If you ask me to wake up earlier than I do now for work my answer would be a big, fat NO! I wake up at the time I do because I got my routine down-packed. I know how long it takes me to get ready and I don’t want to make any compromises because I want to sleep in for as long as I can! That means, my makeup routine has a big role to play in this. I used to take way longer to do my makeup than I do now, but I figured, why not just go with a simple yet still effective routine that still allows me to use some of the products I love.
Enter – my Everyday Makeup Routine to the rescue! I love this routine for work as it’s versatile and works well with any outfit I decide I want to rock that day. It’s neutral, uses few products, and can be done efficiently. That’s a big win for me! Follow along for this easy step-by-step guide.
Step 1:
Apply primer. If you read my ‘How to Make Your Foundation Last’ post you know how important primer is to me! There are many primers out there to protect your face, smooth out pores, or fill in any imperfections, just to name a few. I love primers that moisturize my skin because I feel like my foundation goes on much nicer – and I’m protecting my skin!. Don’t forget to prime your eye lids as well! This will avoid the creasing affect we all know and well, hate!
Step 2:
Apply foundation. I’m a full-coverage kind of gal! I have acne-prone skin so, I need something that’s going to hide all the John and Thomas’s that pop up on my face from time-to-time. I like to dot my foundation all over my face first, then, using a foundation brush (I’m not a huge fan of beauty blenders for foundation application as I find it tends to waste quite a bit of product), blend into skin, being sure to blend around the hairline and down along the neck (no Oompa Loompa look here!).
Step 3:
Apply concealer. I typically apply a creamy concealer using the same foundation brush as in Step 2 under my eyes to brighten them and correct dark circles. I’ll take any excess concealer on my brush and conceal all over my eyelids. Another bonus priming tip!
Step 4:
Apply setting powder. Using a large powder brush, dip into loose, translucent setting powder, tap away access on the back of your hand, and apply all over face using light, tapping motions. Light, tapping motions are key as we don’t want to disturb the creamy product we just applied! Don’t forget to add powder onto your eyelids as well.
Step 5:
Contour. Using a contour brush or blush brush, dip into bronzing or contour powder, tapping off any excess onto the back of your hand, and apply to cheekbone area using light, tapping motions. Remember when we used to make that fishy face to find the hollows in our cheekbones? Well DON’T apply your contour powder in that area. Instead, apply slightly above the cheekbone hollow as we’re trying to create the illusion of a higher cheekbone, not a droopy one! Using the same brush and same powder, swipe across your eye lids for a natural ‘shadow’ effect.
Step 6:
Time for blush! Using the same brush as noted in Step 5, dip into your favorite blush, tap off any excess onto the back of your hand, SMILE to find the apples of the cheeks, and apply blush using light, tapping motions. Using the same brush and same blush product, swipe across your eye lids to build that ‘shadow’ effect even more!
Step 7:
Set your brows. Fill in your brows as you see fit and set in place with a clear, brow gel.
Step 8:
Lift those lashes up to Jesus! Using an eye lash curler FIRST, apply two coats of your favorite mascara. Now is a good time to swipe on your favorite lip product as well!
Step 9:
Set it and forget it. You’re almost done! Spritz on your setting spray in a ‘T’ formation – two sprays along your t-zone and one spray on each cheek, and you’re good to go!
You’re now ready to face your day! What’s your favorite makeup tip you use on a daily basis? Let me know in the comments section below!
