My Everyday Make-Up Routine
I always love reading about/watching other people's go-to everyday make up products, so I decided to share with you my own! These are pretty much in order of how I use them, I go: Base, Contour, Highlight, Brows, Eyes, Lips.
DISCLAIMER: #1:I know I have been M.I.A. for a while now, a lot has been going on and I have been distracted by life things - job hunting, moving home from Southampton and some personal happenings. However, I am back so sincere apologies for the major delay!
DISCLAIMER #2: I also know this seems like an awful lot of steps/products but it's really not - I just ramble like a maniac about things and write for too long in too much detail about them - let me know if you like these detailed, long winded posts or if you'd rather I kept it more concise!
DISCLAIMER #2: I also know this seems like an awful lot of steps/products but it's really not - I just ramble like a maniac about things and write for too long in too much detail about them - let me know if you like these detailed, long winded posts or if you'd rather I kept it more concise!
This entire make up application only takes me about 20 minutes, believe it or not..
I hope you enjoy this post, let me know what your everyday make up essentials are in the comments or tweet me @Siof_ !
PRODUCTS USED:
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion/Dior Day cream
Generally I use the Clinique moisturiser as a base under my make up which I find really good and hydrating (not worth the price tag though), however recently my very good friend Mary who works at Dior gave me some samples of the Dior Day Cream which I have been applying every morning before my make up. I have really been liking the effect it gives and it even brightens up my dull morning skin. However, I will unfortunately NOT be purchasing the full size tub as it is €200. Do any of you have any really good affordable moisturisers for sensitive skin that you would recommend? I am on the hunt - this Clinique one is pricey and if i'm honest, has stopped living up to its 'dramatically different' claims for me.
2. The Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream
This stuff is a lifesaver. If you get fine lines under your eyes, dry patches or puffiness (as we all do at times), this thing will change your under-eye game for good. Last week, I kept falling asleep with my make up on and when I took it off one morning I discovered a tiny little dry patch under my eye which I had never had before. I applied this eye cream on top and then my make up and it glided over the dry patch seamlessly. When I took my make up off at the end of the day, the cream had worked its magic and the dry patch was gone! Also really great for under eye puffiness. Definitely worth a try!
2. The Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream
This stuff is a lifesaver. If you get fine lines under your eyes, dry patches or puffiness (as we all do at times), this thing will change your under-eye game for good. Last week, I kept falling asleep with my make up on and when I took it off one morning I discovered a tiny little dry patch under my eye which I had never had before. I applied this eye cream on top and then my make up and it glided over the dry patch seamlessly. When I took my make up off at the end of the day, the cream had worked its magic and the dry patch was gone! Also really great for under eye puffiness. Definitely worth a try!
3. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in ‘100 Ivory’
This is my everyday foundation for when I am not wearing any fake tan (or a teeny tiny amount). Up until last month I had been using Bourjois's Health Mix Serum Foundation in 'Light Vanilla', which I liked but I felt like the coverage was very minimal and I would end up having to use tonnes of concealor to achieve my desired coverage. So, I went back to the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - an old favourite of mine and I am loving it. It gives me the perfect amount of coverage, is brightening on the skin without looking shimmery and the shade 'Ivory' is just right for me, sans fake tan.
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4. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in ‘Deauville’
I use this foundation when I am wearing fake tan and I find this shade to be a really great match (the fake tan I wear is St Moriz in 'Medium'). It applies beautifully to the skin and - as the name would suggest- gives the skin a really beautiful glow just where you want it. Although the name would suggest a light coverage, I find it to be a great medium coverage and also buildable.
5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealor in 'Fair'
This is my Holy Grail concealor and it is never out of my make up bag or routine. I apply my foundation first (a small amount) and then basically go everywhere else with my concealor - under my eyes in a triangle shape, down my knows, around the sides of my nose, my chin, under my cheekbones, the middle of my forehead and - of course - on any blemishes. When everything is blended together it looks a lot better than it sounds!
