makeup haul: my current makeup routine

since posting my makeup routine on Snapchat recently, I have received so many requests for...

since posting my makeup routine on Snapchat recently, I have received so many requests for this post!

I recently (and finally!) found a makeup routine that works for me. as someone who rarely ever wore makeup, this is a big step for me – and at first, it may seem like a lot of makeup, but they are all light products that enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up.

I’m having so much fun with my makeup (a hobby I never had before this blog!), and I hope some of these products work for you too. I’ve listed everything in “steps”, as I put them on. I’ve always divided the steps by “areas” of my face (eyes, cheeks, lips, etc.)

I can’t wait to hear what you think! and if you’d rather see this in a vlog, let me know!

Prepping My Face

It’s important to have a clean canvas to start. These are the products I use to even out my skin and create a smooth, flawless base before I get to glammin’.

Step #1 using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer:  I’ve been using this moisturizer lately and I LOVE it- my face feels hydrated for the entire day. Previously, I was using an Aveeno daily moisturizer and it wasn’t really doing much for me.

Step #2 using Dr. Brandt’s Pores No More Primer: I’ve noticed a reduction in the appearance of my pores on the days when I use this! I really only apply a little bit and I apply it to my cheeks, nose, and between my eyebrows.

Step #3 using Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light/Medium: I squeeze about 1/2 a teaspoon out (such a food blogger!) and rub between my fingertips and then rub all over my face, making sure to get even coverage. It’s so light, evens out your skin tone and feels like you’re not wearing anything.

Step #4 using Tarte CC Undereye Corrector in Medium-Tan: OMG. If you’re going to grab any of these products for your makeup collection, MAKE IT THIS ONE. Since finding this miracle product, I’ve looked so much more awake and flawless. It seriously works wonders – just make sure you get the right color (first I got the light color and I looked like I had white-out under my eyes.) It is amazing if you have under-eye darkness.

Step #5 using in Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream for the eyes in Light/Medium: Right after I put on the undereye color corrector, I top with BB Cream to smooth it out and make it the same color as the rest of my face.

Eyebrows

Next, I’m on to my eyebrows. I do this next because I feel that your eyebrows totally frame your face and without them, you can end up overdoing the rest of your makeup.

Step #6 using Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil in Medium Brown: this is hands-down my favorite brown product out there, it’s easy to apply and fills your eyebrows. I feel like when makeup artists have used a shadow on my brows they look too exaggerated – the pencil here lets you apply more precisely.

Step #7 using Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: this stuff allows you to create arches with your brows – just brush up! It really lifts your eyes and keeps your brows put.

Step #8 using Benefit High Brow Glow in Champagne Pink: I apply this under my eyebrow and on top and then I smudge it in with my fingertips. It makes your brows more pronounced, it’s great. I really recommend getting this stick, I also dab it on the corner of my eyes to look more awake (see below – The Eyes.)

The Eyes

The way I do my eyes is for an everyday, soft look. I can wear this to meetings or out for brunch. It’s not dramatic, just very flattering, kind of like a “soft glam” look.

Step #9 using Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in 2L: I was a black eyeliner only kinda gal for a while and I never wore it during the day because I felt like I looked too harsh, so I finally got a brown eyeliner – SO much better! It gives you a soft, sexy, dewey kind of look.

Step #10 using Tartelette Matte Palette in Amazonian Clay: I’ve watched hundreds of YouTube vloggers and finally figured out how to use these eyeshadow palettes. I love matte colors for everyday – and this one has all the best colors! I love it.

Step #11 using Shiseido Eyelash Curler: if you have straight lashes, you HAVE to curl your lashes before you apply mascara – game changer. It makes your lashes look so much longer, curvier, and feminine! Don’t skip this step.

Step #12 using Benefit Bad Gal Lash: right now I have eyelash extensions in (future post on that!) because I wanted to give them a try, but when I don’t, this is my go-to mascara.

Step #13 using Benefit High Brow Glow in Champagne Pink: like I mentioned above, a dab this pencil in the corners of my eyes to brighten up.

Cheeks & Finish

Step #14 using NARS Blush in Torrid: I’ve been using this blush forever, it’s the perfect color for my skin tone and lasts almost all day!

Step #15 using Becca Highlighter in Champagne Pop: game-changer! I apply this on the tops of my cheekbones for that dewey glow.

Step #16 using Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer: if I’m feeling pale, I’ll brush this around my face with a big bronzer brush.

Step #17 using Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation in #7: I’ve searched for the perfect finishing powder and this is it! It’s light so you don’t feel caked on and it makes everything stay put. LOVE it!

Lips

This is the one area I’m still learning. It’s so tough to all of a sudden wear color on your lips, if you’ve never done it before. I am a true lip balm only kinda gal, so I’m experimenting with a bunch of colors. So far, these are the two products that I’ve found work well for me, but as I find more, I’ll keep sharing:

  • NARS Lipstick in Barbara: this is my everyday lipstick – it makes me look totally polished and feels very hydrating on my lips.
  • The Balm’s How About Them Apples: when I want more color in my lips and something on the pink or coral spectrum (like for brunch or if I’m filming a video and want a real pop of color on my face), I use this palette.
  • Bobbi Brown Art Pencil in Dusty Pink: this is another pop of color, it appears like a medium pink on my lips and is great for brunch or when I wear just mascara and liner – it makes my face look more bright.

Brushes

One of the most important things I’ve learned from my new makeup routine is how crucial good application brushes are. I totally used to use a travel-sized eyeshadow brush for practically all of my makeup and now that I’ve invested in some quality brushes, it’s a game-changer: you can apply your makeup more precisely, blend properly so you don’t get pockets of color, etc.

If you’re starting out (like me!), I really suggest:

And that’s it! That’s my makeup routine (when I do my makeup.) I’m having so much fun with it and have finally found products that work well for me – hopefully some will work well for you too, especially if you have similar coloring as me. If I find any other products along the way that I love, I’ll be sure to post on Instagram or share in an updated makeup haul post.

Now tell me – who are your favorite beauty vloggers? What are some of your favorite makeup products I may be missing out on?

with love, Ali

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