“I woke up like this,” is not something I can say honestly on most days. Admittedly [and sadly], it takes a good bit of product for me to feel as though I won’t scare small children when I walk out the door. As a self-proclaimed makeup aficionado, I’ve tried just about everything on the market and I’ve narrowed down my favorites and am sharing them with you! I should also note, that while this may look like alot of products [it is, I know…], my makeup routine takes all of ten minutes–I promise.
FACE
Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel [Luminous or Radiant (if I’m tan)] – After I’ve applied my daily moisturizer, I apply this skin perfecting gel to help even tone, reduce shine, and allow my makeup to last through the day.
Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray Primer – I apply this under my eyes to keep my concealer in place.
Dior Airflash Spray Foundation [No. 201] – On days [or nights!] that I need a little more coverage, I use this spray foundation to give me an almost airbrushed look. However, to avoid spraying it in my hair, I spray it on a brush and then buff it into my skin for a more precise application.
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer [Ivory/Pale] – This, by far, is my A-#1, go-to, and ‘can’t live without’ item in my makeup arsenal. I have tubes of it in my bathroom, purse, and desk. It perfectly covers up dark circles, flaws, and even can be used as a highlighter for contouring.
Make Up Forever Pro Finish Powder [No. 110 or 115 (if I’m tan)] – I like powders that have a little more coverage than most, and this Make Up Forever gets the job done. It’s perfectly matte and never ‘cakey.’ I normally forego the aforementioned foundation, and just wear this with concealer.
Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer – Tried and true, this bronzer is the perfect shade to give me that desired sun-kissed glow. To apply, I use the small, rectangular brush included and make a Nike ‘swoosh’ along my cheekbone.
bareMinerals READY Blush [Aphrodisiac] – Using an angled contouring brush, I dab a little of this coral-y pink blush on the apples of my cheeks for a little more color — it makes me look awake!…even when I’m not yet…
Beauty Blender – Another ‘must have’ in your makeup drawer, a beauty blender buffs out any lines you might have from concealer, bronzer, etc. [Tip: Run the Beauty Blender under the faucet quickly and squeeze out any excess water. This helps blend more evenly, and you’re not erasing or rubbing off any makeup you just applied.]
EYES
Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer – Applying this before your eye shadow will ensure that your shadow will make it from day to night without creasing or smudging.
MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow [‘One to Watch’] – Using a fluffy, domed eye shadow brush, I apply this all over the lid of my eye.
Sephora Collection Eye Shadow [‘Nutty Brownie’] – Using a large crease brush, I apply this slightly darker shade to the crease of my eyelid.
MAC Eyeshadow [Embark] – Finally, using a duo fibre crease brush, I apply the darkest shade to my crease and corners of my eyelids.
Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner – I just recently started using this eyeliner, thanks to a recent Birchbox, and have been extremely impressed! It goes on smoothly, lasts all day, and doesn’t smear or smudge. A+. That being said, starting at the second quarter of my upper eyelid, I draw a thin, natural looking line with this.
Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner – For a more dramatic look at night, I use this liquid liner on the outer corner of my eyes to create those ever-so-ladylike ‘wings.’
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara [Black, Water Resistant] – This mascara lives up to its name and doesn’t leave you with spidery-clumps, instead perfectly sleek, polished and clump-free lashes! I apply this on both the top and bottom lashes. [Since I don’t line my lower lash line, this helps those tiny lashes ‘pop’ a bit more.
Younique 3D Fiber Lashes – I’m a HUGE fan of falsies, but on days when wearing them seems a bit aggressive, I achieve a similar look with this mascara duo. Applied on top of my every day mascara, I do a quick coat of the Younique gel followed by a layer of the natural fibers, followed by one more coat of the gel to seal the fibers to my lashes. I was a bit hesitant to try this at first, but one application and I was hooked. They last all day and the little ‘fibers’ don’t flake off, yet it all easily washes off when you take off your makeup. Highly recommend!MAC Flat Definer Brush – To frame my eyes, I use a flat brush with a natural/taupe eye shadow to define my eyebrows, followed by Sonia Kashuk’s Brow Gel to keep them in place. My ‘face’ isn’t complete until I’ve done my brows! You’d be shocked at what a different it makes…
LIPS
MAC Lip Pencil [Whirl or Soar] – I’ve used this lip pencil since college [I’m not about to date myself…], and can honestly say it’s the BEST out there. It blends effortlessly and has great staying power.
MAC Lipstick [Giddy] – For the summer, I needed a brighter shade so I opted for MAC’s Giddy. There’s no sparkle [which I appreciate], and it adds the perfect pop of color while still looking natural at the same time.
MAC Lipglass [Pink Nouveau] – As mentioned, summer calls for the brights and Pink Nouveau is just that! For a tamer shade, I fall back on my go-to plumping gloss, ‘Katie‘ [I pick makeup and nail polish based on the name, so what.] from BUXOM. It’s the perfect shade of pink and thanks to its plumping technology, gives me the right amount of pout. Muah!
REFRESHERS
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets – I’m going to be real with you, I get real shiny throughout the day. These oil absorbing sheets are little miracle workers. They quickly absorb any shine–without taking off any makeup–and don’t leave behind a powdery residue like other blotting papers. Plus, by blotting away the mid-day oil instead of re-applying powder, you don’t run the risk of looking cakey as the day goes on.
Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks – These little wonder wands are the best. By breaking off the end, a small amount of makeup remover is released into the opposite end of the swab, allowing you to effortlessly wipe away those pesky raccoon eyes mascara can sometimes leave. A couple quick swipes with these, and a touch of Maybelline’s “magic eraser,” as I like to call it, your face will look as fresh as it did at 9:00am!
Stay tuned for my next ‘beauty installment’ where I’ll share all of my favorite hair products! In the mean time, you can shop my beauty favorites below. What are your ‘go to’ products?!
I have actually been thinking I need to revamp my make up in addition to finding a new eye make up primer which I have been researching all over. You had crossed my mind the other day that maybe I should message you for some advice- so this post is perfection! Miss you! XOXO