6. Maybelline Instant Eye Fatigue Eraser in 'Light'
Some days when I've had very little sleep, been upset or am sick, I have extra blue circles under my eyes. On particularly rough days, my Collection concealor doesn't always cover them, so after applying that, I apply some of this Maybelline concealor in the very inner corner (where the blue tint is worst) and buff it in. Works a treat!
7. Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in 'Light' (furthest palette on the right below)
I won't bang on about this product for too long as I am aware I have mentioned it in a previous Favourites post. Basically, it is amazing, the colour is perfect for the kind of contour I like to achieve (noticeable, but not looking like you fell in mud). The highlighter that comes with it in the palette is lovely and subtle - perfect for a daytime powder highlighter. I am waiting patiently for the day Sleek is sold in Boots in Ireland. *crickets* *taps foot impatiently*
8. Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer in '52' (furthest palette on the left below)
Sometimes if I am looking a little pale/washed out/ill/hungover I will apply a light dusting of this over the tops of my cheeks, my temples and under my chin. On a regular day however, I dust this onto my neck to warm it up ever so slightly so it matches my foundation perfectly. My foundation is a pretty good match for my skin so I never need much neck-bronzing, however on ultra pale days this works a treat. Also great when used as contour - a little warmer in tone than the Sleek Contour Kit but still works a treat.
Potentially my favourite part of the make up application process has arrived. I. ADORE. HIGHLIGHTERS. I love cream products, I think they leave such a gorgeous effect on the skin and are so easy to blend in with fingers or a brush. This 'Hush' cream colour base is a beautiful, subtle pinky-gold shade and looks divine on the top of the cheekbones. When I want something a little more 'out there' I like to use MAC's Mineralise Skin Finish in 'Soft and Gentle'. I have had this for years and still love it to bits. A little less natural looking than a cream product for the daytime as it is a powder but I like to whack it on anyway. Also looks great on a night out!
10. Dior Skin Nude Tan Bronzer in 'Light'
This was very kindly given to me by my dear friend Mary who works in Dior. It is such a beautiful product! Where you see the 'U' and 'D' on the bronzer is the perfect contour/bronzey shade, which the 'N' and 'E' are a slightly lighter brown shade with a subtle shimmery pink highlight shade. The sections can be used separately, one after the other, or all swirled together - the effect is beautiful whatever way you do it. I find especially when I'm feeling really tired and even after make up application my face looks a bit dull/lifeless, I had a swish of this onto the apples of my cheeks and I instantly look brighter and more awake. Thank you Mary for this amazing product!
10. Dior Skin Nude Tan Bronzer in 'Light'
This was very kindly given to me by my dear friend Mary who works in Dior. It is such a beautiful product! Where you see the 'U' and 'D' on the bronzer is the perfect contour/bronzey shade, which the 'N' and 'E' are a slightly lighter brown shade with a subtle shimmery pink highlight shade. The sections can be used separately, one after the other, or all swirled together - the effect is beautiful whatever way you do it. I find especially when I'm feeling really tired and even after make up application my face looks a bit dull/lifeless, I had a swish of this onto the apples of my cheeks and I instantly look brighter and more awake. Thank you Mary for this amazing product!
11. MAC 'Charcoal Brown' matte eyeshadow
Next up: Browsy brows. There are days when my brows work with me, however there are more days when they don't. I have heard the saying 'eyebrows are sisters, not twins' a bajillion times, however this does not curb my frustration when they decide to look like Aunt and Uncle instead. However, the product I find works best in my brows is this MAC matte eyeshadow in 'Charcoal Brown', applied with MAC's 266 angled brush. It is the perfect colour for my eyebrows - a matte, ashy brown shade and using a powder in your brows I find helps them to look more natural and less drawn on. Having a brow brush helps at this step to even out the colour if they decide to go all 'we don't feel like matching today' on you. (You know the drill, guys and gals).
