Everyday Makeup Routine: My Favorites

I have to say that I keep my everyday makeup routine pretty basic during the week. I know it might not look like it with all of these products, but it usually only takes me about 10 minutes to do my “look” for the day. Most of these products have been part of my beauty routine for years now. I am the type of person that when I find something I love I don’t usually stray (unless I read an amazing review- then I am tempted!).

I have always loved makeup and the girly aspect of everything that comes along with it. I remember my first beauty purchase. My girlfriends and I were at the mall and I bought mascara, but it was no ordinary mascara. This was a “new” clear colored mascara that I thought my mom would approve of being that I was only 13. Little did I know this was not a “new” mascara, but it was eyebrow gel and I was using it completely wrong! After that I stuck to my mom’s guidance and advice.

When I was in high school my mom and I loved going to Saks and getting our makeup done at the Trish McEvoy counter. It was a great bonding experience for us and I think at one point we owned the entire line! Those were the receipts that we ALWAYS hid from my Dad (sorry Dad!). He might have killed us if he saw how much we actually spent! Trish has always been a favorite brand of mine, although I have to admit, these days I don’t use very many of her products anymore.

So my love affair with makeup started at the young age of 13 and has evolved over time. I always start with clean skin (post coming soon about my skincare routine!). After that I apply in this order:

I first start with foundation and I use Dior Airflash Spray Foundation found here. I first discovered this foundation a few years ago when the makeup artist at my friends wedding used it on me. My skin looked flawless all day, my makeup lasted and it felt like I was wearing nothing on my skin. The next day I ran to Sephora to buy this and I haven’t looked back since. The formulation is so light and airy yet you can still get that full coverage look if that’s what you desire. I prefer to use this with a brush, although the directions say you can spray it directly on your face. Be a little careful when you actually spray this, as it can get all over your bathroom counter (I’ve learned the hard way!).

Next up I use a few different concearler’s. I start with Bobbi Brown Corrector, found here, for under my eyes. In this first step it brightens and covers up discoloration. After that I use the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit, found here. First use the concealer and dab this on under your eyes,which also camouflages dark circles. Next you set it with the powder in the kit. I know what you are thinking-why do I need to use both? The corrector is a pink/peach based shade and the kit is a yellow based concealer. They both work together to really make sure you see no dark circles- just even skin!

After that I use the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, found here. I use this on my face to cover up blemishes or uneven skin that might not have been fixed up with foundation. This is just a little extra coverage in case you need it. The best part about Bobbi Browns concealers is she has such a wide range of colors in her line. You can most definantly find a shade that is your exact match.

If I don’t use the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, I will use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, found here. This is a newer product for me and I absolutely love it! The product is buildable and blendable which is the perfect combination. Somedays I feel like I need a little more coverage and this is the product I turn to. You can use it all over your face too: under eyes, on blemishes, etc. so its the perfect all in one concealer. This is the one product I turn to on the weekends when I don’t have a lot of time, but still want a little something on my skin to even it out.

After I apply foundation and concealer, I set it using Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, found here, so my makeup stays put all day. The one pictured is actually the travel sized version. These travel options are great especially when you want to try new products because the price is less and its not such a big commitment if you don’t like it.

After I set my makeup, I use a little bronzer. My all time favorite is Nars Bronzing Powder, found here. This has been a favorite of mine since I can remember! And I have been using it for years. It gives you the perfect summer glow and its the perfect color without being too orange like other bronzers I have used.

I bought this blush palette at Christmas time and its one of my favorite makeup items! Nars knows how to do blush! What I love most is everyday I can come up with my own personalized color. I just move my brush around a few different colors and viola I have a customized color for the day. And not to mention the color lasts all day.

Almost done with my routine- next up, brows. I have found that perfect brows can really make or break your look. My secret to great brows and my number one beauty secret is—-get your brows tinted! Its literally life changing! The tint darkens your brows which instantly frames your face and gives you a more polished look. It only really lasts about two weeks for me so when the tint starts to fade I fill them in with Anastasia Brow Wiz Mechanical Pencil, found here. The tip is tiny so it makes it easy to be precise when applying, giving you a natural look.

Last up is mascara. My most recent favorite is Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, found here. This product does exactly what it says it does- lifts, separates and curls! I have not found a better formulation and after three coats your lashes will most certainly thank you. Mascara is a product that I typically change up so I’m not very loyal to any. But I do have to say I could see myself purchasing this product again because its that good!