If you’re in the kitchen as often as I am, then you surely have experienced how hot it can get at times. And if you’re a woman who wears even the most minimal makeup, you probably know that most products can’t take the heat. We all know the old saying, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen”. Since I won’t be leaving the kitchen anytime soon, I have to ditch many of my coveted beauty products when I’m cooking.

Here are my top 3 products that have proven to be able withstand the heat, so I’m not sounding like the witch in the Wizard of Oz, “I’m melting! I’m melting”. Cheese is the only thing melting in my kitchen now…and sometimes chocolate, because who doesn’t loved warm, melted chocolate?

Chef Annie’s Top 3 Beauty Products:

Wet’n’Wild Megalast Retractable Eyeliner

($2.29, available at most drugstores or online at drugstore.com)

This product claims to last 12 hours without smudging and I definitely agree! Whether I want a simple, smoky line or glam it up a notch with a cat-eye, this liner stays in place all day long.  The frugal-friendly price tag makes me love it even more!

L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara

($5.89, available at Target or online at ulta.com)

What good is a perfectly lined eye without bold, voluminous lashes?  This is a volume-building mascara, so I can swipe on one quick coat on working days or apply a few coats on days that I interact with real people! I know, I sound overly excited right now but it’s not always fun making conversation with the fridge.  Through thick and thin (haha, get it?), this mascara is clump-free and smudge-free!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

($39, available at Sephora or online at nordstrom.com)

Okay, so I might not need to be camera-ready (hey, a girl can dream) but this BB cream helps me be people-ready on those days that my dark circles are even bolder and darker than my lashes and eyeliner.  It provides me with lightweight coverage that stays put.  No melting here!

Other Products that I love:

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream

($6.79, available at most drugstores or online at amazon.com)

As soon as I am finished cooking for the day, this is my go-to product.  Between the constant hand-washing while cooking and the cleanup afterwards (those dishes aren’t going to clean themselves), my hands are dryer than dry.  I slather on a dollop of this (a little goes a long way) and my rough, reptilian-like working hands instantly become soft and smooth.

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

($4.99, available at Walmart or online at walgreens.com)

While this foundation didn’t make the wear-to-work cut, I still love it.   The airy, lightweight formula provides moderate coverage (i.e., me looking presentable without feeling as cakey as the dessert I am serving). I love wearing it when working events like dinner parties or when I am going out with friends (those of you who know me well know that those nights are few & far between because I am so busy).

What are your favorite products? Also, if you try any of the above products, let me know how you like them!