12. MAC Paint pot in 'Groundwork' or 'Painterly'
I am usually in a rush when I am doing my make up as I always press snooze on my alarm and then wake up in a fluster with 20 minutes to get ready and go. Behold: The perfect solution for non-morning people - a paint pot/cream eyeshadow. I apply this with my finger and blend out the edges with either a clean finger or a fluffy brush. If I have time I will apply some eyeshadow on top - usually from my Urban Decay Naked Palette or the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette.
13. MUA black kohl liner pencil
This is the next step in my routine. I line the top inner rim of my eye with this which gives my eye some definition, making me look more awake than I am and making my lashes look thicker - all good things, right? If I'm in a rush and don't have time to do liquid liner (5 days out of 7) I will run this kohl pencil along my top lash line and smudge it out - adding definition and some smokiness without having to perfect a liquid line before 8am (PUH-LEASE). Also - this is an absolute steal, it costs £1! STOCK. UP. PEOPLE.
14. Soap and Glory Supercat Liquid Liner
On those rare occasions that I do have time, I will apply this liquid liner to do my flicks. I love this liner, it is really easy to apply as it has a felt tip nib and does not dry out anywhere near as quickly as other liquid or gel liners I have used in the past.
*USE EYELASH CURLERS AT THIS POINT*
15. Too Faced 'Better than Sex' mascara
Funny story about this. As you can see, mine says 'Better than Love'. My sister got this for me in Dubai and all over the UAE the packaging says 'Better than Love' because 'Better than Sex' is 'offensive'. ANYWAY, all that aside, it is an amazing mascara, giving me wide awake looking eyes with long voluminous lashes. What more can a gal ask for?
16. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in 'Pillow Talk'
Another product I have raved on about in a recent favourites post so I won't repeat myself too much, other than to say: Amazing product, beautiful shade, works wonders on the lips, the perfect neutral shade that doesn't wash you out by being too nude. As you can see I love this liner a little too much - LOOK how small it is. I use it pretty much every day as it is perfect on it's own or worn under a multitude of lip shades. *Note to self: REPURCHASE*
17. Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream
Any good lip balm will do, but I got this as a gift last Christmas and it is an absolute GOD SEND. You can use it anywhere on your body however it fits nicely into my make up routine as I apply a TINY amount (it is quick thick) just before my liner/lipstick if my lips are dry as it helps the lip product glide on easily over the top (especially in the case of liner). If I am using the aforementioned lip liner on it's own and it's looking a little 'flat', I dab a tiny bit of this over the top and it instantly lifts the colour and adds a subtle sheen.
A favourite of mine for donkeys years now, this is my go-to lipstick to apply over my Charlotte Tillbury liner when I am not feeling wearing the liner on it's own. It is a gorgeous pinky-nude colour that is so flattering on my (and I predict ALL) skin tone, with a sheeny finish it is my perfect nude. However, it was Limited Edition (WHY CHERYL WHY?) so although I stocked up last year when it came out, I am almost all out of my stash so I will be scouring the inter webs to find another one. ASAP.
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19. Revlon Lip Butter in 'Pink Truffle'
I. am. obsessed. I finally gave into the Revlon Lip Butter hype from just about every beauty blogger and they truly are as amazing as they are made out to be. They have a balmy consistency so are really easy to apply and feel really moisturising, while having the pigmentation of a lipstick and insane lasting power. I apply this before I go into a six hour shift at work and apart from the sheeny finish, the colour is still perfectly intact by the end of my shift. The dream! (P.s. A very Kylie Jenner shade!)
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19. Revlon Lip Butter in 'Pink Truffle'
I. am. obsessed. I finally gave into the Revlon Lip Butter hype from just about every beauty blogger and they truly are as amazing as they are made out to be. They have a balmy consistency so are really easy to apply and feel really moisturising, while having the pigmentation of a lipstick and insane lasting power. I apply this before I go into a six hour shift at work and apart from the sheeny finish, the colour is still perfectly intact by the end of my shift. The dream! (P.s. A very Kylie Jenner shade!)
