I mentioned in my August Favorites last week that I’ve been keeping my makeup super minimal, not even wearing foundation most days. I still love the process of putting on makeup and what a soothing ritual it is for me, but when only half my face is showing outside a mask it’s easy to spend some extra time laying in bed in the morning instead of taking more time on my face. I have a few key steps I follow every morning to look pulled together, but still able to get out the door and to work quickly.
Tinted Sunscreen
I’m a big proponent of wearing sunscreen every single day. I’ve noticed since I started doing this a couple years ago, the pigmentation left over from breakouts fades much faster, and my skin has been staying clearer for the most part. When I decided to stop wearing foundation/tinted moisturizers daily, I instead added a tinted sunscreen as the last step of my skincare routine. I use the EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44. The tint is quite sheer, but still just enough to even everything out. It gives my skin a beautiful glow that never looks greasy, and the tint doesn’t wipe off onto my hands/mask throughout the day.
Feathery Brows
With half my face covered, it puts even more emphasis on my eyes and brows, so I like to really make sure they’re looking their best. I really love the feathery brow trend and have been looking for brow gels, waxes, and pomades to give me that perfectly piece-y, fluffy look. I just posted a video on IGTV comparing the Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Sculpting Wax Pencil to the Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax, and if I’m not using one of those two I’m using the Surratt Expressioniste Brow Pomade. In my comparison I said I preferred the Patrick Ta Brow Wax, and it’s the one out of these three I reach for the most. It makes my brows look voluminous and full, and I’m able to sculpt them exactly how I want them. The hold is incredible as well and will last all day until I wash my makeup off. I also love the Surratt - it gives a similar effect to the Patrick Ta, although it doesn’t make my brow hairs look thicker, and it feels a little more flexible on the brows. It still has great hold, and it’s quicker and easier to use than the Patrick Ta as it’s just one step. Once my brows are thoroughly brushed up and separated, I fill in the gaps with a brow pen or pencil. If I’m using the Surratt Brow Pomade, I like to go in with a pencil - the MAC Eyebrows Styler is my favorite. It’s a skinny pencil that can create hairlike strokes, and the pigmentation is a little sheer and easy to layer and build up - I find I get the most natural-looking brows with this. If I’m using the Patrick Ta Brow Wax or the Fenty Brow MVP, they feel a little thicker in my brows, so I like using a pen in strategic areas rather than dragging a pencil through my hard sculpting work. I like the Glossier Brow Flick the best, but I’ve also been experimenting with the MAC Shape & Shade Brow Tint. It seems, like the MAC pencil, their pen has sheerer pigmentation to make it easier to build up and look natural. The Glossier is more pigmented from the get go, so it’s quicker to pop some extra “hairs” in.
Thick, Fluttery Lashes
I’ve been skipping eyeshadow for months, just because it’s easier. I always make sure I tightline and add a tiny wedge of eyeliner to my upper lashline though. It makes such a difference in how thick my lashes look. I prefer to use a dark brown rather than a black, as it looks softer. My favorite is the Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Brew-Haha, although they don’t currently have that shade on their website (I will be so upset if it’s discontinued). I’ve also had great luck with the ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner in Dusk. Both of these go on smoothly, are pigmented enough for one swipe, and last all day without smudging or fading. For mascara, I’m still really loving the Roen Beauty Cake Mascara - I can really layer it up to make my lashes fluffier and fluffier without it getting clumpy. This also lasts really well on me throughout the day - it doesn’t smear under my eyes or flake, and it holds a curl well, too.
A Glowy Cheek & Lipstick No One Will See
My last steps get covered up by a mask, but they’re still fun to add, so it’s a little treat for myself. I’ve picked up a new little technique for applying my blush and highlight for a really naturally glowy look. I first apply my cream blush to the apples of my cheeks and a couple extra dabs along my cheekbones going back towards my ears. I’ve been using the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal a lot lately - it’s super creamy but not slick and lasts well. Before blending, I add some Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel in Starglow to my fingertips and apply that to my cheeks, starting on the tops of my cheekbones and then blending down into the blush to make it extra radiant. Then, to make sure my cheeks stay really rosy, I add another dab of cream blush on top of this mixture on just the apples and blend out. For my lips, I’ve been loving a rosy tinted balm that feels comfortable and makes me feel more put-together, even though I’m the only one that will see it. I have a few I rotate between, but they’re all quite similar in shade. The one I’ve been reaching for most often is the Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Venetian Rose. This is such a nice, comfortable formula. It feels plush and soft, and the shade is just a really pretty neutral rose. I think it would look lovely on anyone.
It takes me about five minutes every morning (ok, maybe ten, but that’s including breaks for coffee and puppy cuddles) and helps me feel more ready to face the day!
Are you still wearing makeup daily? What are your everyday staples?
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