My Basic Makeup Routine
I grew up shopping for makeup in the grocery store aisle because that’s where my mom bought her makeup and that’s what I could afford with my budget. Though makeup wasn’t my top priority, I often felt frustrated in my teens and 20s that I couldn’t achieve the looks or results I was hoping for. I thought it was my skin and that probably was part of it given puberty and how much your skin is still shifting in your 20s. I thought my skin was too dry in some spots and too oily in others for makeup to wear well or look “right.”
In my late 20s, I paid a makeup artist friend, Brynn Thomas, to take me makeup shopping at a makeup store, Ulta, and then teach me how to apply it. This was the first time it occurred to me that maybe the problem was the product I was using, not my skin. Though the makeup from the grocery store was a bit less expensive, it didn’t wear well or last long. This led to me buying and spending more. With time I found that with the right quality product I could actually spend less money over time on makeup.
I still don’t love spending a lot of time, money, or energy on my makeup, but I do like it to look a certain way. I like how spending a little time getting ready in the morning can help me prepare for the day. I’ve found feeling pulled together for the day helps me focus more on things that matter more during the day.
These are the products that I use for a quick (maybe 5-7 minutes) everyday makeup look. I’ve added a few application tips and tricks that I’ve gathered from women much more skilled and experienced than me in the makeup world. I hope this is helpful!
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Tinted $41: I mix this with a small squirt of product 2 for a little color and a lot of sun protection. I’m not trying to dilute the sunscreen. It’s just a good vehicle for the bronzing drops.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides $36: The tiniest drop goes a long way. I’ve had one bottle for the better part of a year.
Rose INC Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation $49: This stuff is the real MVP to a glowy dewy look. I squirt a small amount on the back of my hand, blend it around with this brush, and then apply it all over my face.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick $68: I lightly “stamp” a circle on the tip of my nose, chin, between my eyebrows, and under my eyes. Then I blend it in with this brush. This combined with product 3 gives my skin a nice even tone. Products 4, 5, and 6 are more investments but worth every penny in my experience.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick $48: I apply a bit under my cheekbones, under my jaw, along the top of my forehead, and on my temples. Basically everywhere a shadow naturally is on your face. I sometimes use a bit on the sides of my nose. This helps add some dimension back to your face so it doesn’t look unnaturally flat after steps 3 and 4. Blending in using the same brush as linked in 4.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheeks Cream Blush Stick $48: I run a strip right above where I added contour on my cheeks and sometimes dap some on my eye lids. Blending in using my fingers.
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter $15: I apply this like the icing on the layers of contour and blush. I’ll add whatever is left on my fingers above my brows and on the tip of my nose. I also have and love this highlighter, but I find myself reaching for the Saie for everyday looks.
Benefit Cosmetics Mini They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara $14: My eyes are very sensitive so I was really happy to see this brand had a tester size available when Courtney Grow recommended it. Once this bottle is gone, I’ll be buying the full size because I’m really happy with the results. It stays on well, doesn’t flake, and doesn’t make my eyes red or burn.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Pillow Talk Lipstick and Liner Set $25: Another tester size win. I found this one thanks to Tinx and really love the color. It's everyday easy without being too much a of statement for casual errands. (Not that you can’t “pull off” a statement lip on a random Tuesday.)