Growing up, I never really wore any makeup. My forte was black eyeliner and mascara in High School. (Although someone should have taught me how to cover my pimples-because I have some really unflattering photos from age 15-20.) It's probably only been in the last year or two that I've actually become interested in makeup at all.
I hesitate to even call this a daily makeup routine, because I honestly don't wear a full face every day. I gravitate toward simple, ritualistic routines-so this whole look has been tweaked to be easy and foolproof. If I'm doing a full face, this is what I do. I actually don't own any other makeup, because if I'm not going to use it regularly I don't want the mental clutter. (I hope that doesn't sound too fussy, because I'm actually going for the complete opposite of fussy!)
I'm so grateful for Youtube tutorials! If I'm going to give credit where credit is due, I have to say that Youtube is the source of all of my beauty knowledge! I so appreciate when people share what products work for them, and I get to see a demonstration of it in action. Bonus points if the person has similar coloring to me! That's why I thought I'd share what products I've settled on using-you might be like me and love to see what others are using!
Foundation & Concealer
I'm not actually sure which is supposed to go on first, concealer or your foundation. I've heard people do it both ways! I typically put on concealer first, then my foundation, and then touch up any big blemishes with more concealer.
My foundation is rather dark, but it is the end of summer so it still matches my skin well. I will be picking up a slightly lighter shade in the next few weeks for winter. I highly recommend this foundation if you have oily/combo skin. Works great!
I also can't brag enough on the Real Techniques sponges! They are excellent for blending and I love the different faces of the sponge for different areas of your face. I use them for both the concealer and foundation.
Matte Powder & Highlighter
The real rockstar of this duo is the matte powder. It works absolute wonders if you have oily/combo skin! Use it on your T-zone for a perfectly matte look. The highlighter is great too, but very subtle. Great for an everyday look, but if I want it to stand out more I opt for the highlighters in my Carli Bybel palette. (Which you will see below.)
Blush
This is the most gorgeous blush, and it has a big following because it works on every skin tone! Love it. It's got a bit of shimmer, which makes it just glow on your cheeks. (Probably another reason I don't go too crazy on the highlighter.) I actually use a contour brush to apply it, which I think helps me keep from going too overboard. Big price tag on this, but it lasts for-ever.
Eyebrows
Because I have quite dark and thick eyebrows, I don't go too crazy on filling them in. I do use a spooly brush to groom them and then I fill them in lightly with this (don't laugh!) light, matte brown shade from my L'oreal eyeshadow palette. This is an excellent nude eyeshadow palette that I do use interchangeably with the Carli Bybel one.
Eyeshadow
Oh, this palette! Probably obvious by the photo, this thing is well loved. The colors are gorgeous, they have great pigment, and they stay on your face! I use them all, and it's fun to mix and match. I also love the L'Oreal palette, mentioned above, just as much. I use them equally and sometimes together.
Eyeliner & Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Black Mascara
These are the real MVPs of my makeup bag! If nothing else, I make sure to put on eyeliner and mascara. The Kat Von D liner is amazing! It really does stay all day, especially if you are like me and do two layers. The tapered brush is also very helpful for wings. And I will never buy another mascara than the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It's legitimately the best out there. I have both the regular and waterproof and both work so well. (I did a
side by side comparison of this mascara last year in this post!)
Lips
LipSense (which I bought through my friend Carrie, who no longer sells it.)
Ah, Lipsense. It's everywhere! I took the chance and bought some even though I was really skeptical. It's awesome guys. There is no better way to wear lipstick. I have three colors that I LOVE and change out as often as I'd like. (I'm wearing Aussie Rose in the photo below.) Dark Pink is my favorite, but it doesn't go with everything. And, Bombshell is so pretty and people comment on how I look everytime I wear it. (Not like, "Oh I like your lipstick.." but more like "You have a glow about you today!" Real compliments people!)
I do my makeup in my bathroom,
which recently got a little makeover itself. I use our medicine cabinet mirror, which I usually have to pull open to see closer to my face. I do have that little stand mirror on the counter, but it's a little heavy for a full face of makeup. It is great for eyebrow plucking however!
I pull my hair back in either a loose ponytail or use a headband. I'd say it takes me 10 minutes tops for a full face of makeup, but I do like to take my time if I'm getting ready for a special event. There is something soothing or therapeutic about getting ready! (I absolutely do not feel the same way about doing my hair.)
In hindsight, I should have done an after photo in natural lighting, but if you'd like to see that, I am
wearing this entire look in this post. Also, in case you are curious, my makeup bag is from
Kate Spade
, which I got for a steal in the last surprise sale! Those surprise sales are amazing if you are saving up to buy a bag!
Leave a comment below if you love a simple and ritualistic make up routine! I'd love to know what's in your makeup bag and what your go-to products are. Do we share any favorites?!
This post contains affiliate links, at no cost to you!
(True Beige)
, which I got for a steal in the last surprise sale! Those surprise sales are amazing if you are saving up to buy a bag!
as well.)
, any scent
for oily skin OR 5-10 drops 
for normal/aging skin.
