What's Your Go-To Look? Separating Makeup Needs from Wants

What's your go-to makeup look? Do you even have one?

That look you feel comfortable doing on yourself in a rush—the one that, when you look in the mirror, you LOVE your look?

If you've been reading my blog, you've seen this many times: everybody needs a handful of key products that work for them to achieve a polished everyday look. I've been lucky to find all my core needs met with LAMIK products, and I rely on other brands only for my "wants."

This brings up a crucial question for your budget and your routine:

What's the difference between a makeup want and a makeup need?

The Beauty NEEDS Checklist

The products you NEED are the foundation of your routine—they create your perfect canvas and protect your skin. These must be an exact match to your skin tone and type.

Core Makeup Needs (Your 5 Daily Essentials)

These 5 products should be in everyone's makeup bag and should be a perfect match to the skin:

Brow Color: Essential for framing your face.
Concealer/Highlighter: Used for spot coverage and strategic brightening.
Foundation: To even out your complexion.
Powder: To set your base and control shine.
Lip Color: A neutral or everyday shade that makes you feel polished.

Core Skincare Needs

You NEED a proper skincare regimen to support your makeup.

Daily: A cleanser, toner, and moisturizer that are perfect for your specific skin type.
Weekly: A face scrub and mask for deeper cleaning and treatment.

Where Needs End and WANTS Begin

This is where you have fun, experiment, and express your mood. WANTS are enhancement products—they add color, shine, and extra dimension.

Makeup Wants (Enhancement & Color)

To keep your makeup easy to change and enhance, everyone should WANT a variety of colors—like brown, yellow, green, red, blue, purple, gray, and black. These colors can be any shade, matte, or high shine.

Eye Color Palettes: These come in handy for WANTS, but be warned: don't overbuy! You can easily purchase ten palettes that have the same colors. Since colors are a WANT, keep track of the shades you already own. I do a product review every six months and before I buy new makeup; this keeps my makeup budget in check. I want everything I see, but do I need it?
Contour & Highlight Colors: These are also WANTS. When applied correctly, your normal concealer, foundation, and powder will contour and highlight your skin naturally. You can buy different highlight colors to have fun and enhance your makeup. I recommend only buying colors you can clearly see on your skin tone, and remember the logic for buying lip colors—buy shades you truly love and will wear.

Skincare Wants & Smart Shopping

When it comes to skincare, less is more. The best products often have a 6-month to 2-year shelf life. You don't need ten toners and fifty moisturizers! I recommend buying a 2-6 month supply at a time. Remember that when the seasons change, you may need to swap your skincare—this practice will keep you from wasting product and money. If something doesn't work for you, throw it out or find someone it will work for!

The Bottom Line

To sum up this post:

The products that you NEED are the ones that match your skin tone perfectly and form a healthy routine.
The makeup products that you WANT are the products that enhance your beauty by adding color, shine, and fun!

What is the one makeup want you are currently trying to justify buying?

Dark Brown is a need, but today, Blonde is a want! Since the tips of my locs are lightened, I’m matching my brows to the vibe with LAMIK Blonde Brow Define Powder (a perfect light brown tone). My true color is LAMIK Dark Brown, but the fun of a lighter tone for this look is everything. ✨

This bright eye/bright lip combo was my secret weapon working at LAMIK! 💄✨

When I wore bold colors, clients always asked questions, making it easy to

share my favorite products and boost sales.

Your look is your best business card!

Meet the color heroes of my makeup kit!

Sunny eye décor (Yellow, top left), Yacht Party eye décor (Green, top right), and Eastside Purdy Brow Define Powder (Soft Brown, bottom middle).

I use these three shades in countless ways—from shadow pops to liner—to create multiple different looks! 🎨

Color, no compromise.

These shades are completely talc and paraben free,

so the only thing they'll leave behind is a gorgeous look, not a breakout! 🌿

I don't always wear a full face of foundation—sometimes there's no time, or I just don't feel like it!

But I never skip protecting my skin. A dusting of Mineral Powder

is all I need for coverage, shine control, and peace of mind

When I opt for my Mineral Powder-only base, I use a targeted approach for coverage.

My secret weapon for dark spots is LAMIK Excellence Sculpting Cream,

which I apply precisely with my ring finger.

I then blend the powder seamlessly over top using a Kabuki Brush for that airbrushed finish!

Always check the ingredients before using a new product. Your skin is the largest organ. Remember, some of what you put on your skin can be absorbed into your bloodstream

Follow my blog JTLoveBeauty.blogspot.com

YouTube @JTLoveBeauty

All Social Media @JTLOVEBEAUTY

Book JeTara aka JT at anytime by calling 737.346.2556

Let's Chat Beauty https://calendly.com/jtlovebeauty

Makeup Shopping and Face Waxing

LAMIK Beauty Tulsa, OK- The Box Yard Downtown

LAMIKBEAUTY.com Email Support@lamikbeauty.com

Please note that some of the links on this site are affiliate links. As an affiliate, I receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, which helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content. The price you pay is not affected.

