Cosmetics
I’ve been asked a few times what cosmetics brands are popular in NY. I would happily answer that question – if I only knew the answer myself. All cosmetics are black magic to me, I have no clue about make-up. I used to buy magazines all the time and a make-up section was the one that I always skipped since I found it really boring. I’m proud of myself now because I use some kind of a foundation and a bronzer (both Bare Minerals) and I never did that before. This is my major achievement. I went to Sephora for you guys, to check out what brands are the most popular there. I know that all these famous brands like Lancome, Clarins, Helena Rubenstein, Shiseido, Guerlain, Estee Lauder, etc. are also popular here (and you can easily afford them). But there are also Bare Minerals, my favorite one, Bobbi Brown, Nars, Smashbox, MakeUp Forever – they all are selling really well and have diehard fans.
Women love MAC, so you can spot it all over Manhattan. Even I had a lipstick from them, the famous Russian Red, but it was stolen from my bag at a club (I’m not kidding – a girl took my bag, I noticed it after 10 minutes, and it was a big bag with my laptop inside, not to mention my wallet and keys – I ran to fetch the security guy, and 15 minutes later they brought it from the restroom, my laptop was there, my keys were there, my wallet was there, but there was no Russsian Red and my Chanel perfume that had just run out! True story. I couldn’t believe she only stole that lipstick and a pack of Tic Tacs!). I bought a new one just recently again.
The brand that is getting really popular here (and it’s cheap) is NYX. I just bought an eyebrow pencil that seems fine, but I can’t compare it to any other brand since it’s my first eyebrow pencil (I like it and recommend it).
Make-up is huge among Asian girls and there are a lot of stores with weird names and Asian faces around Manhattan, but I never went to one. Sephora is too much for me already.
When it comes to facial creams, I know that women like the brand called Fresh and Origins. It’s a bit more expensive than the regular stuff and it is very good quality. Kiehl’s, which I like, has a few stores here, too (no wonder: the brand originated in New York). I have a few friends who are crazy about Lush Cosmetics, which are hand-made and very fragrant, but I never fell in love with them (although their “Silk Underwear” powder proved a pleasant surprise).
I had a free afternoon recently and went on YouTube to check out some vloggers and I started watching some make-up tutorials and couldn’t believe my eyes. I didn’t know that there is such a world of make-up out there. Just watch a few of them and you will know everything about make-up brands! It’s definitely not my cup of tea, but I admire their knowledge and dedication. I didn’t know you can be so passionate about lipstick, but hey, if it works for you – just do it. I would love to give them my face for a makeover.
