It has been quite some time since I had a proper makeup routine because I have been working as a chambermaid at a local hotel for the last year and I did not really see the need for a full face of makeup back then since the job involved mainly cleaning rooms alone - I would even skip mascara when I was especially tired in the morning! However, I recently got a new job as an assistant manager, meaning that I get to work with people, and this simple fact motivates me to take more time for my makeup in the morning.
Of course, waking up at 4:45 is never easy and I would rather spend more time in bed than working on my makeup, so most days, I simply get away with mascara and concealer, but when I have more time ahead of me, I actually like prepping for work - am I the only one who thinks it is motivating?
Even though I don't really understand the hype surrounding Benefit The POREfessional, I really want to use up my tube since it was a gift, so I make sure to apply it on the areas where my pores are apparent - believe me, they are huge - hence my forehead, cheeks and chin. It does not really seem to make a difference in the size of my pores, but I like how it makes my skin silky smooth and how it primes for concealer and/or foundation.
When I forgot to apply self tanner the night before and I am feeling especially pale, or when I experience all over redness due to eczema, I like to rely on Covergirl NatureLuxe Liquid Silk Foundation* in 'Maple 340' since it provides just enough coverage while feeling super lightweight, and it even seems to give my face an healthy glow. 'Maple 340' seems a tad too dark when I am not wearing fake tan, but because the coverage is not heavy, it blends effortlessly for a natural and glowy finish.
Most of the time, I prefer to skip foundation and simply pinpoint problem areas with concealer, and my current concealer of choice is Marcelle Concealer Palette. It is made with a universal yellow-toned corrector base and three cream concealers with a silky texture that easily conceals imperfections, while ensuring a natural and uniform coverage.
I was recently given L'Oréal True Match Touche Magique Concealer* in 'Warm Beige' and I quite enjoy using it to brighten up my sleepy eyes since it is an illuminating concealer which helps to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. I find that its coverage is not heavy enough to properly concealer redness or imperfections, this is why I solely use it on my eye area, or as an highlighter around my nose.
I like to seal everything up with NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder* in 'Translucent'* since it does not leave my skin looking powdery or dry but it absolutely does not last all day, and believe me, I have extremely dry skin, so this is beyond me! Well, I guess that for around $3, you get what you pay for - I would not recommend this for people with oily skin type though.
I have tons of blushes and bronzers in my stash but I am trying to find favorites and stick to them in an attempt to use up a few, but the temptation to switch them up every few days is hard to resist! I have managed to rely on Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in 'Bronzer' and Milani Baked Blush in 'Luminoso' almost every day for the past few weeks though! The bronzer has nothing special even though I like that it is mostly matte, but the blush - oh, that blush! - is the prettiest, universally-flattering, soft golden peachy/coral shade ever - it infuses my cheeks with a stunning sheen that illuminates my skin and instantly makes me look awake! I think I will write a proper review instead of going on and on endlessly about it, so stay tuned!
Maybe it is a bit too early to judge Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara in 'Black' since I have been using it for less than a month, but I am far from convinced. This does nothing exceptional that would justify $35, I don't understand how to use the weird brush shape so I always end up with tons of mascara all over my lids, not to mention that there is way too much product on the wand when you take it out of the tube. Its formula is way too wet and it takes forever to dry, especially if you apply coats after coats, which are likely to end up in a clumpy mess if you are not careful. It works OK and it does hold a curl all day, but that's all.
Most of the time, I will apply a swipe of neutral eyeshadow such as Too Faced Single Eye Shadow in 'Sitcom Siren' and simply line my eyes with MAC Eye Pencil in 'Ebony'* - which is awfully unpigmented and blends extremely badly, but I am trying to use it up - just to look a bit more put together. When I have some time left, I will finish by quickly filling my brows with Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner in 'Taupe' which is the creamiest and smoothest brow liner I have ever used.
L - R: Bronze, Luminoso, Ebony, Sitcom Siren and Taupe
I still find it a bit hard to stick to a specific routine but it can truly saves time in the morning, and also, it helps you use up your products! Do you have a makeup routine?
*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free