I only recommend products I truly love.

Comments

Make Those Eyes Pop: 10 Bold Tips for Picking the Perfect Eyeshadow Color

Ready to stop relying on the same neutral palette? Choosing the right eyeshadow color can transform your look and truly make your eyes pop. Whether you want to make a subtle statement or embrace a bold trend, here are ten vibrant tips for picking and pairing your eyeshadow shades: Vibrant Pops and Statements Green: Paired with a simple, clear lip, green instantly looks sophisticated. Try a matte green with a light glitter overlay for texture—it gets the job done without being overwhelming. Blue: Want just a little pop of color that's easy to wear? Use blue as an under-eye accent color . A deep, dark navy blue is perfect for adding definition and a hint of unexpected depth. Blue-Greens: These are a must-have for a true statement. A true turquoise with a little glitter is super bright and will guarantee you turn heads. Neon Blue: This color looks absolutely magical with brown eyes ! Since it's a bright, true matte blue, it keeps you perfectly in season and adds brilliant ...

Peach Eyeshadow: A Secret Weapon for Stunning Eyes

This is a great look for anyone, but it's especially striking on people with green eyes or when you're wearing green. It's a fantastic way to make your eyes pop and add a touch of warmth and color to your face. For this specific look, I'm using a color that's been a staple in my professional makeup kit for years: I-285 Contour Blush from LAMIK BEAUTY . This is a hard-to-find shade with the perfect balance of peach, orange, and bronze. It’s my go-to for making brown eyes pop or for creating a beautiful bronze highlight on all skin tones. Unfortunately, the I-285 Contour Blush is no longer for sale. But don't worry, you can still achieve a very similar look by mixing two beautiful shades from a different brand: Oulac Powdery Blusher for Cheeks . You'll need these two colors: Oulac Powdery Blusher in F10 Tangerine Tango Oulac Powdery Blusher in F06 Pinky Ice Get the Look: Steps for Perfect Peach Eyes You can recreate this look with a peach eyeshadow you alr...

What kind of wig works for you?

This year marks an incredible milestone for me: 10 years since I officially embarked on my journey as a beauty expert! It's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. Looking back, my path wasn't always clear. After leaving TSU with a less-than-stellar 1.9 GPA, I felt a bit lost, trying to figure out my next step. Taking the leap and enrolling in Paul Mitchell was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I've ever made. I absolutely loved every single moment of it. One of the most valuable lessons I absorbed during my time at Paul Mitchell has stuck with me throughout my career: "The client knows and understands their beauty best, listen to them." This simple yet profound statement has shaped my approach to everything I do, especially as I ventured into the world of wig making. Your Vision, Your Wig: The All Love Your Beauty Difference When I started creating wigs under my brand, All Love Your Beauty, this principle became my guiding star. I firmly belie...

Runway Makeup

Get the Look: A Step-by-Step Guide Ready to recreate this stunning makeup look? Here’s a breakdown of the products and techniques we used. Step 1: Brows For a clean, defined brow, we used the LAMIK Revelation Brow Duo . I applied the dark brown powder and then sculpted the brows with thefor a finished look. Step 2: Eyes We created a beautiful base by priming her eyelids with Elegance Sculpting Crème . Next, we applied LAMIK Soft Black over the entire lid, followed by a shimmery silver shadow on top to add dimension. We kept the color concentrated on the eyelid and in the crease, leaving the brow bone bare. Step 3: Liner For a bold, defined eye, I used LAMIK Soft Black on both the top and bottom lash lines. I applied it precisely with a LAMIK Duo Brow Brush . Step 4: Lashes The model came with individual cluster lashes already on. To protect them from any fallout and keep them clean, I used a lash guard during the application process. Step 5: Face We be...

Feel Loved and Do Your Best.

Life can be a confusing journey, can't it? You plan everything out, you work so hard, and then one unexpected step throws everything off course. It's a frustrating feeling, but as you get older, you start to see things a little differently. You learn that as long as you don't give up, things have a way of working out. One of the most powerful ways to navigate those tough times is by connecting with the people you love. When you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, a simple act of kindness—like sending a special gift to a friend—can make a huge difference. Why? Because when you show love to others, that love comes right back to you. It's a powerful cycle that can help you feel grounded and supported. Fueling Your Mind and Body Just as we nurture our relationships, we also need to nurture ourselves. A big part of that is what we put into our bodies. A healthy mind starts with a healthy diet. I’ve found that focusing on these simple principles can make a world of differenc...

