My Go-To Makeup Routine
Makeup can transform the way we feel. For me, it makes me feel like zero to hero, like a more put together human and just overall great. I don’t wear makeup for anyone but purely how it makes me feel.
This has been my go-to makeup routine for the past six months that consistently performs as I like it to. My criteria is easy:
It needs to last throughout the day
It needs to match my skin needs
Needs to be easy and effortless
Must be mask proof
To be fair, I don’t wear a mask through my continuous work day like a nurse or teacher - in which case I would recommend to not wear complexion makeup due to the risk of clogging pores. So when I say it must be mask proof, I mean it needs to stay in tact when running errands or going to and from appointments.
Prep: I prep my skin with toner, eye cream and a moisturizer with SPF. I’ll share more of my skincare favorites at a later blog post.
Complexion: I’ve been using the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation for over six months and I am in love. It offers the perfect amount of medium coverage - although it is buildable if you prefer full coverage. It also offers a second layer of added SPF protection which gives me peace of mind. This formula is extremely hydrating and leaves a radiant finish. If you have skin type that leans more dry, this is the best option! I also enjoy that it is travel friendly - for whenever we are actually able to do that. Beyond the lovely coverage, this formula has skincare benefits. If you have oily skin and prefer a matte finish, they have a formula for you too.
Concealer: I have covered this on my Favorite Concealers blog post but lately I’ve been using the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes and the MAC Prolongwear Concealer to mask blemishes or dark spots.
Setting Powder: What I’ve been using everyday is the Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder (not pictured above). I’ve been testing many setting powders and have found that this formula is just beautiful. It is finely milled, doesn’t leave a cake-like finish, and sets cream and liquid perfectly for longevity.
Blush & Bronzer: I constantly change my blush and bronzer but this duo (along with the highlighter) are my consistent choices. This palette was a “build your own” option and I picked the colors that best suited my skin tone. This another fabulous travel option. However, colors aside, the formula is extremely solid and I feel like Make Up For Ever is constantly underrated but it is professional-quality makeup. The powders are elegant and won’t settle into fine lines or pores. If you choose to build your own palette, which I highly recommend, you could choose the colors that perfectly suit you. For reference, my colors are: S310 - praline blush (blush), S116 - medium (contour), H106 - shimmery (highlight).
Lastly, since the contour color in the palette has a grey undertone - ideal for contouring - I also use a bronzer to add more depth to the skin. A personal pet peeve is when color and depth is missing from the complexion after using foundation. You’d be surprised to see the difference this makes! For this, I use Benefit Hoola bronzer a cult favorite that doesn’t disappoint.
Eyes: Since this is a “quick” routine, I add depth to the lids (another must have that many miss) with the bronzer shade of the Benefit Hoola bronzer. Easy!
Brows: I have full brows so if you are looking for a routine and recommendation on how to draw on eyebrows, I’m not your gal. I clean up my brows and add color with the Benefit Gimme Brow. Another favorite of mine is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel.
Lashes: I am constantly trying new mascaras to see what lengthens, holds a curl, and doesn’t smudge. I have a handful of favorites but photographed here is the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes in the travel size. I have this crazy perception that travel size mascaras perform best. I’m unsure if it’s due to being able to control the brush bristle more or because the formula is less likely to dry up less but that’s just how I roll. This provides length and volume while keeping a curl throughout the day. A plus is that it doesn’t irritate my randomly sensitive eyes. And, to no surprise, I use the Shiseido Eyelash Curler that I’m so obsessed with and mentioned before.
Lips: I switch between a liquid lipstick or a lip balm that has some color to it depending on my activity. Most times, I go with this NYX Soft Mayte Lip Cream. They have so many shades (although I usually stick to the nudes Cannes, London or Stockholm) and it does the job. This isn’t the product if you want everlasting lipstick through a major event but for everyday wear, it’s perfect and so is the price.
No filter used.
Voila! That completes the look. Let’s face it, pictures don’t lie and I really went from zero to hero. 🙂
Although listing each item out makes the routine seem extensive, this really only takes about 10-15 minutes of my morning. An easy price to pay to feel more human and put together.
