To be up front, beauty is not something I would consider myself an expert. I can book the cheapest flight with the best and plan a killer trip itinerary, but ask me the difference between a BB Cream and CC Cream or what you use certain brushes for, and I’m going to look at you like a deer in the headlights.
What I have found though, despite not knowing everything, is the products that work for my face and make me feel the prettiest. After all, isn’t that all makeup and beauty products are for? With that said, here are my favorite products that I use in my daily routine.
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Step 1: Face Wash
I shower almost every morning, so when I start my makeup routine, it’s with a clean face. I have used other face washes in the past to help out with my acne, and my favorite is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Face Wash. I use this wash on a daily basis with my Sonic Facial Cleaner. I also love using Neutrogena Hydro Boost with my Facial Cleansing Brush. At night, I also use Burt’s Bees Micellar Water with cotton pads.
Step 2: Moisturize & Prime
After I dry my face, I always apply a toner (or this one on difficult acne days), followed by moisturizer and an eye cream. I absolutely love the Hydro Boost line from Neutrogena. It hydrates my dry areas but doesn’t make my oily areas too much of a mess. Plus it is lightweight! At night, I am currently loving Neutrogena Bright Boost Overnight moisturizer.
After I moisturize I apply my primer. 90% of the time I don’t wear primer as I don’t really see a difference between when I wear it and when I don’t. My go-to primer though is Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I find that when I do wear it, I look less “shiny” on those hot summer days.
For concealer, thank you dark circles, I use CoverGirl Concealer.
Step 3: Face
After my primer and moisturizer have dried, I apply my BareMinerals foundation. I love the powder foundation over the liquid, as I find it provides me more coverage, its lighter weight, and my face doesn’t feel oily by the end of the day. After my foundation, I apply BareMinerals bronzer and blush. For my blush, I go back and forth between the colors “Beauty” and “Beauty” depending on what I need. For highlighter, I go back and forth between two products: Urban Decay Afterglow palette and wet n wild highlighting powder.
For those looking for an excellent contour palette, check out this one! I absolutely love it.
Step 4: Eyes
My eye makeup is my favorite part of the routine and the one I change up the most! My go-to palates for eyes, Rose Gold palette by Ulta and Essential Eye Palette x Kerry Washington by Neutrogena, are unfortunately no longer made. *sad face* These, however, are the ones that are the most similar to the palettes I use on a daily basis: Urban Decay’s Naked Honey, It Cosmetics’ Naturally Pretty, Ulta’s Everyday Faves, and Tarte’s Tartelette Tease.
When it comes to eyeliner, I love Stila’s Smudge Stick Eyeliner in Vivid Amethyst and Spice.
For mascara application, I start with this lash primer, followed by Lancome Buildable Volume Mascara on the top lashes then finish it off with the Almay One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara. I find this combination provides me with the thickest and longest lashes.
Step 4: Final Touches
After I finish everything, I will run a quick dusting of BareMinerals Mineral Veil to help set everything and then I’m out the door!
Step 5: Lips
Like with eyes, I like to change up my lip color on a regular basis. My favorite brand for lipstick is Revlon, and my go-to is “Mauve It Over” in Matte. It goes with everything, so I never have to worry about clashing. For more color, I turn to Maybelline Super Stay Matte lipsticks.
Brushes
I use several different brushes throughout my makeup routine. Below are my favorites:
- Kabuki Brush for Full Coverage
- Tapered Blush Brush
- Eyeshadow Brush Kit
