Hi friends! I get a lot of questions on products that I use for my everyday make-up routine. I haven’t quite braved the YouTube world yet so a how-to video is out of the question (maybe one day!)… BUT I am here to attempt to write out my exact routine in a blog post for you! I will try and describe exactly what I do as clearly as I can but as always, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and I will be happy to answer them for you 🙂 I am not an affiliate for any of these products. These are all products that I have come to love through trial and error and want to share with you!
Step 1. Wash your face thoroughly.
It is super important to exfoliate your skin- but don’t overdo it! I like to use an exfoliating scrub on my face every other day. The exfoliant I use is St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It is amazing! I lightly scrub my face all over and rinse with warm water and my skin instantly feels silky smooth as the dead skin cells get washed away. On the off days I go with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. This face wash is so gentle with my sensitive skin and gives me that deep clean feel that I am looking for.
Step 2. Moisturize Moisturize Mositurize!
As I get older I am starting to realize how important caring for your skin truly is. I am now opting for moisturizers that include SPF to protect my skin from harsh UV rays. My favorite moisturizer is Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer. Not only does this moisturizer protect my skin (SPF 30!), it also is clinically proven to even tone and texture in just 4 weeks! It is also oil-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic. I put one full pump of the moisturizer onto my palm and mix in a drop of Tarte Maracuja Oil before applying all over my face and ears. Maracuja oil, for those who are unfamiliar, is a cold-pressed oil rich in vitamin C. It helps to replenish essential fatty acids, restore balance, and quench dry skin. It works wonder, especially during the winter time.
Step 3. Build your base
The next step is to use primer. To be honest I never really saw the importance in using primer. I always just assumed it was another way to make us pay even more $$ on a product that we think we need but actually don’t. Well, I can now say that it actually really helps your make-up slide on easier and stay matte throughout the day. I use NYX Studio Perfect Primer. Mac also makes a really great primer that I have used in the past but my NYX one does the job and for half the cost! I just put a dollop of it onto the tips of my fingers and spread it all across my face, focusing mainly on my under eye, nose, and cheeks.
Step 4. Build the Foundation
After allowing my primer to completely settle and dry (about 3-4 minutes), I apply my foundation. I could probably do a blog post strictly on foundation because I could talk about it for days! I use different foundations for different times of the year because my skin changes (pale & dry during the winter, oil-prone and tanned during the summer). Because it is winter I am currently using Laura Mercier Silk Creme Oil-free Photo Edition Foundation. This foundation is medium-full coverage, perfect for all skin types, and lasts over 12 hours! I take a few pumps and evenly tap it all over my face and then I take my foundation brush and buff it all over my face and neck. A little definitely goes a long way!
Then I take my concealer (I use Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer) and swipe it under each eye and buff it in in a triangular shape under my eyes with my Beautyblender. I also use some of the leftover to cover my eyelids as well.
Step 4. Bronze & Lock it in
This is probably my favorite step because I am SO PALE RIGHT NOW. I am not a fan of creme contours so I choose to just use a simple bronzer to shape my cheekbones. I use two bronzers religiously: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer and Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer. I take my bronzer and shape my cheekbones, sculpt my forehead & sides of my nose, and lastly run it along my jawline. Basically I bathe in it haha (just kidding).
Then I take my Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and “Bake” my face as Jaclyn Hill would say. This is basically the act of applying a good amount under each eye and just above my jawline letting it “bake” (aka sit) for a few minutes. I then buff this out and end up lightly coating my entire face. This step is by far the most important. This allows my make up to stay for hours on end.
Step 4. Browz
Okay so I am about to bore you because I am not a brow pro (or a make-up pro at all). I essentially just fill in my brows with e.l.f. Eyebrow Lifter and Filler. I have the high-end eyebrow pencils but have found this one to be the best one for me (Also only like $3- so thats a win!). Maybe one day I’ll up my brow routine but for now this works for me.
Step 5. Eyeshadow
For my everyday look I use basic tans/ browns from my Urban Decay Naked Palette for a super subtle look. I start with the lightest color and cover my entire lid and then take the browns and buff them into my crease for more definition.
Step 6. Blushing Babe + Highlight
I have tried so many blushes in my day, but I have found that drugstore Milani Baked Blush works the best. I use shade Luminoso. I use my angled blush brush and lightly spread it right on top of my cheekbones towards my hairline.
Then I use Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Pressed Highlighter with my highlighting brush along my cheekbones (on top of my blush) and then under my brow arch. This step adds the right amount of highlight I need to give extra dimension and attract light. Occasionally I will also sweep it on the very tip of my nose.
Step 7. Mascara
I typically do this step towards the very end so that no powder/ eye shadow gets into my lashes. My ultimate mascara is Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Mascara. Y’all this stuff is amazing and you can get it at any drugstore. I love the look of thick, flirty lashes and this works wonders! I put several coats of this baby on and I’m nearly set!
Step 8. Last step!
Okay so I SHOULD do this step everyday but lets be honest, I usually forget or run out of time… Setting spray. Setting spray should always be your last step because it sets your face make-up and allows it to last all day/ night long. I use Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. I hold the bottle about 8 inches away from my face and spray it 2 times across my face.
Also- add any lip gloss (on top of my chapstick of course because I’m addicted to chapstick..) that I’m feeling that day and thats about it! Anastasia Beverly Hills is my absolute favorite brand of lipsticks (matte & gloss!).
Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite make-up products that you just can’t live without- I love learning about new products!