Wig Care 101

Keep Your Custom Unit Looking "Photo Ready" Whether you are wearing a custom-made unit like mine or a store-bought piece, how you care for your wig determines how long it stays beautiful. A high-quality wig is an investment in your style, and with a little TLC, it can last a very long time! To keep your curls bouncy and your lace looking natural, follow my professional "Wig Care" routine. 1. The Gentle Wash Just like your hair, wigs need a cleanse—but you have to be gentle! The Rule: Only wash your wig after 10–15 wears, or when there is a visible buildup of product. The Technique: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Submerge the wig and gently agitate. Never rub the hair together, as this causes tangling and shedding! 2. Moisture is Key Since the hair on a wig doesn't get natural oils from your scalp, it can get dry and brittle fast. Pro Tip: Always follow up with a high-quality conditioner. For curly units, use a leave-in condition...

How to Find Your Perfect Cleanser (and Why a Milk Cleanser Might Be It)

Finding the right cleanser for your skin can feel like a chore. You need something that's effective but won't strip your skin of its natural moisture. While some people (like me!) have a multi-cleanser routine, you don't have to be that extra. The key is finding one that works for you. Why a Milk or Cream Cleanser? Milk and cream cleansers are a fantastic option, especially if you have: Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Their gentle, creamy formulas help cleanse without leaving your skin feeling tight or flaky. Sensitive Skin: The mild ingredients and lack of harsh detergents make them less likely to cause irritation or redness. Healing Skin: If your skin is recovering from a procedure, a sunburn, or a breakout, a gentle milk cleanser can help you cleanse without further damage. Bonus Tip: Even if you have oily skin, a milk or cream cleanser can be a great second step in a double-cleansing routine, following a deeper-cleansing or oil-based cleanser. It ensures your skin is thor...

Soup for Days

Feeling the need for a reset after a bit of overindulgence? You're not alone! We've all been there, where eating out a little too much leaves us feeling sluggish and craving something light and nourishing. That's exactly why I turn to my go-to "cleanse" – a big pot of homemade, veggie-packed soup. It's the perfect way to hit the reset button, both for your body and your skin! My Secret Weapon: The "Feel-Good" Soup This isn't your average canned soup. It's a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying concoction that's loaded with ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out. I make a huge batch and freeze a few bowls for those times when I know I'll be tempted to order takeout. Having a healthy option ready to go is a game-changer! Here's what went into my pot this time: Veggies: Corn, Spinach, Onions, and Bell Peppers – a colorful and nutrient-dense base. Protein & Fiber: Sausage, Rice, and Beans – for a fillin...

❤️ You Made Mistakes, So Have I. Let’s Be Each Other’s Next Chance.

At LAMIK, we don't believe in "fixing" you. We believe in revealing you. I know that makeup can feel overwhelming—we’ve all had those days where the liner didn’t match or the foundation felt like a mask. I’ve made those mistakes, too. But today is a new chance. Let’s start over with a simple philosophy: Makeup = Color. If you can color in the lines, blend with kindness, and let the look flow, you can master your own reveal. Whether it’s your first time picking up a brush or you’re a seasoned pro, here is the official LAMIK 7-Step Routine to ensure your beauty is revealed, not just applied. 🎨 The LAMIK 7-Step Reveal The Frame (Brows): Always start here. Fill brows with Brow Define Powder (match your hair color) and highlight the arch with Sculpting Cream . The Canvas (Eyes): Base the lid with Sculpting Cream so your color stays true. Apply your shadow evenly and blend until there are no harsh lines. The Definition (Liner): Clean lines are key. Define the top and ...

🧼 Stop the Sabotage: Your Weekly At-Home Facial Guide

We all have that one spot we wish would just disappear. But more often than not, the "trouble spots" on our faces are the result of improper care. As a skin care professional, I talk to clients daily, and some of the "DIY" habits I hear—from putting toothpaste on bumps to aggressive over-scrubbing—honestly scare me! These "quick fixes" don't heal your skin; they destroy your skin's natural barrier. The secret to a flawless complexion isn't a miracle product; it's consistency . You should be using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer daily . But once a week, you need to go deeper. Here is my professional guide to a safe, effective at-home facial using LAMIK’s paraben-free essentials. 🧖🏾‍♀️ The 5-Step Weekly Reveal 1. The Double Cleanse Start with LAMIK Cleanser . It’s foaming, paraben-free, and packed with aloe, green tea, and pomegranate to whisk away oil and dirt. Pro-Tip: Always cleanse twice. If your skin feels dry, follow your firs...

JTLoveBeauty

Search This Blog