Oh, how things have changed since quarantine began...including my daily makeup routine.
Since I’ve been loving my new minimal AM beauty routine, I thought I’d share it here.
All the time spent at home has given me the opportunity to really evaluate my daily routines. I’ve focused on simplifying my daily must-dos in order to add a little bit more time and productivity to other parts of my day.
One thing I’ve been able to refresh and simplify lately is my current daily makeup routine. I have acne-prone skin, so using heavy products on my face regularly can really take its toll. AND, while I love to get dolled up and go bold with my makeup on occasion, I’m not the kind of girl that likes to sit in front of the makeup mirror for longer than 10 minutes each and every morning.
When it comes to heat proof makeup, the fewer the products the better. So, I think this little routine will be great for the upcoming summer months too.
The Routine
Step 1: Foundation
The only thing that has been in my routine for the past 8+ years is the It cosmetics cc+ cream. As I mentioned earlier, I have very acne prone skin, and this foundation has been one that consistently does not cause my acne to flare up, and offers me good, lightweight coverage. It doesn’t settle into fine lines, and covers redness with ease.
I apply this with a beauty sponge. My favorite is this Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
Step 2: Concealer/highlight
I use the Tarte Shape Tape in Light Neutral and Light Medium to conceal under my eyes and highlight the center of my face. When you're shooting for lightweight makeup, but still want to add depth, dimension, and symmetry to the face with highlight and contour, a little goes a long way. I literally just use a few dots between the brows, down the center of my nose, above my lip, and in the center of my chin.
Step 3: Set the Wet
Once I've applied my liquid products, I take a moment to spritz my face with a setting spray (currently using the Morphe Setting Spray for this step.) I let it dry a few minutes before I move on to the powder products.
This is something I've always done regardless of the type of makeup or technique I'm using. I'm not a makeup artist, so I don't know if there's merit to it, but I just feel like this step gives my makeup a more even and lasting finish.
Step 4: Powder & Contour
Since I do add a bit of highlight to my face with concealer, I think it is important to balance it with some type of contour. I keep it simple here too, with just my favorite powder bronzer, and the Soft Focus brush by It Cosmetics.
I start by lightly tapping a bit of bronzer on my forehead around the hair line. I then lightly carve out my cheek bones by sweeping the brush from my temples to the center of my cheeks. I finish my contour off by defining my jaw line a bit. I do this by dusting a small amount of bronzer right over the jaw line from the ears to just beneath the chin.
Once I've applied the bronzer, I will lightly go over it and the rest of my face with Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Foundation in C4. This just helps the bronzer blend in with my foundation, and get rid of any harsh lines. I usually use the same angled soft focus brush for this step as well.
I find it necessary to use a powder over my entire face, as I have very oily skin; however, if you are more on the combination side, I'd suggest just setting the T-zone, and using the access to blend out your bronzer. OR if your skin is dry, just use it to blend out the bronzer only.
Step 5: Blush
This is pretty self explanatory, but I do currently have a favorite blush which is the Laura Geller Blush & Brighten, (if you order it from QVC here it comes with a great brush.) I apply it to the apples of my cheeks.
Step 6: Brows
I am not a girl who claims to have a strong brow game, but I am currently happy with the products I use to shape them each day. Brows aren't my favorite, so I like to keep it as simple, easy, and quick each day. I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Soft Brown with this brush. I top it off with a light layer of the Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel in Medium. (This is the only brow gel I use. Other actual setting gels I've used seem to break me out, and let me just say, pimples in your brows, not cute.)
Step 7: Eyes
One of the keys to a minimal everyday makeup is an eyeshadow routine that simply enhances the eyes, and doesn't take a lot of time or products. So that's how I approach it each day. I only use 2 products on my lids, and I like the look it gives for day-to-day.
I start by carving out my crease with the same bronzer I use to contour my face. I use this brush to apply it, and buff it out until it just gives a nice, naturally contoured shape to the lid. I then use the Mineralize Skin Finish Highlighter in Soft and Gentle by Mac Cosmetics on the lower part of my top lid, just under the crease, with a focus on the inner corners. I usually just use my ring fingers to apply this, then I go back in with my Morphe Eye Buffer brush, just over the contour, to blend the two products together.
I will use a tiny amount of this highlight just under my brow bone as well.
I don't wear eye liner usually, but I will take a bit of the bronzer on a flat liner brush, and apply it just under the bottom lash line for more definition if I feel the need.
Step 8: Set the face
At this point, I will go back in with a setting spray, (usually Urban Decay's All Nighter) to set everything in place.
Step 9: Final Touches
Once the setting spray is dry, I just top it off my daily look with my favorite drugstore mascara L'oreal Voluminous Original in Blackest Black.
After that, I will apply my lip products. I am a creature of habit, so my daily go-to's are Bare Lip Liner by Kylie Cosmetics all over the lip topped with Blankety Lipstick by Mac, and Dior Lip Maximizer Gloss in the shade Rosewood.
And that's it! Quick, easy, and cute.
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by the blog today. I hope you enjoyed this post, and maybe even found some new daily makeup products to try (ones I know you will love.)
Hope to see you soon!
xo,
Brit
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