How to Get My Everyday Makeup Look

Jul 3

I feel like I have a fairly healthy balance between going totally bare and dressing up my face. I have no problem going out in public with air-dried hair and a face with nothing on it but some serum and moisturizer. But I think so many people have a special relationship with skincare, hair and makeup products that goes beyond what you look like, and has more to do with how it makes you feel.

Though I write my blogs from the confines of my home office, there are days I need to blow dry my hair into dreamy, defined layers, and add a thin layer of makeup to my face to feel a little more present and productive. Often, it keeps me from touching my face and slouching in my seat. And who knows, maybe I’ll want to take that fresh face out on the town for happy hour after staring at a screen all day.

I was putting on my makeup today and realized how much I LOVE the products I’m using right now. Each one feels like the exact product I’ve been looking for seemingly forever. I feel like I’ve achieved the everyday makeup look that works for me, and so I want to share my favorite products with you!

Urban Decay: Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation

After applying my serum and moisturizer, I push a tiny amount of this liquid foundation onto a makeup brush and swipe over my face and neck. It has a matte finish and medium coverage that I like to apply lightly to even out my skin tone.

It Cosmetics: Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder

I was looking for a powder that provided an airbrushed look without looking cake-y on my skin for so long that I gave up. One day I tested this product out and it was love at first swipe. It’s a barely-there powder that I take with me everywhere! BUY NOW

NARS Pressed Powder (for contouring)

I’ve had the hardest time finding a solid contour stick or powder. Then I realized that the “for all” colors weren’t for me! I have an olive complexion that needs a deeper hue to achieve that contoured look. I stumbled upon the NARS pressed powder in a very dark brown that works perfectly. I barely touch the brush to the powder and then very lightly apply it beneath my cheekbones for that shadowed effect. Sometimes I skip this step for my everyday makeup look, but it’s a solid addition if you do it right, so it doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard.

Urban Decay After Glow

Ever since highlighter became a thing, I’ve been into it. When applied right, it provides that fresh face glow that makes you feel like you just got a facial. I love Urban Decay’s After Glow. It’s not too shimmery, not too powdery. I use a brush to apply it to the top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, above my upper lip, and to the middle of my forehead. Just a touch will do the trick!

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Recently, one of my friends made fun of me for using an eyelash curler. “I haven’t seen one of those since I was in middle school!” she said. Well, Karen, I have news for you, the eyelash curler is fucking back! I had a shitty drugstore one that seemed to take off my eyelashes, so I splurged for the more expensive option that’s HIGHLY rated and has much more cushion in its construction. I tuck my upper lashes into the curler and squeeze down on the curler several times. I re-position the curler to focus on my front lashes (closet to nose) because those ones are pesky buggers that like to fall flat! I apply half the amount of mascara I used to with this curler, and spend half the amount of time trying to perfect a luscious look.

Winky Lux Uni-Brow Eyebrow Pencil

Just like thin eyebrows are so out, overly penciled-in eyebrows have hit the road, too. It’s all about subtlety. For me, I keep a naturally thick brow and use a brushstroke-like movement to fill in any patchy spots.

Winky Lux So Extra Velvet Plush Mascara

This is a great base mascara. It offers a thin consistency that elongates as opposed to thickens. I like this because I can work on the shape of my eyelashes without creating a spider look. It wasn’t until I started watching some of Skyler Bouchard’s beauty videos on her Instagram that I realized the importance of using TWO types of mascara. Thanks girlfriend!

Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

This is the best mascara for bulking those bad boys up! I used to apply it by itself, but there’s just way too much thickness happening for that. This is the ideal finishing mascara. Just one light layer to darken the lashes and fill out the shape.

Winky Lux Truffle Lipgloss

I’m obsessed with the Skinny Dip color, which is like a latte on your lips, but it’s currently sold out, so I present to you the Truffle. It still has that underdone hue that adds just a hint of color and a lovely layer of gloss to bring attention to your pout.

Chanel Le Gel Pailleté

I love adding a “wet” look to my brow bone, above my eyebrows and maybe again on my upper cheekbones and nose. This transparent shimmering gel can be used on the face and the décolleté to create and reflect light.