I am a late bloomer in the world of makeup–I didn’t start wearing eye shadow until a couple years ago, and I bought my first concealer last month. I still routinely leave my house without any makeup at all because, you know, I’m incredibly lazy sometimes and also Nigel Barker isn’t really that concerned about what my face looks like when he needs to heed nature’s call. In spite of, or maybe because of, my late start, I am fascinated by the ritual of applying makeup and do so even though every time my mother sees me she tells me I am wearing too much of it.

I have quite a collection of makeup now, but these five products are ones I go back to again and again.

The Final Countdown

5. MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood

I usually apply this with my ring finger and use it as a base for other colors (MAC Gleam or MAC Woodwinked work really well), but it’s also good on its own and has amazing staying power.

MAC Cosmetics, $18.50

4. Bobbi Brown Blush in #2 Washed Rose

I learned about this through the Twitter account for the show Scandal’s makeup artist. Kerry Washington/Olivia Pope wears this color and it is amazing. I’m medium skin tone and it’s a nice, natural wash of color on my face, a natural flush. I wore it to have dinner with my mom and she told me it made me look like I was glowing.

Bobbi Brown, $25

3. Lancome Artliner in Noir

I have been wearing this liquid liner for about seven years now, and even though many, many people have suggested other brands, I can’t switch. The applicator feels like a pen and makes me feel like I’m doing calligraphy on my eyes, which oddly enough, really appeals to me. I’ve also never had any trouble with this giving me too thick a line, a problem I’ve had with other liquid liners I’ve tried.

Lancome Cosmetics, $30

2. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm  in #15 Cherry Me 

I hated the name of this product for a really long time and it put me off buying it because I wasn’t sure a 28-year-old woman should be near something called “Baby Lips.” Alas, it is AMAZING. I wore it to the Bobbi Brown counter a couple weeks ago and one of the makeup artists complimented me on the color. I bought it shortly after discovering Clinique’s Chubby Stick in Chunky Cherry and now realize that Cherry Me is a really great dupe at a fraction of the price. Super hydrating as well!

Maybelline, $3.99 

1. Maybelline Volum’Express The Rocket Mascara in Very Black

All of the things on this list are must-haves for me, but Maybelline’s new Rocket Mascara is basically a must-wear.  Though I do go for walks with Nigel sans makeup, if I’m running errands, I’ll usually throw on a bit of mascara, and this particular product makes my nubster eyelashes look fabulous and thick, with no clumps and without making my lashes feel brittle.

Maybelline, $7.99