I remember that, when I was in college, I used to wake up excitedly thinking about the makeup look I was going to try that day (in second place, of course, after my important law curriculum…). Everyday was different and I was quite bold.
Nowadays, I still enjoy a more researched and daring look but, as you can see, I have streamlined my everyday makeup routine (I’ve become quite boring I must say). I focus mainly on the skin which has the biggest impact on the final look in my opinion. When you get it right, you look healthier and more awake (which I really need in the mornings). Now, I tend not to use traditional foundations (except for specific skin textures I want to achieve or special events). I have found that when you get used to seing more of your bare skin, base makeup (even the finest) becomes more obvious when you do use it. Then, I finish with a quick eye, lips and brow makeup.
- Base
I realize that I forgot to put my concealer in this layout. That’s the first product I use and it’s the BareMinerals Bareskin complete coverage serum concealer (in light). It has a liquid texture and it’s very pigmented (I would say it has a medium plus coverage). First, I was faffing around applying the concealer on my (clean) hands before putting it on my face (for hygienic purposes) but I have stopped doing that now. The interest here lies in the easy and quick application thanks to the doe foot applicator. Also, it’s a good concealer for dark circles and blemishes which is hard to come by. That’s due to it’s texture which isn’t drying for the under-eye area but, at the same time, sticks to where you’ve applied it and lasts well throughout the day.
After that, I use the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base mineral powder (in warm silk) to set everything and unify my skin tone. Application is key with this one, I find. Since I’ve upgraded to a duo fiber brush, the results have been much more pleasing. Before that, I was using a denser brush and I found that the powder was more visible on my skin. In contrast, the duo fiber brush blends the powder seamlessly into the skin and gives an overall satin finish. I also have the Amazing Base from the same brand which has more of a finely milled powder that gives a glowy finish (almost glossy).
Then, I apply bronzer and blush. I use the Chanel Les Beiges healthy glow sheer powder (in n°40) as my bronzer. I know it’s supposed to be a face powder but choosing it in a darker shade makes for a great color choice for a healthy (not orange) and seamless finish. Although, with the changing seasons (and drier skin), I’m soon going to go back to a cream texture (I use the RMS beauty Buriti bronzer for that). For blush, I use the Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek tint (in very popular). I like its creamy texture that melts into the skin. Plus, it mimics my natural blushing shade. As an aside, it’s the only cheek and lip product that I actually can use on both lips and cheeks (often the texture is wrong or the product is not pigmented enough for my lips).
If I feel like using highlighter, I apply the RMS beauty master mixer which has a warm tone.
- Eyes
To brighten my eyes, I use a beige eyeliner (not pictured) on the waterline (it’s one that has been discontinued since). Next, I sometimes line my eyes with a brown pencil (at the moment, I’m using Le crayon yeux by organic, affordable French brand – Avril – in the shade terre brûlée). I finish with Le mascara volume from the same brand which is a great find for an organic mascara. It thickens my lashes and lasts all day without running which is hard to come across in organic products.
- Brows
Brows are always a quick part of my routine. I use the Maybelline brow drama gel mascara (in dark brown) to tame my brows and add a bit of definition.
- Lips
This is where my look changes the most. Generally, I use the Kosas lipsticks, either in stardust (my favorite shade pictured here), undone or rosewater. This was a great beauty discovery. These lipsticks are creamy, comfortable on the lips and last well throughout the day. I find the shades beautiful.
I also generally use a lip liner. My favorite one is from french brand Arcancil, in the shade 310 Bois de Rose which is an exact match for my natural lip shade. I find lip liners very versatile (especially when they’re similar to your lip color) because they can be used on their own (to reshape your lips and color them) or with lipsticks to have more of a perfected look or to neutralize a bolder lip color. Brilliant!
