I am no where near a makeup expert. As many do, the love and hate affair with makeup started for me in high school. Now in my early 30s, I can say I have finally reached a point in which I am simply comfortable with my face, sans mascara! But I do appreciate a good and simple makeup routine that enhances your God-given, unique beauty for the day to day regime.
I have often searched through YouTube or asked a make-up artists for tips on the ideal 5 minute makeup. Every one of them had such a complex system… that was not 5 minutes. After much trial and error, and going through various products, I might have found the solution; keep in mind this is without foundation.
I prefer to have an extensive skincare routine (more on that in a later date) and allow my face to breathe. If you have a good base, it allows yourself to be very minimal.
Here Is where I focus on:
EYES
The windows to the soul. A good working mascara, a slight tint to the lids and, if needed, a little liner to give the fuller appearance is enough. For daytime cat-eyed gals, the felt pen liner is awesome, just a quick flick! But if you want something more subtle, a good crayon that you place under the lash line gives your mascara a boost. I am currently loving two mascara formulas; Yves Saint Laurent’s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils and Clarins Supra Volume Mascara. For a boost I recommend the PureLash, Lash Extender & Conditioner by Jane Iredale, it not only helps to thicken the lashes but cares for them at the same time.
Tip: Apply mascara first, before any makeup. If you happen to smudge, allow the mascara to dry. Then, come in with a cotton ear swab to remove the damage. It will easily flake off.
BROWS
This is the brow generation.
Find someone you trust with your brows as it frames your face. I have cosmeticians both in Romania and Metro-Detroit that I completely trust with my brows. Once they are groomed well, a light pencil is good. I do brush them up to give a full look and am currently using the Brow Silk and Brush Bundle by ICONIC LONDON.
LIPS & CHEEKS
Boy, lipsticks are my kryptonite. I will always be tempted to try new shades and formulas. I will have separate posts on lipstick brands and shades I have tried. For this specific topic I will bunch lips, cheeks, even eyes together! I found a product that simply works with all three! But before I get ahead of myself, a neutral lip (meaning a lip color similar to your natural lip tone) and slightly flushed cheeks automatically make you look refreshed. Even if you just rolled out of bed frazzled, these two keys could help you stroll through the day.
Boy, for me lipsticks are my kryptonite. I will always be tempted to try new shades and formulas. I will have separate posts on lipstick brands and shades I have tried. For this specific topic I will bunch lips, cheeks, even eyes together! I found a product that simply works with all three! But before I get ahead of myself, a neutral lip (meaning a lip color similar to your natural lip tone) and slightly flushed cheeks automatically will make you look refreshed. Even if you just rolled out of bed frazzled, these two keys could help you stroll through the day.
A product I fell for (honestly Instagram) is the On-the-Glow-Blush and Illuminator by Wander Beauty. This is my holy grail for the season as I use the illuminator for my cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and fully eyelid.
Tip: When using this as an eyeshadow, use eye primer. Being a cream texture, we want to prevent build-up on the crease.
The blush, of course, is for the cheeks but also lips and the outer corner of my eyes. No joke, I ALWAYS receive compliments when I do this combination. My shade is ”Berry Whisper” as the cooler tones compliment me best.
Have you found your « go-to » makeup routine? If so, what are your die-hard products?