Well hi there! Welcome to the first article of the "Mirror Mirror On the Wall" mini-series which will be a combination of makeup and skin care products that hopefully will help you step up your Best Face Forward game. Today we are talking makeup routine for my own pleasure and for the pleasure of those of you who like makeup as much as I do. For the people who know me very well, they can tell you a lot of things about me. Two of them are a) I love makeup and b) I am not a fan of wearing it every day. I love makeup. I buy it. I spend a ridiculous amount of money on it. But wearing it is another story. It's not that I don't want to. It's just that I'd rather sleep 30 extra minutes in the morning.
But with the years passing and especially because sometimes my bare skin just won't cooperate, I got to a point where I had to come up with an alternative. I had to find a compromise between looking decent and still be able to get an extra shut eye time in the morning. So I tried different routines and was able it narrow down to the products that make decent and alive in a minimal amount of time. So without further due let's get started!
1- Moisturize
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry Skin, 1.7 OZ, CVS $19.99
Depending on the season of the year, I switch up moisturizer to adapt to the needs of my skin and feel comfortable. As the temperatures are warming up (a little bit), I have already switched up my winter facial moisturizer for the Neutrogena Hydro-boost gel cream. One thing worth mentioning is that no matter what month of the year it is, there is one thing about my skin that is constant: it's dryness. Ashy skin is not a seasonal thing for me: it's an everyday thing, always trendy *sigh* The Neutrogena Hydro-boost gel cream moisturizes my skin leaving it plumped, smooth -without the greasiness or making me look like a disco ball- and ready for my the next step.
2- Brighten up
MAC Prep and Prime Natural Radiance, MAC Cosmetics $42
Dull skin is one thing I have been fighting my entire life and even though my skincare routine has dramatically improved the way my skin looks, I still find a little boost helpful. During those days I reach out to my MAC Prep and Prime Natural Radiance. It is a silky gel that acts as a primer + moisturizer to improve foundation or powder application, control oil and promote a smooth texture. It contains illuminating pearl powders to reflect optic radiance resulting in a beautiful glow. It's double duty property makes it ideal for when you are in a rush (cut the moisturizer out of your routine) but personally my skin is thirsty that those guys sliding in your IG DM after 11PM 🙄 So skipping my moisturizer is not an option: Gotta have it
3- Shape Them Brows
Covergirl Easy Breezy Brow Shape & Define Eyebrow Mascara, CVS $9.99
After moisturizing and priming, I do my eyebrows to allow my skin to absorb the products I just applied. The next best thing after the brow pomade is Covergirl Easy Breezy Brow Shape & Define Eyebrow Mascara. It is a mascara for your eyebrows... I know... It is tricky at first but let me tell you the application is neat. the Moussey formula fix your brow in place the entire day!!! and the curved brush applicator allows for a for precise application: no mess, no smearing or smudging. Talk about saving time! Cut my eyebrow routine time in half and it's ideal when you're on a budget. You're welcome.
4- Open up the eyes
Bareminerals® Well-Rested® Face & Eye Brightener, Sephora $23
I have hyperpigmentation (birth mark) around my eyes and some days it can make me look like one of the cast from the walking dead. So to counteract that, I use Bare Minerals Well Rested eye and face brightener. This pen highlighter has a sheer mineral formula that infuses radiance, highlights and illuminates dull skin. The mineral contains in this formula supposedly help even skin tone while improving skin radiance and visibly minimizing dark spots, wrinkles, lines, and discolorations over time. One twist at the base of the pen provides enough product to work into the inner corner of the eyes for a full wide away look.
5- BFF a.k.a Best Face Forward
5- BFF a.k.a Best Face Forward
Once I am done with brightening up my eyes, I do a little bit of color correction (because hyperpigmentation)
Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer- Radiant Primer, Sephora $37
Then I apply my foundation.
1. L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover Foundation in shade Cocoa, CVS $12.99
2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in shade NW45, MAC Cosmetics $22
Lately I have been using L'Oréal Paris Infaillible Total Cover Foundation. It is my go to foundation because on my beat face days, I can use it as it is (full coverage) or sheer it when I feel lazy or I'm going for a casual look. It stays put much longer than most of the foundations I have used ( And I've used quite a lot) and it looks pretty good all day.
*Bonus: I use MAC Prolongwear Concealer to get rid of under eye bags (when needed) and clean my eyebrows (pretty much everyday).
6- Wrap it up
1. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Black, CVS $9.99
2. Eyeko Eye Do Mascara Lengthen & Strengthen, Ulta $26
3. Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in shade Deep, Amazon $15.98
The last steps of my routine are applying my eyeliner and/or putting on mascara (it really depends on how much time I have and what my gut feeling is telling me about how successful my attempt at winging the liner is going to be). For my everyday, lazy/ out of the door makeup face I use Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner and for my mascara I use Eyeko Eye Do. I used to have mixed feelings about this mascara but I have come to like it after a little while. It does lengthen you eyelashes as mentioned but if like me, you have as many lashed a there are leaves on a tree after a snow storm, you might want to stay clear or double it with a volumizing mascara (article coming up soon...) or play a little bit with it and find a technique that work for you.
Once my eyes are done, I set up my T-zone with my Black Opal Deluxe finishing powder and I'm out!
Depending on how used you are to wearing makeup it should take you anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes to be out of the door (it might take longer if you haven't had your coffee before doing that... Just saying)
I hope you found this article useful and that you look great but I need to go now... No, seriously otherwise I'm going to be late.
Catch you later!
💋
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