When it comes to makeup, I consider myself fairly conservative. I was always taught that makeup should be used to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up or alter it dramatically.. but that’s just me! If your makeup philosophy is the complete opposite, more power to you! I think my conservatism stems from the fact that I wasn’t even allowed to wear makeup until well into high school. I think the craziest thing I use right now is lip liner – and I only started using it about 6 months ago LOL!
That being said, you’ll notice that I always go for subtle eyesahdow colors and a more natural look overall. If we’re attending an event or something, sometimes I’ll go all out – which, for me really just means using colors that are about 1.3 shades darker, a slightly bolder lip and MAYBE a pair of fake eyelashes HAHA).
But today we’re talking everyday makeup, so if your preferences align with mine and you’re looking for some new products or techniques to try – keep reading!
But first, the tools.
Before we get started, let’s talk about the tools I use really quick. Three things: my makeup brushes, microfiber headband and sponge blender.
Makeup Brushes:
I have yet to invest in really good brushes. Maybe one day I will and they’ll change my life, but for now I usually just purchase a set of brushes on amazon. These are the ones I have used and recommend! Soft, durable and comes with everything I need.
Microfiber Headband:
I found mine at TJ Maxx, but I found these on Amazon and love the concept! I like that they come in a set of 3, so you always have one in between loads of laundry and that you can wrap them around your head without having to come down over your head. But I use my headband for washing my face and doing makeup – keeps water and makeup our of your hairline, which means keeping your hair less oily between washes!
Sponge Blender:
So, I recently started using this blender after previously using an actual BeautyBlender. I wanted so badly to like this orange one just as much since it’s a lot cheaper, but I have to say – I prefer the actual BeautyBlender sponge. The orange one works fine, but it seems to absorb more of the makeup and just feels different. It’s hard to explain, but I just wanted to give you my honest opinion!
Step-by-Step.
Alright, now that the preface is out of the way, let’s get to my step-by-step makeup routine. Here we go!
1. Moisturizer
I always, always, always start my routine with moisturizer and I’ve been using this Aveeno calming moisturizer for YEARS. You can find it at any drugstore, it lasts forever, is super light on your face and contains SPF!
2. CC Cream / Foundation
After moisturizer, I apply a CC cream or foundation. Lately, I’ve been loving this CC cream by IT Cosmetics. It’s full coverage, yet light and does a really good job of correcting any unevenness in my complexion. I simply pump a small amount onto a sponge blender and apply it all over my face! IT Cosmetics also has a matte version of this that I’m going to try once this tube runs out!
3. Concealer
This is probably my favorite step of all because it delivers such dramatic results in my opinion. I use Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer and LOVE IT. A few swipes in the areas where I want to conceal and brighten: under eyes, bridge of nose, corners of nose and corners of lips. I also dab a little bit of excess onto my forehead.
4. Setting Powder Part 1
I use this Laura Mercier setting powder during two steps of my makeup application process. This is a great lightweight setting powder that does a phenomenal job of making sure your makeup stays in place all day. At this point, I dab a small amount in pretty much all the areas I just applied concealer, paying special attention to my undereye area.
5. Bronzer
I’ve used Butter bronzer by Physicians Formula for years now. I discovered it a while back and was so happy with the price, pigmentation and application. I will sometimes combine it with this this bronzer by The Balm (or swap them around for each other). I highly recommend both! I make a ‘fishy face’ and swipe this a few times back and forth at my jaw line.
6. Blush
Another The Balm product that I’ve used forever. This blush delivers the perfect shade of warm pink for my complexion. To apply, I’ll smile to find the apples of my cheeks and just apply it there for a bit of warm color!
7. Eye Shadow
Yep, another The Balm product! This palette comes with a highlighter color which I use at my browline and right at the bottoms and inside corner of my eyes. I use the bronze color in the creases of my eyes and sometimes I’ll use the pink shade on my eyelids. As you can see from the photo, I mostly use the two outside colors.
8. Setting Powder Part 2
At this point, to make sure all the powders and pigments stay where I want them to, I’ll take a brush and apply more setting powder all over my face.
9. Eyeliner
I’ve tried so many different eyeliners, but I come back to this Covergirl pencil/blender combo every single time. At around $5 you can’t go wrong! Depending on how sharp your pencil is, you can create a really thin line or use the blender to easily achieve a more blended, smokier line. I tend to go for something in the middle. I mainly line the top of my lids and will sometimes apply a small line on the bottom and inside of my waterline.
10. Mascara
I found this Thrive Causemetics mascara about a year ago and instantly fell in love. With just two coats it truly delivers a result that makes it seem like you have lash extensions. Perhaps my favorite thing about this mascara, though, is how easy it is to wash off! It takes little to no effort to wash it off with just my face wash (Cetaphil) – which is big for me since lingering mascara is something I really despise!
11. Lip
As I said, this a step I only recently modified, but I feel like lip liner makes such a huge difference in my look. Of course, I stick with a pretty natural-looking shade, but you can use whatever you want! My lip process always starts with Burt’s Bees, then I line my lips and color them in, sometimes adding an additional lip product over it! I’m currently loving this lip liner by Lime Crime in the color Guuurrrl.
Before and After:
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