Happy New Year! Today I wanted to kick off the new year with a long time goal of mine, to start a blog. I love sharing pieces of my life, advice, fashion and beauty tips and everything in between. I thought I would dedicate my first post to my go-to makeup routine since we all love beauty and it’s a fun one! Without further ado, let’s talk makeup!
Throughout the last year my routine has changed so much I wanted to share what I’m currently using with you all.
Throughout the last year my skin has undergone so many changes, from becoming dry for a while to developing rosacea, and trying out all these products to treat one thing and causing more problems but I finally found a skincare routine that works for me and that has revolutionized my makeup routine, now that I don’t need such heavy products to achieve a full coverage but still healthy glowy look.
One thing I have learned the hard way the last few months is that if my base isn’t clean and smooth, my makeup won’t look fresh and natural.
Now that my skin is doing much better (it’s still a work in progress, as it always should be, because with age and environment changes, weather etc. your skin does change) I can use lighter products and still get a pretty result.
To prep, after skincare I use a sunscreen, my new favorite, and this is a recent change from just last month is the Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion in the untinted shade.
After my SPF dries I go in with primer and I have been really enjoying the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Smoothing Primer for Large Pores and Fine Lines, for a cheaper alternative I also like the Ulta brand Poreless Face Primer.
For foundation I have gone back to drugstore and I like combining the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and + Smooth and the Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation. I’m not listing my shades because they change depending on my tan level, especially now that I’ve begun self tanning.
For concealer I still love the Tarte Shape Tape in Light Medium for a brightening effect. Somedays I still mix in my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 20 Sand for extra coverage.
To set my face I’ve been using the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in Light. Can you tell I LOVE Maybelline? It’s by far my favorite drugstore brand.
After setting my face I bronze to add dimension, I’ve rediscovered Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder and fell in love with it finally, all thanks to the shade Caramel. The original Hoola was too cool toned for me and I didn’t mind it for contouring but as an all over bronzer it looked way too muddy on me so I love that they came out with more shades. Caramel is a warmer terracotty shade (just go with me on this) and gives a nice warm finish without being muddy or red.
Next I do my brows to help frame my face, I’ve been using the Loreal Brow Stylist Definer pencil in the shade Dark Brunette. It’s a tad ashy for me as a dark brunette thanks to my naturally ashy dark blonde brows but as I am going lighter for summer and to go back to my natural shade, once I lighten my hair it will be the perfect shade, for now I just go with it. I like this pencil because you can build up your brows with it and go for a natural, fluffy look or a dramatic, bold look all with the same product. Great dupe for my previous favorite, Anastasia Brow Wiz! I set my brows with the Elf Sheer Tint Brow Gel. It’s not my favorite but its affordable and gets the job done. I’m trying to cut back on expensive products unless its skincare to minimize my debt in law school, because loans and debt and ew, lol.
After brows, I do my eyes, on simple days I throw a little bronzer all over the lid and a tad heavier on the crease for some dimension and call it a day, maybe some liquid liner if I’m feeling it. I like an old Mac one I’m milking or the NYX Epic Ink Liner.
If I’m going out or want something more on the eyes I use any of my palettes. My go-tos are the Morphe 35O Nature Glow Artistry Palette and the 39A Dare to Create Artistry Palette. I mix the two depending on my mood that day/night.
After eyes I apply blush, I either use MAC Peachkeen or mix shades from my Makeup Revolution palette in Hot Spice but it’s discontinued now, sorry.
For highlight I’ve been loving Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighterin Molten Gold.
After this step I spray my face with Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray on nights out or Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray for everyday or daytime looks.
To finish off the look I use my Loreal Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara and a little lipstick and I’m almost done!
For my lips I have been really loving Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Totally Toffee and Mac lipsticks in Velvet Teddy and Freckletone, which sadly is discontinued. This was my senior year homecoming and prom shade, tbt for real. This combo gives me my perfect nude and one is a Lustre finish, the other Matte, so its a good satiny finish over all I am obsessed! It’s not too light or pink, it’s the right shade of brown nude that works for my skin tone, think JLo lips!
One more spray once the mascara dries and I tap it in with my beauty sponge and it’s time to get dressed and/or do my hair.
If you want a post about hair, let me know!
Thanks for reading, I hope you get a few tips or products out of this and find a routine that works for you!
xo Kayla