When I started college, I almost immediately began my serving career. I chose a cute, local brunch spot and worked there through my first two years of college. It was a ball of fun, but I wanted to switch things up and serve dinner, so I sent out some applications. Lo and behold, I serve dinner!
Serving dinner comes with some new territory, and the transition has been pretty seamless, except for one thing: Makeup.
The new restaurant I serve at requires makeup as a part of their uniform. I’ve never been one to wear makeup to work (bronzer and ketchup don’t blend well), so it was hard for me to find products that lasted the sweat of a rush and the tears of a difficult table. After some trial and error, these products are on my face until close!
Honorable mention to the Secret Outlast 72 HR Clear Gel in Completely Clean. This isn’t a makeup product, but it’s so essential it deserves to be mentioned. An absolute must!
- Milk Hydro Grip primer
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If I’m being transparent, this is my first time trying a primer, so I reached for a travel-size bottle of this to see if I liked it. I think it makes the biggest difference in my makeup’s wear and application, and this is my secret weapon.
- NYX Buttermelt glaze
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SPF 30 and a 93% skincare formula with niacinamide? I’m sold.
I love how light this feels on my skin, and the mango and shea butters make this formula smell divine. It’s just enough coverage to hide some redness and dark spots while still looking like my skin.
- GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE SKIN-CARING CONCEALER
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For someone who doesn’t wear makeup regularly, I am the most particular person when it comes to concealer. Givenchy did it right. This concealer blends, builds, and lasts perfectly, all while holding up against creases and flaking. Believe me, I’m fake smiling for seven hours.
- MILANI CHEEK KISS CREAM BRONZER & BLUSH
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With this bronzer and blush combo, I never look muddy or dirty. I only look like I was in the sun for a little too long, but in a cute way. Was I actually? No. I was in a restaurant for three days this week. But Milani can keep a secret!
- NATASHA DEnona I need a nude eyeshadow palette
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This is my holy grail.
Sometimes when I’m sad or uninspired, I open up this palette and look at the beautiful glitter, and I feel happy again. That’s not an exaggeration. I’m particularly in love with “Filigree,” “Mia,” and “Sheen.” But for a beautiful base, I love to do a soft blend of “Tender” and “Mesh.” Even the names are perfect.
- NYX The Brow Glue
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Personally, I am on a doing-my-brows ban because last time I did them, I went too far (I’m working on it).
This brow gel is honestly my last thread of self-control. I use dark brown because I don’t like clear gels, and I’ve never had this one get flaky or turn white. It really just does what it says it does: glues your brows in place.
- Tweezerman Eyelash Curler
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This is not a work exclusive. At this point, this is a part of my skincare routine. I have one for every bag, my nightstand, and even my serving apron. I inherited this obsession from my mother, so it is literally ingrained in me to have my lashes curled. If you ever see me and I don’t have one of these, just help me home because I’ve lost my mind.
- Urban Decay all nighter setting spray
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It says it lasts for 16 hours because it does. I mean, have we ever doubted this stuff?
- REFY tinted lip gloss
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The creamiest formula with the prettiest package. The metal tip doe foot applicator is honestly something I only dreamed of having. “Rosewood” is the exact color of my lips, perfect for a subtle she-has-something-on-but-I-don’t-know-what vibe.
- Prada Paradoxe perfume
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This is my signature scent. Everyone in my life keeps me very well stocked (thank you, mom!) because they know they wouldn’t be able to recognize me without it. The scent lasts all night, and it pairs perfectly with the vague kitchen smell I acquire from stealing fries from the back.
Truth be told, I did my makeup while I was making this list. Truth be fully told, it’s time for me to go to work.
Thanks for getting ready with me!
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