Aaah. The final step. This powder is simply amazing, better than any other drugstore one I have used. It is translucent so doesn't change the colour of your base, I simply dust a light layer of this wherever I usually get shiny as the day goes on - my nose, chin and forehead. This lasts on my skin quite a few hours before needing to be touched up. A great product if you are looking for an affordable setting powder that actually WORKS.
UTENSILS USED:
Beauty Blender (not fit to be pictured)
OHMYGOSH. My face's foundation/concealor application has been changed for LIFE. How did I not have one of these sooner? I run this under cold water for a few seconds and squeeze any excess water out, dab it on a towel and you're good to go. This sponge used damp allows me to get a - dare I say it - FLAWLESS and seamless effect on my skin. Totally worth the hype.
Contour Brush
I don't know the brand of this brush - I don't think it has one - I got it in a set of 20 brushes a couple of Christmasses ago (straight from the North Pole I guess, no brand name needed). I find it great for contour and highlight application as it is soft, fluffy and the perfect size to fit in the contours of your face, as well as to apply just the right amount of highlight in just the right place. Any similar shape/size brush will do! Real Techniques have a great one so I've heard. As long it is good enough quality (doesn't have to be expensive) and is soft and not scratchy on the skin it will apply the product like a dream.
Ted Baker eyelash curlers
I never used to curl my lashes and now, I cannot skip this step. It makes mascara look a thousand times better while really making your eyes look wider and more awake by lifting the lashes. Definitely worth adding this step into your routine - it's a game changer for sure.
I never used to curl my lashes and now, I cannot skip this step. It makes mascara look a thousand times better while really making your eyes look wider and more awake by lifting the lashes. Definitely worth adding this step into your routine - it's a game changer for sure.
Real Techniques Deluxe Crease brush & Sephora crease brush
The best for applying and blending eyeshadow. I recommend having two fluffy/blending eyeshadow brushes in your stash - it's so much easier to get the look you want when you have a clean brush to switch to for blending!
MAC Pencil Brush
I have this brush so long the number has worn off (last brush one on the right in the photo) but I know they still make these in MAC. I got this in my first ever proper set of make up brushes and I think it's fair to say it has lasted me well! Perfect for applying eyeshadow just under the eye - which I do every time I apply eye make up - and also for blending out pencil liner on the lash line. A very useful utensil to have in your stash.
The best for applying and blending eyeshadow. I recommend having two fluffy/blending eyeshadow brushes in your stash - it's so much easier to get the look you want when you have a clean brush to switch to for blending!
MAC Pencil Brush
I have this brush so long the number has worn off (last brush one on the right in the photo) but I know they still make these in MAC. I got this in my first ever proper set of make up brushes and I think it's fair to say it has lasted me well! Perfect for applying eyeshadow just under the eye - which I do every time I apply eye make up - and also for blending out pencil liner on the lash line. A very useful utensil to have in your stash.
MAC 266 angled eye brush
I have used this for years for doing my eyebrows and it suits my eyebrow shape and the look I go for perfectly. Also great for applying eyeshadow as liner on the lash line.
I have used this for years for doing my eyebrows and it suits my eyebrow shape and the look I go for perfectly. Also great for applying eyeshadow as liner on the lash line.
Real Techniques Blush Brush
I use this as an all over face powder brush and also for bronzing up my neck. It's a great size and gets the job done quickly and efficiently, which is all I ask!
I use this as an all over face powder brush and also for bronzing up my neck. It's a great size and gets the job done quickly and efficiently, which is all I ask!
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it was helpful to some of you on the look-out for some new products to try/add to your stash. Let me know the one part of your Everyday Make Up Routine you can't go without? Leave a comment or you can tweet me @Siof
Thank you for reading!
Siofra
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