to compare it to. Sorry I can’t be more helpful in this category!

My favourites are two by South Korean beauty brands; one sheet mask is called the Real Water Brightening Mask by a brand named Jayjun. Phenomenal sheet mask that's also really handy for travelling, as it comes with its own little samples of cleansing foam and essence from their Real Water line. What I like about this one is the fit; the sheet mask is thick, fits my face comfortably well, and is drenched (but not dripping and messy) with all the good stuff. Most sheet masks also tend to dry up after like 15-20 minutes, but I find that this lasts me at least 40 minutes but I generally keep this on my face an hour everytime I use it. This is the $2 sheet mask, as you can easily find them in packs of 10, retailing for $20, give or take a dollar. Here is one link (non-affiliate of course)!

My other favourites are pretty much anything and everything by Mediheal. The price point is similar to Jayjun's masks (and some lines even cheaper, retailing for about $10-$12 per pack of 10), and the quality is also amazing. N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask is my favourite- whenever I need a hit and dose of hydration, this is my go-to.

EDIT: Added some links for my other favourite masks available on Amazon! All links are as usual, not affiliate.

• N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask by Mediheal
  
• Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask by Mediheal
  
• Bombee Honey Mask by Papa Recipe

Sorta related, but these oil blotting sheets are what I use daily. They're great. I've also seen some pretty good rubber brush cleaning devices on there for cheap.

A little off topic, but if you haven't already, definitely check out The Namesake. It was originally a book but the film is really interesting as well. I think you might enjoy it. I'd read the book first, personally, but I know that's not always an option!

Skinfood Black Sugar Makeup Remover. This stuff is amazing, and pretty cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI

This is the light kit I have. It works really well for starting out and its like 51 bucks.

I'm talking about these: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Velcro-Front-Fringe-Stabilizer/dp/B004X80AQO they're actually pretty handy

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ9CN5M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 here's a better alternative, bigger and same price loool

You can try Poshe instead. It's the one I see most people recommend when they have issues with Seche. No shrinkage. Just be sure to paint the edges of your nails too.

It's Adept Cosmetics. Either their site or Amazon

I haven't watched the video yet, but I have 3 of those Revlon gel lipsticks and they have this funky, super fruity smell.

Edit: they have the same scent as these https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Ultra-Matte-Lipcolor-Seduction/dp/B017HYKDE4

I don't know why it didn't occur to me to add "canada" after I searched for the kit. I just I found them on Amazon but the price is higher Wtf Amazon??

It's a soft focus lens or lens filter, not the camera. There may be a post-production 'effect' but I don't work with video so I'm not sure on that. Here is a review for a Canon lens with softfocus feature. There are also soft focus filters for lenses, but I've heard they're a bit shit if you buy off-brand. There's also the ol' chapstick or petroleum jelly on a UV filter DIY method. Never worked with them myself though so YMMV.

There's a really interesting book you could read with Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion that goes into this. It's really eye-opening, and gave me a bigger understanding when the media started focusing on factories in India after that horrible collapse. Another one is Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster that ties into the whole modern phenomena of cheap, "affordable" fashion.