Beauty Favorites to Simplify Your Make-Up Routine
It’s been awhile since I’ve really worn make-up and I’m definitely not wearing it on a daily basis like I was before remote work started. And nowadays I’m barely wearing it. Of course I’ll get all glammed up when the occasion calls for it but for most of the time these days, I’m either going sans make-up or keeping it pretty simple, something I can do in 10 minutes.
When I was packing to move from DC to Dallas, I threw out so much make-up because it just hadn’t been worn in so long that most of it had expired. So there was no sense in taking it with me.
Once we got to Dallas and life started picking up again I definitely need to assess what was in my make-up bag. I figured it was good time to try some products that have been on list.
Some of these items like the mascara and eyeliner aren’t new but repeat buys that are too good not share. I’ve been using all of these lately and they have easily made my make-up routine simple and quick for the days I want to look more put together and less I just rolled out of bed.
What I love about all of these are that they are good for a barely there look or used along your other favorites to add to a glammed up look.
Smashbox - Cali Contour Face Palette
I’m typically not a fan of palettes. Sure, I have a few small eyeshadow palettes but palettes are never my first choice. I don’t know about you but I never end up using all the shades so I feel bad that I wasted product and money. I was a die hard fan of the NARS Contour Palette and then of course they went and discontinued it. Don’t you hate when that happens? So I have been on the search for good contour, not bronzer that is disguised as contour but a legitimate contour. I tried the Fenty Contour Stick and wanted to love that but couldn’t settle on a good shade for my skin. A sales associate at Sephora recommended this Smashbox palette and the contour shade was perfect but I was hesitant since it was a palette after all. But I’ve been mixing the blush and bronzer and using it when I want a warm glow and who doesn’t love a good highlighter?! As of now, I’ve got no palette regrets. My only concern is that I know I’ll breeze through the contour which means I’m probably left with having to buy an entire new palette or back to searching for a contour when I run out. I don’t love that thought but I’ll worry about that when the time comes.
Dior - Forever Skin Corrector
I’ll be honest…I am still on the fence with this concealer. I go back and forth each time I wear concealer between this Dior Forever Skin Corrector and my tried and true NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. A friend uses the Dior concealer and raves about it so I wanted to give it a try. I will say I do love how creamy it is and how well it conceals. I have noticed some creasing but I’m not sure if I’m examining it too much if that makes sense. I’ve been so used to my NARS concealer that I have used for years that I think I might be looking for issues with this one. A little of this Dior concealer goes a long way. I literally just need a two dots and I’m good to go. At this rate the tube will expire before I even get through it.
Sisley Paris - Blur Expert Matte Finishing Powder Veil
This was on my list for so long but I hesitated to buy it because of the price point. It’s definitely on the highest end of any make-up product I’ve ever bought (coming in at $100) which is why I was so hesitant. But to me it is worth every single penny. At first I used it as a finishing powder and it truly does blur your pores and skin. I seriously call it the real life Instagram filter. And then I was watching some YouTube videos and came across someone using this powder and they said that the instructions mentioned that you could use it on bare skin, kind of like a sheer foundation. I was so intrigued by that so of course I had to try it and I love it! It’s perfect for those no make-up, makeup days. I usually use the NARS Tinted Moisturizer as my foundation and I still do if I want to be more “made up.” This finishing powder is the perfect to me - on my bare skin or over my foundation. It blurs my pores, evens my skin tone, and takes one minute to apply.
Anisa - Multi-Powder Brush
I didn’t need to buy another brush that’s for sure but I was looking up the best way to apply the Sisley Paris Blur Powder when I came across this Anisa brush. I was using my normal big round fluffy brush which was fine for finishing powder but once I had found out you could use the powder on bare skin I wanted to find something that could pick up the product and apply it with a little more application than your standard powder brush. One option I found was to use a powder puff but I’ve never liked those so when I came across this brush I figured I give it a try. The brush head is cut on a angle and fans out a little, which I’ve never seen before so you can press it into the skin similar to how you would use a powder puff. It works so well with the Sisley powder when used on bare skin.
Westmen Atelier - Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Westman Atelier was a pretty new-to-me brand early last year. It was founded by Gucci Westman who has worked for brands like Lancome and Revlon. After leaving she launched her own clean beauty brand. This blush is the only item I’ve tried and I am obsessed. Everything about this blush is so good to me from the packaging, to the color, and the consistency. The color I got was Dou Dou. I tried both Bichette and Dou Dou and finally settled on Dou Dou. It literally looks so pretty and natural. I would equate it to the beautiful naturally flushed look you get when you start blushing. Bichette was a little warmer and darker which I think would be great in the Winter but I just loved the naturally brightness of Dou Dou. I’m so used to powder blushes with the exception of one cream blush I would use on vacations but this has converted me to cream blush for good. The cap also magnetically snaps on so there is this oddly satisfying click it makes. It’s the random little things that get me.
Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner
I’m on my second quick stick and have no plans to try anything else. I love that this is a two-in-one liner and shadow. I use the rose gold lustre & brown liner combo. The rose gold lustre shadow gives a faint hint of color on the eyelid and brown liner is the perfect shade. It’s dark enough without being too harsh like black. It makes lining my top and bottom waterline so easy. I used to never line my upper waterline until last year. I was always too scared and then I saw a YouTuber do it (I cringed as I watch) and decided to give it a go and well now I’m pro at it. Well maybe not a pro but my eyes don’t water so much anymore (LOL). I never realized how much of a difference lining my upper waterline would make - my lashes look fully and my eyes for defined.
Lancome - Idole Mascara
I go back and forth with mascara. Waaayyy back in the day I used to be all about Lancome Definicils; it was my holy grail mascara but at some point I switched and I’m not sure why. And so throughout the years I’ve just bought random brands like Benefit, Too Faced, Dior, and whatever samples I would get. Then early last year I went back to Lancome and decided to try their newest release, Idole and it’s now my staple. I love the arched brush. I think it makes it easier to apply as I can get to all my lashes and really apply the mascara from the root up. Personally, I can’t really tell a difference between all the mascara’s out there. It’s all in the brush in my opinion and this brush allows for precise application which helps create the volume I’m looking for.
SHOP MY LATEST BEAUTY FAVORITES
Smashbox - Cali Contour Face Palette (Shade: Light/Medium) | Dior - Forever Skin Corrector (Shade: 2W) | Sisley Paris - Blur Expert Matte Finishing Powder Veil | Anisa - Multi-Powder Brush | Westmen Atelier - Baby Cheeks Blush Stick (Shade: Dou Dou) | Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner (Shade: Rose Gold Lustre and Brown Liner) | Lancome - Idole Mascara